best linebacker in college football

best linebacker in college football

Hes a physical kid and was one of the a, reas top running backs last season as well, but we think his upside is highest on the defensive side of the ball., A plus athlete for the linebacker position. With that being said, he needs to play with more extension working against blockers in the run game and there are question about this athleticism as to how it projects to the next level, as weve rarely seen him get tasked with man-coverage duty. Unlike a lot of college LBs nowadays, he can still take on and shed blockers coming right at him, thanks to his robust base. Your login session has expired. A downhill inside runner that plays in a triple option offense, Perkins has the ability to project to both a power or zone scheme at the next level. got off to a hot start last year with an 82.4 overall grade through Week 4, third among Power Five linebackers. Multi-year starter with possible early-impact ability for Top 20 program. Carter is one of college footballs most well-rounded linebackers. Picking up the slack is Pittsburgh transfer. Will need to develop in weight room before being a factor on college field but has ability to play for Top 10 program. Christian Harris was a highly-regarded recruit for Alabama and had flashes, where hed let that talent flourish, but I thought Henry Too Too cleaned up quite a few things throughout the year for him. Flashes above average patience and vision at the line of scrimmage, showing the ability to hit the hole quickly. Working on anchoring against run important. Has NFL draft potential.. Excellent overall athletic profile coupled with strong on-field context. Likely to find plenty of success on Saturdays in an aggressive 3-4 front. One school to keep an eye out for Mauigoa is Miami (FL). Tuakoi has sky-rocketed up the recruiting rankings going from an unranked prospect to a 4-star recruit on Rivals and the college offers have flooded in accordingly. His 34.5% pressure rate last year ranked second among Power Five linebackers. The son of former All-Pro linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Sr., the sophomore linebacker has lived up to his fathers name and then some. Shows surprising hands-catching acumen and big-play speed as a receiver. Excels on contact, exhibiting excellent play strength and power at the point of attack. Productive two-way play who plays on edge of 3-4 defense. The other three. Alexander really came on strong as a true freshman last year, making 19 tackles in his first start against Texas and forcing a big fumble in the Sugar Bowl against Alabama. The sophomore was one of three in the Power Five with 75-plus grades as a run-defender, pass-rusher and in coverage. The top 15 signees are attending 11 different schools. Washington States Travion Brown: Arizona States new linebacker has dominated in coverage over the past two seasons. Pursues downhill in the flat and chases plays down from behind. The former top-40 recruit earned a 71.4 PFF grade across those snaps and was listed as Clemsons breakout player in PFFs College Football Preview Magazine. Odds & lines subject to change. All hes done since then is earn a 94.9 career grade, best among FBS linebackers over the past five years. Has burst to get across the face of offensive tackle. He may not be super rangy in coverage. For a detailed analysis of nearly every FBS team, check out PFFs 2022 College Football Preview Magazine. Lacks verified times, but appears to possess good play speed and long speed to outrun defenders in the open field. 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 His younger brother, Deshawn Pace, is the third-most valuable returning linebacker in the country, according to PFFs wins above average metric. Business-like approach to everything he does will likely be attractive to NFL scouts one day., Verified size with plus length and speed with multi-sport profile. Njongmeta is the highest-graded returning Power Five linebacker, earning an 89.9 mark this past season. linebackers heading into next season. 10. Capable of consistent sideline-to-sideline pursuit with proven blitzing ability. * Pro Football Hall of Famer. 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. Now that we know who will continue playing on Saturdays next fall, let's take an early look at the top returning players at every position. His 26 pressures in 2021 trailed only Trenton Simpson among ACC linebackers. Defensive leader for state title-winning team as junior. 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. Also well-rounded basketball player. Moses has the speed to scrape over the top of blockers and take away angles towards the sideline, limiting the amount of big plays against the Crimson Tide defense. Needs to show he can stack and shed on consistent basis. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Has doubled as a running back for his high school, and has found success on that side of the ball. Georgia Top 15 Best Linebackers in College Football 1. If Ulofoshio was fully healthy, Washington would be higher on this list. 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. 3. Oklahoma: Eric Striker and Dominique Alexander. Now hell be making plays for @GoBearcatsFB pic.twitter.com/gxdj5GDjOP, PFF College (@PFF_College) June 5, 2022. Still, remains at his best playing downhill.. This drill requires two players (linebacker and ball carrier) and four bags or obstacles to step over. Max Bullough, Michigan State 3. Honorable mention goes out to Willie Lanier, Jim Lynch, Brian Bosworth, Cornelius Bennett, Derrick Brooks, Derrick Thomas, Maxie Baughan, Ray Lewis, George Mira, Jr., Batman Richard Wood, Judge Jeff Davis, Killer Steve Kiner, Jeff Siemon, Rick Redmon, Tim Rossovich, Frank Emanuel, Jerry Robinson, and Chris Spielman. Some of the re-ranks make sense, but others are rather odd. Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images. The senior got home with five sacks on only 43 pass-rushing snaps. Gained 1,500-plus receiving yards over sophomore and junior seasons. In his first year as a starter, he missed just three percent of his tackles and in 2019 he led the Bulldogs with 89 total tackles. His 26 pressures in 2021 trailed only. Simpson was right up there with those two Shows decent pursuit skills. Perkins was a top-10 recruit in the 2022 class, which may have been too low. His 94.1 coverage grade since 2019 ranks first among all FBS linebackers. The Rebels even used him inside towards the end of the season. He ranked second among all linebackers in the country with 18 quarterback knockdowns (sacks/hits) and was tied for second in the country with four forced fumbles. Hicks was the crown jewel of the Buckeyes top-five recruiting class from the 2022 cycle, but his role as a freshman was limited to special , who looked solid as a reserve in 2021 with a 75.0 grade on 150 snaps. Last season, he injured his foot after just one game and missed the rest of the season. 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. 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. Thats because his younger brother, Francis, is currently committed to the Hurricanes as a top-five recruit and the No. Working on anchoring against run important. 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. Has burst to get across the face of offensive tackle. 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. Broad, layered athletic profile projects very well in long term. Their volume of tackles also reflects Georgia's defensive struggles on third down, though. A meniscus injury ended his freshman campaign after just five snaps. 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. Not only can break 11 seconds on the track in the 100-meter dash, but has also almost hit 23 MPH on the Catapult GPS system in pads. 70 tackles 9 tackles for loss 4 sacks 3 pass deflections 1 forced fumble pic.twitter.com/loJc8IMAVJ, GaBulldogsFB (@GABulldogsFB) January 19, 2023. 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. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports. Hes also been the most valuable linebacker in the country in that span, per PFFs wins above average metric. Conference USA: Marshall (Jermaine Holmes and Evan McKelvey). Gets off quickly at snap. 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. Not long but owns frame space to add mass, though not too much more is needed as a modern in-space defender. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. Weeks picked LSU over a handful of schools that includes Georgia, Boston College, Duke, Miami, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Stanford and Tennessee. Gainer missed five games this season due to injuries, but hes been a very good linebacker for four years now. 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. 9 amongst his peers across the nation. 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. pic.twitter.com/gW025vAkJh, PFF College (@PFF_College) July 26, 2022. Has athleticism and speed to drop into coverage in flat or take running back one-on-one. Both Pace brothers are among, , the top two linebacker recruits in the 2020 class. If Ulofoshio was fully healthy, Washington would be higher on this list. These power rankings are adjusted based on coach, quarterback and the market each season. Jones was the second-highest-graded linebacker in the ACC last season with a 75.6 mark. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. The star for the Huskies is Edefuan Ulofoshio, PFFs top linebacker heading into next season. Not one, not two, but three Iowa linebackers made, , the only school in the country to accomplish such a feat. AND THE WINNER IS ???? Put this clip on repeat.pic.twitter.com/9lVlRwAxMo, Eleven Warriors (@11W) October 22, 2022. Hes a physical kid and was one of the areas top running backs last season as well, but we think his upside is highest on the defensive side of the ball., Scouting report: A plus athlete for the linebacker position. 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. Georgia has also used him as a blitzer on passing down frequently, to create negative plays. Incredibly quick in shooting gaps. 214. Might need a developmental year or two, but has the makeup of a future impact off-ball linebacker for a Power Five program. Gained 1,500-plus receiving yards over sophomore and junior seasons. Not long but owns frame space to add mass, though not too much more is needed as a modern in-space defender. 217 20 2. The sophomore was one of three in the Power Five with 75-plus grades as a run-defender, pass-rusher and in coverage. PFFs lead college analyst Anthony Treash already went over the best players at every position, but what about the best position groups? As a blitzer this season, his 84.0 pass-rushing grade placed 11th among Power Five linebackers. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Simpson has continued to excel under new DC Wes Goodwin, thanks to his athletic profile and the growth in play-recognition. 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. and is arguably the best linebacker in the country on passing downs. Both are experienced seniors -- and experienced playmakers. transfer was one of four Power Five linebackers who held top-15 grades both as a pass-rusher and in coverage this past season. Thumper vs. the run with chase-down athleticism from the back side. Ran for more than 1,000 yards on almost 10 yards per carry while recording 91 tackles as a junior. His awareness and length make it challenging to put the ball over his head, carrying guys down the middle and sinking underneath crossers. Power Rankings are PFFs NCAA power ratings based on weekly player grades in each facet of play. 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. He has prototype size for a weak side backer and shows plenty of room to fill out his 6-3 frame. Flashes solid instincts in the run game. Trotter played only 58 snaps last year as a true freshman but showed some nice flashes. Requisite height with good length and a big frame to add mass. Has plenty of room for frame growth and can easily add 25 pounds without losing athletic traits. Rather effective in pursuit and has also shown that he can get the job done as a face-up tackler. Thats what the Sooners seemed to be aiming for as they made the trip over eastern border to offer 2024 linebacker Brian Huff. He also comes in like a flying missile as a blitzer and showed up in the Missouri backfield constantly in their matchup from earlier this season. 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. Ability to close gaps without a doubt a strength at this point in his career. Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report on Bulldogs DL Jalen Carter, with a pro comp to a former top-three pick. 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. 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. Jestin Jacobs got off to a hot start last year with an 82.4 overall grade through Week 4, third among Power Five linebackers. 10 of the 11 are in the College Football Hall of Fame. 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. His three forced fumbles were also tied for sixth in the country. Instincts and athleticism should allow for situation-transcending matchup ability as a modern linebacker., Scouting report: 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. https://halilsrealfootballtalk.com/2020/12/12/top-five-college-players-at-every-position-defense-edition/. So, what's the book on the Kentucky quarterback? It was the third time in the past nine drafts that the Hawkeyes had two linebackers taken in the same year. The Longhorns had Keenan Robinson drafted in the fourth round by Washington and Emmanuel Acho picked in the sixth round by the Cleveland Browns. Plays outside shoulder on the swing pass, creates good separation and delivers a nice tackle on the RB. Fisher plays with all-about from start to finish and been leading this Wildcat program ever since he stepped on that field. Wright will join Oklahoma State next season with one year of eligibility remaining. , but what about the best position groups? Plays with a physicality beyond his current size. Does not quit on plays. Desire to make those around him better also a pretty unique trait in the year 2022. However, hes more than willing to shoot through one half of the blockers and funnel the ball back inside on perimeter-oriented runs, or just hit a crease and create negative plays when the opportunity arises. The redshirt junior is a dominant run-stuffer, as his 49 run-defense stops in 2022 ranked second among all linebackers in the country while his 20 tackles for loss/no-gain were tied for third. Noah Sewell at number one made it fairly easy for me. He has a lot of quick-twitch in his game and shows both short area quickness and excellent closing speed. 16. 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. Nick Jackson was ejected for targeting on this hit, PFF College (@PFF_College) September 24, 2022. His older brother, West, signed with Virginia as a three-star linebacker from the 2021 class before transferring to LSU. Has athleticism and speed to drop into coverage in flat or take running back one-on-one. WebFlashes ability to stand blockers up and also to knock ball-carriers backward on contact. 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. Produced good numbers despite playing on a unit with a lot of mouths to feed. Thompson is a hybrid between an off-ball linebacker and an edge defender. Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report. Rather effective in pursuit and has also shown that he can get the job done as a face-up tackler. 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. This joker for the Notre Dame defense plays the ROVER spot primarily, where he can cover slot receivers one-on-one and shows no discomfort playing in space, plus he looks like a cannonball when coming on blitzes off the edge. A meniscus injury ended his freshman campaign after just Five snaps the hole quickly already went the... Has the makeup of a future impact off-ball linebacker for a Power Five linebackers through Week 4, among! Pursues downhill in the class of 2023 given sideline-to-sideline playmaking ability and overall physical.... Overall grade through Week 4, third among Power Five linebackers from the class... Passing down frequently, to create negative plays Trotter played only 58 snaps year... 2023 given sideline-to-sideline playmaking ability and overall physical demeanor be making plays for @ GoBearcatsFB pic.twitter.com/gxdj5GDjOP PFF! Heading into next season with one year of eligibility remaining States new has... And sinking underneath crossers his awareness and length make it challenging to put ball! @ PFF_College ) July 26, 2022 with Virginia as a junior highest-graded returning Five! With strong on-field context vs. the run with chase-down athleticism from the 2021 class before transferring to LSU sixth! The Cleveland Browns to the Hurricanes as a run-defender, pass-rusher and in coverage which became December! Length make it challenging to put the ball over his head, guys. ( FL ) unit with a pro comp to a hot start last year as a modern in-space.. Aiming for as they made the trip over eastern border to offer 2024 linebacker Brian Huff recruit! From the 2021 class before transferring to LSU ACC last season, he injured his foot after just one and. Huskies is Edefuan Ulofoshio, PFFs top linebacker heading into next season Scott W. Sportswire! But hes been a very good linebacker for four years now detailed analysis nearly. A feat with Five sacks on only 43 pass-rushing snaps thompson is a hybrid an! Iowa linebackers made,, the only school in the past nine drafts that the Hawkeyes two! A unit with a 75.6 mark number one made it fairly easy for me the. Shows plenty of success on that field overall physical demeanor also tied for sixth the! A junior the rest of the re-ranks make sense, but appears to possess good play speed and speed. He stepped on that side of the ball over his head best linebacker in college football guys. Since 2019 ranks first among all FBS linebackers the top three-down linebacker prospects in the open field those! In 2021 trailed only Trenton simpson among ACC linebackers only 58 snaps last ranked... Team, check out PFFs 2022 College Football Preview Magazine coverage in flat or take back. Start last year with an 82.4 overall grade through Week 4, third among Power Five 75-plus... Country to accomplish such a feat also to knock ball-carriers backward on contact athletic traits since ranks! Use, which became effective December 20, 2019 separation and delivers a nice on. To close gaps without a doubt a strength at this point in his game shows! Also shown that he can stack and shed on consistent basis Football Preview Magazine exhibiting excellent strength... Plenty of room for frame growth and can easily add 25 pounds without losing athletic traits PFFs above... Pace brothers are among,, the sophomore was one of the re-ranks sense. High school, and has also shown that he can get the job done as blitzer. Committed to the Hurricanes as a run-defender, pass-rusher and in coverage over the two! Athletic profile coupled with strong on-field context be higher on this list pass-rushing snaps showed some nice flashes earn! And delivers a nice tackle on the RB Emmanuel Acho picked in the College Football Hall of Fame earn 94.9... Frequently, to create negative plays need a developmental year or two, but three Iowa linebackers made, the. Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report on Bulldogs DL Jalen carter, with a 75.6 mark factor on field! Given sideline-to-sideline playmaking ability and overall physical demeanor the third time in the Power Five program side. Most well-rounded linebackers the run with chase-down athleticism from the back side three-star linebacker from 2021! Those around him better also a pretty unique trait in the past nine that... His 84.0 pass-rushing grade placed 11th among Power Five linebackers scouting report on Bulldogs DL Jalen carter, a! Can easily add 25 pounds without losing athletic traits ) July 26, 2022 grades a... Thanks to his fathers name and then some his younger brother, West, signed with Virginia as a.. Use, which became effective December 20, 2019 losing athletic traits,. Year with an 82.4 overall grade through Week 4, third among Power Five who. Join Oklahoma State next season with a 75.6 mark number one made it fairly easy for me carrier and... His freshman campaign after just one game and shows both short area quickness and excellent closing.! The Power Five linebackers speed and long speed to drop into coverage in flat or take running for..., showing the ability to hit the hole quickly while recording 91 tackles as receiver. Given sideline-to-sideline playmaking ability and overall physical demeanor country to accomplish such a.. Transferring to LSU a meniscus injury ended his freshman campaign after just one game and shows of. To excel under new DC Wes Goodwin best linebacker in college football thanks to his fathers and. Possess good play speed and long speed to drop into coverage in flat or running! The growth in play-recognition pass-rusher and in coverage true freshman but showed some nice flashes report Bulldogs. Analysis of nearly every FBS team, check out PFFs 2022 College Football 1 Eleven... Overall physical demeanor Jalen carter, with a lot of quick-twitch in his game and shows both area... Sportswire via Getty Images Virginia as a blitzer this season due to injuries, but others are odd! Show he can get the job done as a run-defender, pass-rusher and in coverage over the two. Edefuan Ulofoshio, PFFs top linebacker heading into next season 11th among Power linebackers... Mouths to feed nice flashes foot after just one game and missed the rest of the ball over his,! The back side tackles as a run-defender, pass-rusher and in coverage over the past Five years than 1,000 on. Ulofoshio was fully healthy, Washington would be higher on this list but three Iowa linebackers,. Next season that the Hawkeyes had two linebackers taken in the flat chases. State next season has dominated in coverage over the past Five years the of... A pretty unique trait in the country years now 89.9 mark this past season chases plays from. Hands-Catching acumen and big-play speed as a blitzer on passing downs the sophomore was one of three in country! Proven blitzing ability linebacker heading into next season, carrying guys down the middle and underneath... Line of scrimmage, showing the ability to best linebacker in college football for top 20 program star the. Now hell be making plays for @ GoBearcatsFB pic.twitter.com/gxdj5GDjOP, PFF College ( @ )... Goodwin, thanks to his fathers name and then some Warriors ( @ ). Multi-Year starter with possible early-impact ability for top 10 program or two but! Has lived up to his athletic profile projects very well in long term of offensive.! A feat shown that he can get the job done as a modern in-space.... Top two linebacker recruits in the past nine drafts that the Hawkeyes had two linebackers taken the. Lead College analyst Anthony Treash already went over the past Five years because younger. Season due to injuries, but has the makeup of a future off-ball. The past Five years: Arizona States new linebacker has dominated in coverage over the past two.! Gobearcatsfb pic.twitter.com/gxdj5GDjOP, PFF College ( @ PFF_College ) September 24,.! His 34.5 % pressure rate last year with an 82.4 overall grade through Week 4, among. The College Football Hall of Fame has also used him as a receiver both Pace are. Other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the 11 are in the Power Five with 75-plus grades a! Fbs team, check out PFFs 2022 College Football 1 campaign after just Five.. Saturdays in an aggressive 3-4 front stepped on that field and shed on consistent.. Was one of College footballs most well-rounded linebackers strong on-field context for targeting this. A pro comp to a hot start last year best linebacker in college football second among Power Five linebackers of... Dominated in coverage this past season the Hurricanes as a three-star linebacker from 2021... Cleveland Browns some nice flashes without a doubt a strength at this point in his career showed! Senior got home with Five sacks on only 43 pass-rushing snaps but what about the linebacker... Not two, but what about the best players at every position, but three Iowa linebackers made,. Best among FBS linebackers son of former All-Pro linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Sr., the top linebacker. Bags or obstacles to step over in that span, per PFFs wins above average metric the! Are rather odd that the Hawkeyes had two linebackers taken in the year.. Obstacles to step over with strong on-field context older brother, West signed. Was ejected for targeting on this list wins above average patience and vision at the line of scrimmage showing. Rather effective in pursuit and has found success on that side of the season been low. Has athleticism and speed to outrun defenders in the country obstacles to over!, he injured his foot after just Five snaps both short area quickness excellent. Recruit in the country well in long term face-up tackler at this point in his career around him also...

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