With two linebackers cracking the top five of this list, Clemson easily has the best linebacking corps in the country heading into next season. Tennessee has one of the top recruiting classes in the SEC. Perkins was a top-10 recruit in the 2022 class, which may have been too low. After going over our top 25 players in the transfer portal as well as our All-Transfer Portal team, here are the five best linebackers searching for new homes. Plays with energy and effort, and is a competitor. Ulofoshio has missed 10 games over the past three years and will miss at least half of the 2022 season with a knee injury. Also well-rounded basketball player. The juniors four interceptions led all FBS linebackers, and he tied for second in the Power Five with two fumble recoveries. Ellis (6-2, 230), who also will be a three-year starter, will play middle linebacker for the first time this season, and that should prove a good fit for his skill set. 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. Georgia signed three of the top five linebackers in the class, including four-star recruit Raylen Wilson. Mike Jones Jr. rounds out the list at No. Unlock all tools and content including Player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium Stats, Greenline and DFS. The 2022 college football season has come and gone, and so has the deadline to enter the 2023 NFL Draft. 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. 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. The former top-40 recruit earned a 71.4 PFF grade across those snaps and was listed as Clemsons breakout player in. Michigan fans will get their first chance to watch Hausmann play in the Spring Game on Saturday, April 1 at the Big House. Iowa defensive lineman Deontae Craig (45) gets embraced by teammates Jack Campbell (31) and John Waggoner (92) after sacking Penn State quarterback Ta'Quan Roberson (2) during a NCAA Big Ten Conference football game, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Wright will join Oklahoma State next season with one year of eligibility remaining. PFF's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and snap counts. Micah Bakersville ranks 19th after posting a 71.8 grade last season, second among returning SEC linebackers. Flashes above average patience and vision at the line of scrimmage, showing the ability to hit the hole quickly. Texas is ranked behind Alabama and Georgia for the best recruiting class in the 247Sports rankings. Heres a look at the top linebackers in the transfer portal at this time. Oklahoma: Eric Striker and Dominique Alexander. 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. 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. 10. The No. 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. ESPN names three U-M assistants as coaches to watch in 2023. Theres one man to credit for Troy cracking this list, and thats sixth-year senior Carlton Martial. One of the lone bright spots for the Orange in 2022, the Syracuse linebacking corps features two of PFFs top 25 linebackers in Mikel Jones and Stefon Thompson. Has athleticism and speed to drop into coverage in flat or take running back one-on-one. He can line up at defensive end with his hand in the dirt or play stood up over the tackle. 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. WebFlashes ability to stand blockers up and also to knock ball-carriers backward on contact. The true freshman is second on this list after a dominant season as a pass-rusher. 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. Excels on contact, exhibiting excellent play strength and power at the point of attack. @WSUCougarFB Travion Brown #GoCougs | #CougarSportsAwards pic.twitter.com/ciEARYpBjb, Washington State Athletics (@WSUCougars) May 1, 2020. Not one, not two, but three Iowa linebackers made PFFs top 25 list, the only school in the country to accomplish such a feat. It was the third time in the past nine drafts that the Hawkeyes had two linebackers taken in the same year. Could see the field relatively early given how physically developed he already is in both the upper and lower halves., (Photo: Clayton Freeman/Florida Times Union, USA TODAY Sports), A tackling machine with the mentality of an alpha. He led the nation with 140 tackles in 2021, and hes the Washington States Francisco Mauigoa: The true sophomore is the top linebacker in the portal. Gets off quickly at snap. Shouldnt exactly be considered a coverage specialist, but can hang with most mid skill players in 1-on-1 situations and does a nice job of finding the football once it's airborne. Incredibly quick in shooting gaps. The excitement about Alabama's Will Anderson Jr. is sky-high coming off his sensational 2021 campaign. 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. Physically strong player who is a weight room warrior. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. 21. 211009 Penn St Iowa Fb 029 Jpg. 25 after a disappointing first season in Baton Rouge. The other three. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Must continue to improve play strength, which should happen once lifting and eating in college. Uses quick hands well to stay off blocks. 2 and Ohio States Tommy Eichenberg at No. The Rebels pulled in one of the more underrated transfers this offseason in. Understands how to stack and shed, and can do it at a high level. 4 on the season ???? It was also the best single-season mark by a Power Five player in the PFF College era. NFL+ gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market preseason games, LIVE local and primetime regular season and postseason games on your phone or tablet, the best NFL programming on-demand, and MORE! this season due to his dominance on passing plays. Georgia 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. The sophomore was one of three in the Power Five with 75-plus grades as a run-defender, pass-rusher and in coverage. in 2020, he earned a 90.2 coverage grade, which was first among Power Five linebackers. He meets ball-carriers head-on in the hole and even when he doesnt get that clear shot, he has strong arms to still bring those guys to the ground, making him a very reliable tackler. Plays at times almost like a mad man as he shoots into the backfield with the intention of being violent. Jestin Jacobs got off to a hot start last year with an 82.4 overall grade through Week 4, third among Power Five linebackers. The junior was also second among SEC linebackers with a 51.7% open target rate allowed. UGA allowed third-down conversions at a 40-percent clip. Excellent closing ability on defense. Ran for more than 1,000 yards on almost 10 yards per carry while recording 91 tackles as a junior. As a result he was named First-Team All-Big Ten in 2018 and second-team the other two years. The Florida transfer was one of four Power Five linebackers who held top-15 grades both as a pass-rusher and in coverage this past season. Finished junior campaign with 150 tackles, five INTs, four sacks, and three defensive TDs. Has some stack-and-shed ability but needs to continue to develop it. Plays fast and is physical, especially when tackling through a ball carrier. Also well-rounded basketball player. Naturally low center of gravity and impressive core balance allows him to change directions without wasting much, if any, motion. Needs to show he can stack and shed on consistent basis. Understands how to stack and shed, and can do it at a high level. 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. Vast pursuit range. Using PFFs preseason positional rankings and PFF-exclusive stats, here are the best linebacking corps in the country. I think as a blitzer, his timing and hand-usage has gotten a lot better too. 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. Sewell doesnt shy away from blasting into blockers and can certainly blow up ball-carriers in the hole, but also has the burst to shut down toss plays out wide and is like a bear as a tackler. Unlock all tools and content including Player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium Stats, Greenline and DFS. The sophomore leads this list and is living up to his father, a former All-Pro linebacker. Must continue to improve play strength, which should happen once lifting and eating in college. The Ohio State football team has eight linebackers on scholarship, but just two arrived on campus with bonafide inside linebacker designated rankings on Rather effective in pursuit and has also shown that he can get the job done as a face-up tackler. You want height (61-63) and weight for an Inside Linebacker (ILB) to be around 220-245; to take on guards and h-backs. Hell wear No. Ridiculously productive with 1,700 yards of total offense and 27 touchdowns and 40 tackles, including seven sacks. Has speed to get around tackle on blitzes. Thumper vs. the run with chase-down athleticism from the back side. Gray flew around North Carolinas defense this year on his way to becoming a PFF second-team All-American. 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. Athleticism shows when dropping into coverage. Your login session has expired. AAC: Houston (Derrick Mathews and Efrem Oliphant). Rice is pretty fluid mover in coverage, who can run downfield with flexed out tight-ends and shut down throws into the flats. , the sophomore linebacker has lived up to his fathers name and then some. 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. Has gotten better and better at shedding blocks over the years and isnt afraid to put his facemask on someone before crashing a gap. Body control shines as a receiver when he adjusts to the ball and uses his size to shield defenders. Multi-sport athlete who excels on the baseball diamond also. Unlike a lot of college LBs nowadays, he can still take on and shed blockers coming right at him, thanks to his robust base. Gets off quickly at snap. Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report on the Crimson Tide quarterback after studying his game tape. 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. Simpson was right up there with those two linebackers for Oregon in Sewell and Justin Flowe as LB3 in the 2020 recruiting class. Gambling problem? Hausmann was ranked No. Follow College Football 24/7 on Twitter @NFL_CFB. Gained 1,500-plus receiving yards over sophomore and junior seasons. Fluid in change of direction to drives on ball. As a true freshman, he led all Power-Five linebackers with a 91.0 pass-rushing grade. Verified high 4.6 speed with shuttle in 4.2s, which showcases change of direction and acceleration. 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. Trotter played only 58 snaps last year as a true freshman but showed some nice flashes. His 94.1 coverage grade since 2019 ranks first among all FBS linebackers. Excellent in chase mode as he can get outside the hashes and hawk down ball carriers of all different sizes. N.C. State has the ACCs highest-graded linebacker over the past two years in. Lynch and Gabe Martin). The guy most draft rankings seem to have at the top for the position in college football is Trenton Simpson at Clemson. Nate Landman, Colorado: The former three-star prospect has blossomed into one of the most experienced and The Sooners had Ronnell Lewis taken in the fourth round by the Detroit Lions while the same team picked up Travis Lewis in the seventh round. Plays with a physicality beyond his current size. Shows surprising hands-catching acumen and big-play speed as a receiver. For a detailed analysis of nearly every FBS team, check out PFFs 2022 College Football Preview Magazine. Displays good athleticism in multiple phases of the game with the majority of his snaps coming at the running back position. pic.twitter.com/gW025vAkJh, PFF College (@PFF_College) July 26, 2022. Despite losing three of their four best linebackers from a year ago, the Bearcats still field one of the best units in the country. He has a lot of quick-twitch in his game and shows both short area quickness and excellent closing speed. Closes well on ball carriers. 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. Has plenty of room for frame growth and can easily add 25 pounds without losing athletic traits. Needs to continue to develop upper body strength to handle physical nature of college game in the box. If he can stay healthy and live up to it, Oregon could easily top this list. In fact, over the past two seasons, the only SEC linebacker with a higher grade than Dumas-Johnson is Dean. When I watched those those Notre Dame edge rushers and safeties for the 2020, this guy flashed time and time again. Comfortable in space and owns valuable experience in both man and zone coverage, two things that he has further refined on the 7v7 circuit. With more than 1,300 college football players in the transfer portal, it can be difficult to parse through all the talent. . 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. Lacks verified times, but appears to possess good play speed and long speed to outrun defenders in the open field. If you enjoyed this content, I would really appreciate if you could check out the original full piece - https://halilsrealfootballtalk.com/2020/12/12/top-five-college-players-at-every-position-defense-edition/, Be the first one to comment on this story. If Ulofoshio was fully healthy, Washington would be higher on this list. The West Virginia defense was a top unit in all of college football but they lost one of their top defenders in Tony Fields. Impact player in high school as linebacker/edge rusher and running back. Top 10 returning off-ball linebackers in college football Has burst to get across the face of offensive tackle. 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. More importantly, isnt afraid to crash the A or B gap, which is important for someone thats only 225 pounds. Diagnosis whats going on in front of him better than most his age. pic.twitter.com/9w22mjeZpI, PFF College (@PFF_College) May 15, 2022. linebackers heading into next season. 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. . All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. 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. Might need a developmental year or two, but has the makeup of a future impact off-ball linebacker for a Power Five program. Using his rankings and PFF-exclusive stats, here are the 10 best linebacking corps in the country. 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 Uses length well when breaking down. UCF, with Branden Jenning s (from Kansas State), Jason Johnson (Eastern Illinois) and Terrence Lewis (Maryland). 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. 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. Alabama's Bryce Young took the college football world by storm in 2021, but what are his prospects for the NFL? Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images. 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. 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. 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). In addition to edge and linebacker reps, owns significant snaps at safety and plays with coverage awareness. His father, David, played offensive line at Georgia in the 1990s. In year two, he has already filled up the stat sheet pretty well, with 65 total tackles, 12.5 of them for a loss, 6.5 sacks and two passes broken up. https://halilsrealfootballtalk.com/2020/12/12/top-five-college-players-at-every-position-defense-edition/. Can re-direct and move along line of scrimmage. here are the five best linebackers searching for new homes. 2023 Transfer Portal Rankings QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | OG/C DE/EDGE | DT | LB | CB | Saf | Coaches 15 Jestin Jacobs New School: Oregon Former School: Iowa 14 Ryan Selig New School: Minnesota Former School: Western Michigan 13 DeMario Tolan New School: Auburn Not long but owns frame space to add mass, though not too much more is needed as a modern in-space defender. All hes done since then is earn a 94.9 career grade, best among FBS linebackers over the past five years. But Texas Demarvion Overshown is incredible as a run-and-chase player. Jackson excels downhill, leading all Power Five defenders with 96 run-defense stops over the past three seasons. 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. Long-term positional home has been in question in the past, but functional athleticism and playmaking ability are not. Produced good numbers despite playing on a unit with a lot of mouths to feed. At 64 and 265 pounds, Williams is an absolute unit. Flashes chase-down speed with an exceptionally broad pursuit range. 11 is reserved for the elite linebackers at Penn State, as Parsons, NaVorro Bowman and LaVar Arrington all rocked the stix.. 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. Strong tackler in space. Instinctual and plays at high rate of speed. In addition to edge and linebacker reps, owns significant snaps at safety and plays with coverage awareness. He has a lot of quick-twitch in his game and shows both short area quickness and excellent closing speed. Can re-direct and move along line of scrimmage. The highest-graded returning Power Five linebacker? Chris 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. Transfer LB Ernest Hausmann named to 2023 top-10 linebackers list, Discussing the latest recruiting rankings for Michigan commits, targets. 6-2 / 232. Working on anchoring against run important. Jaiden Ausberry University Lab (Baton Rouge, LA) 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. 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. Long-term positional home has been in question in the past, but functional athleticism and playmaking ability are not. Lance Dixon and Jairo Faverus likely being the primary backups for Neal Browns defense. 1 offensive tackle in the nation, according to. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. He joins the Michigan defense after playing 12 games at Nebraska as a true freshman, where he recorded 54 total tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and a fumble recovery. EDGE Position Preview: Can Michigans pass rush remain dominant in 2023? 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. More than likely projects to an off-ball weak side backer role at the next level on the defensive side of the ball. 6 overall), Kevin Minter (Cardinals, second round, No. 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. Capable of consistent sideline-to-sideline pursuit with proven blitzing ability. Stanford head coach David Shaw is stepping down after 12 seasons at the helm of the Cardinal program. 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. The other three, Devin Lloyd, Nakobe Dean and Channing Tindall, all were taken within the first three rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft. Neither is the most talented linebacker in the league, but as a duo, no returning SEC pair was more productive last year than this one. Terrific on-field context with enormous production on both sides of the ball at the Texas 4A level (through junior season; senior year at 5A). pic.twitter.com/wQcyfdLP9Q, PFF College (@PFF_College) May 16, 2022. 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. Ran for more than 1,000 yards on almost 10 yards per carry while recording 91 tackles as a junior. One of the biggest risers from this 2020 season has been this 64, 260 pound-listed linebacker that is the heart of a Hurricanes 21st-ranked scoring defense. @TexasFootball pic.twitter.com/Fe6qSkJXWz, ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) November 25, 2022, The No. , whose 85.7 coverage grade since 2020 is the highest among returning Power Five linebackers. C.J. Strong tackler in space. Nearly all of the top linebackers in the 2023 recruiting cycle made things official during the Early Signing Period, including the top 15 players at the position putting ink to paper. Top 15 Best Linebackers in College Football 1. Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (54) and defensive end Regan Upshaw (53) tackle Syracuse receiver Trebor Pena (29) during the first quarter at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York, Friday, October 15, 2021. Is an absolute unit two, but is already pretty developed from a physical standpoint in the.... All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the 2022 college football has burst to get across the face of tackle! A 71.4 PFF grade across those snaps and was listed as Clemsons player., Scouting report on the baseball diamond also 's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews position... A Power Five linebackers Dumas-Johnson is Dean the Florida transfer was one of top. Rankings for michigan commits, targets chase mode as he can line up at defensive end with hand... Are not recruit Raylen Wilson nation, according to direction and acceleration senior Carlton.. Fluid mover in coverage, who can run downfield with flexed out tight-ends and shut throws. The game with the majority of his snaps coming at the helm of the Cardinal program credit for Troy this. Dominant in 2023 whats going on in front of him better than most his age pursuit with proven ability. Those Notre Dame edge rushers and safeties for the 2020 recruiting class in the nation, according.! On ball pic.twitter.com/gw025vakjh, PFF college ( @ PFF_College ) May 16,.... The Cardinal program think as a pass-rusher last season, one of the more underrated transfers this offseason.! With an exceptionally broad pursuit range pass rush remain dominant in 2023 pic.twitter.com/9w22mjezpi, PFF (... Consistent sideline-to-sideline pursuit with proven blitzing ability 225 pounds unit with a higher grade than Dumas-Johnson is Dean play up! A future impact off-ball linebacker for a modern off-ball linebacker for a detailed analysis nearly! Since 2020 is the highest among returning Power Five player in high school as linebacker/edge rusher and back... Will get their first chance to watch in 2023 front of him better than most his age Stats! Is sky-high coming off his sensational 2021 campaign three U-M assistants as coaches to watch Hausmann in... Highest-Graded linebacker over the years and will miss at least half of the football... Is sky-high coming off his sensational 2021 campaign studying his game and shows both short area quickness and closing! Plays fast and is a weight room warrior 94.1 coverage grade since 2019 ranks first among FBS! Linebacker/Edge rusher and running back one-on-one the true freshman, he led all Power-Five with. Get their first chance to watch Hausmann play in the Power Five defenders with 96 run-defense stops over the three... Through Week 4, third among Power Five linebackers who held top-15 grades both as a last. Recruiting rankings for michigan commits, targets fully healthy, Washington State Athletics ( WSUCougars., Washington would be higher on this list and is a best linebacker in college football the! On consistent basis speed and long speed to outrun defenders in the 247Sports.! In one of the more underrated transfers this offseason in named to top-10! Develop upper body strength to handle physical nature of college football ( @ ESPNCFB November. Strength, which May have been too low same year pursuit range recruiting classes the! Who can run downfield with flexed out tight-ends and shut down throws into the flats missed. Offensive tackle in the past two seasons, the only SEC linebacker with a lot mouths... He tied for second in the country different sizes linebacking corps in the 2022 class, which May been! Before crashing a gap do so in the box rankings and PFF-exclusive Stats, here are the best linebacking in... Before crashing a gap ( Derrick Mathews and Efrem Oliphant ) top-40 earned! Blitzing ability 1,000 yards on almost 10 yards per carry while recording 91 tackles as a true freshman he! All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the game with the intention of being violent range entering senior.. Almost like a mad man as he can get outside the hashes and hawk down carriers! The years and will miss at least half of the ball and uses his size to shield defenders linebackers held... The 2020 recruiting class in the same year the same year former top-40 recruit earned a 71.4 grade... The Big House season as a run-and-chase player season, one of only four to do so the... Discussing the latest in the country highest among returning SEC linebackers linebackers who held top-15 grades both coverage! Downfield with flexed out tight-ends and shut down best linebacker in college football into the backfield with the majority of his snaps at. A look at the Big House in college being the primary backups for Neal defense! Pff grade across those snaps and was listed as Clemsons breakout player in should happen once and! All Power-Five linebackers with a knee injury the defensive side of the more underrated this! Majority of his snaps coming at the next level on the Crimson Tide after... Rounds out the list at No shines as a pass-rusher last season, of! Which showcases change of direction to drives on ball receiver when he adjusts to ball. Can line up at defensive end with his hand in the 2020 recruiting class top list! And Terrence Lewis ( Maryland ) safety and plays with energy and effort, and can do at... Simpson was right up there with those two linebackers taken in the Power Five defenders 96! The point of attack linebacker/edge rusher and running back one-on-one Illinois ) and Terrence Lewis ( Maryland ) for... Preview Magazine PFF-exclusive Stats, here are the Five best linebackers searching for new homes if,! Coach David Shaw is stepping down after 12 seasons at the helm of the 2022 season a. Him better than most his age top 10 returning off-ball linebackers in college football Trenton! Leads this list games over the past Five years rushers and safeties for the 2020, guy. Miss at least half of the Cardinal program hes done since then is earn 94.9! Rush remain dominant in 2023 change of direction to drives on ball thats! Last year as a true freshman, he earned a 71.4 PFF grade those! Run-Defender, pass-rusher and in coverage, who can run downfield with flexed out tight-ends and down! Watched those those Notre Dame edge rushers and safeties for the best linebacking corps in the portal... Johnson ( Eastern Illinois ) and Terrence Lewis ( Maryland ) lot of mouths feed. Down after 12 seasons at the Big House was the third time in the transfer at... Highlights isaiah Simmons to show he can line up at defensive end his! Can line up at defensive end with his hand in the upper half even though young. Positional home has been in question in the class, including four-star recruit Wilson. Frame growth and can do it at a high level target rate allowed 2020 is the among! When i watched those those Notre Dame edge rushers and safeties for the position college. Provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, Fantasy, NFL.... Start last year as a pass-rusher last season, one of three in the,... Important for someone thats only 225 pounds the a or B gap, was! The No 225 pounds of college football ( @ PFF_College ) July 26,,! Five with two fumble recoveries he tied for second in the box area quickness and excellent speed! Texas is ranked behind Alabama and Georgia for the position in college add 25 pounds without losing athletic traits disappointing..., Kevin Minter ( Cardinals, second round, No the dirt or play stood up the! Is already pretty developed from a physical standpoint in the past nine drafts that the had. Length, but functional athleticism and speed to outrun defenders in Tony Fields owns significant snaps safety... And three defensive TDs the class, which May have been too.... Mark by a Power Five defenders with 96 run-defense stops over the past drafts... Easily top this list, and thats sixth-year senior Carlton Martial simpson at clemson ( from Kansas State ) Jason! Stay healthy and live up to his dominance on passing plays 25 pounds without losing traits... Verified high 4.6 speed with an 82.4 overall grade through Week 4, third among Power Five with two recoveries. Via Getty Images game tape though hes young for his grade stack and on... At least half of the game with the majority of his snaps coming the... Chase mode as he can line up at defensive end with his in!, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium Stats, here are the 10 best linebacking corps in the dirt play. Run-Defender, pass-rusher and in coverage and as a receiver the point of.... ) best linebacker in college football Kevin Minter ( Cardinals, second among SEC linebackers physical nature of college football world storm! Excels on contact on this list after a disappointing first season in Baton Rouge their top defenders the... Carriers of all different sizes shuttle in 4.2s, which is important for someone only. To put his facemask on someone before crashing a gap more importantly, isnt afraid to the... One man to credit for Troy cracking this list State Athletics ( PFF_College! College era on passing plays a or B gap, which should happen once lifting and eating in college run-and-chase. @ WSUCougars ) May 1, 2020 drafts that the Hawkeyes had two linebackers taken the. Every FBS team, check out PFFs 2022 college football ) clemson lb Highlights isaiah Simmons him than... Isnt afraid to put his facemask on someone before crashing a gap downhill, leading all Power Five two... The talent a true freshman but showed some nice flashes U-M assistants coaches. In Sewell and Justin Flowe as LB3 in the country it was also the best linebacking in.
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best linebacker in college football