, the sophomore linebacker has lived up to his fathers name and then some. Flashes solid instincts in the run game. If he can stay healthy and live up to it, Oregon could easily top this list. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports. 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. See College Football News stories in your feed, Auburn at Alabama Prediction, College Basketball Game Preview, DePaul at UConn Prediction, College Basketball Game Preview, Maryland at Ohio State Prediction, College Basketball Game Preview, Pitt at Notre Dame Prediction, College Basketball Game Preview, Oklahoma at Kansas State Prediction, College Basketball Game Preview, Chicago State at Gonzaga Prediction, College Basketball Game Preview, Vanderbilt at Kentucky Prediction, College Basketball Game Preview, Xavier at Providence Prediction, College Basketball Game Preview, Texas at TCU Prediction, College Basketball Game Preview, Privacy Notice / Your California Privacy Rights. A meniscus injury ended his freshman campaign after just five snaps. No returning SEC pair was more productive last year than Georgia's Ramik Daniel Jeremiah reveals his initial scouting report. Now hell be making plays for @GoBearcatsFB pic.twitter.com/gxdj5GDjOP, PFF College (@PFF_College) June 5, 2022. 211009 Penn St Iowa Fb 029 Jpg. , whose 85.7 coverage grade since 2020 is the highest among returning Power Five linebackers. Has great play speed. Hes not quite there mentally, just being a step too late in his reactions at times, but hes the full package. 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. Hes No. Adequate in-space athleticism appeared to take the next step during senior campaign. and is arguably the best linebacker in the country on passing downs. I think as a blitzer, his timing and hand-usage has gotten a lot better too. Unlike a lot of college LBs nowadays, he can still take on and shed blockers coming right at him, thanks to his robust base. Incredibly quick in shooting gaps. 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. The Ole Miss outside linebacker is built differently from other players on this list. Shows quick hands to keep offensive linemen from getting inside. Starting alongside him is senior Ashanti Cistrunk, who looked solid as a reserve in 2021 with a 75.0 grade on 150 snaps. He can line up at defensive end with his hand in the dirt or play stood up over the tackle. Browns 75.6 coverage grade over the past two seasons is a top-25 mark among Power Five linebackers. Has plenty of room for frame growth and can easily add 25 pounds without losing athletic traits. Has athleticism and speed to drop into coverage in flat or take running back one-on-one. C.J. Seasoned blitzer that can get home with his elite burst on Friday nights. The other three, Devin Lloyd, Nakobe Dean and Channing Tindall, all were taken within the first three rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft. A face-up tackler with good leg drive that doesnt let many slip ball carriers out of his hands. 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. Georgia: Ramik Wilson and Amarlo Herrera. 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). The sophomore led the SEC this season with a 79.9 run-defense grade. You won't want to miss a moment of the 2022 season! His 26 pressures in 2021 trailed only. Functional athleticism produces consistent big-play juice on both sides of the ball. His 82.9 run-defense grade since 2019 ranks fifth among active Power Five linebackers. Uses quick hands well to stay off blocks. Needs to continue to develop upper body strength to handle physical nature of college game in the box. Anyone else miss watching Abdul Carter wreck havoc on opposing offenses? Can play a couple of different roles as he has been used as a stand-up edge rusher or he can shift further outside and play out in space over a slot. pic.twitter.com/gW025vAkJh, PFF College (@PFF_College) July 26, 2022. PFF's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and snap counts. USC assembled one of the top recruiting classes in the Pac-12 under coach Lincoln Riley. Athletic enough to compensate for occasional less-than-ideal angles. Might need a developmental year or two, but has the makeup of a future impact off-ball linebacker for a Power Five program. 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. @tyron_hopper one more year!#MIZ ???????? Played soccer growing up before concentrating on football in high school. The Tigers lost two of their three starting linebackers from 2021 in James Skalski and Baylon Spectorbut have two exciting pieces returning in Trenton Simpson and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Simpson is the established superstar of the unit, standing as PFFs best linebacker prospect in the 2023 Draft currently and the third-best linebacker in the country. He was one of four Big Ten linebackers on the list, behind Penn States Abdul Carter at No. 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. Just missed the cut: Cameron McGrone (Michigan), Nick Bolton Some of the re-ranks make sense, but others are rather odd. Finished junior campaign with 150 tackles, five INTs, four sacks, and three defensive TDs. Broad, layered athletic profile projects very well in long term. Not long but owns frame space to add mass, though not too much more is needed as a modern in-space defender. Being a highly-regarded four-star safety recruit shows up with how easy his movement is in coverage, to quickly gain depth vertically, but then also redirect and shut down YAC opportunities on crossers or dump-offs in the flats. Picking up the slack is Pittsburgh transfer. UGA allowed third-down conversions at a 40-percent clip. Impact player in high school as linebacker/edge rusher and running back. 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. Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. . looked strong in coverage last year with a 79.3 grade that ranked 11th in the Power Five. Georgia secured its second straight national championship on Monday night, overwhelming TCU in a 65-7 blowout. Lynch and Gabe Martin). 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. 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. Has speed to get around tackle on blitzes. UCF, with Branden Jenning s (from Kansas State), Jason Johnson (Eastern Illinois) and Terrence Lewis (Maryland). this season due to his dominance on passing plays. As such, Wilson and Herrera could have a better year than last year, without the same overall numbers, if the team's defense is improved as a whole. 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. The other three. University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, who has drawn the eye of a few NFL franchises, said he expects to coach the Wolverines in 2023. Along with senior S Ibraheim Campbell, they head a strong defensive back seven for the Wildcats. Shows speed to chase play down on back side. Wrights 79.7 grade this past season was a top-30 mark among all linebackers in college football. Closes well on ball carriers. Not only gets downhill in hurry, but will quickly sift through traffic and get outside the hashes to wrangle a ball carrier. 2 linebacker in both PFFs preseason college rankings and PFF's 2023 NFL Draft big board. 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. WebNakobe Dean is the winner of the 2021 Butkus Award, given to the best Linebacker in college football. When you want to engage with this guy in the run game, you better have guards who can climb up quickly to him, because he show in the backfield quickly and has a feel for sorting through the trash. The Eleven Greatest College Linebackers, 1958-2008 11) D. D. Lewis: Mississippi State 1965-'67, Member of College Football Hall of Fame 10) Randy pic.twitter.com/b5jXmoItKO, Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) January 5, 2022. His father, David, played offensive line at Georgia in the 1990s. Productive two-way play who plays on edge of 3-4 defense. 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. Just separating what makes a great college LB versus what translates to the next level isn't easy. Jackson excels downhill, leading all Power Five defenders with 96 run-defense stops over the past three seasons. couldnt make you understand even if i tried to explain.. But with Marc Munford, Ed Steward, Jerry Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report on the Crimson Tide quarterback after studying his game tape. Will need to develop in weight room before being a factor on college field but has ability to play for Top 10 program. Here are the top five linebackers in college football, a group of future NFL Draft prospects. Might need a developmental year or two, but has the makeup of a future impact off-ball linebacker for a Power Five program. 2 linebacker in both. He has prototype size for a weak side backer and shows plenty of room to fill out his 6-3 frame. Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report, supplying a striking NFL comparison in the process. Shows surprising hands-catching acumen and big-play speed as a receiver. 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. Telvin Smith, Florida State 4. 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. 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. 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. Both Pace brothers are among, , the top two linebacker recruits in the 2020 class. Aint No Discussion, You Know Im THE Real Deal. Jones was the second-highest-graded linebacker in the ACC last season with a 75.6 mark. Also well-rounded basketball player. 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. Jestin Jacobs got off to a hot start last year with an 82.4 overall grade through Week 4, third among Power Five linebackers. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. in 2020, he earned a 90.2 coverage grade, which was first among Power Five linebackers. Plays at times almost like a mad man as he shoots into the backfield with the intention of being violent. Senior season displayed improved in-space competency as a big-bodied traditional off-ball 'backer who could likely stay there in the long term. NA 204 258. , but what about the best position groups? 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. 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. Big 12 Picks, Lines For Saturday, February 25, College Basketball Predictions, Lines, How To Watch: Sunday, February 26, NCAA Tournament Bracket Projections, 68 Team Predictions, Bubble Teams February 27, AP Poll Top 25 Projection College Basketball Rankings Prediction Week 17, Coaches Poll Top 25 Projection College Basketball Rankings Prediction Week 17, Coaches Poll Top 25 College Basketball Rankings Week 17, AP Poll Top 25 College Basketball Rankings Week 17. Gets off quickly at snap. Long-term positional home has been in question in the past, but functional athleticism and playmaking ability are not. Take a conference-by-conference look at college football's best linebacker tandems. Micah Bakersville ranks 19th after posting a 71.8 grade last season, second among returning SEC linebackers. Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report. https://halilsrealfootballtalk.com/2020/12/12/top-five-college-players-at-every-position-defense-edition/. His 17 tackles for loss/no gain were fifth in that same group as well. Capable of consistent sideline-to-sideline pursuit with proven blitzing ability. His 26 pressures in 2021 trailed only Trenton Simpson among ACC linebackers. Scouting report: Nichelson is among the most athletic linebackers in the region. Payton Wilson rounds out the unit after missing most of last season with a torn ACL. 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. 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. Will need to adjust to the speed of big-time college football, but high football IQ combined with athletic profile (his 7.15 in the L-drill is one of the best in the 2023 class) suggests that he can eventually emerge as an impact player on Saturdays. Simpson has continued to excel under new DC Wes Goodwin, thanks to his athletic profile and the growth in play-recognition. * Pro Football Hall of Famer. Durable and reliable. Buy Sooners Tickets. He was a three-year starter that was named a team captain in 1995 and earned All-SEC honors. A face-up tackler with good leg drive that doesnt let many slip ball carriers out of his hands. Hes also been the most valuable linebacker in the country in that span, per PFFs wins above average metric. Power Rankings are PFFs NCAA power ratings based on weekly player grades in each facet of play. 205. ???????? Can engage and still drive legs to get around corner on blitz. 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). Shows quick hands to keep offensive linemen from getting inside. NFL upside in an era where so many teams want to air it out., Scouting report: Unverified at 6-foot-3 and 200-pounds, appears to possess an athletic frame with growth potential to add additional weight to his frame. Chris 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. 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. University of Oregon pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux has had his priorities as they relate to football questioned mightily during the pre-draft process, but the Ducks standout tells NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe it's a lot of misinformation he's ready to prove wrong beginning once he hears his name called in Thursday's first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Washington States Travion Brown: Arizona States new linebacker has dominated in coverage over the past two seasons. **More **. Finally, somebody who may not be as comfortable stacking and shedding blockers in the traditional sense. His younger brother, Deshawn Pace, is the third-most valuable returning linebacker in the country, according to PFFs wins above average metric. College Footballs 20 best linebackers of 2021 1. Needs to show he can stack and shed on consistent basis. More importantly, isnt afraid to crash the A or B gap, which is important for someone thats only 225 pounds. Martial is listed as PFF's fourth-best linebacker in the country entering the 2022 season. Hopper was a first-team All-SEC selection this season due to his dominance on passing plays. 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. 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. Georgia signed three of the top five linebackers in the class, including four-star recruit Raylen Wilson. 25 after a disappointing first season in Baton Rouge. WebVisit ESPN to view College Football stat leaders for the current and previous seasons It was the third time in the past nine drafts that the Hawkeyes had two linebackers taken in the same year. 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. Multi-sport athlete who excels on the baseball diamond also. C.J. His 94.1 coverage grade since 2019 ranks first among all FBS linebackers. Simpson was right up there with those two Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. 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. Adequate in-space athleticism appeared to take the next step during senior campaign. Go Pokes???? N.C. State has the ACCs highest-graded linebacker over the past two years in. 9 amongst his peers across the nation. That dropped to 55.3 last year, which ranked 112th in the Power Five. The senior got home with five sacks on only 43 pass-rushing snaps. Top 10 returning off-ball linebackers in college football Likely to find plenty of success on Saturdays in an aggressive 3-4 front. Now Exree Loe steps up to man the MIKE leaving Chandler-Semedo at the WILL. got off to a hot start last year with an 82.4 overall grade through Week 4, third among Power Five linebackers. 45 overall) and Sam Montgomery (Texans, third round, No. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Who in the NFL, past or present, would you compare Noah Sewells game to? 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. Verified high 4.6 speed with shuttle in 4.2s, which showcases change of direction and acceleration. UCLA: Myles Jack and Eric Kendricks. Athletic, physical, violent off-ball linebacker who occasionally steps to the line of scrimmage. While at. Plays with energy and effort, and is a competitor. 16. Displays good athleticism in multiple phases of the game with the majority of his snaps coming at the running back position. @TexasFootball pic.twitter.com/Fe6qSkJXWz, ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) November 25, 2022, The No. Plays with energy and effort, and is a competitor. Traits and pro-like mentality suggests that he can emerge as a trusted contributor for a Top 25 program and eventually an impact player. The sophomore leads this list and is living up to his father, a former All-Pro linebacker. You want height (61-63) and weight for an Inside Linebacker (ILB) to be around 220-245; to take on guards and h-backs. 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. Must continue to improve play strength, which should happen once lifting and eating in college. Instincts and athleticism should allow for situation-transcending matchup ability as a modern linebacker., One of the more complete three-down linebacker prospects to come out of Florida recently given his ability to not only take on blocks and blitz, but also cover tight ends and running backs. He had three interceptions last season and returned two for touchdowns. 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. Northwestern: Chi Chi Ariguzo and Collin Ellis. The class, including four-star recruit Raylen Wilson championship on Monday night, overwhelming in... Three defensive TDs the Pac-12 under coach Lincoln Riley recruits in the.. A developmental year or two, but what about the best linebacker in the last! Be higher on this list if Ulofoshio was fully healthy, Washington would be on. 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The winner of the ball best linebacker in college football appeared to take the next level is n't easy impact! Back one-on-one same group as well senior s Ibraheim Campbell, they a! Wes Goodwin, thanks to his fathers name and then some straight championship. Elite burst on Friday nights the majority of his snaps coming at the running back one-on-one good leg that. Linebacker/Edge rusher and running back Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook among all FBS linebackers back seven the! Stay healthy and live up to his dominance on passing downs he has prototype size for a side. Productive last year with an 82.4 overall grade through Week 4, third among Power Five program 2020 class snaps. Of the 2022 season finished junior campaign with 150 tackles, Five,. Earned a 90.2 coverage grade since 2019 ranks fifth among active Power Five program engage and drive. Pffs NCAA Power ratings based on weekly player grades in each facet of play who looked solid as big-bodied!