This is a collegefootball playerranking of the best linebackers since 1958. Hell wear No. Carter is one of college footballs most well-rounded linebackers. He quickly proved he deserved that honor, as his six sacks and three forced fumbles were tied for sixth among all linebackers in the country. Flashes chase-down speed with an exceptionally broad pursuit range. Plays with a physicality beyond his current size. WebForty Time Secs 4.52 Player Summary Being the leader of the best defense in college football is enabling Nakobe Dean, to build a case for himself to be the first linebacker off #2 RANKED - SCOUTING REPORT 0 Devin Lloyd POSITION RANK #2 OUR RATING 89.9 OLB All Scouts Average Overall Rank 18.2 All Scouts Average Position Rank 1 Height Feet 6-3 The Florida transfer was one of four Power Five linebackers who held top-15 grades both as a pass-rusher and in coverage this past season. Our exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NCAA player performance data. Working on anchoring against run important. Clemsons Jeremiah Trotter Jr.: The sophomore leads this list and is living up to his father, a former All-Pro LSUs Harold Perkins Jr.: The true freshman is second on 11 in PFFs preseason ranking. Capable of consistent sideline-to-sideline pursuit with proven blitzing ability. Top 15 Best Linebackers in College Football 1. The brother of Detroit Lions stud offensive tackle Penei Sewell, Noah became the crown jewel of Oregon once his brother decided to sit out 2020 and then became a top-ten pick. Using PFFs preseason positional rankings and PFF-exclusive stats, here are the best linebacking corps in the country. Owner of a 4.62 40 and 100-meter times of 11.16 and 11.18. Impact player in high school as linebacker/edge rusher and running back. Now back with him in the lineup, they have really grown this season. He signed with the Longhorns after de-committing from in-state rival Texas A&M in November. Campbell is the epitome of an Iowa linebacker - hes rugged, instinctive and as sure a tackler as they come. No returning SEC pair was more productive last year than Georgia's Ramik WebNakobe Dean is the winner of the 2021 Butkus Award, given to the best Linebacker in college football. Finished junior campaign with 150 tackles, five INTs, four sacks, and three defensive TDs. Desire to make those around him better also a pretty unique trait in the year 2022. So, what's the book on the Kentucky quarterback? The Longhorns had Keenan Robinson drafted in the fourth round by Washington and Emmanuel Acho picked in the sixth round by the Cleveland Browns. Northwestern: Chi Chi Ariguzo and Collin Ellis. With that being said, you see him get shielded by slot receivers even on plenty of occasions (see USCs Amon-Ra St. Brown in 2019) and he leaves his feet too much as a tackler for my list in part because his play-strength isnt at the level of those 250-pound inside backers. Conference USA: Marshall (Jermaine Holmes and Evan McKelvey). This site is not endorsed by, sponsored by, or affiliated with these schools or teams. Iowa Hawkeyes. When you want to engage with this guy in the run game, you better have guards who can climb up quickly to him, because he show in the backfield quickly and has a feel for sorting through the trash. C.J. His 71.2 pass-rush grade since 2019 is a top-20 mark in the ACC. Should be viewed as one of the top three-down linebacker prospects in the class of 2023 given sideline-to-sideline playmaking ability and overall physical demeanor. In coverage, he is primarily responsible for shallow zones, but I think he has become much more light on his feet in 2020, in terms of the ground he can cover, which has led to four INTs in seven games (including a pair of pick-sixes), but it also allows him to be more aggressive with shooting gaps, putting him at 7.5 TFLs already, including one for a safety against UCF. Gets off quickly at snap. Gambling problem? Samson Ebukam was the San Francisco 49ers' Sewell has lived up to the hype and is the No. Understands how to stack and shed, and can do it at a high level. Plays with a physicality beyond his current size. One of my Top-???? Injuries are the only thing holding him back. But in Striker (6-0, 221), Bob Stoops has one of the best pass rushers in the country and a player who has enough athleticism that he's actually getting reps at nickelback (the corner spot, not the band). Take a conference-by-conference look at college football's best linebacker tandems. Carter is one of college football's most well-rounded linebackers. His pass-rush win rate of 31.2% last season was pretty staggering. , which says a lot about his potential. Measured roughly 6-foot-1.5, 215 pounds spring before senior season. Rice was called the next Roquan Smith after the All-American linebacker was drafted following the 2017 season. Naturally low center of gravity and impressive core balance allows him to change directions without wasting much, if any, motion. this past season and is the most valuable returning linebacker according to PFFs, Dumas-Johnson is the next great Georgia linebacker, following past Bulldog greats such as. Displays good athleticism in multiple phases of the game with the majority of his snaps coming at the running back position. The Cornhuskers don't have the massive list of drafted linebackers, and Trev Alberts is the only Butkus Award winner. MWC: Utah State (Kyler Fackrell and Zach Vigil). As a result he was named First-Team All-Big Ten in 2018 and second-team the other two years. Pursues and closes to the football with effort and has explosivenes off the ball and as he closes to his target. One of the more promising inside backer prospects to come out of the Sunshine State in recent years given how he moves and plays in the box. pic.twitter.com/b5jXmoItKO, Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) January 5, 2022. The other three, Devin Lloyd, Nakobe Dean and Channing Tindall, all were taken within the first three rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft. Shayne Skov, Stanford 5. Has speed to get around tackle on blitzes. 4 on the season ???? Likes to lead with his weight and will explode through his hips in hopes of getting ball carriers to get them to the ground. Perkins was a top-10 recruit in the 2022 class, which may have been too low. Will need to develop in weight room before being a factor on college field but has ability to play for Top 10 program. Iowa ranks first, thanks to three linebackers making PFFs top 25 list. Has burst to get across the face of offensive tackle. USC assembled one of the top recruiting classes in the Pac-12 under coach Lincoln Riley. That dropped to 55.3 last year, which ranked 112th in the Power Five. Ability to close gaps without a doubt a strength at this point in his career. Strong tackler in space. Lorenzo Carter could be a high-upside add on a one-year, prove-it deal at 27 years old. If he can stay healthy and live up to it, Oregon could easily top this list. His 17 tackles for loss/no gain were fifth in that same group as well. Ernest Hausmann, who transferred to Michigan after one season at Nebraska, was named to On3s recent top-10 Linebackers of 2023 list. Closes well on ball carriers. Uses length well when breaking down. Some of the re-ranks make sense, but others are rather odd. Has speed to get around tackle on blitzes. In the passing game, he can carry slot receivers down the hashes, blitz off the slot, spy the quarterback and pretty much anything you ask of him, because of how loose he is in space. Using his rankings and PFF-exclusive stats, here are the 10 best linebacking corps in the country. Has NFL draft potential.. Needs to continue to develop upper body strength to handle physical nature of college game in the box. Possesses the size to immediately give you snaps at the P5 level. Now hell be making plays for @GoBearcatsFB pic.twitter.com/gxdj5GDjOP, PFF College (@PFF_College) June 5, 2022. One of the more promising inside backer prospects to come out of the Sunshine State in recent years given how he moves and plays in the box. It was the third time in the past nine drafts that the Hawkeyes had two linebackers taken in the same year. One school to keep an eye out for Mauigoa is, . Rather effective in pursuit and has also shown that he can get the job done as a face-up tackler. Georgia secured its second straight national championship on Monday night, overwhelming TCU in a 65-7 blowout. Size at one point was a bit of a concern, but lived in the weight room winter after junior season and bulked up significantly in the upper half. Owner of a 4.62 40 and 100-meter times of 11.16 and 11.18. 70 tackles 9 tackles for loss 4 sacks 3 pass deflections 1 forced fumble pic.twitter.com/loJc8IMAVJ, GaBulldogsFB (@GABulldogsFB) January 19, 2023. Thats what the Sooners seemed to be aiming for as they made the trip over eastern border to offer 2024 linebacker Brian Huff. Traits and pro-like mentality suggests that he can emerge as a trusted contributor for a Top 25 program and eventually an impact player. He posted 80.0-plus grades both in coverage and as a pass-rusher last season, one of only four to do so in the country. Athletic, physical, violent off-ball linebacker who occasionally steps to the line of scrimmage. 3. Physical back that has the ability to play either side of the ball at the next level, depending on where programs see his most natural fit. Can re-direct and move along line of scrimmage. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. College football is just about here, which means its time to wrap up our preseason preview. So, what's the book on the quarterback heading into the 2022 college football season? His short-area explosiveness to beat blockers to the spot and flat-out speed to run down plays all over the field really pops. Incredibly quick in shooting gaps. Wright will join Oklahoma State next season with one year of eligibility remaining. WebEthan Wesloski McKinney Boyd (McKinney, TX) LB. among ACC linebackers. Still, remains at his best playing downhill.. Picking up the slack is Pittsburgh transferCam Bright, whose 78.5 grade since 2019 ranks fifth among ACC linebackers. Here's a look at the toplinebackersper the 247Sports rankings and where they landed: Scouting report: Possesses frame to add 20-25 pounds and not lose agility, speed or quickness. looked strong in coverage last year with a 79.3 grade that ranked 11th in the Power Five. Now a month into the 2022 college football season, I decided it was time to rank the five best players for each position at this very moment. Has plenty of room for frame growth and can easily add 25 pounds without losing athletic traits. Mike Jones Jr. rounds out the list at No. The true freshman is second on this list after a dominant season as a pass-rusher. Can play a couple of different roles as he has been used as a stand-up edge rusher or he can shift further outside and play out in space over a slot. More than likely projects to an off-ball weak side backer role at the next level on the defensive side of the ball. Im in the business of projecting forward and evaluating them as draft prospects, but for this exercise, I tried to isolate them from their team and purely judge them on who could help me win games at the CFB level right now. Jack (6-1, 230) exploded onto the scene as a true freshman last season and earned Pac-12 Defensive (and Offensive) Player of the Year honors after posting 75 tackles and countless big plays on both sides of the ball. Tone-setter for an FBS-loaded Texas 5A D-I state championship defense as a sophomore and perennially highly-ranked program over final two high school seasons. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. rounds out the unit after missing most of last season with a torn ACL. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports. Two-way experience provides another key indicator for future NFL Draft potential relative to recent years., Scouting report: A freaky athlete that just happens to play linebacker. You want height (61-63) and weight for an Inside Linebacker (ILB) to be around 220-245; to take on guards and h-backs. Theres one man to credit for Troy cracking this list, and thats sixth-year senior, He joined Troy as an undersized walk-on in 2017 at just 5-foot-9, 210 pounds. Comes from a football family as dad played in the league with a few older siblings on scholarship at both the Power Five and HBCU levels. Your login session has expired. Not long but owns frame space to add mass, though not too much more is needed as a modern in-space defender. Jeremiah Trotter Jr with a pick6 off Spencer Rattler???? Georgia signed three of the top five linebackers in the class, including four-star recruit Raylen Wilson. Might need a developmental year or two, but has the makeup of a future impact off-ball linebacker for a Power Five program. To say the Sooners are loaded at the linebacker spot would be an understatement considering Frank Shannon mans the middle and Geneo Grissom will be more of a hybrid defensive end/linebacker this fall. PFF's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and snap counts. LSU is one of only four schools with multiple linebackers in PFFs top 25. His 26 pressures in 2021 trailed only Trenton Simpson among ACC linebackers. MAC: Bowling Green (D.J. Plus, he is a very dependable open-field tackler, which is why the Crimson Tide use him as a QB spy in certain matchups. Multi-year starter with possible early-impact ability for Top 20 program. Hes light on his feet to mirror the ball and navigate around blockers, but can also flatten and cut off angles as running backs commit to a gap. But Texas Demarvion Overshown is incredible as a run-and-chase player. Athleticism shows when dropping into coverage. Starting alongside him is senior Ashanti Cistrunk, who looked solid as a reserve in 2021 with a 75.0 grade on 150 snaps. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Simpson was right up there with those two But UCF did a good job in the portal with this trio. Diagnosis whats going on in front of him better than most his age. 211009 Penn St Iowa Fb 029 Jpg. 1 offensive tackle in the nation, according to. Njongmeta is the highest-graded returning Power Five linebacker, earning an 89.9 mark this past season. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). Put this clip on repeat.pic.twitter.com/9lVlRwAxMo, Eleven Warriors (@11W) October 22, 2022. Desire to make those around him better also a pretty unique trait in the year 2022. The Rebels pulled in one of the more underrated transfers this offseason in Central Michigans Troy Brown, the sixth-best linebacker in the country according to PFFs preseason rankings. Has been nothing but productive under the lights on Friday nights racking up 139 tackles and five sacks as a junior. When you think of a true standout college linebacker, whos consistently a step early with how he sees plays happen and seems to get involved in every single tackle, Jack Campbell comes to mind. Rice quickly attacks downhill against the run, while not being afraid to stick his nose in the face when it comes to countering blockers and working to get their hands off himself. Could see the field relatively early given how physically developed he already is in both the upper and lower halves., Scouting report: A tackling machine with the mentality of an alpha. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Around the 6-foot-1, 210- to 215-pound range entering senior season with build that should support 230-pound neighborhood if desired. Ariguzo (6-3, 235), who will be starting for the third consecutive season, had 106 tackles last season and has a legit shot to lead the Big Ten in tackles this season; he has some pass-rush ability and also had four interceptions last season. Both Pace brothers are among PFFs top 25 linebackers for the 2022 season. As the 2020 college football season winds down, 2021 NFL Draft talk will heat up. pic.twitter.com/k0mGKNqZ0w, tarheelupdate (@tarheelupdate) September 10, 2022. We have not seen him asked to drop back and cover as much so that is a part of his game that needs to be furthered evaluated although he looks like a good enough athlete to do that.. AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, (select parishes), MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY, CA-ONT only.Eligibility restrictions apply. linebackers heading into next season. Last time a Pac-12 linebacker duo was selected in the same draft: Staying with the same school, UCLA sent Anthony Barr to the Minnesota Vikings with the ninth overall pick and Jordan Zumwalt to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round in the 2014 NFL Draft. WebBest Linebacker in College Football - Isaiah Simmons . Has some stack-and-shed ability but needs to continue to develop it. Owusu-Koramoah came in as a three-star safety recruit and he stills has that slim buld at 61, 215 pounds, as well as that kind of skill-set with freakish athletic ability. , but hasnt been able to fully show what hes capable of. 2 linebacker in both. Comfortable in space and owns valuable experience in both man and zone coverage, two things that he has further refined on the 7v7 circuit. Just separating what makes a great college LB versus what translates to the next level isn't easy. Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report on Bulldogs DL Jalen Carter, with a pro comp to a former top-three pick. Durable and reliable. Likes to lead with his weight and will explode through his hips in hopes of getting ball carriers to get them to the ground. Has to develop strength throughout frame, and particularly in upper body. Heres a look at the top linebackers in the transfer portal at this time. Highest graded Pac-12 Linebackers since 2019, 1 Devin Lloyd: 90.92 Edefuan Ulofoshio: 90.3 pic.twitter.com/CWUgdH16fH, PFF College (@PFF_College) June 17, 2022. Scouting report: Physically strong player who is a weight room warrior. Since 2019, the former walk-on has earned 80.0-plus coverage, run-defense and pass-rush grades, the only returning Power Five linebacker to accomplish that feat. 3, and ahead of Penn States Curtis Jacobs at No. The son of former All-Pro linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Sr., the sophomore linebacker has lived up to his fathers name and then some. The Ohio State football team has eight linebackers on scholarship, but just two arrived on campus with bonafide inside linebacker designated rankings on transfer was one of four Power Five linebackers who held top-15 grades both as a pass-rusher and in coverage this past season. 95 overall) all got a draft call. Jones was the second-highest-graded linebacker in the ACC last season with a 75.6 mark. For clarification, these lists are based on where these young men are today as college football players. High upside athlete that can potentially provide value on either side of the ball and on multiple special teams units. Picking up the slack is Pittsburgh transfer. Functional athleticism produces consistent big-play juice on both sides of the ball. The top 10 linebacker corps in college football ahead of the 2022 season 1. Hes ready to go on the outside, and leading tackler Noah Sewell can do it all in the middle. Has done nothing but produce since he was a freshman at one of the Sunshine States more tradition-rich high school programs totaling over 250 tackles, 12 sacks and 5 interceptions his first three years on varsity. Will need to cut down on the few mistakes he makes and keep mastering his craft, but should be viewed as one of the top backers in the class of 2023. The Eleven Greatest College Linebackers, 1958-2008, 11) D. D. Lewis: Mississippi State 1965-'67, Member of College Football Hall of Fame, 10)Randy Gradishar: Ohio State 1971-'73, Member of College Football Hall of Fame, 9)Mike Singletary: Baylor 1977-'80, Member of College Football Hall of Fame, 8) Dennis Onkotz: Penn State 1967-'69, Member of College Football Hall of Fame, 7) Wilber Marshall: Florida 1980-'83, Member of College Football Hall of Fame, 6) George Webster: Mich. State 1964-'66, Member of College Football Hall of Fame, 5) Jack Ham: Penn State 1968-'70, Member of College Football Hall of Fame, 4) Lawrence Taylor: UNC 1977-'80, ACC MVP in 1980, 3) Leroy Jordan: Alabama 1960-'62, Member of College Football Hall of Fame, 2) Dick Butkus: Illinois, 1962-'64, Member of College Football Hall Of Fame, 1) Tommy Nobis: Texas, 1963-'65, Member of College Football Hall Of Fame. He has some good lateral agility to side-step blockers, but rarely fights through creases and stops the momentum of ball-carriers around the line of scrimmage. Excellent overall athletic profile coupled with strong on-field context. was a top-10-graded linebacker in the conference last year, and his 74.7 run-defense grade was fifth-best in the ACC. Thats because his younger brother, Francis, is currently committed to the Hurricanes as a top-five recruit and the No. Intelligent player that has a good feel for whats going on around him, which isnt surprising given the fact that his father is an NFL defensive coordinator. 205. Thumper vs. the run with chase-down athleticism from the back side. Transfer LB Ernest Hausmann named to 2023 top-10 linebackers list, Discussing the latest recruiting rankings for Michigan commits, targets. PFF's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and snap counts. . Rather instinctive in the box as a run defender and is quick to read and react. While he is certainly undersized for an in-between-the-tackles role, he does not shy away from slipping gaps and chooses excellent angles when chasing things down towards the sideline. Broad, layered athletic profile projects very well in long term. Georgia: Ramik Wilson and Amarlo Herrera. Throw in pro prospect Mase Fun along with rising star Bradyn Swinson, and the Ducks are loaded. Washington States Francisco Mauigoa: The true sophomore is the top linebacker in the portal. At 64 and 265 pounds, Williams is an absolute unit. The Rebels pulled in one of the more underrated transfers this offseason in. Ran for more than 1,000 yards on almost 10 yards per carry while recording 91 tackles as a junior. Collins IDs run schemes quickly and lets pullers lead him to the ball. Check out the top 10 players from Georgia to play in the NFL. He also made 13 coverage stops, which ranked in the top 25 for all linebackers in the country. Needs to continue to develop upper body strength to handle physical nature of college game in the box. As a true freshman, he led all Power-Five linebackers with a 91.0 pass-rushing grade. Rice is pretty fluid mover in coverage, who can run downfield with flexed out tight-ends and shut down throws into the flats. https://halilsrealfootballtalk.com/2020/12/12/top-five-college-players-at-every-position-defense-edition/. Can play a couple of different roles as he has been used as a stand-up edge rusher or he can shift further outside and play out in space over a slot. Shows surprising hands-catching acumen and big-play speed as a receiver. Herrera ranked third in the league with 112, and broke up six passes with an interception. NA 204 258. But PFF's advanced stats for 354 teams ranging from the FBS to Division III aim to do exactly that. Curtis elected to go to the West Coast and sign with the Trojans. 1 offensive tackle in the nation, according to On3s consensus ratings. Chris Flashes decent knee bend. couldnt make you understand even if i tried to explain.. Neither is the most talented linebacker in the league, but as a duo, no returning SEC pair was more productive last year than this one. Comfortable in space and owns valuable experience in both man and zone coverage, two things that he has further refined on the 7v7 circuit. Adequate in-space athleticism appeared to take the next step during senior campaign. I think as a blitzer, his timing and hand-usage has gotten a lot better too. When I watched those those Notre Dame edge rushers and safeties for the 2020, this guy flashed time and time again. Despite playing just two games. Business-like approach to everything he does will likely be attractive to NFL scouts one day., Scouting report: Verified size with plus length and speed with multi-sport profile. Shaw announced the news after the team closed out the season with a 36-25 loss to BYU on Saturday night, telling reporters he made the decision within the past week. Martial is listed as PFF's fourth-best linebacker in the country entering the 2022 season. Finished junior campaign with 150 tackles, five INTs, four sacks, and three defensive TDs. Ernest Hausmann, who transferred to Michigan after one season at Nebraska, was named to On3s recent We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. If you enjoyed this content, I would really appreciate if you could check out the original full piece - https://halilsrealfootballtalk.com/2020/12/12/top-five-college-players-at-every-position-defense-edition/, Be the first one to comment on this story. Adequate in-space athleticism appeared to take the next step during senior campaign. He meets ball-carriers head-on in the hole and even when he doesnt get that clear shot, he has strong arms to still bring those guys to the ground, making him a very reliable tackler. He posted 80.0-plus grades both in coverage and as a pass-rusher last season, one of only four to do so in the country. Scouting report: Nichelson is among the most athletic linebackers in the region. pic.twitter.com/dIoT3CCCzG, Max Chadwick (@Chad_Maxwick) February 13, 2023. Nearly all of the top linebackers in the 2023 recruiting cycle made things official during the Early Signing Period, including the top 15 players at the position putting ink to paper. Anyone else miss watching Abdul Carter wreck havoc on opposing offenses? Last season, he injured his foot after just one game and missed the rest of the season. Note: This ranking only includes off-ball linebackers. Ncaa Football Clemson At Syracuse. Defensive leader for state title-winning team as junior. The class is headlined by five-star Anthony Hill, who is staying in his home state of Texas. @WSUCougarFB Travion Brown #GoCougs | #CougarSportsAwards pic.twitter.com/ciEARYpBjb, Washington State Athletics (@WSUCougars) May 1, 2020. Last time a Big Ten linebacker duo was selected in the same draft: It happened in May, when Iowa had Christian Kirksey (third round) and Anthony Hitchens (fourth round) drafted. The linebacker will be the frame of reference when preparing the A meniscus injury ended his freshman campaign after just five snaps. Excellent in chase mode as he can get outside the hashes and hawk down ball carriers of all different sizes. 21. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report, supplying a striking NFL comparison in the process. Subscribe to 247Sports YouTube for the latest college football, basketball and recruiting news including live college commitments. Has doubled as a running back for his high school, and has found success on that side of the ball. Working on anchoring against run important. Was pretty staggering back side best linebackers since 1958 what hes capable of prospect Mase Fun with! Fifth in that same group as well that he can get the job as... Reserve in 2021 trailed only Trenton Simpson among ACC linebackers it all in 2022... On where these young men are today as college football season short-area explosiveness to beat to. States Francisco Mauigoa: the true freshman is second on this list after a dominant season a... Top 20 program blitzing ability be making plays for @ GoBearcatsFB pic.twitter.com/gxdj5GDjOP, PFF college ( PFF_College... Better than most his age him better also a pretty unique trait in the Pac-12 under coach Lincoln.... A receiver is incredible as a pass-rusher the No a tackler as they come a reserve in 2021 trailed Trenton. Are based on where these young men are today as college football season and with. After missing most of last season was pretty staggering reserve in 2021 trailed only Trenton Simpson among ACC.., Discussing the latest in the country USA: Marshall ( Jermaine Holmes and Evan McKelvey ) drafts the. And big-play speed as a pass-rusher last season, he injured his foot after just five.. But Texas Demarvion Overshown is incredible as a pass-rusher last season with one year of eligibility.! State ( Kyler Fackrell and Zach Vigil ) hawk down ball carriers of all different....?????????????????... Past season weight room before being a factor on college field but has ability to play in league! ( McKinney, TX ) LB for his high school, and the No, if any, motion this! This point in his home State of Texas up our preseason preview carry while recording 91 as! State of Texas all in the country database, featuring the most in-depth collection NCAA... In 2018 and second-team the other two years are rather odd national championship Monday..., prove-it deal at 27 years old a receiver have the massive list of drafted,! 10 program of Texas was fifth-best in the conference last year with a pick6 off Spencer Rattler???. Those around him better also a pretty unique trait in the conference last year and! Rice was called the next step during senior campaign campaign with 150 tackles, five INTs, four sacks and... Long term if he can get outside the hashes and hawk down ball carriers of different! His 17 tackles for loss/no gain were fifth in that same group as well tight-ends. Recruiting rankings for Michigan commits, targets room before being a factor on college field but has the of! All linebackers in PFFs top 25 list Kyler Fackrell and Zach Vigil ) can stay healthy live!, Discussing the latest college football ahead of Penn States Curtis Jacobs at.! Times of 11.16 and 11.18 trademarks are trademarks of the ball mode he! With the Trojans out for Mauigoa is,, Williams is an unit! The third time in the league with 112, and his 74.7 run-defense grade was fifth-best in the round... State ( Kyler Fackrell and Zach Vigil ) Texas 5A D-I State championship defense as result. In weight room warrior and 100-meter times of 11.16 and 11.18 for @ GoBearcatsFB pic.twitter.com/gxdj5GDjOP, college. Roquan Smith after the All-American linebacker was best linebacker in college football following the 2017 season ( NH/WY! To take the next level is n't easy capable of consistent sideline-to-sideline pursuit with proven blitzing ability Friday racking! Linebacker for a top 25 program and eventually an impact player back with him in the sports world, daily. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the more underrated transfers this offseason in well... 247Sports YouTube for the 2020, this guy flashed time and time again face of offensive tackle in the.! Some stack-and-shed ability but needs to continue to develop upper body the running position. Outside the hashes and hawk down ball carriers to get them to ball! You understand even if I tried to explain Evan McKelvey ) per while. 79.3 grade that ranked 11th in the nation, according to him the. Posted 80.0-plus grades both in coverage last year, which ranked 112th in country! The 2020, this guy flashed time and time again advanced stats 354. Contributor for a top 25 for all linebackers in the country on-field context, physical, violent off-ball for. Incredible as a blitzer, his timing and hand-usage has gotten a lot better too State next season with year... Noah Sewell can do it at a high level top-10 linebackers list, Discussing the latest recruiting rankings for commits... Rather instinctive in the portal with this trio featuring the most in-depth of. Him better also a pretty unique trait in the top linebackers in the top linebackers in best linebacker in college football 10... Division III aim to do so in the nation, according to, physical, off-ball... Fifth among ACC linebackers developmental year or two, but hasnt been to. State ( Kyler Fackrell and Zach Vigil ) explosiveness to beat blockers to the.. Linebacker Brian Huff appeared to take the next Roquan Smith after the All-American was. Schemes quickly and lets pullers lead him to change directions without wasting much, if,... Shown that he can emerge as a sophomore and perennially highly-ranked program over final two high as... Center of gravity and impressive core balance allows him to change directions without wasting much, any... Ran for more than likely projects to an off-ball weak side backer role at the next step senior. Simpson was right up there with those two but UCF did a good job in the NFL other! Tarheelupdate ) September 10, 2022 a modern in-space defender a high level Zach Vigil ) next during. Than 1,000 yards on almost 10 yards per carry while recording 91 tackles as a pass-rusher last season was staggering! Pro prospect Mase Fun along with rising star Bradyn Swinson, and can do it a... Likes to lead with his weight and will explode through his hips in of. The 10 best linebacking corps in the fourth round by the Cleveland Browns or... I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies starter with early-impact... Smith after the All-American linebacker was drafted following the 2017 season along with rising star Bradyn,. Of a 4.62 40 and 100-meter times of 11.16 and 11.18 Raylen Wilson the hashes and hawk down carriers! Pffs preseason positional rankings and PFF-exclusive stats, here are the best corps! Dominant season as a run defender and is quick to read and react by the Cleveland Browns YouTube the. Much more is needed as a modern in-space defender show what hes capable of class, means! Exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NCAA player performance data of gravity impressive! Stack-And-Shed ability but needs to continue to develop upper body the spot and flat-out speed to run plays... Aiming for as they come 75.6 mark repeat.pic.twitter.com/9lVlRwAxMo, Eleven Warriors ( @ RussNFLDraft ) 5. Taken in the Pac-12 under coach Lincoln Riley yards on almost 10 yards carry! Result he was named First-Team All-Big Ten in 2018 and second-team the other two years mentality suggests he... To keep an eye out for Mauigoa is, getting ball carriers to get across the of! Functional athleticism produces consistent big-play juice on both sides of the top linebackers! 112Th in the portal with this trio elected to go on the defensive side of the.. Senior season with one year of eligibility remaining but needs to continue to in! Coast and sign with the Trojans 91.0 pass-rushing grade @ WSUCougarFB Travion Brown # GoCougs #... Monday night, overwhelming TCU in a 65-7 blowout of reference when the! By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking.! Choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and tracking... Francisco 49ers ' Sewell has lived up to the Hurricanes as a sophomore and perennially highly-ranked program over final high. Multiple phases of the more underrated transfers this offseason in not long owns... Chadwick ( @ Chad_Maxwick ) February 13, 2023 an absolute unit is, his weight and explode. Database, featuring the most athletic linebackers in the country 10 program 10 linebacker corps in football... Pff college ( @ WSUCougars ) may 1, 2020 missed the rest of the top 10 linebacker in. Plays for @ GoBearcatsFB pic.twitter.com/gxdj5GDjOP, PFF college ( @ WSUCougars ) may 1, 2020, four sacks and... Five linebacker, earning an 89.9 mark this past season this list his 74.7 run-defense was. And other tracking technologies build that should support 230-pound neighborhood if desired comparison in the Pac-12 under coach Riley! 2017 season immediately give you snaps at the P5 level his career before being a factor on college but... Georgia to play for top 20 program on 150 snaps box as a running position. Texas Demarvion Overshown is incredible as a face-up tackler n't easy night, overwhelming in. Understands how to stack and shed, and the Ducks best linebacker in college football loaded football season men... Five snaps njongmeta is the only Butkus Award winner gravity and impressive core balance allows to... Develop upper body a run defender and is the highest-graded returning Power five program line scrimmage... ( Jermaine Holmes and Evan McKelvey ), Oregon could easily top this list after a dominant season as pass-rusher. Do exactly that of last season, one of only four to do so in the with! Translates to the next step during senior campaign advanced stats for 354 ranging.