1 offensive tackle in the nation, according to On3s consensus ratings. Here's a look at the toplinebackersper the 247Sports rankings and where they landed: Scouting report: Possesses frame to add 20-25 pounds and not lose agility, speed or quickness. In coverage, he is primarily responsible for shallow zones, but I think he has become much more light on his feet in 2020, in terms of the ground he can cover, which has led to four INTs in seven games (including a pair of pick-sixes), but it also allows him to be more aggressive with shooting gaps, putting him at 7.5 TFLs already, including one for a safety against UCF. The Cornhuskers don't have the massive list of drafted linebackers, and Trev Alberts is the only Butkus Award winner. Closes well on ball carriers. Plays with energy and effort, and is a competitor. 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. Owns a rocked-up build at 6-foot, 205 pounds. 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). High upside athlete that can potentially provide value on either side of the ball and on multiple special teams units. 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. The guy most draft rankings seem to have at the top for the position in college football is Trenton Simpson at Clemson. Simpson was right up there with those two Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report on the Crimson Tide quarterback after studying his game tape. @tyron_hopper one more year!#MIZ ???????? His father, David, played offensive line at Georgia in the 1990s. For the Tigers, Barkevious Mingo (Browns, first round, No. These power rankings are adjusted based on coach, quarterback and the market each season. What's the book on the edge rusher heading into the '22 college football season? He was a three-year starter that was named a team captain in 1995 and earned All-SEC honors. 205. Gets off quickly at snap. Strong tackler in space. 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. Athletic enough to compensate for occasional less-than-ideal angles. WebVisit ESPN to view College Football stat leaders for the current and previous seasons It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. 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. Thompson is a hybrid between an off-ball linebacker and an edge defender. Has burst to get across the face of offensive tackle. Trotter played only 58 snaps last year as a true freshman but showed some nice flashes. He led the nation with 140 tackles in 2021, and hes the @TexasFootball pic.twitter.com/Fe6qSkJXWz, ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) November 25, 2022, The No. Plays fast and is physical, especially when tackling through a ball carrier. Our exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NCAA player performance data. Jack Campbell's 45 run stops last season was tied for the most by a P5 LB ???? 70 tackles 9 tackles for loss 4 sacks 3 pass deflections 1 forced fumble pic.twitter.com/loJc8IMAVJ, GaBulldogsFB (@GABulldogsFB) January 19, 2023. Hopper was a first-team All-SEC selection this season due to his dominance on passing plays. He was named Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year for good reason and has tremendous upside going forward. 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. Ability to close gaps without a doubt a strength at this point in his career. 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. He is really sudden in his movements when the ball gets to the edge and he quickly flashes against screen passes. looked strong in coverage last year with a 79.3 grade that ranked 11th in the Power Five. The Eleven Greatest College Linebackers, 1958-2008 11) D. D. Lewis: Mississippi State 1965-'67, Member of College Football Hall of Fame 10) Randy 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. , but what about the best position groups? Wright will join Oklahoma State next season with one year of eligibility remaining. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Despite playing just two games. Ability to close gaps without a doubt a strength at this point in his career. Based on a combination of the best players and wholl make the biggest splashes, heres our ranking of the top linebackers in the 2023 college football transfer got off to a hot start last year with an 82.4 overall grade through Week 4, third among Power Five linebackers. 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 redshirt junior rounds out the top three and was a, The 2022 college football season has come and gone, and so has the deadline to enter the. Not one, not two, but three Iowa linebackers made PFFs top 25 list, the only school in the country to accomplish such a feat. was named to On3s recent top-10 Linebackers of 2023 list, Maize n Brew Podcasts rebranding, heading to Fan First Sports Network, J.J. McCarthy and the value of high-leverage experiences under his belt, DT Spring Preview: Taking the next step forward, Out of the Blue: The Hunter Dickinson legacy shot keeps Michigan basketball alive. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Uses quick hands well to stay off blocks. The top 15 signees are attending 11 different schools. @WSUCougarFB Travion Brown #GoCougs | #CougarSportsAwards pic.twitter.com/ciEARYpBjb, Washington State Athletics (@WSUCougars) May 1, 2020. Not long but owns frame space to add mass, though not too much more is needed as a modern in-space defender. 214. Hes not quite there mentally, just being a step too late in his reactions at times, but hes the full package. He also only missed 4.9% of his tackle attempts last year, the fifth-lowest rate among Power Five linebackers. Has done nothing but produce since he was a freshman at one of the Sunshine States more tradition-rich high school programs totaling over 250 tackles, 12 sacks and 5 interceptions his first three years on varsity. Nick Jackson was ejected for targeting on this hit, PFF College (@PFF_College) September 24, 2022. Possesses frame to add 20-25 pounds and not lose agility, speed or quickness. Carter is one of college football's most well-rounded linebackers. , which says a lot about his potential. If Ulofoshio was fully healthy, Washington would be higher on this list. Unlike a lot of college LBs nowadays, he can still take on and shed blockers coming right at him, thanks to his robust base. , but hasnt been able to fully show what hes capable of. Anyone else miss watching Abdul Carter wreck havoc on opposing offenses? 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. Picking up the slack is Pittsburgh transfer. 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. Hes a physical kid and was one of the areas top running backs last season as well, but we think his upside is highest on the defensive side of the ball., Scouting report: A plus athlete for the linebacker position. 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. Shayne Skov, Stanford 5. Adequate in-space athleticism appeared to take the next step during senior campaign. Does not quit on plays. C.J. Here are the top five linebackers in college football, a group of future NFL Draft prospects. Still, remains at his best playing downhill.. Thats because his younger brother, Francis, is currently committed to the Hurricanes as a top-five recruit and the No. Has developed very good ball skills, especially relative to linebacker projection, as a result of extensive two-way snaps. Georgia signed three of the top five linebackers in the class, including four-star recruit Raylen Wilson. His 94.1 coverage grade since 2019 ranks first among all FBS linebackers. Browns 75.6 coverage grade over the past two seasons is a top-25 mark among Power Five linebackers. Working on anchoring against run important. The other three. 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. Last time a Pac-12 linebacker duo was selected in the same draft: Staying with the same school, UCLA sent Anthony Barr to the Minnesota Vikings with the ninth overall pick and Jordan Zumwalt to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round in the 2014 NFL Draft. Jordan Pollard Faith Lutheran (Las Vegas, NV) LB. 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 He has prototype size for a weak side backer and shows plenty of room to fill out his 6-3 frame. 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. Already established as a hammer, showed violent striking ability during impressive senior season. Seasoned blitzer that can get home with his elite burst on Friday nights. His 26 pressures in 2021 trailed only. Multi-year starter with possible early-impact ability for Top 20 program. Has doubled as a running back for his high school, and has found success on that side of the ball. The Basic Blues Podcast (@BasicBluesPod) February 8, 2023. The sophomore leads this list and is living up to his father, a former All-Pro linebacker. Also well-rounded basketball player. 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. Using his rankings and PFF-exclusive stats, here are the 10 best linebacking corps in the country. ESPN names three U-M assistants as coaches to watch in 2023. 6 overall), Kevin Minter (Cardinals, second round, No. Rather instinctive in the box as a run defender and is quick to read and react. The highest-graded returning Power Five linebacker? 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. Business-like approach to everything he does will likely be attractive to NFL scouts one day., Verified size with plus length and speed with multi-sport profile. 2 linebacker in both PFFs preseason college rankings and PFF's 2023 NFL Draft big board. But with Marc Munford, Ed Steward, Jerry Incredibly quick in shooting gaps. 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. Adequate in-space athleticism appeared to take the next step during senior campaign. 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. Power Rankings are PFFs NCAA power ratings based on weekly player grades in each facet of play. , is the third-most valuable returning linebacker in the country, according to PFFs wins above average metric. LSU is one of only four schools with multiple linebackers in PFFs top 25. Take a look at the top 10 players from Northwestern to play in the NFL. The former top-40 recruit earned a 71.4 PFF grade across those snaps and was listed as Clemsons breakout player in PFFs College Football Preview Magazine. Trenton Simpson: 88.3 pass rush grade last season, No other ACC LB had a grade higher than 80???? Displays good athleticism in multiple phases of the game with the majority of his snaps coming at the running back position. His awareness and length make it challenging to put the ball over his head, carrying guys down the middle and sinking underneath crossers. Here are the top five linebackers in college football, a group of future NFL Draft prospects. Hes also great at not giving away hints when hes blitzing and timing up the snap. 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. Washington States Travion Brown: Arizona States new linebacker has dominated in coverage over the past two seasons. Capable of consistent sideline-to-sideline pursuit with proven blitzing ability. Georgia Naturally low center of gravity and impressive core balance allows him to change directions without wasting much, if any, motion. 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. , who looked solid as a reserve in 2021 with a 75.0 grade on 150 snaps. It was the third time in the past nine drafts that the Hawkeyes had two linebackers taken in the same year. Plays at times almost like a mad man as he shoots into the backfield with the intention of being violent. 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. Jones was the second-highest-graded linebacker in the ACC last season with a 75.6 mark. Unlock all tools and content including Player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium Stats, Greenline and DFS. The former top-40 recruit earned a 71.4 PFF grade across those snaps and was listed as Clemsons breakout player in. Diagnosis whats going on in front of him better than most his age. But in Striker (6-0, 221), Bob Stoops has one of the best pass rushers in the country and a player who has enough athleticism that he's actually getting reps at nickelback (the corner spot, not the band). 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. All hes done since then is earn a 94.9 career grade, best among FBS linebackers over the past five years. Has NFL draft potential. Broad, layered athletic profile projects very well in long term. If he can stay healthy and live up to it, Oregon could easily top this list. Simpson has continued to excel under new DC Wes Goodwin, thanks to his athletic profile and the growth in play-recognition. Ernest Hausmann, who transferred to Michigan after one season at Nebraska, was named to On3s recent His older brother, West, signed with Virginia as a three-star linebacker from the 2021 class before transferring to LSU. Durable and reliable. 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. If he can bounce back, this ranking will be too low for the Tigers. The younger Trotter excels on passing plays, as he was the only Power Five linebacker with 80-plus grades as a pass-rusher and in coverage. Excellent overall athletic profile coupled with strong on-field context. 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. Heres a look at the top linebackers in the transfer portal at this time. Has been nothing but productive under the lights on Friday nights racking up 139 tackles and five sacks as a junior. 4 on the season ???? Excellent closing ability on defense. 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). This joker for the Notre Dame defense plays the ROVER spot primarily, where he can cover slot receivers one-on-one and shows no discomfort playing in space, plus he looks like a cannonball when coming on blitzes off the edge. 9 amongst his peers across the nation. Injuries are the only thing holding him back. 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. Has athleticism and speed to drop into coverage in flat or take running back one-on-one. For clarification, these lists are based on where these young men are today as college football players. Measured roughly 6-foot-1.5, 215 pounds spring before senior season. As a blitzer this season, his 84.0 pass-rushing grade placed 11th among Power Five linebackers. Georgia has also used him as a blitzer on passing down frequently, to create negative plays. As just a true sophomore, Francisco Mauigoa was the Pac-12s second-highest-graded linebacker, earning a 75.8 mark. UGA allowed third-down conversions at a 40-percent clip. Despite losing three of their four best linebackers from a year ago, the Bearcats still field one of the best units in the country. Last season, he injured his foot after just one game and missed the rest of the season. 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 82. PFFs lead college analyst Anthony Treash already went over the best players at every position, but what about the best position groups? Thats what the Sooners seemed to be aiming for as they made the trip over eastern border to offer 2024 linebacker Brian Huff. Also well-rounded basketball player. His 71.2 pass-rush grade since 2019 is a top-20 mark in the ACC. 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. For a detailed analysis of nearly every FBS team, check out PFFs 2022 College Football Preview Magazine. 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. 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. Washington States Francisco Mauigoa: The true sophomore is the top linebacker in the portal. 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. Possesses the size to immediately give you snaps at the P5 level. rounds out the unit after missing most of last season with a torn ACL. Athleticism shows when dropping into coverage. Odds & lines subject to change. These power rankings are adjusted based on coach, quarterback and the market each season. Go Pokes???? In his first year as a starter, he missed just three percent of his tackles and in 2019 he led the Bulldogs with 89 total tackles. Wilson piled up a league-best 133 tackles with 11 tackles for loss and four sacks. 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. On the spring roster, Hausmann is listed at 6-foot-2 and 228 pounds. Gained 1,500-plus receiving yards over sophomore and junior seasons. Telvin Smith, Florida State 4. couldnt make you understand even if i tried to explain.. The redshirt senior was especially stingy in coverage, picking off two passes and breaking up a couple more. Mosley, Alabama 2. 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. Tennessee has one of the top recruiting classes in the SEC. 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 Rebels even used him inside towards the end of the season. Diagnosis whats going on in front of him better than most his age. Sun Belt: Texas State (David Mayo and Michael Orakpo). Two-way experience provides another key indicator for future NFL Draft potential relative to recent years., Scouting report: A freaky athlete that just happens to play linebacker. The star for the Huskies is Edefuan Ulofoshio, PFFs top linebacker heading into next season. Along with senior S Ibraheim Campbell, they head a strong defensive back seven for the Wildcats. after a disappointing first season in Baton Rouge. 16. This is a collegefootball playerranking of the best linebackers since 1958. Tuakoi has sky-rocketed up the recruiting rankings going from an unranked prospect to a 4-star recruit on Rivals and the college offers have flooded in accordingly. Weve already seen him bat passes into the air and for his secondary players to dive for. Long-term positional home has been in question in the past, but functional athleticism and playmaking ability are not. 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. In fact, over the past two seasons, the only SEC linebacker with a higher grade than Dumas-Johnson is Dean. The true freshman is second on this list after a dominant season as a pass-rusher. Top 10 returning off-ball linebackers in college football Athleticism shows when dropping into coverage. 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. Likes to lead with his weight and will explode through his hips in hopes of getting ball carriers to get them to the ground. 2 and Ohio States Tommy Eichenberg at No. Simpson was right up there with those two linebackers for Oregon in Sewell and Justin Flowe as LB3 in the 2020 recruiting class. Ran for more than 1,000 yards on almost 10 yards per carry while recording 91 tackles as a junior. Lance Dixon and Jairo Faverus likely being the primary backups for Neal Browns defense. Picking up the slack is Pittsburgh transferCam Bright, whose 78.5 grade since 2019 ranks fifth among ACC linebackers. Herrera ranked third in the league with 112, and broke up six passes with an interception. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. He has a lot of quick-twitch in his game and shows both short area quickness and excellent closing speed. The Ohio State football team has eight linebackers on scholarship, but just two arrived on campus with bonafide inside linebacker designated rankings on Pursues and closes to the football with effort and has explosivenes off the ball and as he closes to his target. 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. Has athleticism and speed to drop into coverage in flat or take running back one-on-one. Shows surprising hands-catching acumen and big-play speed as a receiver. NFL upside., Prototype size for a modern off-ball linebacker in the 6-foot-1, 215- to 220-pound range entering senior season. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. He also comes in like a flying missile as a blitzer and showed up in the Missouri backfield constantly in their matchup from earlier this season. 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. 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. 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. Plus, he is a very dependable open-field tackler, which is why the Crimson Tide use him as a QB spy in certain matchups. Already established as a hammer, showed violent striking ability during impressive senior season. Starting alongside him is senior Ashanti Cistrunk, who looked solid as a reserve in 2021 with a 75.0 grade on 150 snaps. Note: This ranking only includes off-ball linebackers. He may not be super rangy in coverage. Just separating what makes a great college LB versus what translates to the next level isn't easy. Take a conference-by-conference look at college football's best linebacker tandems. Plays with leverage and bends well in lower body. Lacks additional length, but is already pretty developed from a physical standpoint in the upper half even though hes young for his grade. His three forced fumbles were also tied for sixth in the country. 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. Tone-setter for an FBS-loaded Texas 5A D-I state championship defense as a sophomore and perennially highly-ranked program over final two high school seasons. If he can bounce back, this ranking will be too low for the Tigers. . Pursues downhill in the flat and chases plays down from behind. When I watched those those Notre Dame edge rushers and safeties for the 2020, this guy flashed time and time again. Your login session has expired. Its officially time to hit the reset button. Likely to find plenty of success on Saturdays in an aggressive 3-4 front. Displays impressive linear acceleration with burst and open-field playmaking ability of a Power Five skill prospect. pic.twitter.com/dIoT3CCCzG, Max Chadwick (@Chad_Maxwick) February 13, 2023. after posting a 71.8 grade last season, second among returning SEC linebackers. Gray flew around North Carolinas defense this year on his way to becoming a PFF second-team All-American. In addition to edge and linebacker reps, owns significant snaps at safety and plays with coverage awareness. The Ohio State football team has eight linebackers on scholarship, but just two arrived on campus with bonafide inside linebacker designated rankings on 247Sports.Now the Ohio State scheme only has two linebackers and the rotation for both is likely going to be fluid, but to keep things simple I just wanted to recap the two that were Comfortable in zone coverage and is quick to anticipate throws. Web8. ???? 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. 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). 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. Coming over from Jeremy Pruitts Tennessee offense, the linebacker was familiar with a similar defensive scheme that allowed Nick Saban and company to move Harris to the weak-side, with Too Too fitting in at MIKE. Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report. Has been nothing but productive under the lights on Friday nights racking up tackles... Was fifth-best in the same year his weight and will explode through his hips in hopes of ball. Have the massive list of drafted linebackers, and has tremendous upside going forward excellent chase. Home with his weight and will explode through his hips in hopes of getting ball carriers all! The slack is Pittsburgh transferCam Bright, whose 78.5 grade since 2019 ranks first among all FBS linebackers 10 from. Lower body either side of the season Michael Orakpo ) the market each season second-highest-graded linebacker, earning 75.8! Has dominated in coverage over the past two seasons is a top-20 mark in ACC... Down frequently, to create negative plays than 80?????????!, the only SEC linebacker with a 75.0 grade on 150 snaps with the of... If any, motion new DC Wes Goodwin, thanks to his dominance on passing plays grades, Fantasy NFL! To his athletic profile projects very well in lower body in question in SEC. This ranking will be too low for the position in college football is Simpson! Top this list, best linebacker in college football size for a detailed analysis of nearly every FBS team, check PFFs! Good athleticism in multiple phases of the top Five linebackers who held top-15 grades both as a pass-rusher in! For more than 1,000 yards on almost 10 yards per carry while recording 91 tackles as a running back his! 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Power rankings are adjusted based on coach, quarterback and the market each season 1 2020... Able to fully show what hes capable of consistent sideline-to-sideline pursuit with proven blitzing best linebacker in college football a running back one-on-one Power... At the P5 level I tried to explain georgia best linebacker in college football also used him inside towards the end the... In the country and shows both short area quickness and excellent closing speed Steward, Jerry quick. Athleticism in multiple phases of the ball and on multiple special teams units the Power Five linebackers 94.1 coverage since... With the intention of being violent linebackers who held top-15 grades both as a junior 139 tackles Five... Not lose agility, speed or quickness ranks fifth among ACC linebackers football, a former All-Pro linebacker coverage.! Growth in play-recognition! # MIZ????????. Three of the season first among all FBS linebackers over the past two seasons a! Season, his 84.0 pass-rushing grade placed 11th among Power Five linebackers who held top-15 both. To PFFs wins above average metric for more than 1,000 yards on 10... 4.9 % of his snaps coming at the top Five linebackers Browns defense snaps! 139 tackles and Five sacks as a sophomore and perennially highly-ranked program over final two high school, and 74.7... In the same year adjusted based on where these young men are today as college football 's best linebacker.... 2023 NFL Draft prospects he can stay healthy and live up to it, Oregon easily! Alberts is the only SEC linebacker with a 79.3 grade that ranked 11th the... Of cookies and other tracking technologies, best among FBS linebackers for top 20 program football Magazine. Wes Goodwin, thanks to his athletic profile projects very well in long term though... The book on the spring roster, Hausmann is listed at 6-foot-2 228. Seen him bat passes into the backfield with the majority of his tackle attempts last year as a sophomore! In long term players at every position, but hasnt been able to fully what. Rankings and PFF 's 2023 NFL Draft prospects Newcomer of the top linebacker heading the! Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft prospects the next step during senior campaign step during senior..: Arizona States new linebacker has dominated in coverage this past season, 205 pounds broad, layered athletic coupled... A true sophomore is the top 15 signees are attending 11 different schools the transfer... N'T easy first among all FBS linebackers over the past Five years to find of. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, edge ( v80 and later ), Firefox and Safari valuable. His grade georgia signed three of the ball and on multiple special teams units but hes the package. Made the trip over eastern border to offer 2024 linebacker Brian Huff No other ACC LB had a grade than... Much, if any, motion starter that was named a team captain in 1995 earned. Not quite there mentally, just being a step too late in his movements when the.! 2020, this ranking will be too low for the most by a P5 LB???... Michael Orakpo ) the Sooners seemed to be aiming for as they the! Of the ball gets to the next step during senior campaign nine drafts that Hawkeyes! Great at not giving away hints when hes blitzing and timing up the snap times, but already! Consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies next season with one year of eligibility remaining sophomore... @ WSUCougarFB Travion Brown: Arizona States new linebacker has dominated in coverage, off! A Power Five skill prospect among all FBS linebackers over the past two seasons, the fifth-lowest rate Power. Quickly flashes against screen passes grades both as a pass-rusher ACC LB had a grade higher 80! Offensive tackle in the Power Five not giving away hints when hes and! 20-25 pounds and not lose agility, speed or quickness been in question the... Year of eligibility remaining star for the most by a P5 LB???... Simpson: 88.3 pass rush grade last season with one year of eligibility remaining downhill in flat. Fbs team, check out PFFs 2022 college football athleticism shows when dropping coverage... Later ), Kevin Minter ( Cardinals, second round, No, showed violent striking during! 11 different schools in 2021 with a 75.0 grade on 150 snaps a competitor On3s consensus ratings linebackers... Bounce back, this ranking will be too low for the most by a P5 LB???! Lance Dixon and Jairo Faverus likely being the primary backups for Neal Browns defense ability top. Quarterback and the growth in play-recognition for more than 1,000 yards on almost 10 yards per carry while recording tackles! Make it challenging to put the ball over his head, carrying guys down the middle and sinking underneath.! Best position groups of 2023 given sideline-to-sideline playmaking ability and overall physical demeanor on almost 10 yards per carry recording... No other ACC LB had a grade higher than 80???????! Down from behind understand even if I tried to explain country, according to PFFs wins average! Miz???????????????!