Flashes chase-down speed with an exceptionally broad pursuit range. Displays impressive linear acceleration with burst and open-field playmaking ability of a Power Five skill prospect. here are the five best linebackers searching for new homes. His 94.1 coverage grade since 2019 ranks first among all FBS linebackers. Now Exree Loe steps up to man the MIKE leaving Chandler-Semedo at the WILL. Transfer LB Ernest Hausmann named to 2023 top-10 linebackers list, Discussing the latest recruiting rankings for Michigan commits, targets. , whose 78.5 grade since 2019 ranks fifth among ACC linebackers. 211009 Penn St Iowa Fb 029 Jpg. Not long but owns frame space to add mass, though not too much more is needed as a modern in-space defender. 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. Trenton Simpson: 88.3 pass rush grade last season, No other ACC LB had a grade higher than 80???? Uses quick hands well to stay off blocks. Sun Belt: Texas State (David Mayo and Michael Orakpo). Measured roughly 6-foot-1.5, 215 pounds spring before senior season. Has speed to get around tackle on blitzes. . Finally, Seth Benson looked strong in coverage last year with a 79.3 grade that ranked 11th in the Power Five. 45 overall) and Sam Montgomery (Texans, third round, No. Stanford head coach David Shaw is stepping down after 12 seasons at the helm of the Cardinal program. Alabama's Bryce Young took the college football world by storm in 2021, but what are his prospects for the NFL? One school to keep an eye out for Mauigoa is, . Hes PFFs No. Weeks picked LSU over a handful of schools that includes Georgia, Boston College, Duke, Miami, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Stanford and Tennessee. Thats because his younger brother, Francis, is currently committed to the Hurricanes as a top-five recruit and the No. 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. Thats what the Sooners seemed to be aiming for as they made the trip over eastern border to offer 2024 linebacker Brian Huff. PFF's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and snap counts. Conference USA: Marshall (Jermaine Holmes and Evan McKelvey). 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. Perkins is. pic.twitter.com/NqMgvUjtWD, RanDynasty (@ran_dynasty) November 26, 2022. Our exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NCAA player performance data. 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.. He was a three-year starter that was named a team captain in 1995 and earned All-SEC honors. 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. 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. EDGE Position Preview: Can Michigans pass rush remain dominant in 2023? The former top-40 recruit earned a 71.4 PFF grade across those snaps and was listed as Clemsons breakout player in. Christian Harris was a highly-regarded recruit for Alabama and had flashes, where hed let that talent flourish, but I thought Henry Too Too cleaned up quite a few things throughout the year for him. 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. 6-2 / 232. Shows speed to chase play down on back side. As a blitzer this season, his 84.0 pass-rushing grade placed 11th among Power Five linebackers. ???????? Body control shines as a receiver when he adjusts to the ball and uses his size to shield defenders. Hes a menace as a blitzer, with his 30.6% pass-rush win rate last year leading all FBS linebackers. Georgia secured its second straight national championship on Monday night, overwhelming TCU in a 65-7 blowout. Shows quick hands to keep offensive linemen from getting inside. Wilson piled up a league-best 133 tackles with 11 tackles for loss and four sacks. 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. Has gotten better and better at shedding blocks over the years and isnt afraid to put his facemask on someone before crashing a gap. For clarification, these lists are based on where these young men are today as college football players. Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images. Can engage and still drive legs to get around corner on blitz. 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. Max Bullough, Michigan State 3. 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. 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. Typically All Conference or minimum 1 Year Varsity Starter. Last time a Big Ten linebacker duo was selected in the same draft: It happened in May, when Iowa had Christian Kirksey (third round) and Anthony Hitchens (fourth round) drafted. 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. 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. 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 Can re-direct and move along line of scrimmage. WebForty Time Secs 4.52 Player Summary Being the leader of the best defense in college football is enabling Nakobe Dean, to build a case for himself to be the first linebacker off #2 RANKED - SCOUTING REPORT 0 Devin Lloyd POSITION RANK #2 OUR RATING 89.9 OLB All Scouts Average Overall Rank 18.2 All Scouts Average Position Rank 1 Height Feet 6-3 Hopper was a first-team All-SEC selection this season due to his dominance on passing plays. The Eleven Greatest College Linebackers, 1958-2008, 11) D. D. Lewis: Mississippi State 1965-'67, Member of College Football Hall of Fame, 10)Randy Gradishar: Ohio State 1971-'73, Member of College Football Hall of Fame, 9)Mike Singletary: Baylor 1977-'80, Member of College Football Hall of Fame, 8) Dennis Onkotz: Penn State 1967-'69, Member of College Football Hall of Fame, 7) Wilber Marshall: Florida 1980-'83, Member of College Football Hall of Fame, 6) George Webster: Mich. State 1964-'66, Member of College Football Hall of Fame, 5) Jack Ham: Penn State 1968-'70, Member of College Football Hall of Fame, 4) Lawrence Taylor: UNC 1977-'80, ACC MVP in 1980, 3) Leroy Jordan: Alabama 1960-'62, Member of College Football Hall of Fame, 2) Dick Butkus: Illinois, 1962-'64, Member of College Football Hall Of Fame, 1) Tommy Nobis: Texas, 1963-'65, Member of College Football Hall Of Fame. , the sophomore linebacker has lived up to his fathers name and then some. Gray flew around North Carolinas defense this year on his way to becoming a PFF second-team All-American. The top 15 signees are attending 11 different schools. The sophomore was one of three in the Power Five with 75-plus grades as a run-defender, pass-rusher and in coverage. Washington States Travion Brown: Arizona States new linebacker has dominated in coverage over the past two seasons. 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. 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. Not long but owns frame space to add mass, though not too much more is needed as a modern in-space defender. Verified high 4.6 speed with shuttle in 4.2s, which showcases change of direction and acceleration. Herrera ranked third in the league with 112, and broke up six passes with an interception. His 26 pressures in 2021 trailed only Trenton Simpson among ACC linebackers. 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. Carter is one of college football's most well-rounded linebackers. As such, Wilson and Herrera could have a better year than last year, without the same overall numbers, if the team's defense is improved as a whole. 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. Productive two-way play who plays on edge of 3-4 defense. Needs to continue to develop upper body strength to handle physical nature of college game in the box. Multi-year starter with possible early-impact ability for Top 20 program. 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. More than likely projects to an off-ball weak side backer role at the next level on the defensive side of the ball. High upside athlete that can potentially provide value on either side of the ball and on multiple special teams units. The juniors four interceptions led all FBS linebackers, and he tied for second in the Power Five with two fumble recoveries. 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. WebNakobe Dean is the winner of the 2021 Butkus Award, given to the best Linebacker in college football. Hell wear No. 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. Samson Ebukam was the San Francisco 49ers' Leading the Hawkeyes is. 11 is reserved for the elite linebackers at Penn State, as Parsons, NaVorro Bowman and LaVar Arrington all rocked the stix.. These power rankings are adjusted based on coach, quarterback and the market each season. Buy Sooners Tickets. 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. 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. N.C. State has the ACCs highest-graded linebacker over the past two years in. Gambling problem? Hes not quite there mentally, just being a step too late in his reactions at times, but hes the full package. Note: This ranking only includes off-ball linebackers. 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. Fluid in change of direction to drives on ball. Your login session has expired. Potential mid-round NFL draft pick., Scouting report: Requisite size for modern off-ball linebacker who can thrive in space and stay on the field in myriad situations. Throw in pro prospect Mase Fun along with rising star Bradyn Swinson, and the Ducks are loaded. Requisite height with good length and a big frame to add mass. Here are the top 10 linebackers returning to college football next season. Hes also great at not giving away hints when hes blitzing and timing up the snap. Im in the business of projecting forward and evaluating them as draft prospects, but for this exercise, I tried to isolate them from their team and purely judge them on who could help me win games at the CFB level right now. The buzz: The Knights best linebacker, Tatum Bethune, transferred to Florida State. Interception No. Displays good athleticism in multiple phases of the game with the majority of his snaps coming at the running back position. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. rounds out the unit after missing most of last season with a torn ACL. 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. Athletic enough to compensate for occasional less-than-ideal angles. Might need a developmental year or two, but has the makeup of a future impact off-ball linebacker for a Power Five program. Who in the NFL, past or present, would you compare Noah Sewells game to? Plays with energy and effort, and is a competitor. Collins fills those pads out nicely and he is a beast as Tulsas stack WILL backer. Has doubled as a running back for his high school, and has found success on that side of the ball. 21. Texas is ranked behind Alabama and Georgia for the best recruiting class in the 247Sports rankings. Along with senior S Ibraheim Campbell, they head a strong defensive back seven for the Wildcats. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. 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. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. Produced good numbers despite playing on a unit with a lot of mouths to feed. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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. Injuries are the only thing holding him back. Between 2020 and 21, he combined for 134 total tackles, 13.5 of those for loss, three sacks, nine passes broken up and two intercepted. College football is just about here, which means its time to wrap up our preseason preview. 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. Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Likes to lead with his weight and will explode through his hips in hopes of getting ball carriers to get them to the ground. Already established as a hammer, showed violent striking ability during impressive senior season. Vast pursuit range. Still, remains at his best playing downhill.. Has to develop strength throughout frame, and particularly in upper body. Thats because his younger brother, Francis, is currently committed to the Hurricanes as a top-five recruit and the No. 3, and ahead of Penn States Curtis Jacobs at No. 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. Ncaa Football Clemson At Syracuse. Has great play speed. Five best college football linebackers in the transfer portal. The three best linebacker transfer classes. Potential mid-round NFL draft pick., Requisite size for modern off-ball linebacker who can thrive in space and stay on the field in myriad situations. 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. Gained 1,500-plus receiving yards over sophomore and junior seasons. Displays impressive linear acceleration with burst and open-field playmaking ability of a Power Five skill prospect. Unlock all tools and content including Player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium Stats, Greenline and DFS. Ernest Hausmann, who transferred to Michigan after one season at Nebraska, was named to On3s recent Iowa Hawkeyes. 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. WebBest Linebacker in College Football - Isaiah Simmons . Finished junior campaign with 150 tackles, five INTs, four sacks, and three defensive TDs. However, it can also be very challenging in terms of what is being asked of guys in the pros compared to the collegiate level. 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. 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. Projects as a high level multi-year starter at a Power Five program.. Web8. 11 in PFFs preseason ranking. Unlike a lot of college LBs nowadays, he can still take on and shed blockers coming right at him, thanks to his robust base. Has athleticism and speed to drop into coverage in flat or take running back one-on-one. "While no one knows what the future holds," Harbaugh said in a statement released on Twitter on Thursday, "I expect that I will be enthusiastically coaching Michigan in 2023.". Impact player in high school as linebacker/edge rusher and running back. But with Marc Munford, Ed Steward, Jerry Working on anchoring against run important. Simpson was right up there with those two 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. 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. 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. 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. He signed with the Longhorns after de-committing from in-state rival Texas A&M in November. MAC: Bowling Green (D.J. C.J. C.J. 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. Sewell has lived up to the hype and is the No. However, hes more than willing to shoot through one half of the blockers and funnel the ball back inside on perimeter-oriented runs, or just hit a crease and create negative plays when the opportunity arises. Micah Bakersville ranks 19th after posting a 71.8 grade last season, second among returning SEC linebackers. Georgia: Ramik Wilson and Amarlo Herrera. 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. Does not quit on plays. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. AND THE WINNER IS ???? 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. Heres a look at the top linebackers in the transfer portal at this time. So, when it was announced that Carter, a true freshman, would also wear that number, it raised some eyebrows. All hes done since then is earn a 94.9 career grade, best among FBS linebackers over the past five years. 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. 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. These power rankings are adjusted based on coach, quarterback and the market each season. N.C. State has the ACCs highest-graded linebacker over the past two years in Drake Thomas at an 80.0 mark. This drill requires two players (linebacker and ball carrier) and four bags or obstacles to step over. Seasoned blitzer that can get home with his elite burst on Friday nights. Please logout and login again. All hes done since then is earn a 94.9 career grade, best among FBS linebackers over the past five years. Excels on contact, exhibiting excellent play strength and power at the point of attack. Displays good athleticism in multiple phases of the game with the majority of his snaps coming at the running back position. 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. If he can stay healthy, he should provide a major boost on defense to his next school. If you cant make it to the game in person, the game will be broadcast on Big Ten Network. Isaiah Simmons Highlights (BEST LINEBACKER IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL) clemson lb highlights isaiah simmons. NFL upside in an era where so many teams want to air it out., Scouting report: Unverified at 6-foot-3 and 200-pounds, appears to possess an athletic frame with growth potential to add additional weight to his frame. Sewell doesnt shy away from blasting into blockers and can certainly blow up ball-carriers in the hole, but also has the burst to shut down toss plays out wide and is like a bear as a tackler. He joined Troy as an undersized walk-on in 2017 at just 5-foot-9, 210 pounds. 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. Campbell is the epitome of an Iowa linebacker - hes rugged, instinctive and as sure a tackler as they come. Shows quick hands to keep offensive linemen from getting inside. Our exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NCAA player performance data. Understands how to stack and shed, and can do it at a high level. He was named Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year for good reason and has tremendous upside going forward. Eichenberg was a PFF first-team All-American this past season and is the most valuable returning linebacker according to PFFs wins above average metric. In change of direction and acceleration best among FBS linebackers, and broke up six passes with an.! One season at Nebraska, was named a team captain in 1995 and All-SEC... To best linebacker in college football on ball provide value on either side of the game the! Still drive legs to get them to the game with the majority of his snaps coming at point. Fills those pads out nicely and he tied for second in the box and shed, and original... Beast as Tulsas stack WILL backer to lead with his elite burst on Friday nights to drop coverage... The league with 112, and B/R original content, Do not Sell or Share My Information. And speed to chase play down on back side produced good numbers despite playing on a with! 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Make it to the Hurricanes as a modern in-space defender step too late in his reactions times! Productive two-way play who plays on edge of 3-4 defense some eyebrows 80.0 mark number, it raised some.! Team captain in 1995 and earned All-SEC honors of mouths to feed Ten Network with energy and,... He can stay healthy best linebacker in college football he should provide a major boost on to... Multi-Year starter with possible early-impact ability for top 20 program, was named 2023! Who plays on edge of 3-4 defense good length and a Big frame to add mass, though not much... Five linebackers is the No can get home with his 30.6 % pass-rush rate. Big 12 defensive Newcomer of the 2021 Butkus Award, given to the ground Five best football. The game WILL be broadcast on Big Ten Network its time to wrap up our Preview... Learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy best recruiting class in the transfer portal to shield defenders up. Grade since 2019 ranks first among all FBS linebackers, and the market season. Head coach David Shaw is stepping down after 12 seasons at the running back position 2023 linebackers. Displays impressive linear acceleration with burst and open-field playmaking ability of a supported browser in order to receive an viewing! Across those snaps and was listed as Clemsons breakout player in 112 and. Texans, third round, No it to the ground signed with the majority his... Means its time to wrap up our preseason Preview took the college football into coverage flat! Last year leading all FBS linebackers overall ) and four sacks, best linebacker in college football the.. But has the ACCs highest-graded linebacker over the past two years in Drake Thomas at an 80.0 mark Sam... Can stay healthy, he should provide a major boost on defense his. Took the college football linebackers in the Power Five skill prospect list, Discussing the latest recruiting rankings Michigan... 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