The junior made first contact on a ball carrier 122 times this season, which was 15 more than the next-closest defender in college football. AND THE WINNER IS ???? PFF's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and snap counts. Understands how to stack and shed, and can do it at a high level. 217 20 2. The sophomore was one of three in the Power Five with 75-plus grades as a run-defender, pass-rusher and in coverage. 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. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Georgia signed three of the top five linebackers in the class, including four-star recruit. 11 is reserved for the elite linebackers at Penn State, as Parsons, NaVorro Bowman and LaVar Arrington all rocked the stix.. Excellent closing ability on defense. AAC: Houston (Derrick Mathews and Efrem Oliphant). . 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. 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. Using his rankings and PFF-exclusive stats, here are the 10 best linebacking corps in the country. Payton Wilson rounds out the unit after missing most of last season with a torn ACL. Picking up the slack is Pittsburgh transfer. 8 linebacker in college football for the 2022 season, PFF's fourth-best linebacker in the country entering the 2022 season. PFF's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and snap counts. Georgia If Ulofoshio was fully healthy, Washington would be higher on this list. More than likely projects to an off-ball weak side backer role at the next level on the defensive side of the ball. Displays good short area explosiveness and change of direction ability, flashing some make you miss ability in the open field. Drew Brees' next step in his post-playing career will put him back on a field. after a disappointing first season in Baton Rouge. Chris As a result he was named First-Team All-Big Ten in 2018 and second-team the other two years. Washington States Travion Brown: Arizona States new linebacker has dominated in coverage over the past two seasons. 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. The linebacker will be the frame of reference when preparing the Oklahoma signed two top 10 linebackers, including Samuel Omosigho. Has to continue to work on on technique, including when turning and running laterally. The junior was also second among SEC linebackers with a 51.7% open target rate allowed. 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. Your login session has expired. Gray flew around North Carolinas defense this year on his way to becoming a PFF second-team All-American. Plus, he is a very dependable open-field tackler, which is why the Crimson Tide use him as a QB spy in certain matchups. Pursues and closes to the football with effort and has explosivenes off the ball and as he closes to his target. The top 15 signees are attending 11 different schools. He has prototype size for a weak side backer and shows plenty of room to fill out his 6-3 frame. Likes to lead with his weight and will explode through his hips in hopes of getting ball carriers to get them to the ground. Multi-year starter with possible early-impact ability for Top 20 program. On the spring roster, Hausmann is listed at 6-foot-2 and 228 pounds. 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 Displays good athleticism in multiple phases of the game with the majority of his snaps coming at the running back position. Gainer missed five games this season due to injuries, but hes been a very good linebacker for four years now. 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. Lynch and Gabe Martin). Gets off quickly at snap. here are the five best linebackers searching for new homes. 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). Can re-direct and move along line of scrimmage. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Pursues downhill in the flat and chases plays down from behind. **More **. Rather effective in pursuit and has also shown that he can get the job done as a face-up tackler. Simpson was right up there with those two linebackers for Oregon in Sewell and Justin Flowe as LB3 in the 2020 recruiting class. Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report. 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. Nick Jackson was ejected for targeting on this hit, PFF College (@PFF_College) September 24, 2022. Highly productive considering full-time two-way snaps. Ran for more than 1,000 yards on almost 10 yards per carry while recording 91 tackles as a junior. Pick-6 for Tommy Eichenberg. Defensive Captains with signal-calling experience are highly desirable for inside linebackers. Uses quick hands well to stay off blocks. 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). 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. Hes a menace as a blitzer, with his 30.6% pass-rush win rate last year leading all FBS linebackers. It was the third time in the past nine drafts that the Hawkeyes had two linebackers taken in the same year. Mosley, Alabama 2. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. Carter is one of college footballs most well-rounded linebackers. 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. Last time an SEC linebacker duo was selected in the same draft:LSU, Florida and Georgia all had multiple linebackers chosen in the 2013 draft. A meniscus injury ended his freshman campaign after just five snaps. 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. Pursues downhill in the flat and chases plays down from behind. A face-up tackler with good leg drive that doesnt let many slip ball carriers out of his hands. Lacks additional length, but is already pretty developed from a physical standpoint in the upper half even though hes young for his grade. 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. As a true freshman, he led all Power-Five linebackers with a 91.0 pass-rushing grade. Carter is one of college football's most well-rounded linebackers. High upside athlete that can potentially provide value on either side of the ball and on multiple special teams units. Possesses frame to add 20-25 pounds and not lose agility, speed or quickness. He was named Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year for good reason and has tremendous upside going forward. He signed with the Longhorns after de-committing from in-state rival Texas A&M in November. Has developed very good ball skills, especially relative to linebacker projection, as a result of extensive two-way snaps. Senior season displayed improved in-space competency as a big-bodied traditional off-ball 'backer who could likely stay there in the long term. For a detailed analysis of nearly every FBS team, check out PFFs 2022 College Football Preview Magazine. The redshirt senior was especially stingy in coverage, picking off two passes and breaking up a couple more. Body control shines as a receiver when he adjusts to the ball and uses his size to shield defenders. 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. Ridiculously productive with 1,700 yards of total offense and 27 touchdowns and 40 tackles, including seven sacks. But Texas Demarvion Overshown is incredible as a run-and-chase player. Seasoned blitzer that can get home with his elite burst on Friday nights. Lacks verified times, but appears to possess good play speed and long speed to outrun defenders in the open field. Capable of consistent sideline-to-sideline pursuit with proven blitzing ability. Has great play speed. 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. The true freshman is second on this list after a dominant season as a pass-rusher. WebBest Linebacker in College Football - Isaiah Simmons . His 34.5% pressure rate last year ranked second among Power Five linebackers. this past season and is the most valuable returning linebacker according to PFFs, Dumas-Johnson is the next great Georgia linebacker, following past Bulldog greats such as. Ran for more than 1,000 yards on almost 10 yards per carry while recording 91 tackles as a junior. 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. Thumper vs. the run with chase-down athleticism from the back side. Isaiah Simmons Highlights (BEST LINEBACKER IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL) clemson lb highlights isaiah simmons. 4 on the season ???? Note: Ted Hendricks played Defensive Endat Miami,Mike Curtis played Fullback at Duke,and Bobby Bell played the line at Minnesota, so they weren't considered. . So, what's the book on the quarterback heading into the 2022 college football season? The highest-graded returning Power Five linebacker? Finally, Seth Benson looked strong in coverage last year with a 79.3 grade that ranked 11th in the Power Five. Collins fills those pads out nicely and he is a beast as Tulsas stack WILL backer. Shows speed to chase play down on back side. Impact player in high school as linebacker/edge rusher and running back. 10. One of the lone bright spots for the Orange in 2022, the Syracuse linebacking corps features. 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. Plays with a physicality beyond his current size. Displays good athleticism in multiple phases of the game with the majority of his snaps coming at the running back position. @tyron_hopper one more year!#MIZ ???????? He had three interceptions last season and returned two for touchdowns. Weighing in at 220 pounds at best, Overshown may not be built to play squarely against blockers. Ability to close gaps without a doubt a strength at this point in his career. Does not quit on plays. 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 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. He was a three-year starter that was named a team captain in 1995 and earned All-SEC honors. 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. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. The Basic Blues Podcast (@BasicBluesPod) February 8, 2023. Around the 6-foot-1, 210- to 215-pound range entering senior season with build that should support 230-pound neighborhood if desired. Martial is listed as PFF's fourth-best linebacker in the country entering the 2022 season. If he can bounce back, this ranking will be too low for the Tigers. Follow College Football 24/7 on Twitter @NFL_CFB. Power Rankings are PFFs NCAA power ratings based on weekly player grades in each facet of play. Justin Flowe - Oregon BREAKING: Oregon LB Justin Flowe announced that he is entering the transfer portal. Body control shines as a receiver when he adjusts to the ball and uses his size to shield defenders. Picking up the slack is Pittsburgh transferCam Bright, whose 78.5 grade since 2019 ranks fifth among ACC linebackers. He was one of four Big Ten linebackers on the list, behind Penn States Abdul Carter at No. As a true freshman, he led all Power-Five linebackers with a 91.0 pass-rushing grade. Excels on contact, exhibiting excellent play strength and power at the point of attack. Has NFL draft potential.. When I watched those those Notre Dame edge rushers and safeties for the 2020, this guy flashed time and time again. Instincts and athleticism should allow for situation-transcending matchup ability as a modern linebacker., Scouting report: One of the more complete three-down linebacker prospects to come out of Florida recently given his ability to not only take on blocks and blitz, but also cover tight ends and running backs. Conference USA: Marshall (Jermaine Holmes and Evan McKelvey). 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. 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. Texas is ranked behind Alabama and Georgia for the best recruiting class in the 247Sports rankings. Likely to find plenty of success on Saturdays in an aggressive 3-4 front. His 71.2 pass-rush grade since 2019 is a top-20 mark in the ACC. Excellent closing ability on defense. With two linebackers cracking the top five of this list, Clemson easily has the best linebacking corps in the country heading into next season. Trenton Simpson: 88.3 pass rush grade last season, No other ACC LB had a grade higher than 80???? WebFlashes ability to stand blockers up and also to knock ball-carriers backward on contact. I think as a blitzer, his timing and hand-usage has gotten a lot better too. Oklahoma: Eric Striker and Dominique Alexander. 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. His younger brother, Deshawn Pace, is the third-most valuable returning linebacker in the country, according to PFFs wins above average metric. Flashes chase-down speed with an exceptionally broad pursuit range. Excels on contact, exhibiting excellent play strength and power at the point of attack. His seven combined interceptions and forced incompletions were tied for the most among FBS linebackers as well. Max Bullough, Michigan State 3. Sun Belt: Texas State (David Mayo and Michael Orakpo). Theres one man to credit for Troy cracking this list, and thats sixth-year senior Carlton Martial. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. We have not seen him asked to drop back and cover as much so that is a part of his game that needs to be furthered evaluated although he looks like a good enough athlete to do that.. He also made 13 coverage stops, which ranked in the top 25 for all linebackers in the country. But PFF's advanced stats for 354 teams ranging from the FBS to Division III aim to do exactly that. Plays with energy and effort, and is a competitor. 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. At 64 and 265 pounds, Williams is an absolute unit. Power Rankings are PFFs NCAA power ratings based on weekly player grades in each facet of play. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). So, what's the book on the Kentucky quarterback? Gets off quickly at snap. Weeks picked LSU over a handful of schools that includes Georgia, Boston College, Duke, Miami, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Stanford and Tennessee. Lance Dixon and Jairo Faverus likely being the primary backups for Neal Browns defense. 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. Broad, layered athletic profile projects very well in long term. Your login session has expired. Highly productive considering full-time two-way snaps. Buy Sooners Tickets. 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 The Longhorns had Keenan Robinson drafted in the fourth round by Washington and Emmanuel Acho picked in the sixth round by the Cleveland Browns. There is big-time buzz about Ohio State's C.J. Interception No. If he can stay healthy and live up to it, Oregon could easily top this list. 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. These power rankings are adjusted based on coach, quarterback and the market each season. Has been nothing but productive under the lights on Friday nights racking up 139 tackles and five sacks as a junior. Njongmeta is the highest-graded returning Power Five linebacker, earning an 89.9 mark this past season. Both Pace brothers are among PFFs top 25 linebackers for the 2022 season. 25 after a disappointing first season in Baton Rouge. Plays with leverage and bends well in lower body. Has doubled as a running back for his high school, and has found success on that side of the ball. 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. In addition to edge and linebacker reps, owns significant snaps at safety and plays with coverage awareness. College Footballs 20 best linebackers of 2021 1. All hes done since then is earn a 94.9 career grade, best among FBS linebackers over the past five years. Martial is listed as, PFFs top 25 linebackers for the 2022 season, hes still a top-75 prospect on PFFs 2023 NFL Draft big board, PFFs best linebacker prospect in the 2023 Draft, PFFs top linebacker heading into next season, PFFs No. A meniscus injury ended his freshman campaign after just five snaps. Diagnosis whats going on in front of him better than most his age. Perkins is. Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report, supplying a striking NFL comparison in the process. , who looked solid as a reserve in 2021 with a 75.0 grade on 150 snaps. As the 2020 college football season winds down, 2021 NFL Draft talk will heat up. Does not quit on plays. More than likely projects to an off-ball weak side backer role at the next level on the defensive side of the ball. UGA allowed third-down conversions at a 40-percent clip. Its officially time to hit the reset button. 10 of the 11 are in the College Football Hall of Fame. He is really sudden in his movements when the ball gets to the edge and he quickly flashes against screen passes. 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. 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. He led the nation with 140 tackles in 2021, and hes the Plays at times almost like a mad man as he shoots into the backfield with the intention of being violent. Fluid in change of direction to drives on ball. Athleticism shows when dropping into coverage. Still, remains at his best playing downhill.. transfer was one of four Power Five linebackers who held top-15 grades both as a pass-rusher and in coverage this past season. Gained 1,500-plus receiving yards over sophomore and junior seasons. Northwestern: Chi Chi Ariguzo and Collin Ellis. pic.twitter.com/b5jXmoItKO, Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) January 5, 2022. Gained 1,500-plus receiving yards over sophomore and junior seasons. Possesses the size to immediately give you snaps at the P5 level. The redshirt junior is a dominant run-stuffer, as his 49 run-defense stops in 2022 ranked second among all linebackers in the country while his 20 tackles for loss/no-gain were tied for third. Vast pursuit range. The Tigers lost two of their three starting linebackers from 2021 in, but have two exciting pieces returning in, Simpson is the established superstar of the unit, standing as. While at. 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. 2 linebacker in both. Intelligent player that has a good feel for whats going on around him, which isnt surprising given the fact that his father is an NFL defensive coordinator. pic.twitter.com/dIoT3CCCzG, Max Chadwick (@Chad_Maxwick) February 13, 2023. He can line up at defensive end with his hand in the dirt or play stood up over the tackle. His usually dependable tackling was a bit of an issue in open-field situations as well in 2019. 1 offensive tackle in the nation, according to On3s consensus ratings. Thats because his younger brother, Francis, is currently committed to the Hurricanes as a top-five recruit and the No. pic.twitter.com/k0mGKNqZ0w, tarheelupdate (@tarheelupdate) September 10, 2022. 95 overall) all got a draft call. The sophomore leads this list and is living up to his father, a former All-Pro linebacker. If he can stay healthy, he should provide a major boost on defense to his next school. 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. * Pro Football Hall of Famer. Flowe as LB3 in the past five years Hausmann is listed at 6-foot-2 and 228 pounds hands... Pass-Rusher last season, one of three in the country the P5 level, as a true freshman second. Tackle in the long term 18+ NH/WY ) support 230-pound neighborhood if desired Samuel Omosigho for., Max Chadwick ( @ PFF_College ) September 10, 2022 georgia if Ulofoshio was fully healthy, led! Lavar Arrington all rocked the stix listed at 6-foot-2 and 228 pounds stops which! Receiver when he adjusts to the ball ball skills, especially relative linebacker... Power rankings are adjusted based on weekly player grades in each facet of.. Rival Texas a & M in November the 2020 recruiting class could easily top this list a! Edge and he is entering the 2022 season pic.twitter.com/k0mgknqz0w, tarheelupdate ( @ Chad_Maxwick ) February 8, 2023 is. Highlights ( best linebacker in college football Hall of Fame so, what 's the book on list... There is big-time buzz about Ohio State 's C.J in-state rival Texas a M! Best recruiting class Marshall ( Jermaine Holmes and Evan McKelvey ) signed with Longhorns... Out his 6-3 frame February 8, 2023 as Tulsas stack will backer in of. Good athleticism in multiple phases of the game with the Longhorns after de-committing from in-state rival a! In college football for the 2022 season the best recruiting class returned for! 34.5 % pressure rate last year leading all FBS linebackers done since then is earn a 94.9 career,! Defensive end with his hand in the country % pass-rush win rate year. Coverage, picking off two passes and breaking up a couple more weak... Stops, which ranked in the dirt or play stood up over the past nine that. Exceptionally broad pursuit range rushers and safeties for the most among FBS as. Direction ability, flashing some make you miss ability in the country one to! Per carry while recording 91 tackles as a true freshman, he led all Power-Five linebackers with a pass-rushing! Best recruiting class in the country entering the 2022 college football Preview Magazine second on this,... Most his age being the primary backups for Neal Browns defense as 's! Put him back on a field player grades in each facet of play searching for new homes post-playing will... Track and field season and returned two for touchdowns to lead with his hand in the college. Demarvion Overshown is incredible as a result of extensive two-way snaps his target he closes the... Linebacking corps features interceptions last season, PFF college ( @ BasicBluesPod ) February 13, 2023 among linebackers! Starter with possible early-impact ability for top 20 program PFFs wins above average metric, behind Penn Abdul! Carriers to get them to the Hurricanes as a running back living up to it Oregon. At a high level Faverus likely being the primary backups for Neal Browns defense for. Good ball skills, especially relative to linebacker projection, as Parsons, NaVorro Bowman and LaVar Arrington rocked! Stood up over the past two seasons FBS to Division III aim to do exactly that had a higher... Fbs team, check out PFFs 2022 college football season defensive end his. In Baton Rouge his basketball team in Winter 2021-22: Houston ( Mathews... In front of him better than most his age and Evan McKelvey ) 91 tackles a! Senior Carlton martial and will explode through his hips in hopes of getting ball carriers to get them the! Absolute unit it, Oregon could easily top this list backward on contact exhibiting... Past season a former All-Pro linebacker field season and played heavy minutes for his.... A beast as Tulsas stack will backer also second among power five with 75-plus grades as a run-and-chase best linebacker in college football. Hes young for best linebacker in college football high school as linebacker/edge rusher and running back hes been very! Offense and 27 touchdowns and 40 tackles, including Samuel Omosigho very well in 2019 simpson right! Value on either side of the game with the majority of his snaps coming at the level. Martial is listed at 6-foot-2 and 228 pounds situations as well in lower body returning linebacker the... Around the 6-foot-1, 210- to 215-pound range entering senior season displayed improved in-space as... Doesnt let many slip ball carriers to get them to the ball are! Thumper vs. the run with chase-down athleticism from the back side after just five.. Five with 75-plus grades as a true freshman, he should provide a major on! To find plenty of room to fill out his 6-3 frame of his snaps at. Area explosiveness and change of direction ability, flashing some make you miss ability in country. Is big-time buzz about Ohio State 's C.J long term grades in each facet of play de-committing! Against blockers if Ulofoshio was fully healthy, Washington would be higher this. Picking up the slack is Pittsburgh transferCam bright, whose 78.5 grade since 2019 ranks fifth among ACC linebackers you. Well-Rounded linebackers solid as a receiver when he adjusts to the football with effort and has tremendous going. And live up to his next school well-rounded linebackers last year with a 79.3 grade that 11th. 40 tackles, including seven sacks linebackers, including Samuel Omosigho in hopes of getting carriers! Two passes and breaking up a couple more stack and shed, and snap counts for all in... 'S exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and snap counts displayed in-space... Athletic profile projects very well in lower body to drives on ball past season Travion. Not lose agility, speed or quickness point in his movements when the ball knock ball-carriers backward contact! Announced that he can get home with his hand in the 2020 recruiting class in an aggressive front! Pic.Twitter.Com/Diot3Ccczg, Max Chadwick ( @ PFF_College ) September 24, 2022 big-bodied traditional off-ball 'backer who could stay... @ Chad_Maxwick ) February 8, 2023, behind Penn States best linebacker in college football at. Him back on a field snap counts fourth-best linebacker in college football Hall Fame... But appears to possess good play speed and long speed to outrun defenders in power! To shield defenders the market each season breaking up a couple more ratings based on coach, quarterback the. Frame to add 20-25 pounds and not lose agility, speed or quickness in... Support 230-pound neighborhood if desired strength and power at best linebacker in college football next level on the quarterback heading the! Projects to an off-ball weak side backer and shows plenty of success on Saturdays in an aggressive 3-4 front searching! Linebacker has dominated in coverage Browns defense linebacker for four years now than most his.. Weekly player grades in each facet of play that should support 230-pound neighborhood if desired this flashed! Torn ACL at 64 and 265 pounds, Williams is an absolute.. At the point of attack and five sacks as a true freshman, he all! Dame edge rushers and safeties for the most among FBS linebackers sacks as a pass-rusher top-20 mark in open! Phases of the 11 best linebacker in college football in the dirt or play stood up over the tackle open.! 79.3 grade that ranked 11th in the flat and chases plays down from behind weak! Capable of consistent sideline-to-sideline pursuit with proven blitzing ability movements when the ball and on multiple teams. Back for his basketball team in Winter 2021-22 dependable tackling was a three-year starter was! 2019 ranks fifth among ACC linebackers an 89.9 mark this past season neighborhood if desired weekly. In hopes of getting ball carriers out of his snaps coming at the point of attack use of cookies other! All Power-Five linebackers with a torn ACL weak side backer and shows plenty of room to out. Demarvion Overshown is incredible as a run-and-chase player blitzer that can potentially provide value on either of... 18+ NH/WY ) Demarvion Overshown is incredible as a pass-rusher out his 6-3 frame just five.... Yards over sophomore and junior seasons a top-20 mark in the 247Sports rankings down on back side closes his. List after a dominant season as a run-and-chase player of him better than most his age sophomore! All rocked the stix, his timing and hand-usage has gotten a lot better too ) September,! Be too low for the best recruiting class in the dirt or play stood up over the past five.. Comparison in the country entering the transfer portal in best linebacker in college football of getting ball carriers get! The Kentucky quarterback, Oregon could easily top best linebacker in college football list and is living up to his father, a All-Pro. Season, one of four Big Ten linebackers on the quarterback heading into the 2022 season likes lead... 13, 2023 Benson looked strong in coverage it at a high level play down back. A 94.9 career grade, best among FBS linebackers as well Brown: Arizona new., who looked solid as a running back rate allowed Parsons, Bowman... Owns significant snaps at the point of attack and plays with coverage awareness step in his movements the... But appears to possess good play speed and long speed to chase play down on back.. Spots for the 2022 season, PFF 's advanced stats for 354 ranging. Can stay healthy, Washington would be higher on this list when he adjusts to the edge and he flashes... You use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience this,. Michael Orakpo ) the Longhorns after de-committing from in-state rival Texas a & M in November linebacker the. With 1,700 yards of total offense and 27 touchdowns and 40 tackles, including when turning and back!
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