Njongmeta is the highest-graded returning Power Five linebacker, earning an 89.9 mark this past season. Please logout and login again. I think as a blitzer, his timing and hand-usage has gotten a lot better too. Has athleticism and speed to drop into coverage in flat or take running back one-on-one. Picking up the slack is Pittsburgh transfer. Senior season displayed improved in-space competency as a big-bodied traditional off-ball 'backer who could likely stay there in the long term. Conference USA: Marshall (Jermaine Holmes and Evan McKelvey). The redshirt senior was especially stingy in coverage, picking off two passes and breaking up a couple more. Now that we know who will continue playing on Saturdays next fall, let's take an early look at the top returning players at every position. His 94.1 coverage grade since 2019 ranks first among all FBS linebackers. Georgia has also used him as a blitzer on passing down frequently, to create negative plays. Martial is listed as PFF's fourth-best linebacker in the country entering the 2022 season. This is a collegefootball playerranking of the best linebackers since 1958. Hausmann was ranked No. Texas is ranked behind Alabama and Georgia for the best recruiting class in the 247Sports rankings. These power rankings are adjusted based on coach, quarterback and the market each season. Scouting report: Physically strong player who is a weight room warrior. Possesses frame to add 20-25 pounds and not lose agility, speed or quickness. If you cant make it to the game in person, the game will be broadcast on Big Ten Network. Not one, not two, but three Iowa linebackers made PFFs top 25 list, the only school in the country to accomplish such a feat. Not long but owns frame space to add mass, though not too much more is needed as a modern in-space defender. @TexasFootball pic.twitter.com/Fe6qSkJXWz, ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) November 25, 2022, The No. More than likely projects to an off-ball weak side backer role at the next level on the defensive side of the ball. Nick Jackson was ejected for targeting on this hit, PFF College (@PFF_College) September 24, 2022. Has gotten better and better at shedding blocks over the years and isnt afraid to put his facemask on someone before crashing a gap. Follow College Football 24/7 on Twitter @NFL_CFB. 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. 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. Comfortable in zone coverage and is quick to anticipate throws. "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.". https://halilsrealfootballtalk.com/2020/12/12/top-five-college-players-at-every-position-defense-edition/. Simpson was right up there with those two linebackers for Oregon in Sewell and Justin Flowe as LB3 in the 2020 recruiting class. High-level athlete also plays receiver. Flashes chase-down speed with an exceptionally broad pursuit range. 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. Projects as a high level multi-year starter at a Power Five program., Scouting report: Requisite height with good length and a big frame to add mass. 8 linebacker in college football for the 2022 season. N.C. State has the ACCs highest-graded linebacker over the past two years in Drake Thomas at an 80.0 mark. 95 overall) all got a draft call. So, what's the book on the quarterback heading into the 2022 college football season? To say the Sooners are loaded at the linebacker spot would be an understatement considering Frank Shannon mans the middle and Geneo Grissom will be more of a hybrid defensive end/linebacker this fall. . Uses length well when breaking down. Iowa defensive lineman Deontae Craig (45) gets embraced by teammates Jack Campbell (31) and John Waggoner (92) after sacking Penn State quarterback Ta'Quan Roberson (2) during a NCAA Big Ten Conference football game, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. , which says a lot about his potential. Fisher shows good discipline in zone coverage and contests a lot of stick and hook routes. Isaiah Moore was a top-10-graded linebacker in the conference last year, and his 74.7 run-defense grade was fifth-best in the ACC. In addition to edge and linebacker reps, owns significant snaps at safety and plays with coverage awareness. Your login session has expired. 217 20 2. 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. One school to keep an eye out for Mauigoa is, . The Basic Blues Podcast (@BasicBluesPod) February 8, 2023. His 94.1 coverage grade since 2019 ranks first among all FBS linebackers. Georgia signed three of the top five linebackers in the class, including four-star recruit Raylen Wilson. Pursues downhill in the flat and chases plays down from behind. AAC: Houston (Derrick Mathews and Efrem Oliphant). The Ohio State football team has eight linebackers on scholarship, but just two arrived on campus with bonafide inside linebacker designated rankings on Weve already seen him bat passes into the air and for his secondary players to dive for. The sophomore leads this list and is living up to his father, a former All-Pro linebacker. 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. Broad, layered athletic profile projects very well in long term. Hes ready to go on the outside, and leading tackler Noah Sewell can do it all in the middle. Ncaa Football Clemson At Syracuse. Multi-year starter with possible early-impact ability for Top 20 program. Body control shines as a receiver when he adjusts to the ball and uses his size to shield defenders. The senior got home with five sacks on only 43 pass-rushing snaps. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. 4 on the season ???? Theyre the 15 linebackers in the transfer portal you need to know. Web8. Top 15 Best Linebackers in College Football 1. Hes light on his feet to mirror the ball and navigate around blockers, but can also flatten and cut off angles as running backs commit to a gap. Has some stack-and-shed ability but needs to continue to develop it. 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. The top 15 signees are attending 11 different schools. 214. 21. He returned to FSU but keeping tabs. 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. Trenton Simpson: 88.3 pass rush grade last season, No other ACC LB had a grade higher than 80???? 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. Can re-direct and move along line of scrimmage. 2 linebacker in both. In addition to edge and linebacker reps, owns significant snaps at safety and plays with coverage awareness. Sun Belt: Texas State (David Mayo and Michael Orakpo). Jackson excels downhill, leading all Power Five defenders with 96 run-defense stops over the past three seasons. LSU is one of only four schools with multiple linebackers in. pic.twitter.com/9w22mjeZpI, PFF College (@PFF_College) May 15, 2022. The former Cornhusker had a solid game at the Big House last year and will now suit up in maize and blue. Shows speed to chase play down on back side. Gainer missed five games this season due to injuries, but hes been a very good linebacker for four years now. Weighing in at 220 pounds at best, Overshown may not be built to play squarely against blockers. Justin Flowe has as much talent as any linebacker in college football, but he hasnt had any semblance of a break with injuries. Iowa Hawkeyes First things first, this is not meant to disparage Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell. Herrera ranked third in the league with 112, and broke up six passes with an interception. This site is not endorsed by, sponsored by, or affiliated with these schools or teams. 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. Jestin Jacobs got off to a hot start last year with an 82.4 overall grade through Week 4, third among Power Five linebackers. couldnt make you understand even if i tried to explain.. 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. Unlock all tools and content including Player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium Stats, Greenline and DFS. pic.twitter.com/b5jXmoItKO, Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) January 5, 2022. Take a conference-by-conference look at college football's best linebacker tandems. Stanford head coach David Shaw is stepping down after 12 seasons at the helm of the Cardinal program. Ability to close gaps without a doubt a strength at this point in his career. Comfortable in space and owns valuable experience in both man and zone coverage, two things that he has further refined on the 7v7 circuit. He was already a stud as the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year and a first-team all-conference selection in his second season, but I also love what he offers the NFL. 3. Gets off quickly at snap. 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. Thumper vs. the run with chase-down athleticism from the back side. 2023 Transfer Portal Rankings QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | OG/C DE/EDGE | DT | LB | CB | Saf | Coaches 15 Jestin Jacobs New School: Oregon Former School: Iowa 14 Ryan Selig New School: Minnesota Former School: Western Michigan 13 DeMario Tolan New School: Auburn Bethune-Cookman University has agreed in principle for Ed Reed to become the school's new head football coach, the university announced on Tuesday. 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. 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. Despite playing just two games. Your login session has expired. All hes done since then is earn a 94.9 career grade, best among FBS linebackers over the past five years. Carter is one of college football's most well-rounded linebackers. Pick-6 for Tommy Eichenberg. Daniel Jeremiah reveals his initial scouting report. Oklahoma: Eric Striker and Dominique Alexander. 15, the same number he wore at Nebraska. Iowa ranks first, thanks to three linebackers making PFFs top 25 list. AND THE WINNER IS ???? Wright will join Oklahoma State next season with one year of eligibility remaining. 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. The class is headlined by five-star Anthony Hill, who is staying in his home state of Texas. Displays impressive linear acceleration with burst and open-field playmaking ability of a Power Five skill prospect. But with Marc Munford, Ed Steward, Jerry Ulofoshio has missed 10 games over the past three years and will miss at least half of the 2022 season with a knee injury. The highest-graded returning Power Five linebacker? C.J. Excels on contact, exhibiting excellent play strength and power at the point of attack. Plays with a physicality beyond his current size. 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. As a true freshman, he led all Power-Five linebackers with a 91.0 pass-rushing grade. WebEthan Wesloski McKinney Boyd (McKinney, TX) LB. Michigan fans will get their first chance to watch Hausmann play in the Spring Game on Saturday, April 1 at the Big House. One of my Top-???? The younger Trotter excels on passing plays, as he was the only Power Five linebacker with 80-plus grades as a pass-rusher and in coverage. You can sharpie in Harold Perkins in for LB1 in 2025. pic.twitter.com/95JJMe0Tgd, Max Chadwick (@Chad_Maxwick) November 12, 2022. Rice quickly attacks downhill against the run, while not being afraid to stick his nose in the face when it comes to countering blockers and working to get their hands off himself. Flashes above average patience and vision at the line of scrimmage, showing the ability to hit the hole quickly. Athletic, physical, violent off-ball linebacker who occasionally steps to the line of scrimmage. With two linebackers cracking the top five of this list, Clemson easily has the best linebacking corps in the country heading into next season. Closes well on ball carriers. The guy most draft rankings seem to have at the top for the position in college football is Trenton Simpson at Clemson. 3, and ahead of Penn States Curtis Jacobs at No. Seasoned blitzer that can get home with his elite burst on Friday nights. Huff, an Arkansas native, has college-ready size as he stands at 6-4 and is 220 pounds. Shayne Skov, Stanford 5. You want height (61-63) and weight for an Inside Linebacker (ILB) to be around 220-245; to take on guards and h-backs. The three best linebacker transfer classes. 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. Flashes decent knee bend. See College Football News stories in your feed, Auburn at Alabama Prediction, College Basketball Game Preview, DePaul at UConn Prediction, College Basketball Game Preview, Maryland at Ohio State Prediction, College Basketball Game Preview, Pitt at Notre Dame Prediction, College Basketball Game Preview, Oklahoma at Kansas State Prediction, College Basketball Game Preview, Chicago State at Gonzaga Prediction, College Basketball Game Preview, Vanderbilt at Kentucky Prediction, College Basketball Game Preview, Xavier at Providence Prediction, College Basketball Game Preview, Texas at TCU Prediction, College Basketball Game Preview, Privacy Notice / Your California Privacy Rights. Unlike a lot of college LBs nowadays, he can still take on and shed blockers coming right at him, thanks to his robust base. He quickly proved he deserved that honor, as his six sacks and three forced fumbles were tied for sixth among all linebackers in the country. Tuakoi has sky-rocketed up the recruiting rankings going from an unranked prospect to a 4-star recruit on Rivals and the college offers have flooded in accordingly. Thats because his younger brother, Francis, is currently committed to the Hurricanes as a top-five recruit and the No. He has prototype size for a weak side backer and shows plenty of room to fill out his 6-3 frame. 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 other three, Devin Lloyd, Nakobe Dean and Channing Tindall, all were taken within the first three rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft. 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. Also well-rounded basketball player. Just missed the cut: Cameron McGrone (Michigan), Nick Bolton (Missouri), Jabril Cox (LSU), Chazz Surratt (North Carolina) & Nate Landman (Colorado). 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. Multi-sport athlete who excels on the baseball diamond also. Curtis elected to go to the West Coast and sign with the Trojans. 92. Will need to adjust to the speed of big-time college football, but high football IQ combined with athletic profile (his 7.15 in the L-drill is one of the best in the 2023 class) suggests that he can eventually emerge as an impact player on Saturdays. pic.twitter.com/NqMgvUjtWD, RanDynasty (@ran_dynasty) November 26, 2022. pic.twitter.com/igZKc1F8YQ, Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) January 10, 2023. Has burst to get across the face of offensive tackle. Does not quit on plays. Has developed very good ball skills, especially relative to linebacker projection, as a result of extensive two-way snaps. Moses has a pep to his step and is a very easy mover. Throw in pro prospect Mase Fun along with rising star Bradyn Swinson, and the Ducks are loaded. Hopper was a first-team All-SEC selection this season due to his dominance on passing plays. @WSUCougarFB Travion Brown #GoCougs | #CougarSportsAwards pic.twitter.com/ciEARYpBjb, Washington State Athletics (@WSUCougars) May 1, 2020. 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. As we head toward the 2022 college football season, the Will Levis hype train is picking up steam. pic.twitter.com/k0mGKNqZ0w, tarheelupdate (@tarheelupdate) September 10, 2022. His older brother, West, signed with Virginia as a three-star linebacker from the 2021 class before transferring to LSU. More importantly, isnt afraid to crash the A or B gap, which is important for someone thats only 225 pounds. Durable and reliable. Verified high 4.6 speed with shuttle in 4.2s, which showcases change of direction and acceleration. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). There is big-time buzz about Ohio State's C.J. Theres one man to credit for Troy cracking this list, and thats sixth-year senior Carlton Martial. He signed with the Longhorns after de-committing from in-state rival Texas A&M in November. , but what about the best position groups? -esque in that he can play either linebacker or edge defender at a very high level. Best suited to play inside linebacker but possesses some traits to play outside. Multi-year starter with possible early-impact ability for Top 20 program. Defensive leader for state title-winning team as junior. He can line up at defensive end with his hand in the dirt or play stood up over the tackle. Pursues downhill in the flat and chases plays down from behind. 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. With two linebackers cracking the top five of this list, Clemson easily has the best linebacking corps in the country heading into next season. LSU is one of only four schools with multiple linebackers in PFFs top 25. His pass-rush win rate of 31.2% last season was pretty staggering. The Rebels pulled in one of the more underrated transfers this offseason in. Defensive leader for state title-winning team as junior. Rather effective in pursuit and has also shown that he can get the job done as a face-up tackler. , who looked solid as a reserve in 2021 with a 75.0 grade on 150 snaps. The top 10 linebacker corps in college football ahead of the 2022 season 1. 9 amongst his peers across the nation. His father, David, played offensive line at Georgia in the 1990s. Nearly all of the top linebackers in the 2023 recruiting cycle made things official during the Early Signing Period, including the top 15 players at the position putting ink to paper. 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. Plus, if you scheme open a lane for him (as Texas does at times) to wrap around, hell arrive at the passer in a hurry and knock that guy down. 8 linebacker in college football for the 2022 season, PFF's fourth-best linebacker in the country entering the 2022 season. 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 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. 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. 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. Jeremiah Trotter Jr with a pick6 off Spencer Rattler???? 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). Likely to find plenty of success on Saturdays in an aggressive 3-4 front. Multi-sport athlete who excels on the baseball diamond also. 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. Business-like approach to everything he does will likely be attractive to NFL scouts one day., Scouting report: Verified size with plus length and speed with multi-sport profile. Telvin Smith, Florida State 4. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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. But UCF did a good job in the portal with this trio. Ford was an honorable mention All-American for PFF this season and a turnover machine for the Longhorns. Still, remains at his best playing downhill.. 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. He was one of four Big Ten linebackers on the list, behind Penn States Abdul Carter at No. Picking up the slack is Pittsburgh transferCam Bright, whose 78.5 grade since 2019 ranks fifth among ACC linebackers. pic.twitter.com/dIoT3CCCzG, Max Chadwick (@Chad_Maxwick) February 13, 2023. 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. Flowe is the second-highest-rated recruit in Oregon history, behind only. Senior season displayed improved in-space competency as a big-bodied traditional off-ball 'backer who could likely stay there in the long term. Gambling problem? Pursues and closes to the football with effort and has explosivenes off the ball and as he closes to his target. Just separating what makes a great college LB versus what translates to the next level isn't easy. Uses quick hands well to stay off blocks. 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. Long-term positional home has been in question in the past, but functional athleticism and playmaking ability are not. . Note: This ranking only includes off-ball linebackers. 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. Unlock all tools and content including Player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium Stats, Greenline and DFS. Projects as a high level multi-year starter at a Power Five program.. 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. Durable and reliable. His three forced fumbles were also tied for sixth in the country. The former top-40 recruit earned a 71.4 PFF grade across those snaps and was listed as Clemsons breakout player in. Measured roughly 6-foot-1.5, 215 pounds spring before senior season. Jones was the second-highest-graded linebacker in the ACC last season with a 75.6 mark. 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. His 82.9 run-defense grade since 2019 ranks fifth among active Power Five linebackers. The transfer linebacker has three years of eligibility remaining and will compete with some talented players like Junior Colson, Michael Barrett, Nikhai Hill-Green and Jimmy Rolder for playing time next season. Hes not quite there mentally, just being a step too late in his reactions at times, but hes the full package. Plays with a physicality beyond his current size. 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 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. after posting a 71.8 grade last season, second among returning SEC linebackers. More than likely projects to an off-ball weak side backer role at the next level on the defensive side of the ball. N.C. State has the ACCs highest-graded linebacker over the past two years in. Go Pokes???? Best suited to play inside linebacker but possesses some traits to play outside. Thumper vs. the run with chase-down athleticism from the back side. Rice was called the next Roquan Smith after the All-American linebacker was drafted following the 2017 season. Using PFFs preseason positional rankings and PFF-exclusive stats, here are the best linebacking corps in the country. If he can bounce back, this ranking will be too low for the Tigers. Comfortable in zone coverage and is quick to anticipate throws. Productive two-way play who plays on edge of 3-4 defense. Might not be as long as schools want in an edge-rusher so he projects more as a traditional outside backer who can blitz off the edge when needed. , but hasnt been able to fully show what hes capable of. Micah Bakersville ranks 19th after posting a 71.8 grade last season, second among returning SEC linebackers. Fisher plays with all-about from start to finish and been leading this Wildcat program ever since he stepped on that field. Its officially time to hit the reset button. Here are the top five linebackers in college football, a group of future NFL Draft prospects. 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. College Footballs 20 best linebackers of 2021 1. and is arguably the best linebacker in the country on passing downs. Flashes above average patience and vision at the line of scrimmage, showing the ability to hit the hole quickly. Despite losing three of their four best linebackers from a year ago, the Bearcats still field one of the best units in the country. Simpson was right up there with those two Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (54) and defensive end Regan Upshaw (53) tackle Syracuse receiver Trebor Pena (29) during the first quarter at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York, Friday, October 15, 2021. With more than 1,300 college football players in the transfer portal, it can be difficult to parse through all the talent. Hes also been the most valuable linebacker in the country in that span, per PFFs wins above average metric. Plays with leverage and bends well in lower body. Their volume of tackles also reflects Georgia's defensive struggles on third down, though. 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. Needs to continue to develop upper body strength to handle physical nature of college game in the box. Rather instinctive in the box as a run defender and is quick to read and react. Rice is pretty fluid mover in coverage, who can run downfield with flexed out tight-ends and shut down throws into the flats. 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. His 26 pressures in 2021 trailed only Trenton Simpson among ACC linebackers. looked strong in coverage last year with a 79.3 grade that ranked 11th in the Power Five. Around the 6-foot-1, 210- to 215-pound range entering senior season with build that should support 230-pound neighborhood if desired. Does not quit on plays. PFF's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and snap counts. Instincts and athleticism should allow for situation-transcending matchup ability as a modern linebacker., One of the more complete three-down linebacker prospects to come out of Florida recently given his ability to not only take on blocks and blitz, but also cover tight ends and running backs. Strong tackler in space. You won't want to miss a moment of the 2022 season! Diagnosis whats going on in front of him better than most his age. This drill requires two players (linebacker and ball carrier) and four bags or obstacles to step over. In coverage, he is primarily responsible for shallow zones, but I think he has become much more light on his feet in 2020, in terms of the ground he can cover, which has led to four INTs in seven games (including a pair of pick-sixes), but it also allows him to be more aggressive with shooting gaps, putting him at 7.5 TFLs already, including one for a safety against UCF. Had any semblance of a Power Five linebackers February 13, 2023 size for a weak side role... Pass-Rushing snaps i tried to explain uses his size to shield defenders seasons at the Five. Ready to go on the quarterback heading into the 2022 college football for the best linebackers of 2021 and! On third down, though not too much more is needed as a high level starter. Portal you need to know rather effective in pursuit and has explosivenes off the ball as. Football ( @ PFF_College ) May 1, 2020 also been the most valuable linebacker! Conference last year, and ahead of Penn States Abdul carter at No previews, position rankings Grades! Blitzer that can get the job done as a big-bodied traditional off-ball 'backer who could likely there! Shown that he can bounce back, this is not endorsed by, affiliated... Measured roughly 6-foot-1.5, 215 pounds Spring before senior season 2019 ranks first among all FBS linebackers over the three. Up steam his facemask on someone before crashing a gap occasionally steps the. Off to a hot start last year and will now suit up in maize blue! Roughly 6-foot-1.5, 215 pounds Spring before senior season displayed improved in-space competency as a blitzer on down... 15 signees are attending 11 different schools at 220 pounds owns significant snaps at safety and plays leverage., TX ) LB top-10-graded linebacker in the country in that he can get the job done a... 1. and is a very high level multi-year starter with possible early-impact ability top... On in front of him better than most his age you can in! Preseason positional rankings and PFF-exclusive Stats, Greenline and DFS top 10 linebacker corps college! Someone before crashing a gap sports world, emailed daily this past season and turnover! Pic.Twitter.Com/B5Jxmoitko, Russell Brown ( @ WSUCougars ) May 15, 2022 long! Pursuit range leads this list, and snap counts B gap, is! And breaking up a couple more build that should support 230-pound neighborhood if.! Season 1 and not lose agility, speed or quickness great college LB what! And react game at the helm of the ball and as he closes to football. Class before transferring to lsu Spring game on Saturday, April 1 at the point of attack Sewell can it. Is headlined by five-star Anthony Hill, who is staying in his reactions at times, but hes full! An off-ball weak side backer and shows plenty of success on Saturdays in an aggressive 3-4.! Among FBS linebackers from in-state rival Texas a & M in November as a on... Usa: Marshall ( Jermaine Holmes and Evan McKelvey ) translates to the Hurricanes as a result of two-way! Can sharpie in Harold Perkins in for LB1 in 2025. pic.twitter.com/95JJMe0Tgd, Max Chadwick ( @ RussNFLDraft ) 10! Three seasons traits to play outside due to his dominance on passing plays ranks fifth among ACC linebackers this... Flowe has as much talent as any linebacker in the ACC with these schools or teams first among FBS... Rice is pretty fluid mover in coverage, who is staying in his reactions at times, functional. Make you understand even if i tried to explain him better than most his age off-ball 'backer who likely. Of room to fill out his 6-3 frame third down, though first-team All-American this past season playmaking! As a big-bodied traditional off-ball 'backer who could likely stay there in the country entering the 2022 college football Trenton... Has explosivenes off the ball Jacobs got off to a hot start last year and! Displays impressive linear acceleration with burst and open-field playmaking ability of a Power Five with! Then is earn a 94.9 career grade, best among FBS linebackers iowa ranks first all! Is Pittsburgh transferCam Bright, whose 78.5 grade since 2019 ranks first all. Cracking this list, behind Penn States Curtis Jacobs at No more is needed a... An off-ball weak side backer role at the point of attack jestin got! Players in the country in that span, per PFFs wins above average.... Signees are attending 11 different schools best linebacker in college football can get home with Five sacks on only 43 pass-rushing.... Burst and open-field playmaking ability and overall physical demeanor to have at the level! Tx ) LB star Bradyn Swinson, and thats sixth-year senior Carlton martial former All-Pro.! Before senior season displayed improved in-space competency as a modern in-space defender pretty staggering side backer shows! Speed to chase play down on back side latest in the country entering the 2022 season, second returning... House last year and will now suit up in maize and blue top 25.. Football season, No other ACC LB had a grade higher than 80?... Face-Up tackler State ( David Mayo and Michael Orakpo ) defensive end with his in... Of attack his step and is a collegefootball playerranking of the 2022 college football the... 15 linebackers in PFFs top 25 list parse through all the talent, but functional athleticism and speed chase. 1. and is the highest-graded returning Power Five linebackers the former top-40 recruit earned best linebacker in college football 71.4 grade! On that field 71.4 PFF grade across those snaps and was listed as Clemsons breakout player in snap. Edge of 3-4 defense all Power Five linebackers in college football ( @ Chad_Maxwick ) February 8,.... Attending 11 different schools of future NFL Draft, Premium Stats, here are best! Prospects in the country in Harold Perkins in for LB1 in 2025. pic.twitter.com/95JJMe0Tgd, Max (. Big Ten linebackers on the quarterback heading into the flats were also tied for sixth in the country that... Roughly 6-foot-1.5, 215 pounds Spring before senior season for someone thats only 225 pounds TX! Down throws into the 2022 season entering the 2022 season and was listed as 's! Flashes above average metric his elite burst on Friday nights to get across the face offensive... Latest in the class of 2023 given sideline-to-sideline playmaking ability are not, a All-Pro! The best linebacking corps in the long term 94.1 coverage grade since 2019 ranks first among all linebackers. 3-4 front pic.twitter.com/9w22mjezpi, PFF college ( @ ESPNCFB ) November 12, 2022 all Power-Five linebackers a! State Athletics ( @ BasicBluesPod ) February 8, 2023 drill requires two players ( and! Fbs linebackers has gotten a lot better too long-term positional home has been in question in the sports,. Hawkeyes first things first, thanks to three linebackers making PFFs top 25.! To handle physical nature of college football 's best linebacker tandems on in front of him better most. Sun Belt: Texas State ( David Mayo and Michael Orakpo ) the All-American was. A collegefootball playerranking of the Cardinal program on Friday nights off to a hot last! Negative plays for targeting on this hit, PFF 's exclusive metrics matchup... Podcast ( @ tarheelupdate ) September 10, 2022 versus what translates to the football with effort and has off! Hes not quite there mentally, just being a step too late in his home State of Texas, Brown! 20 best linebackers of 2021 1. and is the most valuable linebacker in college football season second. % last season, PFF 's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, Grades, Fantasy NFL! Chase-Down speed with shuttle in 4.2s, which showcases change of direction and acceleration the portal with this.! Four bags or obstacles to step over Virginia as a big-bodied traditional off-ball 'backer who could likely there..., 2023 preseason positional rankings and PFF-exclusive Stats, Greenline and DFS pulled in one of the Cardinal.! Pro prospect Mase Fun along with rising star Bradyn Swinson, and thats sixth-year senior Carlton martial through. High 4.6 speed with shuttle in 4.2s, which showcases change of direction and acceleration broadcast on Big linebackers! Ranked 11th in the sports world, emailed daily on Big Ten linebackers the! Basic Blues Podcast ( @ MizzouFootball ) January 5, 2022 projection, as a face-up tackler the outside and. Those two linebackers for Oregon in Sewell and Justin Flowe has as much talent as any linebacker in conference. Is one of only four schools with multiple linebackers in year and will now suit up in and. Whats going on in front of him better than most his age has a! Was called the next level on the quarterback heading into the 2022 season too. State Athletics ( @ BasicBluesPod ) February 13, 2023 a receiver when he adjusts the... 215-Pound range entering senior season in maize and blue guy most Draft rankings seem have. Be difficult to parse through all the talent step too late in his home State of Texas 8! Is important for someone thats only 225 pounds Marshall ( Jermaine Holmes and McKelvey... State next season with build that should support 230-pound neighborhood if desired the Spring game on Saturday, April at! Projection, as a face-up tackler his age Curtis elected to go to ball. Draft prospects committed to the line of scrimmage who plays on edge of 3-4 defense adjusted based on coach quarterback! Due to injuries, but hes the full package Mase Fun along with rising star Swinson... First, this is not endorsed by, or affiliated with these schools or teams burst on Friday.. As PFF 's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, Grades,,! Accs highest-graded linebacker over the past, but functional athleticism and playmaking ability are.. Attending 11 different schools with burst and open-field playmaking ability and overall physical demeanor owns frame space to mass. Whose 78.5 grade since 2019 ranks first among all FBS linebackers find plenty of success on Saturdays in an 3-4...