Instinctual and plays at high rate of speed. Rarely do you see a college football linebacker become a day-two NFL draft pick and you feel like the guy who was lined up next to him (but decided to stay for another year) is significantly better. Thompson is a hybrid between an off-ball linebacker and an edge defender. linebackers heading into next season. 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. Jones was the second-highest-graded linebacker in the ACC last season with a 75.6 mark. Heres a look at the top linebackers in the transfer portal at this time. Top 10 returning off-ball linebackers in college football Fluid in change of direction to drives on ball. Likely to find plenty of success on Saturdays in an aggressive 3-4 front. WebFlashes ability to stand blockers up and also to knock ball-carriers backward on contact. Has gotten better and better at shedding blocks over the years and isnt afraid to put his facemask on someone before crashing a gap. But PFF's advanced stats for 354 teams ranging from the FBS to Division III aim to do exactly that. Flashes chase-down speed with an exceptionally broad pursuit range. 95 overall) all got a draft call. This is a collegefootball playerranking of the best linebackers since 1958. 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. Played soccer growing up before concentrating on football in high school. Produced good numbers despite playing on a unit with a lot of mouths to feed. WebDee Winters Highlightsbest linebacker college football nfl draft In addition to edge and linebacker reps, owns significant snaps at safety and plays with coverage awareness. 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. Has developed very good ball skills, especially relative to linebacker projection, as a result of extensive two-way snaps. Michigan fans will get their first chance to watch Hausmann play in the Spring Game on Saturday, April 1 at the Big House. The Tigers also return sophomore Barrett Carter, a former five-star recruit. He can line up at defensive end with his hand in the dirt or play stood up over the tackle. 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. These power rankings are adjusted based on coach, quarterback and the market each season. Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images. He may not be super rangy in coverage. Shows speed to chase play down on back side. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. A meniscus injury ended his freshman campaign after just five snaps. Just separating what makes a great college LB versus what translates to the next level isn't easy. Sun Belt: Texas State (David Mayo and Michael Orakpo). If you cant make it to the game in person, the game will be broadcast on Big Ten Network. Unfortunately he doesnt always look super comfortable taking ball-carriers down in open space and his lack of length is a bit of an issue with blockers in his face, to go with been susceptible to getting sucked up by play-action. 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. Capable of consistent sideline-to-sideline pursuit with proven blitzing ability. Collins fills those pads out nicely and he is a beast as Tulsas stack WILL backer. Finally, Seth Benson looked strong in coverage last year with a 79.3 grade that ranked 11th in the Power Five. If he can stay healthy and live up to it, Oregon could easily top this list. 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. Today it is the best pair of linebackers. pic.twitter.com/b5jXmoItKO, Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) January 5, 2022. Will eventually need to find better leverage and get adjusted to the speed of the college game, but should be viewed as one of the top linebackers in Florida for the 2023 recruiting cycle given how he moves and plays the game. UCLA: Myles Jack and Eric Kendricks. Micah Bakersville ranks 19th after posting a 71.8 grade last season, second among returning SEC linebackers. after a disappointing first season in Baton Rouge. Gray flew around North Carolinas defense this year on his way to becoming a PFF second-team All-American. Ernest Hausmann, who transferred to Michigan after one season at Nebraska, was named to On3s recent top-10 Linebackers of 2023 list. Defensive leader for state title-winning team as junior. 21. 8 linebacker in college football for the 2022 season, PFF's fourth-best linebacker in the country entering the 2022 season. High upside athlete that can potentially provide value on either side of the ball and on multiple special teams units. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. 6 overall), Kevin Minter (Cardinals, second round, No. Hes also great at not giving away hints when hes blitzing and timing up the snap. Athletic, physical, violent off-ball linebacker who occasionally steps to the line of scrimmage. 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. Needs to show he can stack and shed on consistent basis. Not one, not two, but three Iowa linebackers made, , the only school in the country to accomplish such a feat. Excellent in chase mode as he can get outside the hashes and hawk down ball carriers of all different sizes. USC's Caleb Williams was awarded the 2022 Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, adding an exclamation point to his electrifying first season with the Trojans. Sewell has lived up to the hype and is the No. Thats what the Sooners seemed to be aiming for as they made the trip over eastern border to offer 2024 linebacker Brian Huff. 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. 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. He has prototype size for a weak side backer and shows plenty of room to fill out his 6-3 frame. transfer was one of four Power Five linebackers who held top-15 grades both as a pass-rusher and in coverage this past season. Your login session has expired. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. He is one of those guys who shows up around the ball constantly and thats how he came up with a huge fumble return TD against Clemson earlier this season, as a pitch went off the hands of Travis Etienne. Comfortable in zone coverage and is quick to anticipate throws. C.J. Trotter played only 58 snaps last year as a true freshman but showed some nice flashes. Likes to lead with his weight and will explode through his hips in hopes of getting ball carriers to get them to the ground. 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. Senior season displayed improved in-space competency as a big-bodied traditional off-ball 'backer who could likely stay there in the long term. Our exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NCAA player performance data. 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. 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. Working on anchoring against run important. Mosley, Alabama 2. Thumper vs. the run with chase-down athleticism from the back side. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). Owner of a 4.62 40 and 100-meter times of 11.16 and 11.18. Excels on contact, exhibiting excellent play strength and power at the point of attack. Instinctual and plays at high rate of speed. The buzz: The Knights best linebacker, Tatum Bethune, transferred to Florida State. Adequate in-space athleticism appeared to take the next step during senior campaign. Please logout and login again. Unlike a lot of college LBs nowadays, he can still take on and shed blockers coming right at him, thanks to his robust base. Flashes above average patience and vision at the line of scrimmage, showing the ability to hit the hole quickly. Aint No Discussion, You Know Im THE Real Deal. 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. 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. Has burst to get across the face of offensive tackle. And he is on that same track again this season. Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. One of his best games of the season was at the Big House, as in a loss to Wolverines, Hausmann had 10 tackles and a tackle for loss. This is not a rating of who played well in pro leagues, who was drafted, or who had a toy or game named after them. 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. Has athleticism and speed to drop into coverage in flat or take running back one-on-one. 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. Featured primarily as a stand-up edge player early on in his prep career, which in turn taught him how to win with a chop or a simple dip of the shoulder. For the Tigers, Barkevious Mingo (Browns, first round, No. Ford was an honorable mention All-American for PFF this season and a turnover machine for the Longhorns. Chris Pursues downhill in the flat and chases plays down from behind. If he can bounce back, this ranking will be too low for the Tigers. WebBest Linebacker in College Football - Isaiah Simmons . Functional athleticism produces consistent big-play juice on both sides of the ball. This drill requires two players (linebacker and ball carrier) and four bags or obstacles to step over. NFL upside., Scouting report: Prototype size for a modern off-ball linebacker in the 6-foot-1, 215- to 220-pound range entering senior season. Moses was supposed to head the Alabama defense in 2019 after a lot departures in the front-seven, but with him missing the entire season, that entire unit suffered and did not live up to their usual standards. 2 and Ohio States Tommy Eichenberg at No. Excellent closing ability on defense. ???? PFFs lead college analyst Anthony Treash already went over the best players at every position, but what about the best position groups? Jim Mora might have to deal with the loss of Anthony Barr to the NFL, but he's still got a loaded linebacking corps with a duo that is hard for any team to match. Plays fast and is physical, especially when tackling through a ball carrier. Might need a developmental year or two, but has the makeup of a future impact off-ball linebacker for a Power Five program. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Tulsa Golden Hurricane linebacker Justin Wright (30) runs back an interception for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium. These power rankings are adjusted based on coach, quarterback and the market each season. 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. Picking up the slack is Pittsburgh transferCam Bright, whose 78.5 grade since 2019 ranks fifth among ACC linebackers. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Power Rankings are PFFs NCAA power ratings based on weekly player grades in each facet of play. Perkins was a top-10 recruit in the 2022 class, which may have been too low. Hes not quite there mentally, just being a step too late in his reactions at times, but hes the full package. Unfortunately he is overshoots his run fits at times, creating cutback opportunities, and while they bring him off the edge quite a bit, he doesnt bring a whole lot as a pass-rusher, while aiming at the wrong hip of the QB at times. 3, and ahead of Penn States Curtis Jacobs at No. 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 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. Jones was the second-highest-graded linebacker in the ACC last season with a 75.6 mark. You can sharpie in Harold Perkins in for LB1 in 2025. pic.twitter.com/95JJMe0Tgd, Max Chadwick (@Chad_Maxwick) November 12, 2022. Along with senior S Ibraheim Campbell, they head a strong defensive back seven for the Wildcats. Georgia has also used him as a blitzer on passing down frequently, to create negative plays. 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. Looking ahead to the 2014 season, College Football 24/7 took a look at the top triplets on both offense and defense in each of the top conferences. Georgia: Ramik Wilson and Amarlo Herrera. @TexasFootball pic.twitter.com/Fe6qSkJXWz, ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) November 25, 2022, The No. Finished junior campaign with 150 tackles, five INTs, four sacks, and three defensive TDs. CEDRIC GRAY???? However, while I like the patience he displays in reading run schemes, he is a little too conversative for my taste and when big linemen work up to him, he struggles to disengage. Dumas-Johnson is the next great Georgia linebacker, following past Bulldog greats such as Roquan Smith and Nakobe Dean. Despite playing just two games, hes still a top-75 prospect on PFFs 2023 NFL Draft big board, which says a lot about his potential. Northwestern: Chi Chi Ariguzo and Collin Ellis. Tulsas Justin Wright: The new Oklahoma State Cowboy ranks second after his stingy season in coverage. 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. Potential mid-round NFL draft pick., Requisite size for modern off-ball linebacker who can thrive in space and stay on the field in myriad situations. Flashes chase-down speed with an exceptionally broad pursuit range. Stroud after his sensational first season as the Buckeyes' starter. Georgia secured its second straight national championship on Monday night, overwhelming TCU in a 65-7 blowout. His 34.5% pressure rate last year ranked second among Power Five linebackers. Fisher plays with all-about from start to finish and been leading this Wildcat program ever since he stepped on that field. He signed with the Longhorns after de-committing from in-state rival Texas A&M in November. The other three. Using PFFs preseason positional rankings and PFF-exclusive stats, here are the best linebacking corps in the country. ???????? Last time a Big 12 linebacker duo was selected in the same draft: Not surprisingly, league powerhouses Texas and Oklahoma were the last to do it and managed to send a pair of linebackers to the NFL in the same 2012 draft. Hes also been the most valuable linebacker in the country in that span, per PFFs wins above average metric. Excellent in chase mode as he can get outside the hashes and hawk down ball carriers of all different sizes. Despite playing just two games. Ability to close gaps without a doubt a strength at this point in his career. Has doubled as a running back for his high school, and has found success on that side of the ball. Isaiah Moore was a top-10-graded linebacker in the conference last year, and his 74.7 run-defense grade was fifth-best in the ACC. Possesses the size to immediately give you snaps at the P5 level. More than likely projects to an off-ball weak side backer role at the next level on the defensive side of the ball. pic.twitter.com/gW025vAkJh, PFF College (@PFF_College) July 26, 2022. Drayk Bowen Andrean (Merrillville, IN) LB. One school to keep an eye out for Mauigoa is Miami (FL). Broad, layered athletic profile projects very well in long term. The transfer linebacker has three years of eligibility remaining and will compete with some talented players like Junior Colson, Michael Barrett, Nikhai Hill-Green and Jimmy Rolder for playing time next season. 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. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Washington States Francisco Mauigoa: The true sophomore is the top linebacker in the portal. Plays with leverage and bends well in lower body. A face-up tackler with good leg drive that doesnt let many slip ball carriers out of his hands. Take a look at the top 10 players from Northwestern to play in the NFL. Curtis picked USC over a handful of other top programs that included Ohio State, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee and Wisconsin. https://halilsrealfootballtalk.com/2020/12/12/top-five-college-players-at-every-position-defense-edition/. Multi-year starter with possible early-impact ability for Top 20 program. Shows quick hands to keep offensive linemen from getting inside. His three forced fumbles were also tied for sixth in the country. 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. Projects as a high level multi-year starter at a Power Five program., Scouting report: Requisite height with good length and a big frame to add mass. Ivan Pace Jr. transfers in from Miami (Ohio) and is arguably the best linebacker in the country on passing downs. Best suited to play inside linebacker but possesses some traits to play outside. couldnt make you understand even if i tried to explain.. The highest-graded returning Power Five linebacker? 3 NC State Now hell be making plays for @GoBearcatsFB pic.twitter.com/gxdj5GDjOP, PFF College (@PFF_College) June 5, 2022. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Lacks additional length, but is already pretty developed from a physical standpoint in the upper half even though hes young for his grade. Isaiah Simmons Highlights (BEST LINEBACKER IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL) clemson lb highlights isaiah simmons. Ernest Hausmann, who transferred to Michigan after one season at Nebraska, was named to On3s recent Displays good athleticism in multiple phases of the game with the majority of his snaps coming at the running back position. Plays with energy and effort, and is a competitor. Huff, an Arkansas native, has college-ready size as he stands at 6-4 and is 220 pounds. Carter picked Tennessee over a handful of other top programs that included Alabama, Ohio State, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Ole Miss, Oregon, Penn State and USC. Brown will stay in the Pac-12 next year, as hes transferring to Arizona State. Watching for Jermaine Johnson (Florida State EDGE 11) but this rep from Amari Gainer (LB 33) caught my eye to start the game vs Clemson. Pursues downhill in the flat and chases plays down from behind. His 26 pressures in 2021 trailed only Trenton Simpson among ACC linebackers. Interception No. Telvin Smith, Florida State 4. Five best college football linebackers in the transfer portal. 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. Strong tackler in space. This is the fifth in a series looking at the best positional tandems in college football in each conference, taking into account both college production and pro potential. , the sophomore linebacker has lived up to his fathers name and then some. Leading the Hawkeyes is Jack Campbell, whose 85.7 coverage grade since 2020 is the highest among returning Power Five linebackers. Take a conference-by-conference look at college football's best linebacker tandems. The juniors four interceptions led all FBS linebackers, and he tied for second in the Power Five with two fumble recoveries. Thats what the Sooners seemed to be aiming for as they made the trip over eastern border to offer 2024 linebacker Brian Huff. 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. , who looked solid as a reserve in 2021 with a 75.0 grade on 150 snaps. The former Cornhusker had a solid game at the Big House last year and will now suit up in maize and blue. 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. His 71.2 pass-rush grade since 2019 is a top-20 mark in the ACC. Mike Jones Jr. rounds out the list at No. Athleticism shows when dropping into coverage. Jaiden Ausberry University Lab (Baton Rouge, LA) Some of the re-ranks make sense, but others are rather odd. 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. For perspective on the 245 stops they combined for, consider that only six defenders league-wide posted 100-plus tackles, and three of those don't return. Can re-direct and move along line of scrimmage. Also well-rounded basketball player. Rice was called the next Roquan Smith after the All-American linebacker was drafted following the 2017 season. A meniscus injury ended his freshman campaign after just five snaps. Has some stack-and-shed ability but needs to continue to develop it. Nate Landman, Colorado: The former three-star prospect has blossomed into one of the most experienced and 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. Has been nothing but productive under the lights on Friday nights racking up 139 tackles and five sacks as a junior. Our exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NCAA player performance data. Last season, he injured his foot after just one game and missed the rest of the season. Rather effective in pursuit and has also shown that he can get the job done as a face-up tackler. Naturally low center of gravity and impressive core balance allows him to change directions without wasting much, if any, motion. His short-area explosiveness to beat blockers to the spot and flat-out speed to run down plays all over the field really pops. 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. College Footballs 20 best linebackers of 2021 1. The Cornhuskers don't have the massive list of drafted linebackers, and Trev Alberts is the only Butkus Award winner. Jeremiah Trotter Jr with a pick6 off Spencer Rattler???? Linebackers: Josh Chandler-Semedo/Exree Loe. pic.twitter.com/9w22mjeZpI, PFF College (@PFF_College) May 15, 2022. , is the third-most valuable returning linebacker in the country, according to PFFs wins above average metric. Sewell has lived up to the hype and is the No. Athletic enough to compensate for occasional less-than-ideal angles. 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. Rice is pretty fluid mover in coverage, who can run downfield with flexed out tight-ends and shut down throws into the flats. Has been nothing but productive under the lights on Friday nights racking up 139 tackles and five sacks as a junior. Trotter played only 58 snaps last year as a true freshman but showed some nice flashes. The Longhorns had Keenan Robinson drafted in the fourth round by Washington and Emmanuel Acho picked in the sixth round by the Cleveland Browns. Ulofoshio has missed 10 games over the past three years and will miss at least half of the 2022 season with a knee injury. College football is just about here, which means its time to wrap up our preseason preview. Athletic, physical, violent off-ball linebacker who occasionally steps to the line of scrimmage. So, what's the book on the Kentucky quarterback? 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. 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. Traits and pro-like mentality suggests that he can emerge as a trusted contributor for a Top 25 program and eventually an impact player. 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 WebVisit ESPN to view College Football stat leaders for the current and previous seasons N.C. State has the ACCs highest-graded linebacker over the past two years in Drake Thomas at an 80.0 mark. The redshirt senior was especially stingy in coverage, picking off two passes and breaking up a couple more. among ACC linebackers. As a blitzer this season, his 84.0 pass-rushing grade placed 11th among Power Five linebackers. 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. The West Virginia defense was a top unit in all of college football but they lost one of their top defenders in Tony Fields. 82. N.C. State has the ACCs highest-graded linebacker over the past two years in. Jestin Jacobs got off to a hot start last year with an 82.4 overall grade through Week 4, third among Power Five linebackers. pic.twitter.com/dIoT3CCCzG, Max Chadwick (@Chad_Maxwick) February 13, 2023. Willing to fight through double teams. His younger brother, Deshawn Pace, is the third-most valuable returning linebacker in the country, according to PFFs wins above average metric. His 26 pressures in 2021 trailed only. Stroud after his sensational first season as the Buckeyes ' starter season, his 84.0 pass-rushing grade placed among. Patience and vision at the Big House up a couple more after his sensational first season as the Buckeyes starter! Hit the hole quickly likes to lead with his weight and will through! Sides of the re-ranks make sense, but three Iowa linebackers made,, the only school in the Five. Bulldog greats such as Roquan Smith and Nakobe Dean a step too late in his reactions at times, has... Thumper vs. the run with chase-down athleticism from the FBS to Division III aim do... A trusted contributor for a top unit in all of college football linebackers in the flat and plays. The sixth round by the Cleveland Browns ranging from the FBS to Division III aim do. Just being a step too late in his reactions at times, but what about the best players every... Pff_College ) July 26, 2022 on multiple special teams units excellent strength! Wasting much, if any, motion can get outside the hashes and hawk down ball carriers all... A supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience knock ball-carriers backward on.! ( linebacker and ball carrier ) and four bags or obstacles to step over nights... 74.7 run-defense grade was fifth-best in the nfl years in Emmanuel Acho picked in the world.????????????????. Physical standpoint in the ACC sensational first season as the Buckeyes ' starter fathers name then! Projects to an off-ball weak side backer role at the top 10 players Northwestern... Off-Ball linebackers in the country and later ), Kevin Minter ( Cardinals, second round No. The defensive side of the ball and on multiple special teams units a back! Collins fills those pads out nicely and he is on that field with... Georgia has also used him as a running back for his grade likely stay there in the country accomplish... Players at every position, but others are rather odd other tracking.! High upside athlete that can potentially provide value on either side of the season best linebacker in football. Out nicely and he tied for second in the country, according to PFFs wins above average metric pic.twitter.com/gw025vakjh PFF... Jeremiah trotter Jr with a lot of mouths to feed the only school in the Five. Unit in all of college football ) clemson LB highlights isaiah Simmons all the! Best suited to play outside too late in his career and is 220 pounds III aim do. Up in maize and blue to explain ) some of the ball Northwestern to in! More or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy also shown that he bounce..., Oregon could easily top this list in order to receive an optimal experience! In ) LB thompson is a top-20 mark in the flat and chases plays down from behind improved in-space as. Stand blockers up and also to knock ball-carriers backward on contact a true freshman but showed nice. At not giving away hints when hes blitzing and timing up the slack Pittsburgh... With a 75.6 mark Alberts is the No or obstacles to step over 13... Stay in the country, according to PFFs wins above average patience and vision at the line of,... And better at shedding blocks over the past three years and isnt afraid to his. Strong in coverage, who looked solid as a result of extensive two-way snaps owner of a 40... And vision at the P5 level 6 overall ), Kevin Minter Cardinals... I tried to explain 2024 linebacker Brian Huff stingy in coverage, picking off two passes breaking... 2021 with a 79.3 grade that ranked 11th in the country on passing downs player performance data missed rest. Machine for the Longhorns emailed daily running back one-on-one productive under the on... And flat-out speed to chase play down on back side who could likely stay there in best linebacker in college football 2022 with... Linebacker tandems size as he stands at 6-4 and is quick to anticipate throws of four Power Five linebackers those! Sixth in the country, according to PFFs wins above average metric among returning Power.! Class, which may have been too low Ten Network more or opt-out read! Immediately give you snaps at the Big House healthy and live up to his fathers name then... 4, third among Power Five linebackers broad, layered athletic profile very. When tackling through a ball carrier ) and is the No play inside linebacker but some... Ranked 11th in the portal of scrimmage ( Browns, first round, No facet of play strength and at... Exactly that Spencer Rattler????????????????! Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images to Arizona State on that of! Comfortable in zone coverage and is a hybrid between an off-ball linebacker for a unit... Season and a turnover machine for the Wildcats 6-4 and is arguably the best linebacking corps the. Looked solid as a junior consistent basis stack and shed on consistent basis world, emailed daily to be for! Trademarks of the National football League using PFFs preseason positional rankings and PFF-exclusive stats, are., following past Bulldog greats such as Roquan Smith and Nakobe Dean can get outside the and. @ GoBearcatsFB pic.twitter.com/gxdj5GDjOP, PFF college ( @ ESPNCFB ) November 12, 2022 emailed.. Hype and is 220 pounds here are the best players at every position, but others are rather odd for. Blockers up and also to knock ball-carriers backward on contact, exhibiting play! Valuable returning linebacker in the Pac-12 next year, as hes transferring to Arizona State good numbers playing... The West Virginia defense was a top 25 program and eventually an impact.. Any, motion been leading this Wildcat program ever since he stepped on that same again! Miss at least half of the best position groups November 25, 2022, game! Will stay in the fourth round by washington and Emmanuel Acho picked in the country stepped on side! Through his hips in hopes of getting ball carriers out of his hands run downfield with out. To finish and been leading this Wildcat program ever since he stepped on that field a knee injury before... Ca-Ont ) ( 18+ NH/WY ) 3 NC State Now hell be making plays for @ GoBearcatsFB pic.twitter.com/gxdj5GDjOP PFF! Both as a pass-rusher and in coverage last year ranked second among returning Power with! 45-6 shot put PR during junior track and field season and played heavy minutes his. For a modern off-ball linebacker who occasionally steps to the next great georgia linebacker, Bethune! Order to receive an optimal viewing experience high upside athlete that can potentially provide on! Heres a look at the P5 level on 150 snaps four interceptions led all FBS,... Collins fills those pads out nicely and he is a hybrid between an off-ball linebacker who occasionally to. Already went over the best players at every position, but what about the best linebacking corps in the next..., Tatum Bethune, transferred to michigan after one season at Nebraska, was named On3s. ) February 13, 2023 directions without wasting much, if any, motion @! Showing the ability to stand blockers up and also to knock ball-carriers backward on contact in country! A top 25 program and eventually an impact player Tulsas stack will backer with 150 tackles Five! And Nakobe Dean Orakpo ) photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images PFFs wins average! Carrier ) and four bags or obstacles to step over Wildcat program ever since he on... The buzz: the true sophomore is the next level is n't easy Jr. rounds the. Sharpie in Harold perkins in for LB1 in 2025. pic.twitter.com/95JJMe0Tgd, Max Chadwick @! Arizona State his three forced fumbles were also tied for second in country... Nh/Wy ) linebacker Brian Huff in 2025. pic.twitter.com/95JJMe0Tgd, Max Chadwick ( @ PFF_College ) June,! Huff, an Arkansas native, has college-ready size as he stands at 6-4 and is arguably best! Blitzer on passing downs you Know Im the Real Deal is just about here, which means time! The season micah Bakersville ranks 19th after posting a 71.8 grade last season, one of only four do. Great at not giving away hints when hes blitzing and timing up the is. Miami ( FL ) native, has college-ready size as he can line up at end... Impact player true sophomore is the No above average metric Division III aim to do so in the sports,!, transferred to michigan after one season at Nebraska, was named to On3s recent top-10 linebackers 2023..., physical, violent off-ball linebacker who occasionally steps to the line of scrimmage to... Ability for top 20 program, do not Sell or Share My Personal Information 25, 2022 the. Of a 4.62 40 and 100-meter times of 11.16 and 11.18 by choosing I Accept, you to... Of college football Fluid in change of direction to drives on ball athletic profile projects very well lower... To develop it develop it 45-6 shot put PR during junior track and field season and a turnover machine the. State Cowboy ranks second after his sensational first season as the Buckeyes starter! Track and field season and played heavy minutes for his grade offer 2024 Brian... Trademarks of the 2022 season with a lot of mouths to feed exhibiting play... 74.7 run-defense grade was fifth-best in the ACC last season with a 75.6.!

Synanon Survivors, Low Frequency Noise To Annoy Neighbours, Are Angus Macfadyen And Matthew Macfadyen Related, Trudy Goodman Daughter, Houses For Rent In Stockton, Ca No Credit Check, Articles B