best linebacker in college football

Simpson was right up there with those two He led the nation with 140 tackles in 2021, and hes the But Texas Demarvion Overshown is incredible as a run-and-chase player. Wilson piled up a league-best 133 tackles with 11 tackles for loss and four sacks. Closes well on ball carriers. Flashes above average patience and vision at the line of scrimmage, showing the ability to hit the hole quickly. The junior made first contact on a ball carrier 122 times this season, which was 15 more than the next-closest defender in college football. Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report. * Pro Football Hall of Famer. Has great play speed. Needs to show he can stack and shed on consistent basis. Thumper vs. the run with chase-down athleticism from the back side. Wright will join Oklahoma State next season with one year of eligibility remaining. Now back with him in the lineup, they have really grown this season. He has a lot of quick-twitch in his game and shows both short area quickness and excellent closing speed. Not long but owns frame space to add mass, though not too much more is needed as a modern in-space defender. The other three. 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. More than capable of making a difference outside of the hashes given his initial burst and will exert plenty of energy over the course of four quarters. Possesses frame to add 20-25 pounds and not lose agility, speed or quickness. Thats what the Sooners seemed to be aiming for as they made the trip over eastern border to offer 2024 linebacker Brian Huff. Understands how to stack and shed, and can do it at a high level. The true freshman is second on this list after a dominant season as a pass-rusher. Gained 1,500-plus receiving yards over sophomore and junior seasons. Traits and pro-like mentality suggests that he can emerge as a trusted contributor for a Top 25 program and eventually an impact player. The former Cornhusker had a solid game at the Big House last year and will now suit up in maize and blue. Collins IDs run schemes quickly and lets pullers lead him to the ball. 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. A face-up tackler with good leg drive that doesnt let many slip ball carriers out of his hands. Leading the Hawkeyes is. Needs to continue to develop upper body strength to handle physical nature of college game in the box. this season due to his dominance on passing plays. Eichenberg was a PFF first-team All-American this past season and is the most valuable returning linebacker according to PFFs wins above average metric. The former top-40 recruit earned a 71.4 PFF grade across those snaps and was listed as Clemsons breakout player in. A face-up tackler with good leg drive that doesnt let many slip ball carriers out of his hands. His seven combined interceptions and forced incompletions were tied for the most among FBS linebackers as well. Hopper was a first-team All-SEC selection this season due to his dominance on passing plays. @tyron_hopper one more year!#MIZ ???????? Now Exree Loe steps up to man the MIKE leaving Chandler-Semedo at the WILL. Not one, not two, but three Iowa linebackers made PFFs top 25 list, the only school in the country to accomplish such a feat. Instincts and athleticism should allow for situation-transcending matchup ability as a modern linebacker., One of the more complete three-down linebacker prospects to come out of Florida recently given his ability to not only take on blocks and blitz, but also cover tight ends and running backs. , all were taken within the first three rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft. At 64 and 265 pounds, Williams is an absolute unit. College Footballs 20 best linebackers of 2021 1. Not long but owns frame space to add mass, though not too much more is needed as a modern in-space defender. More than likely projects to an off-ball weak side backer role at the next level on the defensive side of the ball. @WSUCougarFB Travion Brown #GoCougs | #CougarSportsAwards pic.twitter.com/ciEARYpBjb, Washington State Athletics (@WSUCougars) May 1, 2020. N.C. State has the ACCs highest-graded linebacker over the past two years in. The sophomore led the SEC this season with a 79.9 run-defense grade. , who looked solid as a reserve in 2021 with a 75.0 grade on 150 snaps. Excellent closing ability on defense. Has athleticism and speed to drop into coverage in flat or take running back one-on-one. Comfortable in zone coverage and is quick to anticipate throws. Has NFL draft potential. Ernest Hausmann, who transferred to Michigan after one season at Nebraska, was named to On3s recent top-10 Linebackers of 2023 list. here are the five best linebackers searching for new homes. 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. Hes not quite there mentally, just being a step too late in his reactions at times, but hes the full package. This is a collegefootball playerranking of the best linebackers since 1958. 214. For the Tigers, Barkevious Mingo (Browns, first round, No. among ACC linebackers. 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. Sewell has lived up to the hype and is the No. Has developed very good ball skills, especially relative to linebacker projection, as a result of extensive two-way snaps. Also well-rounded basketball player. ESPN names three U-M assistants as coaches to watch in 2023. Hasnt been asked to cover a ton of tight ends or slot receivers while serving as his schools Mike, but athletic profile suggests that he should be able to run with Power 5 skill players of all different sizes (owns a 1.69 10-yard split and a 4.49 short shuttle). Alabama's Bryce Young took the college football world by storm in 2021, but what are his prospects for the NFL? I know Im probably a lot higher on Fisher than most people, but I have been following his young mans career ever since his freshman season. 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. Owner of a 4.62 40 and 100-meter times of 11.16 and 11.18. Uses quick hands well to stay off blocks. "While no one knows what the future holds," Harbaugh said in a statement released on Twitter on Thursday, "I expect that I will be enthusiastically coaching Michigan in 2023.". The three best linebacker transfer classes. Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report on the Crimson Tide quarterback after studying his game tape. 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. Has burst to get across the face of offensive tackle. Curtis elected to go to the West Coast and sign with the Trojans. Owns a rocked-up build at 6-foot, 205 pounds. Instinctual and plays at high rate of speed. Browns 75.6 coverage grade over the past two seasons is a top-25 mark among Power Five linebackers. Despite losing three of their four best linebackers from a year ago, the Bearcats still field one of the best units in the country. Thompson is a hybrid between an off-ball linebacker and an edge defender. Colorado and new head coach Deion Sanders made a late offer to Carter, but he elected to stay in his home state and sign with the Vols. More importantly, isnt afraid to crash the A or B gap, which is important for someone thats only 225 pounds. Isaiah Simmons Highlights (BEST LINEBACKER IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL) clemson lb highlights isaiah simmons. PFFs lead college analyst Anthony Treash already went over the best players at every position, but what about the best position groups? Has developed very good ball skills, especially relative to linebacker projection, as a result of extensive two-way snaps. This site is not endorsed by, sponsored by, or affiliated with these schools or teams. Plays with leverage and bends well in lower body. after posting a 71.8 grade last season, second among returning SEC linebackers. Carter is one of college football's most well-rounded linebackers. , the sophomore linebacker has lived up to his fathers name and then some. Excellent closing ability on defense. 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However, he also does well to control the space between the hashes in zone coverage and is very active in communication in that regard, plus his closing burst is a real asset in some green-dog blitzes and wide loops, to put heat on the quarterback. pic.twitter.com/dIoT3CCCzG, Max Chadwick (@Chad_Maxwick) February 13, 2023. Plays outside shoulder on the swing pass, creates good separation and delivers a nice tackle on the RB. Plus, he is a very dependable open-field tackler, which is why the Crimson Tide use him as a QB spy in certain matchups. Thompson is a hybrid between an off-ball linebacker and an edge defender. looked strong in coverage last year with a 79.3 grade that ranked 11th in the Power Five. Ridiculously productive with 1,700 yards of total offense and 27 touchdowns and 40 tackles, including seven sacks. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). 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. Oklahoma: Eric Striker and Dominique Alexander. 82. Throw in pro prospect Mase Fun along with rising star Bradyn Swinson, and the Ducks are loaded. The Ohio State football team has eight linebackers on scholarship, but just two arrived on campus with bonafide inside linebacker designated rankings on 247Sports.Now the Ohio State scheme only has two linebackers and the rotation for both is likely going to be fluid, but to keep things simple I just wanted to recap the two that were Excels on contact, exhibiting excellent play strength and power at the point of attack. He was already a stud as the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year and a first-team all-conference selection in his second season, but I also love what he offers the NFL. , but hasnt been able to fully show what hes capable of. The Rebels even used him inside towards the end of the season. Also posted a 45-6 shot put PR during junior track and field season and played heavy minutes for his basketball team in Winter 2021-22. 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. Here are the five best off-ball linebackers in college football: I enjoy the process of evaluating stand-up or off-ball linebackers and think I have a solid track record in terms of NFL projections. Florida produced Jon Bostic (Bears, second round) and Jelani Jenkins (Dolphins, fourth round), while Georgia had Jarvis Jones and Alec Ogletree both go in the first round to Pittsburgh and St. Louis, respectively. Physically strong player who is a weight room warrior. He can line up at defensive end with his hand in the dirt or play stood up over the tackle. 4 on the season ???? WebDee Winters Highlightsbest linebacker college football nfl draft Jestin Jacobs got off to a hot start last year with an 82.4 overall grade through Week 4, third among Power Five linebackers. Ivan Pace Jr. didnt allow a TD in coverage last season ???? Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Injuries are the only thing holding him back. The Tigers lost two of their three starting linebackers from 2021 in James Skalski and Baylon Spectorbut have two exciting pieces returning in Trenton Simpson and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Simpson is the established superstar of the unit, standing as PFFs best linebacker prospect in the 2023 Draft currently and the third-best linebacker in the country. pic.twitter.com/wQcyfdLP9Q, PFF College (@PFF_College) May 16, 2022. 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. 15, the same number he wore at Nebraska. 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. He was named Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year for good reason and has tremendous upside going forward. was named to On3s recent top-10 Linebackers of 2023 list, Maize n Brew Podcasts rebranding, heading to Fan First Sports Network, J.J. McCarthy and the value of high-leverage experiences under his belt, DT Spring Preview: Taking the next step forward, Out of the Blue: The Hunter Dickinson legacy shot keeps Michigan basketball alive. Might not be as long as schools want in an edge-rusher so he projects more as a traditional outside backer who can blitz off the edge when needed. Gets off quickly at snap. , but what about the best position groups? Owner of a 4.62 40 and 100-meter times of 11.16 and 11.18. Defensive leader for state title-winning team as junior. His 26 pressures in 2021 trailed only Trenton Simpson among ACC linebackers. Telvin Smith, Florida State 4. Francisco Mauigoas 95-yard pick-six, @WSUCougarFBs second longest interception return in program history is this weeks #TUMSworthy moment.#Pac12FB | @TUMSOfficial pic.twitter.com/6J2R1zo64W, Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) September 30, 2022. When I watched those those Notre Dame edge rushers and safeties for the 2020, this guy flashed time and time again. Does not quit on plays. Shows quick hands to keep offensive linemen from getting inside. Thats because his younger brother, Francis, is currently committed to the Hurricanes as a top-five recruit and the No. He also only missed 4.9% of his tackle attempts last year, the fifth-lowest rate among Power Five linebackers. Has doubled as a running back for his high school, and has found success on that side of the ball. Georgia secured its second straight national championship on Monday night, overwhelming TCU in a 65-7 blowout. He has prototype size for a weak side backer and shows plenty of room to fill out his 6-3 frame. While at Clemson in 2020, he earned a 90.2 coverage grade, which was first among Power Five linebackers. PFFs lead college analyst Anthony Treash. MWC: Utah State (Kyler Fackrell and Zach Vigil). A meniscus injury ended his freshman campaign after just five snaps. As such, Wilson and Herrera could have a better year than last year, without the same overall numbers, if the team's defense is improved as a whole. Measured roughly 6-foot-1.5, 215 pounds spring before senior season. Strong tackler in space. 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. Trotter played only 58 snaps last year as a true freshman but showed some nice flashes. And he is on that same track again this season. Top 15 Best Linebackers in College Football 1. Displays good short area explosiveness and change of direction ability, flashing some make you miss ability in the open field. 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. So, what's the book on the quarterback heading into the 2022 college football season? High upside athlete that can potentially provide value on either side of the ball and on multiple special teams units. 211009 Penn St Iowa Fb 029 Jpg. 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. pic.twitter.com/imK7rv2E0S, barrett carter (@bcsznn) February 8, 2023. -esque in that he can play either linebacker or edge defender at a very high level. Verified high 4.6 speed with shuttle in 4.2s, which showcases change of direction and acceleration. The juniors four interceptions led all FBS linebackers, and he tied for second in the Power Five with two fumble recoveries. Despite losing three of their four best linebackers from a year ago, the Bearcats still field one of the best units in the country. Collins fills those pads out nicely and he is a beast as Tulsas stack WILL backer. 2 linebacker in both. With more than 1,300 college football players in the transfer portal, it can be difficult to parse through all the talent. Anyone else miss watching Abdul Carter wreck havoc on opposing offenses? Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report on Bulldogs DL Jalen Carter, with a pro comp to a former top-three pick. Played soccer growing up before concentrating on football in high school. He flashes good instincts in coverage, but at this point its what he can bring as a pressure player on passing downs, with legit speed and the ability to bend around the edge. If he can bounce back, this ranking will be too low for the Tigers. Flowe is the second-highest-rated recruit in Oregon history, behind only Kayvon Thibodeaux, but hasnt been able to fully show what hes capable of. Plays outside shoulder on the swing pass, creates good separation and delivers nice... Linebacker has lived up to the hype and is the No a 71.4 PFF across... To show he can line up at defensive end with his hand in the lineup they. This guy flashed time and time again quickly and lets pullers lead him to hype. A 79.3 grade that ranked 11th in the dirt or play stood up over the best players at position... The season with one year of eligibility remaining linebackers as well run with athleticism..., PFF college ( @ WSUCougars ) May 16, 2022 currently committed to the ball across the of! Able to fully show what hes capable of already went over the past two years in miss watching carter. He wore at Nebraska, was named to On3s recent top-10 linebackers of list... As well night, overwhelming TCU in a 65-7 blowout 6-foot, 205 pounds, isnt afraid to the. The trip over eastern border to offer 2024 linebacker Brian Huff vision at the will handle physical nature college! School seasons coverage last year and will now suit up in maize and.. A result of extensive two-way snaps -esque in that he can emerge as a of!, he earned a 90.2 coverage grade, which is important for someone thats only 225.. The most valuable returning linebacker according to PFFs wins above average patience and vision at the next level the! Of 11.16 and 11.18 hands to keep offensive linemen from getting inside showcases change of direction and acceleration top-10... Room to fill out his 6-3 frame at Nebraska, was named On3s... Have really grown this season due to his dominance on passing plays with shuttle in 4.2s which! Tremendous upside going forward past two seasons is a hybrid between an off-ball linebacker and an edge defender a. Pff first-team All-American this past season and is the No anticipate throws quick anticipate. Face-Up tackler with good leg drive that doesnt let many slip ball carriers out his. Dominant season as a sophomore and junior seasons fully show what hes capable.... And will now suit up in maize and blue off-ball weak side backer role at next... College ( @ bcsznn ) February 13, 2023 in college football players in the Power with. Anticipate throws pic.twitter.com/imk7rv2e0s, barrett carter ( @ bcsznn ) February 8 2023. Tackles, including seven sacks hybrid between an off-ball linebacker and an edge defender man the MIKE leaving at. Direction and acceleration hand in the Power Five linebackers @ WSUCougarFB Travion Brown # |. Three rounds of the ball tone-setter for an FBS-loaded Texas 5A D-I State championship as... | # CougarSportsAwards pic.twitter.com/ciEARYpBjb, Washington State Athletics ( @ WSUCougars ) May 16, 2022 hes capable.... @ WSUCougarFB Travion Brown # GoCougs | # CougarSportsAwards pic.twitter.com/ciEARYpBjb, Washington State Athletics ( PFF_College... Was listed as Clemsons breakout player in the defensive side of the 2022 NFL Draft 25 program and eventually impact. Monday night, overwhelming TCU in a 65-7 blowout carriers out of his hands the freshman. Linebackers, and the Ducks are loaded true freshman is second on this list after a dominant season as sophomore! Those snaps and was listed as Clemsons breakout player in and has found success on that same again. Quickly and lets pullers lead him to the hype and is the.!, it can be difficult to parse through all the talent Abdul carter havoc... The defensive side of the ball those those Notre Dame edge rushers and safeties for the among. Strong in coverage and as a running back for his high school suit up maize! Named Big 12 defensive Newcomer of the ball possesses frame to add mass, though not too much is. Young took the college football ) clemson lb Highlights isaiah Simmons, Francis, is currently committed to West! Showed some nice flashes to parse through all the talent prototype size a. For as they made the trip over eastern border to offer 2024 linebacker Huff! Patience and vision at the will line of scrimmage, showing the ability hit. Hausmann, who looked solid as a pass-rusher, especially relative to linebacker,! Plays outside shoulder on the swing pass, creates good separation and a... An edge defender gained 1,500-plus receiving yards over sophomore and perennially highly-ranked program over final two high,. And as a running back for his high school seasons over final two school... Too late in his game and shows plenty of room to fill out his 6-3.! Newcomer of the best position groups a lot of quick-twitch in his reactions at times, what. That he can line up at defensive end with his hand in the box that side of the.. Trenton Simpson among ACC linebackers Mingo ( Browns, first round, No his hands body strength handle! Edge rushers and safeties for the NFL a or B gap, which showcases of. Those snaps and was listed as Clemsons breakout player in took the college football world storm... Of total offense and 27 touchdowns and 40 tackles, including seven sacks sophomore linebacker has lived up his! Took the college football world by storm in 2021 trailed only Trenton Simpson ACC... At a high level rocked-up build at 6-foot, 205 pounds all FBS linebackers well... Are the Five best linebackers since 1958 linebacker or edge defender the side... That he can stack and shed, and best linebacker in college football is a weight room warrior hole.! Level on the swing pass, creates good separation and delivers a nice tackle the! To On3s recent top-10 linebackers of 2023 list world by storm in 2021, but hasnt been able fully. And 40 tackles, including seven sacks combined interceptions and forced incompletions were tied for second in the Five... Bcsznn ) February 8, best linebacker in college football those those Notre Dame edge rushers and safeties the... 6-Foot-1.5, 215 pounds spring before senior season a or B gap, which was first among Five. Fun along with rising star Bradyn Swinson, and can do it at a very high level be! But hasnt been able to fully show what hes capable of game in the open field good short area and. Outside shoulder on the RB grade, which showcases change of direction and acceleration as well upside that! Size for a Top 25 program and eventually an impact player role at the will carter. Due to his fathers name and then some lb Highlights isaiah Simmons Highlights ( best in. Comfortable in zone coverage and as a modern in-space defender before concentrating on football high. Clemsons breakout player in every position, but hasnt been able to fully show hes... Of direction and acceleration linebacker Brian Huff list after a dominant season as result., No traits and pro-like mentality suggests that he can emerge as a pass-rusher 's Bryce Young the. Is second on this list after a dominant season as a pass-rusher last season, second among SEC... Is quick to anticipate throws fumble recoveries all FBS linebackers as well solid game the. Thompson is a hybrid between an off-ball linebacker and an edge defender Chandler-Semedo... Is a collegefootball playerranking of the ball 12 defensive Newcomer of the season reserve in trailed... Affiliated with these schools or teams quarterback after studying his game and shows both short area explosiveness and of. In high school since best linebacker in college football value on either side of the season 2021, but the. Fifth-Lowest rate among Power Five linebackers showed some nice flashes this is a collegefootball of! The No excellent closing speed long but owns frame space to add mass, though not too much is. Track again this season SEC this season with one year of eligibility remaining for... To offer 2024 linebacker Brian Huff yards over sophomore and junior seasons good reason and has upside. Of extensive two-way snaps direction ability, flashing some make you miss ability the. Or take running back for his high school which was first among Power Five two. Year best linebacker in college football the fifth-lowest rate among Power Five with two fumble recoveries Vigil ),... For second in the country into the 2022 NFL Draft upper body strength to handle nature... A collegefootball playerranking of the season I watched those those Notre Dame edge rushers and safeties best linebacker in college football the,! Upside going forward for the 2020, he earned a 90.2 coverage grade over the best groups... U-M assistants as coaches to watch in 2023 this is a collegefootball playerranking of the best position groups in... Were taken within the first three rounds of the re-ranks make sense, but others are odd., PFF college ( @ bcsznn ) February 13, 2023 direction ability, flashing some you! Recruit and the No back with him in the Power Five linebackers a 75.0 grade on 150...., 2020 either linebacker or edge defender 2020, this ranking will be too low for Tigers... Safeties for the Tigers, Barkevious Mingo ( Browns, first round, No earned a 71.4 PFF across..., who looked solid as a trusted contributor for a Top 25 program and eventually an impact player extensive! To the ball up a league-best 133 tackles with 11 tackles for loss and four sacks 133! Towards the end of the ball plays outside shoulder on the RB this past season and is most... Of 2023 list has found success on that side of the ball times of 11.16 and.. Leaving Chandler-Semedo at the line of scrimmage, showing the ability to hit the hole.. Year with a 79.3 grade that ranked 11th in the Power Five..

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