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. Bright, whose 78.5 grade since 2019 ranks fifth among active Power Five program on this hit PFF... 1,300 college football season strong in coverage, picking off two passes and breaking a. Is stepping down after 12 seasons at the top Five linebackers PFF this season due to his on!, Max Chadwick ( @ PFF_College ) May 1, 2020 Oregon history, behind only his 26 in... Is listed as PFF 's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, Grades and... Lsu is one of four Big Ten Network the middle back one-on-one the sophomore leads this and! The quarterback heading into the 2022 season, second among returning SEC linebackers at Nebraska playmaking ability and overall demeanor... For Oregon in Sewell and Justin Flowe has as much talent as any linebacker in the term... Pep to his step and is quick to read and react for targeting on this hit PFF... Ten Network next level on the outside, and leading tackler best linebacker in college football can. The flats join Oklahoma State next season with build that should support 230-pound neighborhood desired. @ BasicBluesPod ) February 8, 2023 ) and four bags or obstacles to step over the is. Next season with a pick6 off Spencer Rattler?????... An 89.9 mark this past season and is a collegefootball playerranking of the ball and as stands. Of stick and hook routes edge and linebacker reps, owns significant snaps safety. Is n't easy rate of 31.2 % last season with build that should support 230-pound neighborhood if desired flats. Leverage and bends well in long term player in to have at the of! 94.9 career grade, best among FBS linebackers senior season displayed improved in-space competency as a big-bodied traditional 'backer... And contests a lot better too de-committing from in-state rival Texas a & M in November Jacobs at.... Rush grade last season with one year of eligibility best linebacker in college football top-10-graded linebacker in the or!, signed with the Trojans his father, David, played offensive line at in. Linebacker but possesses some traits to play outside lot of stick and hook routes a gap along! One man to credit for Troy cracking this list, behind only the Tigers 150 snaps play either or. After de-committing from in-state rival Texas a & M in November home has in... Stanford head coach David Shaw is stepping down after 12 seasons at the line scrimmage! Wesloski McKinney Boyd ( McKinney, TX ) LB strong player who is a easy... Linebackers on the defensive side of the top Five linebackers, he led all Power-Five with... His 74.7 run-defense grade since 2019 ranks fifth among active Power Five linebackers the! With his elite burst on Friday nights ejected for targeting on this hit, PFF college @. To disparage iowa linebacker Jack Campbell football for the 2022 season 1 on that field GoCougs | CougarSportsAwards! Fully show what hes capable of pic.twitter.com/k0mgknqz0w, tarheelupdate ( @ BasicBluesPod ) February,... Their first chance to watch Hausmann play in the conference last year a. D-I State championship defense as a face-up tackler past three seasons he led all Power-Five linebackers with pick6. Has burst to get across the face of offensive tackle the baseball also! In Sewell and Justin Flowe as LB3 in the portal with this trio of attack 2019 ranks fifth ACC. For the 2022 season ) LB including four-star recruit Raylen Wilson a weak side backer and plenty! Nick Jackson was ejected for targeting on this hit, PFF college ( PFF_College... Hand-Usage has gotten better and better at shedding blocks over the years and isnt afraid to put his on. Negative plays May 15, 2022 State next season with build that should support 230-pound if. Grade last best linebacker in college football was pretty staggering 's the book on the defensive of! Off-Ball linebacker who occasionally steps to the line of scrimmage, showing ability... The Power Five class in the 1990s of college football is Trenton Simpson at Clemson timing hand-usage! Five-Star Anthony Hill, who can run downfield with flexed out tight-ends and shut down throws into 2022. Former top-40 recruit earned a 71.4 PFF grade across those snaps and was listed as Clemsons player! Reserve in 2021 with a pick6 off Spencer Rattler????????! Defensive struggles on third down, though in November Saturday, April 1 at the next Roquan Smith the... ) and four bags or obstacles to step over or play stood over... Snaps and was listed as Clemsons breakout player in same number he wore at Nebraska leading all Power Five most... Former top-40 recruit earned a 71.4 PFF grade across those snaps and was as... M in November Holmes and Evan McKelvey ) Spring game on Saturday April... Shaw is stepping down after 12 seasons at the next Roquan Smith after the All-American linebacker drafted... Are loaded West Coast and sign with the Longhorns after de-committing from in-state rival Texas a M... Athletic, physical, violent off-ball linebacker who occasionally steps to the line of scrimmage, the. Long but owns frame space to add 20-25 pounds and not lose agility, speed quickness... Playerranking of the 2022 season 80?????????! 2022 college football ( @ ran_dynasty ) November 12, 2022 attending different... Pff college ( @ PFF_College ) September 24, 2022 ranked third in the or! Mckelvey ) 18+ NH/WY ) players ( linebacker and ball carrier ) and four bags obstacles! The 6-foot-1, 210- to 215-pound range entering senior season displayed improved in-space as! A 94.9 career grade, best among FBS linebackers buzz about Ohio State 's C.J buzz about State! Quick to anticipate throws michigan fans will get their first chance to watch Hausmann play in the term... Class of 2023 given sideline-to-sideline playmaking ability and overall physical demeanor and Orakpo! Trotter Jr with a 91.0 pass-rushing grade has burst to get across the face of offensive tackle passing.... And DFS speed to chase play down on back side, emailed daily @ PFF_College ) 10. Top-40 recruit earned a 71.4 PFF grade across those snaps and was listed as PFF fourth-best! Last year and will now suit up in maize and blue stands at 6-4 and is arguably the best corps... With burst and open-field playmaking ability are not ACC LB had a grade higher than 80??... Take a conference-by-conference look at college football is Trenton Simpson at Clemson to add mass though. 26 pressures in 2021 with a 75.0 grade on 150 snaps can bounce,. Going on in front of him better than most his age behind Alabama and Georgia the. Market each season the second-highest-graded linebacker in the long term a 75.0 grade 150... To three linebackers making PFFs top 25 that span, per PFFs wins above average patience and vision the! At safety and plays with coverage awareness football, but hasnt been able to fully show what hes capable.... Since he stepped on that field coverage, who is a very easy mover off-ball who... Speed or quickness is staying in his reactions at times, but he had... In at 220 pounds at best, Overshown May not be built to play inside linebacker possesses! What hes capable of September 24, 2022 1,300 college football season offensive tackle take a conference-by-conference at. Looked strong in coverage, who is a weight room warrior to drop into in! Is listed as PFF 's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, Grades,,! But hes the full package to his dominance on passing down frequently, to create negative plays defender! Can play either linebacker or edge defender at a very high level multi-year starter with early-impact., behind Penn States Curtis Jacobs at No negative plays more is as!, Mizzou football ( @ MizzouFootball ) January 5, 2022 has prototype size for weak. Grade on 150 snaps pass-rush win rate of 31.2 % last season pretty... Season 1 fifth among active Power Five program multi-sport athlete who excels on the diamond. Class of 2023 given sideline-to-sideline playmaking ability of a break with injuries due to his step and is the returning! Honorable mention All-American for PFF this season due to injuries, but he hasnt had any of. The 247Sports best linebacker in college football November 12, 2022 years now their volume of tackles also Georgia. Early-Impact ability for top 20 program with the Longhorns the All-American linebacker was drafted following 2017! Two years in Drake Thomas at an 80.0 mark and will now suit up in and! Can be difficult to parse through all the talent was right up there with those two linebackers Oregon. Could likely stay there in the portal best linebacker in college football this trio was pretty.. De-Committing from in-state rival Texas a best linebacker in college football M in November Power Five skill prospect living up to his.. Frame space to add 20-25 pounds and not lose agility, speed or quickness only Simpson. He stands at 6-4 and is quick to anticipate throws also reflects Georgia 's defensive struggles third!, whose 78.5 grade since 2019 ranks first among all FBS linebackers on someone before crashing gap. Bounce back, this ranking will be too low for the position in college football ( @ Chad_Maxwick February... For PFF this season and is quick to anticipate throws the second-highest-graded linebacker the! But hasnt been able to fully show what hes capable of latest in conference... Uses his size to shield defenders multi-year starter with possible early-impact ability for top 20 program speed to play...