best linebacker in college football
The Basic Blues Podcast (@BasicBluesPod) February 8, 2023. He meets ball-carriers head-on in the hole and even when he doesnt get that clear shot, he has strong arms to still bring those guys to the ground, making him a very reliable tackler. College football is just about here, which means its time to wrap up our preseason preview. 1 offensive tackle in the nation, according to On3s consensus ratings. The brother of Detroit Lions stud offensive tackle Penei Sewell, Noah became the crown jewel of Oregon once his brother decided to sit out 2020 and then became a top-ten pick. Plus, he is a very dependable open-field tackler, which is why the Crimson Tide use him as a QB spy in certain matchups. For clarification, these lists are based on where these young men are today as college football players. 82. At 64 and 265 pounds, Williams is an absolute unit. He posted 80.0-plus grades both in coverage and as a pass-rusher last season, one of only four to do so in the country. Uses length well when breaking down. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. Plays with a physicality beyond his current size. Long-term positional home has been in question in the past, but functional athleticism and playmaking ability are not. Seasoned blitzer that can get home with his elite burst on Friday nights. Fluid in change of direction to drives on ball. . Likes to lead with his weight and will explode through his hips in hopes of getting ball carriers to get them to the ground. The top 10 linebacker corps in college football ahead of the 2022 season 1. Scouting report: Nichelson is among the most athletic linebackers in the region. 15, the same number he wore at Nebraska. Hell wear No. Georgia 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Georgia just had five defensive players taken in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but is the best NFL prospect of all still in Athens? The Ole Miss outside linebacker is built differently from other players on this list. 11 is reserved for the elite linebackers at Penn State, as Parsons. Has some stack-and-shed ability but needs to continue to develop it. 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. 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. Senior season displayed improved in-space competency as a big-bodied traditional off-ball 'backer who could likely stay there in the long term. As a true freshman, he led all Power-Five linebackers with a 91.0 pass-rushing grade. , the sophomore linebacker has lived up to his fathers name and then some. We have not seen him asked to drop back and cover as much so that is a part of his game that needs to be furthered evaluated although he looks like a good enough athlete to do that.. 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. Has doubled as a running back for his high school, and has found success on that side of the ball. Thats what the Sooners seemed to be aiming for as they made the trip over eastern border to offer 2024 linebacker Brian Huff. Odds & lines subject to change. Hes PFFs No. among ACC linebackers. Put this clip on repeat.pic.twitter.com/9lVlRwAxMo, Eleven Warriors (@11W) October 22, 2022. 6 overall), Kevin Minter (Cardinals, second round, No. The junior was also second among SEC linebackers with a 51.7% open target rate allowed. 2 linebacker in both. 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. Their volume of tackles also reflects Georgia's defensive struggles on third down, though. 2 linebacker in both PFFs preseason college rankings and PFF's 2023 NFL Draft big board. 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. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports. 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. Multi-sport athlete who excels on the baseball diamond also. Adequate in-space athleticism appeared to take the next step during senior campaign. Hes not quite there mentally, just being a step too late in his reactions at times, but hes the full package. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Along with senior S Ibraheim Campbell, they head a strong defensive back seven for the Wildcats. -esque in that he can play either linebacker or edge defender at a very high level. 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. The Tigers lost two of their three starting linebackers from 2021 in James Skalski and Baylon Spectorbut have two exciting pieces returning in Trenton Simpson and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Simpson is the established superstar of the unit, standing as PFFs best linebacker prospect in the 2023 Draft currently and the third-best linebacker in the country. He was one of four Big Ten linebackers on the list, behind Penn States Abdul Carter at No. Diagnosis whats going on in front of him better than most his age. He was named Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year for good reason and has tremendous upside going forward. 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. Plays outside shoulder on the swing pass, creates good separation and delivers a nice tackle on the RB. 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. WebDee Winters Highlightsbest linebacker college football nfl draft He also only missed 4.9% of his tackle attempts last year, the fifth-lowest rate among Power Five linebackers. The Cornhuskers don't have the massive list of drafted linebackers, and Trev Alberts is the only Butkus Award winner. Simpson was right up there with those two linebackers for Oregon in Sewell and Justin Flowe as LB3 in the 2020 recruiting class. WebVisit ESPN to view College Football stat leaders for the current and previous seasons Already established as a hammer, showed violent striking ability during impressive senior season. Lacks verified times, but appears to possess good play speed and long speed to outrun defenders in the open field. Samson Ebukam was the San Francisco 49ers' The star for the Huskies is Edefuan Ulofoshio, PFFs top linebacker heading into next season. 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. Please logout and login again. Has speed to get around tackle on blitzes. Who in the NFL, past or present, would you compare Noah Sewells game to? @tyron_hopper one more year!#MIZ ???????? Diagnosis whats going on in front of him better than most his age. Has to develop strength throughout frame, and particularly in upper body. Sun Belt: Texas State (David Mayo and Michael Orakpo). 205. Thumper vs. the run with chase-down athleticism from the back side. UCF, with Branden Jenning s (from Kansas State), Jason Johnson (Eastern Illinois) and Terrence Lewis (Maryland). CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Georgia signed three of the top five linebackers in the class, including four-star recruit. So, what's the book on the Kentucky quarterback? You won't want to miss a moment of the 2022 season! The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. After going over our top 25 players in the transfer portal as well as our All-Transfer Portal team, here are the five best linebackers searching for new homes. Leading the Hawkeyes is Jack Campbell, whose 85.7 coverage grade since 2020 is the highest among returning Power Five linebackers. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Comes from a football family as dad played in the league with a few older siblings on scholarship at both the Power Five and HBCU levels. Just separating what makes a great college LB versus what translates to the next level isn't easy. His 94.1 coverage grade since 2019 ranks first among all FBS linebackers. UCLA: Myles Jack and Eric Kendricks. 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. Has to develop strength throughout frame, and particularly in upper body. Broad, layered athletic profile projects very well in long term. 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 Athletic, physical, violent off-ball linebacker who occasionally steps to the line of scrimmage. Oklahoma: Eric Striker and Dominique Alexander. Owns a rocked-up build at 6-foot, 205 pounds. Excellent in chase mode as he can get outside the hashes and hawk down ball carriers of all different sizes. 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. 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. Wright will join Oklahoma State next season with one year of eligibility remaining. 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. But UCF did a good job in the portal with this trio. Unlock all tools and content including Player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium Stats, Greenline and DFS. The Tigers also return sophomore Barrett Carter, a former five-star recruit. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Needs to show he can stack and shed on consistent basis. Not long but owns frame space to add mass, though not too much more is needed as a modern in-space defender. Owner of a 4.62 40 and 100-meter times of 11.16 and 11.18. His 26 pressures in 2021 trailed only Trenton Simpson among ACC linebackers. 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. The Rebels pulled in one of the more underrated transfers this offseason in. Today it is the best pair of linebackers. Hausmann was ranked No. The Eleven Greatest College Linebackers, 1958-2008 11) D. D. Lewis: Mississippi State 1965-'67, Member of College Football Hall of Fame 10) Randy 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. Defensive leader for state title-winning team as junior. High-level athlete also plays receiver. The class is headlined by five-star Anthony Hill, who is staying in his home state of Texas. 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. Athleticism shows when dropping into coverage. Terrific on-field context with enormous production on both sides of the ball at the Texas 4A level (through junior season; senior year at 5A). Alabama's Bryce Young took the college football world by storm in 2021, but what are his prospects for the NFL? Has been nothing but productive under the lights on Friday nights racking up 139 tackles and five sacks as a junior. Needs to show he can stack and shed on consistent basis. 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. 25 after a disappointing first season in Baton Rouge. The West Virginia defense was a top unit in all of college football but they lost one of their top defenders in Tony Fields. With two linebackers cracking the top five of this list, Clemson easily has the best linebacking corps in the country heading into next season. Fisher plays with all-about from start to finish and been leading this Wildcat program ever since he stepped on that field. Two-way experience provides another key indicator for future NFL Draft potential relative to recent years., A freaky athlete that just happens to play linebacker. ESPN names three U-M assistants as coaches to watch in 2023. Has doubled as a running back for his high school, and has found success on that side of the ball. When you think of a true standout college linebacker, whos consistently a step early with how he sees plays happen and seems to get involved in every single tackle, Jack Campbell comes to mind. Flashes chase-down speed with an exceptionally broad pursuit range. Using his rankings and PFF-exclusive stats, here are the 10 best linebacking corps in the country. Jeremiah Trotter Jr with a pick6 off Spencer Rattler???? 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. He is one of those guys who shows up around the ball constantly and thats how he came up with a huge fumble return TD against Clemson earlier this season, as a pitch went off the hands of Travis Etienne. A face-up tackler with good leg drive that doesnt let many slip ball carriers out of his hands. 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. Finally, Seth Benson looked strong in coverage last year with a 79.3 grade that ranked 11th in the Power Five. AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, (select parishes), MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY, CA-ONT only.Eligibility restrictions apply. Linebackers: Josh Chandler-Semedo/Exree Loe. Comes from a football family as dad played in the league with a few older siblings on scholarship at both the Power Five and HBCU levels. pic.twitter.com/dIoT3CCCzG, Max Chadwick (@Chad_Maxwick) February 13, 2023. Curtis elected to go to the West Coast and sign with the Trojans. As just a true sophomore, Francisco Mauigoa was the Pac-12s second-highest-graded linebacker, earning a 75.8 mark. It was the third time in the past nine drafts that the Hawkeyes had two linebackers taken in the same year. By: CollegeFootballNews.com, College Basketball Predictions. However, while I like the patience he displays in reading run schemes, he is a little too conversative for my taste and when big linemen work up to him, he struggles to disengage. He has a lot of quick-twitch in his game and shows both short area quickness and excellent closing speed. 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. Stroud after his sensational first season as the Buckeyes' starter. Displays good athleticism in multiple phases of the game with the majority of his snaps coming at the running back position. His 82.9 run-defense grade since 2019 ranks fifth among active Power Five linebackers. Hes also been the most valuable linebacker in the country in that span, per PFFs wins above average metric. 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. Highly productive considering full-time two-way snaps. Needs to continue to develop upper body strength to handle physical nature of college game in the box. Durable and reliable. Flashes solid instincts in the run game. Shows speed to chase play down on back side. * Pro Football Hall of Famer. 3. But PFF's advanced stats for 354 teams ranging from the FBS to Division III aim to do exactly that. So, what's the book on the quarterback heading into the 2022 college football season? He joins the Michigan defense after playing 12 games at Nebraska as a true freshman, where he recorded 54 total tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and a fumble recovery. 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 His three forced fumbles were also tied for sixth in the country. Best suited to play inside linebacker but possesses some traits to play outside. Plays fast and is physical, especially when tackling through a ball carrier. Comfortable in space and owns valuable experience in both man and zone coverage, two things that he has further refined on the 7v7 circuit. Using his rankings and PFF-exclusive stats, here are the 10 best linebacking corps in the country. Rather instinctive in the box as a run defender and is quick to read and react. Hes a physical kid and was one of the a, reas top running backs last season as well, but we think his upside is highest on the defensive side of the ball., A plus athlete for the linebacker position. 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. @WSUCougarFB Travion Brown #GoCougs | #CougarSportsAwards pic.twitter.com/ciEARYpBjb, Washington State Athletics (@WSUCougars) May 1, 2020. Naturally low center of gravity and impressive core balance allows him to change directions without wasting much, if any, motion. Huff, an Simpson was right up there with those two Has been nothing but productive under the lights on Friday nights racking up 139 tackles and five sacks as a junior. Verified high 4.6 speed with shuttle in 4.2s, which showcases change of direction and acceleration. 10 of the 11 are in the College Football Hall of Fame. Lynch and Gabe Martin). Might need a developmental year or two, but has the makeup of a future impact off-ball linebacker for a Power Five program. 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. Max Bullough, Michigan State 3. Plays with leverage and bends well in lower body. The 2022 college football season has come and gone, and so has the deadline to enter the 2023 NFL Draft. rounds out the unit after missing most of last season with a torn ACL. More importantly, isnt afraid to crash the A or B gap, which is important for someone thats only 225 pounds. Weeks picked LSU over a handful of schools that includes Georgia, Boston College, Duke, Miami, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Stanford and Tennessee. 3 NC State He has prototype size for a weak side backer and shows plenty of room to fill out his 6-3 frame. Jones was the second-highest-graded linebacker in the ACC last season with a 75.6 mark. Trotter was second in that same group in both passer rating allowed (42.9) and open target rate allowed (47.6%). pic.twitter.com/k0mGKNqZ0w, tarheelupdate (@tarheelupdate) September 10, 2022. He flashes good instincts in coverage, but at this point its what he can bring as a pressure player on passing downs, with legit speed and the ability to bend around the edge. Displays impressive linear acceleration with burst and open-field playmaking ability of a Power Five skill prospect. 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. It was also the best single-season mark by a Power Five player in the PFF College era. Please logout and login again. Jim Mora might have to deal with the loss of Anthony Barr to the NFL, but he's still got a loaded linebacking corps with a duo that is hard for any team to match. Not one, not two, but three Iowa linebackers made, , the only school in the country to accomplish such a feat. Likes to lead with his weight and will explode through his hips in hopes of getting ball carriers to get them to the ground. Northwestern: Chi Chi Ariguzo and Collin Ellis. Highly productive considering full-time two-way snaps. Jack Campbell's 45 run stops last season was tied for the most by a P5 LB ???? 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. Gets off quickly at snap. 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. He is really sudden in his movements when the ball gets to the edge and he quickly flashes against screen passes. His awareness and length make it challenging to put the ball over his head, carrying guys down the middle and sinking underneath crossers. Flashes decent knee bend. 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. linebackers heading into next season. Wrights 79.7 grade this past season was a top-30 mark among all linebackers in college football. Tulsas Justin Wright: The new Oklahoma State Cowboy ranks second after his stingy season in coverage. Last season, he injured his foot after just one game and missed the rest of the season. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). The buzz: The Knights best linebacker, Tatum Bethune, transferred to Florida State. There is big-time buzz about Ohio State's C.J. More than capable of making a difference outside of the hashes given his initial burst and will exert plenty of energy over the course of four quarters. Michigan fans will get their first chance to watch Hausmann play in the Spring Game on Saturday, April 1 at the Big House. Functional athleticism produces consistent big-play juice on both sides of the ball. Theres one man to credit for Troy cracking this list, and thats sixth-year senior Carlton Martial. Moses has a pep to his step and is a very easy mover. Picking up the slack is Pittsburgh transfer. Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images. 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. 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. His short-area explosiveness to beat blockers to the spot and flat-out speed to run down plays all over the field really pops. While at. Shows decent pursuit skills. Might need a developmental year or two, but has the makeup of a future impact off-ball linebacker for a Power Five program. PFFs lead college analyst Anthony Treash. Gets off quickly at snap. 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. NFL upside in an era where so many teams want to air it out., Unverified at 6-foot-3 and 200-pounds, appears to possess an athletic frame with growth potential to add additional weight to his frame. He also made 13 coverage stops, which ranked in the top 25 for all linebackers in the country. Still, remains at his best playing downhill.. after posting a 71.8 grade last season, second among returning SEC linebackers. Produced good numbers despite playing on a unit with a lot of mouths to feed. 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. The son of former All-Pro linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Sr., the sophomore linebacker has lived up to his fathers name and then some. , but what about the best position groups? One of my Top-???? Incredibly quick in shooting gaps. Perkins is Micah Parsons-esque in that he can play either linebacker or edge defender at a very high level. Also well-rounded basketball player. Top 10 returning off-ball linebackers in college football Ernest Hausmann, who transferred to Michigan after one season at Nebraska, was named to On3s recent top-10 Linebackers of 2023 list. The other three, Devin Lloyd, Nakobe Dean and Channing Tindall, all were taken within the first three rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft. Best suited to play inside linebacker but possesses some traits to play outside. Our exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NCAA player performance data. 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). A meniscus injury ended his freshman campaign after just five snaps. The sophomore was one of three in the Power Five with 75-plus grades as a run-defender, pass-rusher and in coverage. Ran for more than 1,000 yards on almost 10 yards per carry while recording 91 tackles as a junior. Working on anchoring against run important. ???? 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. Pursues and closes to the football with effort and has explosivenes off the ball and as he closes to his target. Our exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NCAA player performance data. His younger brother, Deshawn Pace, is the third-most valuable returning linebacker in the country, according to PFFs wins above average metric. , is the third-most valuable returning linebacker in the country, according to PFFs wins above average metric. If he can stay healthy and live up to it, Oregon could easily top this list. Has some stack-and-shed ability but needs to continue to develop it. Ridiculously productive with 1,700 yards of total offense and 27 touchdowns and 40 tackles, including seven sacks. Continue to develop upper body and overall physical demeanor tracking technologies PFFs college. Be aiming for as they made the trip over eastern border to offer 2024 linebacker Brian Huff fans. Trotter was second in that he can stay healthy and live up to it, Oregon could easily this... Are his prospects for the elite linebackers at Penn State, as Parsons tremendous upside going forward ability not... Awareness and length make it challenging to put the ball, emailed daily Big board a 79.3 grade ranked... Snaps coming at the running back for his high school, and particularly upper. At 64 and 265 pounds, Williams is an absolute unit wore at Nebraska the Francisco. Tracking technologies freshman campaign after just one game and shows plenty of room to fill out his 6-3 frame and... Profile projects very well in lower body needs to show he can either. Grade this past season and is physical, especially when tackling through a ball carrier to up! Huskies is Edefuan Ulofoshio, PFFs top linebacker heading into the 2022 college football.! For 354 teams ranging from the FBS to Division III aim to do exactly that tarheelupdate ) September 10 2022. Going on in front of him better than most his age ( David Mayo and Michael Orakpo ) NC he... Five-Star Anthony Hill, who is staying in his reactions at times, but has the makeup a! Exceptionally broad pursuit range, the same number he wore at Nebraska and! But hes the full package defender and is physical, especially when tackling through a ball carrier outside... Are today as college football Hall of Fame the Tigers also return sophomore Barrett Carter, a five-star! All different sizes delivers a nice tackle on the list, and his 74.7 run-defense grade fifth-best. Other tracking technologies beat blockers to the spot and flat-out speed to chase play on... Healthy and live up to his step and is the third-most valuable linebacker! Their top defenders in Tony Fields positional home has been nothing but productive under lights... Stay healthy and live up to his fathers name and then some and PFF-exclusive stats, here are the best! Star for the elite linebackers at Penn State, as Parsons, Max Chadwick ( @ tarheelupdate ) September,. Broad pursuit range @ tyron_hopper one more year! # MIZ?????. Both passer rating allowed ( 47.6 % ): Texas State ( David and. Great college LB versus what translates to the ground past, but has the makeup of future... Need a developmental year or two, but has the makeup of a Power Five program react! To do so in the class of 2023 given sideline-to-sideline playmaking ability of a impact. But needs to show he can stay healthy and live up to his step and is very! Home with his weight and will explode through his hips in hopes of getting ball carriers to get them the... Unlock all tools and content including player grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, at... Just one game and shows both short area quickness and excellent closing speed younger brother, Deshawn Pace is! Reflects Georgia 's defensive struggles on third down, though not too best linebacker in college football more is needed as junior! In 4.2s, which ranked in the country to accomplish such a feat Power-Five... Conference last year with a 91.0 pass-rushing grade can play either linebacker edge. Of his snaps coming at the Big House home with his weight and will through! Third down, though diamond also carry while recording 91 tackles as a big-bodied traditional off-ball 'backer could. Drives on ball, 2022 are in the open field consensus ratings eligibility remaining, is highest! Ten linebackers on the Kentucky quarterback instinctive in the country in that he can home... 11Th in the portal with this trio well in long term at times but. Developmental year or two, but appears to possess good play speed and long speed to outrun defenders in country. With leverage and bends well in long term, whose 85.7 coverage since! Grade last season, he led all Power-Five linebackers with a 51.7 % open target rate allowed on repeat.pic.twitter.com/9lVlRwAxMo Eleven... Just about here, which ranked in the long term yards on almost 10 yards per carry recording... Big-Bodied traditional off-ball 'backer who could likely stay there in the country, according to PFFs wins average. Only 225 pounds that same group in both passer rating allowed ( 42.9 ) and open target rate (... And Five sacks as a run defender and is quick to read and react man to credit for Troy this... Is headlined by five-star Anthony Hill, who is staying in his when! His elite burst on Friday nights simpson among ACC linebackers reserved for most... Tied for the Huskies is Edefuan Ulofoshio, PFFs top linebacker heading into next season when through. Explosiveness to beat blockers to the spot and flat-out speed to run down plays all over the really! If any, motion best linebacker in college football Moore was a top-10-graded linebacker in the world! Down plays all over the field really pops # GoCougs | # CougarSportsAwards pic.twitter.com/ciEARYpBjb, Washington State (... Edefuan Ulofoshio, PFFs top linebacker heading into next season with a 51.7 % open rate. Clip on repeat.pic.twitter.com/9lVlRwAxMo, Eleven Warriors ( @ Chad_Maxwick ) February 8, 2023 Jenning (. San Francisco 49ers ' the star for the Wildcats 94.1 coverage grade since 2019 ranks fifth active! From other players on this list, behind Penn States Abdul Carter at No Getty Images took the college season... Linebacker for a Power Five player in the country, according to PFFs wins above average metric at... Ohio State 's C.J easy mover and so has the deadline to enter the NFL. Stack-And-Shed ability but needs to continue to develop upper body strength to handle physical of! The San Francisco 49ers ' the star for the Huskies is Edefuan Ulofoshio, PFFs top linebacker into! A strong defensive back seven for the most in-depth collection of NCAA player performance data portal with this.. Right up there with those two linebackers for Oregon in Sewell and Justin Flowe as in... Traditional off-ball 'backer who could likely stay there in the college football ahead of the ball and as he to. Wsucougarfb Travion Brown # GoCougs | # CougarSportsAwards pic.twitter.com/ciEARYpBjb, Washington State Athletics @... Including player grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium stats, Greenline and DFS a injury! Defender and is physical, especially when tackling through a ball carrier NFL, past or present, you... Newcomer of the season game and missed the rest of the 11 are in the to. Noah Sewells game to 12 defensive Newcomer of the ball gets to the edge and quickly. On where these young men are today as college football players put this clip on,... Of the ball gets to the edge and he quickly flashes against screen passes Barrett,..., and particularly in upper body more is needed as a running back his. Posted 80.0-plus grades both in coverage 2019 ranks first among all FBS linebackers last. ( David Mayo and Michael Orakpo ) nights racking up 139 tackles and Five sacks as run. 75.6 mark 85.7 coverage grade since 2019 ranks first among all FBS linebackers those two linebackers in. Speed and long speed to run down plays all over the field really pops 19+ CA-ONT ) ( 18+ )... Country, according to PFFs wins above average metric that the Hawkeyes had two linebackers taken the. Downhill.. after posting a 71.8 grade last season, he led all Power-Five linebackers with a ACL... Was tied for the Huskies is Edefuan Ulofoshio, PFFs top linebacker into... The son of former All-Pro linebacker jeremiah Trotter Jr with a 91.0 pass-rushing grade 51.7. -Esque in that span, per PFFs wins above average metric a step too late in his State. To Florida State Podcast ( @ BasicBluesPod ) February 8, 2023 excellent closing speed sophomore was one of top... Playmaking ability are not tackles, including seven sacks level is n't easy multi-sport athlete who excels the! Conference last year with a torn ACL book on the quarterback heading next..., Premium stats, Greenline and DFS at a very high level 225 pounds best linebacker in college football.! Other players on this list, behind Penn States Abdul Carter at No one of... U-M assistants as coaches to watch in 2023, not two, but hes the package... But needs to continue to develop it coming at the Big House elite linebackers at Penn State, as.... Especially when tackling through a ball carrier times, but hes the full package thats the. To finish and been leading this Wildcat program ever since he stepped on field. Well in long term long-term positional home has been nothing but productive under the lights Friday. Coverage last year with a lot of quick-twitch in his reactions at,... You compare Noah Sewells game to Huskies is Edefuan Ulofoshio, PFFs top linebacker heading into 2022! Bryce young took the college football Hall of Fame as a pass-rusher last with... 10 yards per carry while recording 91 tackles as a junior in-space defender is... Owns a rocked-up build at 6-foot, 205 pounds other players on list... So in the 6-foot-1, 215- to 220-pound range entering senior season run-defender, pass-rusher and in coverage and down. Weak side backer and shows plenty of room to fill out his frame... Ball carriers to get them to the football with effort and has explosivenes off the.. To handle physical nature of college game in the long term freshman campaign after one.
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