He also made 13 coverage stops, which ranked in the top 25 for all linebackers in the country. 205. Carter picked Tennessee over a handful of other top programs that included Alabama, Ohio State, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Ole Miss, Oregon, Penn State and USC. Long-term positional home has been in question in the past, but functional athleticism and playmaking ability are not. His seven combined interceptions and forced incompletions were tied for the most among FBS linebackers as well. Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Tulsa Golden Hurricane linebacker Justin Wright (30) runs back an 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. Plays with a physicality beyond his current size. 15, the same number he wore at Nebraska. Telvin Smith, Florida State 4. Plays at times almost like a mad man as he shoots into the backfield with the intention of being violent. Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report. Plays fast and is physical, especially when tackling through a ball carrier. Still, remains at his best playing downhill.. His 94.1 coverage grade since 2019 ranks first among all FBS linebackers. In addition to edge and linebacker reps, owns significant snaps at safety and plays with coverage awareness. Iowa Hawkeyes. I think as a blitzer, his timing and hand-usage has gotten a lot better too. Last season, he injured his foot after just one game and missed the rest of the season. As a true freshman, he led all Power-Five linebackers with a 91.0 pass-rushing grade. As a true freshman, he led all Power-Five linebackers with a 91.0 pass-rushing grade. Size at one point was a bit of a concern, but lived in the weight room winter after junior season and bulked up significantly in the upper half. 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 For clarification, these lists are based on where these young men are today as college football players. One school to keep an eye out for Mauigoa is, . Justin Flowe has as much talent as any linebacker in college football, but he hasnt had any semblance of a break with injuries. 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. WebVisit ESPN to view College Football stat leaders for the current and previous seasons 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. Ulofoshio has missed 10 games over the past three years and will miss at least half of the 2022 season with a knee injury. That dropped to 55.3 last year, which ranked 112th in the Power Five. AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, (select parishes), MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY, CA-ONT only.Eligibility restrictions apply. Jackson excels downhill, leading all Power Five defenders with 96 run-defense stops over the past three seasons. Defensive leader for state title-winning team as junior. The highest-graded returning Power Five linebacker? Trenton Simpson: 88.3 pass rush grade last season, No other ACC LB had a grade higher than 80???? Adequate in-space athleticism appeared to take the next step during senior campaign. Georgia has also used him as a blitzer on passing down frequently, to create negative plays. The Ole Miss outside linebacker is built differently from other players on this list. Can engage and still drive legs to get around corner on blitz. More importantly, isnt afraid to crash the A or B gap, which is important for someone thats only 225 pounds. Last season, he injured his foot after just one game and missed the rest of the season. Michigan fans will get their first chance to watch Hausmann play in the Spring Game on Saturday, April 1 at the Big House. this season due to his dominance on passing plays. Already established as a hammer, showed violent striking ability during impressive senior season. Has athleticism and speed to drop into coverage in flat or take running back one-on-one. 6 overall), Kevin Minter (Cardinals, second round, No. 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. 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. USC's Caleb Williams was awarded the 2022 Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, adding an exclamation point to his electrifying first season with the Trojans. Incredibly quick in shooting gaps. It was the third time in the past nine drafts that the Hawkeyes had two linebackers taken in the same year. The true freshman is second on this list after a dominant season as a pass-rusher. 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. Clemsons Jeremiah Trotter Jr.: The sophomore leads this list and is living up to his father, a former All-Pro LSUs Harold Perkins Jr.: The true freshman is second on If you cant make it to the game in person, the game will be broadcast on Big Ten Network. Flashes chase-down speed with an exceptionally broad pursuit range. . The redshirt junior is a menace when coming downhill, as he was the only Power Five linebacker who earned 85-plus grades as both a pass-rusher and run-defender. 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. WebBest Linebacker in College Football - Isaiah Simmons . Finished junior campaign with 150 tackles, five INTs, four sacks, and three defensive TDs. Athleticism shows when dropping into coverage. Jestin Jacobs got off to a hot start last year with an 82.4 overall grade through Week 4, third among Power Five linebackers. Nick Jackson was ejected for targeting on this hit, PFF College (@PFF_College) September 24, 2022. 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. 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 at times almost like a mad man as he shoots into the backfield with the intention of being violent. 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. The Rebels pulled in one of the more underrated transfers this offseason in. He was named Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year for good reason and has tremendous upside going forward. 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. 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. You want height (61-63) and weight for an Inside Linebacker (ILB) to be around 220-245; to take on guards and h-backs. Flowe is the second-highest-rated recruit in Oregon history, behind only. 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. Shows speed to chase play down on back side. 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. , whose 78.5 grade since 2019 ranks fifth among ACC linebackers. Comfortable in zone coverage and is quick to anticipate throws. 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. High-level athlete also plays receiver. Using his rankings and PFF-exclusive stats, here are the 10 best linebacking corps in the country. Your login session has expired. in 2020, he earned a 90.2 coverage grade, which was first among Power Five linebackers. Willing to fight through double teams. Impact player in high school as linebacker/edge rusher and running back. Hes a menace as a blitzer, with his 30.6% pass-rush win rate last year leading all FBS linebackers. Picking up the slack is Pittsburgh transferCam Bright, whose 78.5 grade since 2019 ranks fifth among ACC linebackers. MWC: Utah State (Kyler Fackrell and Zach Vigil). He also only missed 4.9% of his tackle attempts last year, the fifth-lowest rate among Power Five linebackers. Moses has the speed to scrape over the top of blockers and take away angles towards the sideline, limiting the amount of big plays against the Crimson Tide defense. MAC: Bowling Green (D.J. Plays outside shoulder on the swing pass, creates good separation and delivers a nice tackle on the RB. Possesses the size to immediately give you snaps at the P5 level. 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. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Sewell has lived up to the hype and is the No. 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. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. The buzz: The Knights best linebacker, Tatum Bethune, transferred to Florida State. Shows quick hands to keep offensive linemen from getting inside. 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. Gained 1,500-plus receiving yards over sophomore and junior seasons. Pursues downhill in the flat and chases plays down from behind. More importantly, isnt afraid to crash the A or B gap, which is important for someone thats only 225 pounds. Also well-rounded basketball player. He has prototype size for a weak side backer and shows plenty of room to fill out his 6-3 frame. His three forced fumbles were also tied for sixth in the country. UCF, with Branden Jenning s (from Kansas State), Jason Johnson (Eastern Illinois) and Terrence Lewis (Maryland). As we head toward the 2022 college football season, the Will Levis hype train is picking up steam. 3 NC State 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. Hes a physical kid and was one of the a, reas top running backs last season as well, but we think his upside is highest on the defensive side of the ball., A plus athlete for the linebacker position. 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. 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. Excellent in chase mode as he can get outside the hashes and hawk down ball carriers of all different sizes. Still, remains at his best playing downhill.. The redshirt senior was especially stingy in coverage, picking off two passes and breaking up a couple more. ESPN names three U-M assistants as coaches to watch in 2023. The other three, Devin Lloyd, Nakobe Dean and Channing Tindall, all were taken within the first three rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft. So, what's the book on the quarterback heading into the 2022 college football season? His father, David, played offensive line at Georgia in the 1990s. The Cornhuskers don't have the massive list of drafted linebackers, and Trev Alberts is the only Butkus Award winner. pic.twitter.com/dIoT3CCCzG, Max Chadwick (@Chad_Maxwick) February 13, 2023. He has a lot of quick-twitch in his game and shows both short area quickness and excellent closing speed. Rice was called the next Roquan Smith after the All-American linebacker was drafted following the 2017 season. Around the 6-foot-1, 210- to 215-pound range entering senior season with build that should support 230-pound neighborhood if desired. Trotter played only 58 snaps last year as a true freshman but showed some nice flashes. The Basic Blues Podcast (@BasicBluesPod) February 8, 2023. 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. 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. 92. Has to continue to work on on technique, including when turning and running laterally. Must continue to improve play strength, which should happen once lifting and eating in college. Started to get some offensive snaps as a 12th grader and even returned punts and kicks for one of the more storied high school programs in Florida's Panhandle. 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. 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. 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. Traits and pro-like mentality suggests that he can emerge as a trusted contributor for a Top 25 program and eventually an impact player. Thompson is a hybrid between an off-ball linebacker and an edge defender. 11 is reserved for the elite linebackers at Penn State, as Parsons, NaVorro Bowman and LaVar Arrington all rocked the stix.. Lynch and Gabe Martin). Just missed the cut: Cameron McGrone (Michigan), Nick Bolton Dumas-Johnson is the next great Georgia linebacker, following past Bulldog greats such as Roquan Smith and Nakobe Dean. 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. The former Cornhusker had a solid game at the Big House last year and will now suit up in maize and blue. Weighing in at 220 pounds at best, Overshown may not be built to play squarely against blockers. 8 linebacker in college football for the 2022 season. Not only gets downhill in hurry, but will quickly sift through traffic and get outside the hashes to wrangle a ball carrier. couldnt make you understand even if i tried to explain.. Might need a developmental year or two, but has the makeup of a future impact off-ball linebacker for a Power Five program. UCLA: Myles Jack and Eric Kendricks. Power Rankings are PFFs NCAA power ratings based on weekly player grades in each facet of play. Hausmann was ranked No. Some of the re-ranks make sense, but others are rather odd. 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. pic.twitter.com/imK7rv2E0S, barrett carter (@bcsznn) February 8, 2023. 217 20 2. 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. Fluid in change of direction to drives on ball. 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. Likes to lead with his weight and will explode through his hips in hopes of getting ball carriers to get them to the ground. Owns a rocked-up build at 6-foot, 205 pounds. Not one, not two, but three Iowa linebackers made PFFs top 25 list, the Working on anchoring against run important. Check out the top 10 players from Georgia to play in the NFL. Plays with energy and effort, and is a competitor. 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. Plays with energy and effort, and is a competitor. Georgia: Ramik Wilson and Amarlo Herrera. So, when it was announced that Carter, a true freshman, would also wear that number, it raised some eyebrows. ???????? Browns 75.6 coverage grade over the past two seasons is a top-25 mark among Power Five linebackers. If Ulofoshio was fully healthy, Washington would be higher on this list. Broad, layered athletic profile projects very well in long term. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. With two linebackers cracking the top five of this list, Clemson easily has the best linebacking corps in the country heading into next season. Desire to make those around him better also a pretty unique trait in the year 2022. The linebacker will be the frame of reference when preparing the He has prototype size for a weak side backer and shows plenty of room to fill out his 6-3 frame. Njongmeta is the highest-graded returning Power Five linebacker, earning an 89.9 mark this past season. Northwestern: Chi Chi Ariguzo and Collin Ellis. 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. Hes actually on track for slightly better numbers this season. A face-up tackler with good leg drive that doesnt let many slip ball carriers out of his hands. But PFF's advanced stats for 354 teams ranging from the FBS to Division III aim to do exactly that. 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. 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. Follow College Football 24/7 on Twitter @NFL_CFB. Shows surprising hands-catching acumen and big-play speed as a receiver. The No. With that being said, you see him get shielded by slot receivers even on plenty of occasions (see USCs Amon-Ra St. Brown in 2019) and he leaves his feet too much as a tackler for my list in part because his play-strength isnt at the level of those 250-pound inside backers. 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. It was also the best single-season mark by a Power Five player in the PFF College era. As a result he was named First-Team All-Big Ten in 2018 and second-team the other two years. PFF's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and snap counts. pic.twitter.com/igZKc1F8YQ, Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) January 10, 2023. Nate Landman, Colorado: The former three-star prospect has blossomed into one of the most experienced and Best suited to play inside linebacker but possesses some traits to play outside. 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. Requisite height with good length and a big frame to add mass. Plays fast and is physical, especially when tackling through a ball carrier. Oklahoma signed two top 10 linebackers, including Samuel Omosigho. 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. Jones was the second-highest-graded linebacker in the ACC last season with a 75.6 mark. Vast pursuit range. Today it is the best pair of linebackers. Productive two-way play who plays on edge of 3-4 defense. 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. The West Virginia defense was a top unit in all of college football but they lost one of their top defenders in Tony Fields. There is big-time buzz about Ohio State's C.J. Durable and reliable. 2 linebacker in both. The junior was also second among SEC linebackers with a 51.7% open target rate allowed. NFL upside in an era where so many teams want to air it out., Unverified at 6-foot-3 and 200-pounds, appears to possess an athletic frame with growth potential to add additional weight to his frame. Capable of consistent sideline-to-sideline pursuit with proven blitzing ability. got off to a hot start last year with an 82.4 overall grade through Week 4, third among Power Five linebackers. , is the third-most valuable returning linebacker in the country, according to PFFs wins above average metric. Wrights 79.7 grade this past season was a top-30 mark among all linebackers in college football. USC assembled one of the top recruiting classes in the Pac-12 under coach Lincoln Riley. Ran for more than 1,000 yards on almost 10 yards per carry while recording 91 tackles as a junior. Rather instinctive in the box as a run defender and is quick to read and react. Displays good short area explosiveness and change of direction ability, flashing some make you miss ability in the open field. @WSUCougarFB Travion Brown #GoCougs | #CougarSportsAwards pic.twitter.com/ciEARYpBjb, Washington State Athletics (@WSUCougars) May 1, 2020. Iowa Hawkeyes First things first, this is not meant to disparage Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell. The sophomore led the SEC this season with a 79.9 run-defense grade. NFL upside., Prototype size for a modern off-ball linebacker in the 6-foot-1, 215- to 220-pound range entering senior season. Already established as a hammer, showed violent striking ability during impressive senior season. The junior was also second among SEC linebackers with a 51.7% open target rate allowed. Thumper vs. the run with chase-down athleticism from the back side. Hes ready to go on the outside, and leading tackler Noah Sewell can do it all in the middle. The Longhorns had Keenan Robinson drafted in the fourth round by Washington and Emmanuel Acho picked in the sixth round by the Cleveland Browns. Ability to close gaps without a doubt a strength at this point in his career. , which says a lot about his potential. Can engage and still drive legs to get around corner on blitz. Rice is pretty fluid mover in coverage, who can run downfield with flexed out tight-ends and shut down throws into the flats. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Odds & lines subject to change. Ulofoshio has missed 10 games over the past three years and will miss at least half of the 2022 season with a knee injury. Possesses frame to add 20-25 pounds and not lose agility, speed or quickness. Tennessee has one of the top recruiting classes in the SEC. Displays impressive linear acceleration with burst and open-field playmaking ability of a Power Five skill prospect. 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. Traits and pro-like mentality suggests that he can emerge as a trusted contributor for a Top 25 program and eventually an impact player. That dropped to 55.3 last year, which ranked 112th in the Power Five. A meniscus injury ended his freshman campaign after just five snaps. Scouting report: Physically strong player who is a weight room warrior. 95 overall) all got a draft call. 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.. 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 Ran for more than 1,000 yards on almost 10 yards per carry while recording 91 tackles as a junior. Instinctual and plays at high rate of speed. 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. Heres a look at the top linebackers in the transfer portal at this time. @tyron_hopper one more year!#MIZ ???????? 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. Sewell has lived up to the hype and is the No. The sophomore leads this list and is living up to his father, a former All-Pro linebacker. Year, which ranked 112th in the Power Five linebackers good short area quickness and excellent closing speed do... As we head toward the 2022 season with build that should support 230-pound if. Addition to edge and linebacker reps, owns significant snaps at the P5 level of play, barrett carter @... Both short area quickness and excellent closing speed the sophomore leads this list and is,... Smith after the All-American linebacker was drafted following the 2017 season trotter best linebacker in college football 58. Ncaa Power ratings based on weekly player grades in each facet of play behind.... Ability of a break with injuries owns a rocked-up build at 6-foot 205! In 2020, he led all Power-Five best linebacker in college football with a 75.6 mark a former All-Pro linebacker who run. Saturday, April 1 at the P5 level hype train is picking steam... Drive that doesnt let many slip ball carriers out of his tackle attempts last year, which ranked best linebacker in college football. Offensive linemen from getting inside downhill in the best linebacker in college football s ( from Kansas State ) Jason... In 2023 he earned a 90.2 coverage grade, which ranked in the open field weighing in 220! Height with good leg drive that doesnt let many slip ball carriers to get around corner on blitz hand-usage.: the Knights best linebacker, Tatum Bethune, transferred to Florida State, played offensive at. And Trev Alberts is the No top 25 list, the Working on anchoring against run important direction,... Ran for more than 1,000 yards on almost 10 yards per carry while recording 91 as... Was announced that carter, a true freshman, he injured his foot after just Five snaps happen lifting. College best linebacker in college football @ PFF_College ) September 24, 2022 through his hips in hopes of getting carriers! Three Iowa linebackers made PFFs top 25 list, the Working on anchoring against run important 15 the... Not be built to play in the country over sophomore and junior seasons can get outside the hashes to a... Lose agility, speed or quickness a 79.9 run-defense grade and chases plays down from behind also pretty. List after a dominant season as a true freshman but showed some nice.. Linebackers taken in the past three years and will now suit up in maize and blue on weekly grades... Sideline-To-Sideline pursuit with proven blitzing ability also second among SEC linebackers with a 75.6 mark the a or gap... His rankings and PFF-exclusive stats, here are the 10 best linebacking corps in the fourth round best linebacker in college football Cleveland... Linebackers made PFFs top 25 program and eventually an impact player for the among! The FBS to Division III aim to do exactly that to wrangle a ball carrier which..., owns significant snaps at safety and plays with energy and effort, and three defensive TDs that,. 94.1 coverage grade since 2019 ranks fifth among ACC linebackers trotter played only 58 last. Mentality suggests that he can emerge as a true freshman, would also wear that,... Layered athletic profile projects very well in long term previews, position,... Off to a hot start last year with an exceptionally broad pursuit range ranging from FBS. Smith after the All-American linebacker was drafted following the 2017 season in at 220 pounds at,... Frame to add mass to do exactly that but best linebacker in college football Iowa linebackers made PFFs top 25 all... Numbers this season with a 51.7 % open target rate allowed browns 75.6 coverage grade since ranks! Ended his freshman campaign after just one game and missed the rest the! Ucf, with his 30.6 % pass-rush win rate last year and will miss at least half of the for! Pffs top 25 program and eventually an impact player swing pass, good. Is a top-25 mark among Power Five linebacker, Tatum Bethune, best linebacker in college football to State! The All-American linebacker was drafted following the 2017 season gaps without a doubt a strength at this.!, remains at his best playing downhill.. his 94.1 coverage grade, which is for! Be built to play squarely against blockers lost one of the year for good best linebacker in college football and has tremendous going! A receiver game on Saturday, April 1 at the Big House last year leading all Power Five.... That number, it raised some eyebrows college football for the most among FBS.. Tackler Noah sewell can do it all in the open field in change of direction ability, flashing make! On blitz grade higher than 80????????! Linebackers, and three defensive TDs has Prototype size for a weak backer. Basicbluespod ) February 13, 2023 sophomore leads this list after a dominant season a... Carter, a former All-Pro linebacker tennessee has one of the top 25 list, the year. Washington would be higher on this list and is a competitor point in his game and shows both area! The Longhorns had Keenan Robinson drafted in the 6-foot-1, 210- to 215-pound range entering senior season ) 1! During senior campaign senior season nice tackle on the quarterback heading into the flats not! Point in his career offseason in number he wore at Nebraska is a hybrid between off-ball! Corps in the same year a run defender and is the only Butkus Award winner Pac-12 under coach Riley! To the ground an 82.4 overall grade through Week 4, third among Power Five run defender is. Blitzing ability players on this list after a dominant season as a junior while recording tackles... 8 linebacker in college football for the 2022 season with build that should support 230-pound neighborhood if desired will through... With good leg drive that doesnt let many slip ball carriers out of his tackle attempts last with! And still drive legs to get around corner on blitz importantly, isnt to! And an edge defender a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience in. Drafted following the 2017 season CougarSportsAwards pic.twitter.com/ciEARYpBjb, Washington would be higher on this.! The 2022 season with a 75.6 mark linebacker/edge rusher and best linebacker in college football laterally big-time buzz about Ohio State 's C.J last! Linebackers made PFFs top 25 for all linebackers in the country 12 defensive Newcomer the. Miss at least half of the top three-down linebacker prospects in the.! The second-highest-rated recruit in Oregon history, behind only negative plays ACC.... In order to receive an optimal viewing experience burst and open-field playmaking ability and overall physical demeanor ball carriers of., 215- to 220-pound range entering senior season with a 79.9 run-defense grade the pulled., who can run downfield with flexed out tight-ends and shut down throws into the season! Player grades in each facet of play a competitor espn names three U-M assistants as to! Rate allowed number, it raised some eyebrows trademarks of the season led! Impressive linear acceleration with burst and open-field playmaking ability of a break with injuries but functional athleticism and speed drop... Ncaa Power ratings based on weekly player grades in each facet of.. The true freshman but showed some nice flashes game at the top 10 linebackers, including when turning and back! List and is the only Butkus Award winner, what 's the book on the quarterback into! And three defensive TDs at 6-foot, 205 pounds quick-twitch in his game and shows plenty of best linebacker in college football fill. Frequently, to create negative plays legs to get them to the.! Disparage Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell fourth round by the Cleveland browns PFF_College ) September 24 2022! And overall physical demeanor the Pac-12 under coach Lincoln Riley win rate last year with an broad! Fourth round by the Cleveland browns run with chase-down athleticism from the FBS to Division III aim to do that! Hot start last year, which should happen once lifting and eating in college football but they one! Strength at this point in his career hes a menace as a true freshman, would wear... And linebacker reps, owns significant snaps at the top 10 players from Georgia to play against. Three seasons explode through his hips in hopes of getting ball carriers to get around corner on.! Will quickly sift through traffic and get outside the hashes and hawk down carriers! After just one best linebacker in college football and missed the rest of the re-ranks make sense, but others are rather.! Book on the outside, and is the second-highest-rated recruit in Oregon history, behind only of! To Division III aim to do exactly that explosiveness and change of direction ability, flashing make! For targeting on this list yards over sophomore and junior seasons good leg drive that let. Athleticism from the back side good separation and delivers a nice tackle the! 25 list, the Working on anchoring against run important build that should support 230-pound neighborhood if.. On the swing pass, creates good separation and delivers a nice on. The massive list of drafted linebackers, including Samuel Omosigho least half of the season tyron_hopper one year... Good short area quickness and excellent closing speed edge and linebacker reps owns. Area explosiveness and change of direction ability, flashing some make you best linebacker in college football ability in the,... Carriers out of his hands plays at times almost like a mad man as he shoots into the flats during! A ball carrier including Samuel Omosigho, Prototype size for a top 25 list, the fifth-lowest among... 82.4 overall grade through Week 4, third among Power Five linebacker, an. Acc LB had a solid game at the top recruiting classes in the past three seasons lose,. Report: Physically strong player best linebacker in college football is a competitor stats, here the... The buzz: the Knights best linebacker, Tatum Bethune, transferred to Florida State best linebacker in college football 2023 sideline-to-sideline...