The guy most draft rankings seem to have at the top for the position in college football is Trenton Simpson at Clemson. Senior season displayed improved in-space competency as a big-bodied traditional off-ball 'backer who could likely stay there in the long term. 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. Played soccer growing up before concentrating on football in high school. Isaiah Simmons Highlights (BEST LINEBACKER IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL) clemson lb highlights isaiah simmons. Long-term positional home has been in question in the past, but functional athleticism and playmaking ability are not. As just a true sophomore, Francisco Mauigoa was the Pac-12s second-highest-graded linebacker, earning a 75.8 mark. Productive two-way play who plays on edge of 3-4 defense. Georgia secured its second straight national championship on Monday night, overwhelming TCU in a 65-7 blowout. Has gotten better and better at shedding blocks over the years and isnt afraid to put his facemask on someone before crashing a gap. Jack Campbell's 45 run stops last season was tied for the most by a P5 LB ???? He led the nation with 140 tackles in 2021, and hes the Shows decent pursuit skills. Ran for more than 1,000 yards on almost 10 yards per carry while recording 91 tackles as a junior. He may not be super rangy in coverage. 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. 211009 Penn St Iowa Fb 029 Jpg. Produced good numbers despite playing on a unit with a lot of mouths to feed. Athleticism shows when dropping into coverage. Jordan Pollard Faith Lutheran (Las Vegas, NV) LB. Athleticism shows when dropping into coverage. 3 NC State Flashes above average patience and vision at the line of scrimmage, showing the ability to hit the hole quickly. If you enjoyed this content, I would really appreciate if you could check out the original full piece - https://halilsrealfootballtalk.com/2020/12/12/top-five-college-players-at-every-position-defense-edition/, Be the first one to comment on this story. Excels on contact, exhibiting excellent play strength and power at the point of attack. More than likely projects to an off-ball weak side backer role at the next level on the defensive side of the ball. Justin Flowe has as much talent as any linebacker in college football, but he hasnt had any semblance of a break with injuries. 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. The son of former All-Pro linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Sr., the sophomore linebacker has lived up to his fathers name and then some. Uses quick hands well to stay off blocks. Michigan fans will get their first chance to watch Hausmann play in the Spring Game on Saturday, April 1 at the Big House. His 17 tackles for loss/no gain were fifth in that same group as well. The excitement about Alabama's Will Anderson Jr. is sky-high coming off his sensational 2021 campaign. Comfortable in space and owns valuable experience in both man and zone coverage, two things that he has further refined on the 7v7 circuit. Power Rankings are PFFs NCAA power ratings based on weekly player grades in each facet of play. Fluid in change of direction to drives on ball. Theres one man to credit for Troy cracking this list, and thats sixth-year senior, He joined Troy as an undersized walk-on in 2017 at just 5-foot-9, 210 pounds. Carter is one of college football's most well-rounded linebackers. 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. Campbell is the epitome of an Iowa linebacker - hes rugged, instinctive and as sure a tackler as they come. As we head toward the 2022 college football season, the Will Levis hype train is picking up steam. Has some stack-and-shed ability but needs to continue to develop it. The former top-40 recruit earned a 71.4 PFF grade across those snaps and was listed as Clemsons breakout player in PFFs College Football Preview Magazine. Our exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NCAA player performance data. @WSUCougarFB Travion Brown #GoCougs | #CougarSportsAwards pic.twitter.com/ciEARYpBjb, Washington State Athletics (@WSUCougars) May 1, 2020. Must continue to improve play strength, which should happen once lifting and eating in college. Has burst to get across the face of offensive tackle. WebFlashes ability to stand blockers up and also to knock ball-carriers backward on contact. 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. Njongmeta is the highest-graded returning Power Five linebacker, earning an 89.9 mark this past season. One of his best games of the season was at the Big House, as in a loss to Wolverines, Hausmann had 10 tackles and a tackle for loss. Texas is ranked behind Alabama and Georgia for the best recruiting class in the 247Sports rankings. 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. High upside athlete that can potentially provide value on either side of the ball and on multiple special teams units. For a detailed analysis of nearly every FBS team, check out PFFs 2022 College Football Preview Magazine. Vast pursuit range. Thats what the Sooners seemed to be aiming for as they made the trip over eastern border to offer 2024 linebacker Brian Huff. These power rankings are adjusted based on coach, quarterback and the market each season. Needs to continue to develop upper body strength to handle physical nature of college game in the box. Highly productive considering full-time two-way snaps. 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. 1 offensive tackle in the nation, according to. Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Tulsa Golden Hurricane linebacker Justin Wright (30) runs back an Using his rankings and PFF-exclusive stats, here are the 10 best linebacking corps in the country. Put this clip on repeat.pic.twitter.com/9lVlRwAxMo, Eleven Warriors (@11W) October 22, 2022. 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. 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. Can engage and still drive legs to get around corner on blitz. 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). Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Tulsa Golden Hurricane linebacker Justin Wright (30) runs back an interception for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium. Note: This ranking only includes off-ball linebackers. in 2020, he earned a 90.2 coverage grade, which was first among Power Five linebackers. His 26 pressures in 2021 trailed only. Ulofoshio has missed 10 games over the past three years and will miss at least half of the 2022 season with a knee injury. Both Pace brothers are among PFFs top 25 linebackers for the 2022 season. Power Rankings are PFFs NCAA power ratings based on weekly player grades in each facet of play. 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. AND THE WINNER IS ???? Weeks picked LSU over a handful of schools that includes Georgia, Boston College, Duke, Miami, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Stanford and Tennessee. The Eleven Greatest College Linebackers, 1958-2008, 11) D. D. Lewis: Mississippi State 1965-'67, Member of College Football Hall of Fame, 10)Randy Gradishar: Ohio State 1971-'73, Member of College Football Hall of Fame, 9)Mike Singletary: Baylor 1977-'80, Member of College Football Hall of Fame, 8) Dennis Onkotz: Penn State 1967-'69, Member of College Football Hall of Fame, 7) Wilber Marshall: Florida 1980-'83, Member of College Football Hall of Fame, 6) George Webster: Mich. State 1964-'66, Member of College Football Hall of Fame, 5) Jack Ham: Penn State 1968-'70, Member of College Football Hall of Fame, 4) Lawrence Taylor: UNC 1977-'80, ACC MVP in 1980, 3) Leroy Jordan: Alabama 1960-'62, Member of College Football Hall of Fame, 2) Dick Butkus: Illinois, 1962-'64, Member of College Football Hall Of Fame, 1) Tommy Nobis: Texas, 1963-'65, Member of College Football Hall Of Fame. 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. This drill requires two players (linebacker and ball carrier) and four bags or obstacles to step over. Here are the top five linebackers in college football, a group of future NFL Draft prospects. 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. Has doubled as a running back for his high school, and has found success on that side of the ball. What's the book on the edge rusher heading into the '22 college football season? All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. Despite losing three of their four best linebackers from a year ago, the Bearcats still field one of the best units in the country. The top 15 signees are attending 11 different schools. Despite playing just two games. Desire to make those around him better also a pretty unique trait in the year 2022. Not long but owns frame space to add mass, though not too much more is needed as a modern in-space defender. 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. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. 9 amongst his peers across the nation. Capable of consistent sideline-to-sideline pursuit with proven blitzing ability. Functional athleticism produces consistent big-play juice on both sides of the ball. Also well-rounded basketball player. A meniscus injury ended his freshman campaign after just five snaps. Plays at times almost like a mad man as he shoots into the backfield with the intention of being violent. At 64 and 265 pounds, Williams is an absolute unit. Our exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NCAA player performance data. 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. , which says a lot about his potential. Take a conference-by-conference look at college football's best linebacker tandems. Thumper vs. the run with chase-down athleticism from the back side. Flowe is the second-highest-rated recruit in Oregon history, behind only Kayvon Thibodeaux, but hasnt been able to fully show what hes capable of. Understands how to stack and shed, and can do it at a high level. It was the third time in the past nine drafts that the Hawkeyes had two linebackers taken in the same year. Pursues downhill in the flat and chases plays down from behind. PFF's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and snap counts. 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. The redshirt senior was especially stingy in coverage, picking off two passes and breaking up a couple more. 2 linebacker in both. Simpson was right up there with those two linebackers for Oregon in Sewell and Justin Flowe as LB3 in the 2020 recruiting class. If he can bounce back, this ranking will be too low for the Tigers. Some of the re-ranks make sense, but others are rather odd. Shouldnt exactly be considered a coverage specialist, but can hang with most mid skill players in 1-on-1 situations and does a nice job of finding the football once it's airborne. Excellent in chase mode as he can get outside the hashes and hawk down ball carriers of all different sizes. Georgia has also used him as a blitzer on passing down frequently, to create negative plays. Oklahoma signed two top 10 linebackers, including Samuel Omosigho. Lynch and Gabe Martin). Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports. Senior season displayed improved in-space competency as a big-bodied traditional off-ball 'backer who could likely stay there in the long term. 8 linebacker in college football for the 2022 season, PFF's fourth-best linebacker in the country entering the 2022 season. Traits and pro-like mentality suggests that he can emerge as a trusted contributor for a Top 25 program and eventually an impact player. Athletic enough to compensate for occasional less-than-ideal angles. 8 linebacker in college football for the 2022 season. If you cant make it to the game in person, the game will be broadcast on Big Ten Network. Possesses the size to immediately give you snaps at the P5 level. If he can stay healthy and live up to it, Oregon could easily top this list. 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. Impact player in high school as linebacker/edge rusher and running back. 214. He also comes in like a flying missile as a blitzer and showed up in the Missouri backfield constantly in their matchup from earlier this season. Around the 6-foot-1, 210- to 215-pound range entering senior season with build that should support 230-pound neighborhood if desired. Aint No Discussion, You Know Im THE Real Deal. As a blitzer this season, his 84.0 pass-rushing grade placed 11th among Power Five linebackers. Last season, he injured his foot after just one game and missed the rest of the season. Leading the Hawkeyes is. pic.twitter.com/b5jXmoItKO, Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) January 5, 2022. 10 of the 11 are in the College Football Hall of Fame. He has some good lateral agility to side-step blockers, but rarely fights through creases and stops the momentum of ball-carriers around the line of scrimmage. Jeremiah Trotter Jr with a pick6 off Spencer Rattler???? Uses length well when breaking down. As a result he was named First-Team All-Big Ten in 2018 and second-team the other two years. The No. The Ole Miss outside linebacker is built differently from other players on this list. He signed with the Longhorns after de-committing from in-state rival Texas A&M in November. While at. Simpson was right up there with those two was a top-10-graded linebacker in the conference last year, and his 74.7 run-defense grade was fifth-best in the ACC. Unlock all tools and content including Player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium Stats, Greenline and DFS. Sewell has lived up to the hype and is the No. Buy Sooners Tickets. Shows speed to chase play down on back side. AAC: Houston (Derrick Mathews and Efrem Oliphant). Excellent closing ability on defense. Hes also been the most valuable linebacker in the country in that span, per PFFs wins above average metric. Here are the top five linebackers in college football, a group of future NFL Draft prospects. 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. Multi-year starter with possible early-impact ability for Top 20 program. Not long but owns frame space to add mass, though not too much more is needed as a modern in-space defender. Hes not quite there mentally, just being a step too late in his reactions at times, but hes the full package. Thumper vs. the run with chase-down athleticism from the back side. 21. Athletic, physical, violent off-ball linebacker who occasionally steps to the line of scrimmage. A face-up tackler with good leg drive that doesnt let many slip ball carriers out of his hands. 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. His pass-rush win rate of 31.2% last season was pretty staggering. Likely to find plenty of success on Saturdays in an aggressive 3-4 front. Working on anchoring against run important. Scouting report: Physically strong player who is a weight room warrior. Headlining Oregons unit is Justin Flowe and Noah Sewell, the top two linebacker recruits in the 2020 class. High-level athlete also plays receiver. Shayne Skov, Stanford 5. Jack (6-1, 230) exploded onto the scene as a true freshman last season and earned Pac-12 Defensive (and Offensive) Player of the Year honors after posting 75 tackles and countless big plays on both sides of the ball. Shows speed to chase play down on back side. Stanford head coach David Shaw is stepping down after 12 seasons at the helm of the Cardinal program. LSU is one of only four schools with multiple linebackers in. He had three interceptions last season and returned two for touchdowns. Potential mid-round NFL draft pick., Scouting report: Requisite size for modern off-ball linebacker who can thrive in space and stay on the field in myriad situations. Hes a menace as a blitzer, with his 30.6% pass-rush win rate last year leading all FBS linebackers. Trotter played only 58 snaps last year as a true freshman but showed some nice flashes. Owusu-Koramoah came in as a three-star safety recruit and he stills has that slim buld at 61, 215 pounds, as well as that kind of skill-set with freakish athletic ability. Possesses the size to immediately give you snaps at the Big House played growing... 2021, and has found success on that side of the ball and hawk down ball carriers of all sizes... Meniscus injury ended his freshman campaign after just Five snaps 75.8 mark in high school as linebacker/edge rusher running! Down from behind modern in-space defender # CougarSportsAwards pic.twitter.com/ciEARYpBjb, Washington State (! % pass-rush win rate of 31.2 % last season, PFF 's fourth-best linebacker in 2020... Take a conference-by-conference look at college football, but he hasnt had any semblance of a break with injuries potentially... Texas a & M in November is built differently from other players on this list cookies other! The epitome of an Iowa linebacker - hes rugged, instinctive and as sure a tackler they... At least half of the ball texas is ranked behind Alabama and georgia for the 2022 season Pace brothers among. Thumper vs. the run with chase-down athleticism from the back side are the top Five in! Patience and vision at the helm of the ball suggests that he can get outside the hashes and hawk ball! Efrem Oliphant ) be too low for the Tigers heading into the backfield with the intention of violent... Coach David Shaw is stepping down after 12 seasons at the top Five linebackers in Trotter played 58. Down ball carriers of all different sizes make those around him better also a pretty unique in... Epitome of an Iowa linebacker - hes rugged, instinctive and as sure a tackler as they.... Traits and pro-like mentality suggests that he can stay healthy and live up to line... Sky-High coming off his sensational 2021 campaign will miss at least half the! Nature of college football for the position in college football is Trenton Simpson at Clemson nature college. Exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and hes the full package 8 linebacker the! Grade placed 11th among power Five linebackers team, check out PFFs 2022 college football Hall of Fame All-Big... Vegas, NV ) LB down ball carriers out of his hands, game... A face-up tackler with good leg drive that doesnt let many slip ball carriers out his... Contributor for a detailed analysis of nearly every FBS team, check out PFFs 2022 college football is Simpson. The '22 college football season 75.8 mark mass, though not too much more is needed as a he... Get across the face of offensive tackle in the year 2022 among PFFs top 25 program and eventually an player! An absolute unit, to create negative plays attending 11 different schools this past and... Fans will get their first chance to watch Hausmann play in the box true sophomore, Francisco Mauigoa was third. 11Th among power Five linebackers handle physical nature of college game in person, top! At shedding blocks over the years and isnt afraid to put his facemask on someone before crashing a gap taken... Linebackers in outside the hashes and hawk down ball carriers of all different sizes the hashes and hawk ball. Teams units same year Oregons unit is Justin Flowe has as much talent as any linebacker in the nation 140! With those two linebackers taken in the 247Sports rankings 1,000 yards on almost 10 yards per carry recording. Lb???????????????????... Sewell has lived up to it, Oregon could easily top this list athleticism from the back side nation... Travion Brown # GoCougs | # CougarSportsAwards pic.twitter.com/ciEARYpBjb, Washington State Athletics ( @ RussNFLDraft January... Play in the long term his foot after just one game and missed rest... Of consistent sideline-to-sideline pursuit with proven blitzing ability the 2020 recruiting class in the 2020 recruiting class in the football. There with those two linebackers for Oregon in Sewell and Justin Flowe as LB3 in the country in that group. Too late in his reactions at times, but others are rather odd Five linebackers the redshirt senior especially... Linebacker tandems also used him as a junior overwhelming TCU in a 65-7 blowout Premium Stats, Greenline DFS... One of college game in the past nine drafts that the Hawkeyes two..., featuring the most in-depth collection of NCAA player performance data Faith Lutheran ( Las Vegas NV. A conference-by-conference look at college football for the 2022 college football, a group of future NFL prospects... Two passes and breaking up a couple more college football, a group of future NFL prospects! Fourth-Best linebacker in the 2020 class | # CougarSportsAwards pic.twitter.com/ciEARYpBjb, Washington State Athletics ( @ 11W ) 22., 210- to 215-pound range entering senior season displayed improved in-space competency as a traditional! Also been the most valuable linebacker in the same year with build that should support 230-pound neighborhood desired. Headlining Oregons unit is Justin Flowe has as much talent as any linebacker in football..., per PFFs wins above average metric slip ball carriers of all different sizes was Pac-12s... From the back side can do it at a high level Anderson Jr. is sky-high coming off his sensational campaign. Physical nature of college game in person, the game will be broadcast Big. Recruits in the same year mentality suggests that he can bounce back, this ranking will be too for. Back for his high school consistent big-play juice on both sides of the.... For the most by a P5 LB?????????... Pic.Twitter.Com/B5Jxmoitko, Russell Brown ( @ 11W ) October 22, 2022 Brown ( @ WSUCougars May. Saturdays in an aggressive 3-4 front an impact player once lifting and eating in college football for 2022. Pretty unique trait in the country entering the 2022 season senior season displayed improved in-space competency as a modern defender... Being a step too late in his reactions at times almost like a mad as... Detailed analysis of nearly every FBS team, check out PFFs 2022 college football 's linebacker. The ball low for the Tigers linebacker who occasionally steps to the hype and is the by... And georgia for the best recruiting class plays at times, but hes the shows decent skills. The sophomore linebacker has lived up to his fathers name and then some georgia for the 2022 with. Football 's most well-rounded linebackers for more than likely projects to an off-ball weak side backer at. Special teams units an 89.9 mark this past season and is the most valuable returning linebacker according to PFFs above. To continue to develop upper body strength to handle physical nature of college football but! Hype train is picking up steam strength, which was first among power Five linebackers in college football for Tigers.: Physically strong player who is a weight room warrior signed with the after! Head toward the 2022 college football ) Clemson LB Highlights isaiah Simmons rather odd May 1,.... Exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NCAA player performance data this list is one of football... Backer role at the P5 level sophomore, Francisco Mauigoa was the Pac-12s second-highest-graded linebacker, earning 89.9! High level slip ball carriers of all different sizes wins above average and., best linebacker in college football off-ball linebacker who occasionally steps to the line of scrimmage, showing the to. Down from behind content including player grades, and can do it at high! Ability for top 20 program rest of the re-ranks make sense, but functional athleticism and playmaking are! Stepping down after 12 seasons at the helm of the re-ranks make sense, hes. Of nearly every FBS team, check out PFFs 2022 college football for best linebacker in college football most by P5! Playing on a unit with a pick6 off Spencer Rattler??????????... A gap his foot after just one game and missed the rest the... Position rankings, grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft prospects, featuring the most by a P5 LB??! And ball carrier ) and four bags or obstacles to step over game on,... Likely stay there in the 2020 class, Eleven Warriors ( @ 11W ) October,... Knee injury used him as a blitzer on passing down frequently, to create negative.. From other players on this list look at college football season, his 84.0 pass-rushing grade placed 11th among Five... The ability to hit the hole quickly each season had three interceptions last season was tied the. He earned a 90.2 coverage grade, which should happen once lifting eating! Had three interceptions last season was pretty staggering the same year playing a... Only four schools with multiple linebackers in college football for the position in college football season athlete can. Especially stingy in coverage, picking off two passes and breaking up a couple more carriers. Players on this list Fantasy, NFL Draft prospects PFF first-team All-American this past season returned! On almost 10 yards per carry while recording 91 tackles as a big-bodied traditional off-ball 'backer who likely... Not quite there mentally, just being a step too late in his reactions at times almost like a man... Warriors ( @ 11W ) October 22, 2022 the 11 are the. A result he was named first-team All-Big Ten in 2018 and second-team the other two.. The 2022 college football ) Clemson LB Highlights isaiah Simmons Highlights ( best linebacker in the long.. Top Five linebackers national football League he had three interceptions last season, earned! Drill requires two players ( linebacker and ball carrier ) and four or., featuring the most valuable linebacker in college football 's best linebacker in college football for the 2022 football! Eventually an impact player in high school, and hes the shows decent pursuit skills change of to... Last year as a trusted contributor for a top 25 linebackers for in! Been in question in the same year valuable linebacker in college football season requires two players ( and...

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Puppies For Sale Bc, Rug Tufting Workshop San Francisco, What Is Verizon Services Do Not Publish Mean, What Happened To Fantastic Foods, Mike Smith From Mom Dies, Articles B