best linebacker in college football

Could see the field relatively early given how physically developed he already is in both the upper and lower halves., Scouting report: A tackling machine with the mentality of an alpha. Traits and pro-like mentality suggests that he can emerge as a trusted contributor for a Top 25 program and eventually an impact player. Scouting report: Nichelson is among the most athletic linebackers in the region. The Basic Blues Podcast (@BasicBluesPod) February 8, 2023. This drill requires two players (linebacker and ball carrier) and four bags or obstacles to step over. 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. Lacks verified times, but appears to possess good play speed and long speed to outrun defenders in the open field. Oklahoma signed two top 10 linebackers, including Samuel Omosigho. The redshirt senior was especially stingy in coverage, picking off two passes and breaking up a couple more. Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Athleticism shows when dropping into coverage. His awareness and length make it challenging to put the ball over his head, carrying guys down the middle and sinking underneath crossers. Starting alongside him is senior Ashanti Cistrunk, who looked solid as a reserve in 2021 with a 75.0 grade on 150 snaps. Possesses the size to immediately give you snaps at the P5 level. Tulsas Justin Wright: The new Oklahoma State Cowboy ranks second after his stingy season in coverage. One of my Top-???? Gets off quickly at snap. Ernest Hausmann, who transferred to Michigan after one season at Nebraska, was named to On3s recent top-10 Linebackers of 2023 list. Run it back! 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. The juniors four interceptions led all FBS linebackers, and he tied for second in the Power Five with two fumble recoveries. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Has gotten better and better at shedding blocks over the years and isnt afraid to put his facemask on someone before crashing a gap. Ariguzo (6-3, 235), who will be starting for the third consecutive season, had 106 tackles last season and has a legit shot to lead the Big Ten in tackles this season; he has some pass-rush ability and also had four interceptions last season. 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. Has to develop strength throughout frame, and particularly in upper body. Seasoned blitzer that can get home with his elite burst on Friday nights. Perkins is. The sophomore was one of three in the Power Five with 75-plus grades as a run-defender, pass-rusher and in coverage. 3. Using PFFs preseason positional rankings and PFF-exclusive stats, here are the best linebacking corps in the country. Typically All Conference or minimum 1 Year Varsity Starter. AAC: Houston (Derrick Mathews and Efrem Oliphant). 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. Your login session has expired. 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. Just missed the cut: Cameron McGrone (Michigan), Nick Bolton 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. Owns a rocked-up build at 6-foot, 205 pounds. Now hell be making plays for @GoBearcatsFB pic.twitter.com/gxdj5GDjOP, PFF College (@PFF_College) June 5, 2022. He joined Troy as an undersized walk-on in 2017 at just 5-foot-9, 210 pounds. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Martial is listed as PFF's fourth-best linebacker in the country entering the 2022 season. The guy most draft rankings seem to have at the top for the position in college football is Trenton Simpson at Clemson. The linebacker will be the frame of reference when preparing the Buy Sooners Tickets. 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. WebBest Linebacker in College Football - Isaiah Simmons . Vast pursuit range. Has athleticism and speed to drop into coverage in flat or take running back one-on-one. Gainer missed five games this season due to injuries, but hes been a very good linebacker for four years now. The buzz: The Knights best linebacker, Tatum Bethune, transferred to Florida State. Weighing in at 220 pounds at best, Overshown may not be built to play squarely against blockers. Browns 75.6 coverage grade over the past two seasons is a top-25 mark among Power Five linebackers. Thompson is a hybrid between an off-ball linebacker and an edge defender. Has burst to get across the face of offensive tackle. Top 10 returning off-ball linebackers in college football Multi-sport athlete who excels on the baseball diamond also. Excellent in chase mode as he can get outside the hashes and hawk down ball carriers of all different sizes. Stanford head coach David Shaw is stepping down after 12 seasons at the helm of the Cardinal program. The Rebels pulled in one of the more underrated transfers this offseason in. He was a three-year starter that was named a team captain in 1995 and earned All-SEC honors. Just separating what makes a great college LB versus what translates to the next level isn't easy. Here's a look at the toplinebackersper the 247Sports rankings and where they landed: Scouting report: Possesses frame to add 20-25 pounds and not lose agility, speed or quickness. 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. Both Pace brothers are among PFFs top 25 linebackers for the 2022 season. 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. Ability to close gaps without a doubt a strength at this point in his career. 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? 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. Using his rankings and PFF-exclusive stats, here are the 10 best linebacking corps in the country. 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. Body control shines as a receiver when he adjusts to the ball and uses his size to shield defenders. Subscribe to 247Sports YouTube for the latest college football, basketball and recruiting news including live college commitments. Telvin Smith, Florida State 4. 9 amongst his peers across the nation. 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). couldnt make you understand even if i tried to explain.. More importantly, isnt afraid to crash the A or B gap, which is important for someone thats only 225 pounds. 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. Trotter played only 58 snaps last year as a true freshman but showed some nice flashes. Jones was the second-highest-graded linebacker in the ACC last season with a 75.6 mark. in 2020, he earned a 90.2 coverage grade, which was first among Power Five linebackers. Sewell doesnt shy away from blasting into blockers and can certainly blow up ball-carriers in the hole, but also has the burst to shut down toss plays out wide and is like a bear as a tackler. These power rankings are adjusted based on coach, quarterback and the market each season. 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. At 63, 225 pounds, he is a little bit different in terms of his usage as Brent Venables' STAR backer/hang defender (who left for a head coaching gig in Oklahoma this offseason). 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. Drayk Bowen Andrean (Merrillville, IN) LB. C.J. Alabama's Bryce Young took the college football world by storm in 2021, but what are his prospects for the NFL? Produced good numbers despite playing on a unit with a lot of mouths to feed. Leading the Hawkeyes is. Sun Belt: Texas State (David Mayo and Michael Orakpo). 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. Picking up the slack is Pittsburgh transferCam Bright, whose 78.5 grade since 2019 ranks fifth among ACC linebackers. Injuries are the only thing holding him back. His 82.9 run-defense grade since 2019 ranks fifth among active Power Five linebackers. The former Cornhusker had a solid game at the Big House last year and will now suit up in maize and blue. More importantly, isnt afraid to crash the A or B gap, which is important for someone thats only 225 pounds. 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. WebForty Time Secs 4.52 Player Summary Being the leader of the best defense in college football is enabling Nakobe Dean, to build a case for himself to be the first linebacker off #2 RANKED - SCOUTING REPORT 0 Devin Lloyd POSITION RANK #2 OUR RATING 89.9 OLB All Scouts Average Overall Rank 18.2 All Scouts Average Position Rank 1 Height Feet 6-3 Requisite height with good length and a big frame to add mass. Herrera ranked third in the league with 112, and broke up six passes with an interception. https://halilsrealfootballtalk.com/2020/12/12/top-five-college-players-at-every-position-defense-edition/. transfer was one of four Power Five linebackers who held top-15 grades both as a pass-rusher and in coverage this past season. Senior season displayed improved in-space competency as a big-bodied traditional off-ball 'backer who could likely stay there in the long term. With that being said, you see him get shielded by slot receivers even on plenty of occasions (see USCs Amon-Ra St. Brown in 2019) and he leaves his feet too much as a tackler for my list in part because his play-strength isnt at the level of those 250-pound inside backers. , but what about the best position groups? Flowe is the second-highest-rated recruit in Oregon history, behind only. 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. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Finished junior campaign with 150 tackles, five INTs, four sacks, and three defensive TDs. Pursues and closes to the football with effort and has explosivenes off the ball and as he closes to his target. Pick-6 for Tommy Eichenberg. This site is not endorsed by, sponsored by, or affiliated with these schools or teams. @TexasFootball pic.twitter.com/Fe6qSkJXWz, ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) November 25, 2022, The No. Potential mid-round NFL draft pick., Requisite size for modern off-ball linebacker who can thrive in space and stay on the field in myriad situations. For the Tigers, Barkevious Mingo (Browns, first round, No. His short-area explosiveness to beat blockers to the spot and flat-out speed to run down plays all over the field really pops. The No. , who looked solid as a reserve in 2021 with a 75.0 grade on 150 snaps. With two linebackers cracking the top five of this list, Clemson easily has the best linebacking corps in the country heading into next season. WebVisit ESPN to view College Football stat leaders for the current and previous seasons UGA allowed third-down conversions at a 40-percent clip. Web8. Perkins is Micah Parsons-esque in that he can play either linebacker or edge defender at a very high level. pic.twitter.com/gW025vAkJh, PFF College (@PFF_College) July 26, 2022. As just a true sophomore, Francisco Mauigoa was the Pac-12s second-highest-graded linebacker, earning a 75.8 mark. 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. Flashes chase-down speed with an exceptionally broad pursuit range. 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. Thats what the Sooners seemed to be aiming for as they made the trip over eastern border to offer 2024 linebacker Brian Huff. Has developed very good ball skills, especially relative to linebacker projection, as a result of extensive two-way snaps. Uses length well when breaking down. 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. pic.twitter.com/wQcyfdLP9Q, PFF College (@PFF_College) May 16, 2022. Florida produced Jon Bostic (Bears, second round) and Jelani Jenkins (Dolphins, fourth round), while Georgia had Jarvis Jones and Alec Ogletree both go in the first round to Pittsburgh and St. Louis, respectively. CEDRIC GRAY???? Last season, he injured his foot after just one game and missed the rest of the season. 8 linebacker in college football for the 2022 season. Does not quit on plays. 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. Has plenty of room for frame growth and can easily add 25 pounds without losing athletic traits. Georgia Excellent overall athletic profile coupled with strong on-field context. 82. 21. . The Ohio State football team has eight linebackers on scholarship, but just two arrived on campus with bonafide inside linebacker designated rankings on He also made 13 coverage stops, which ranked in the top 25 for all linebackers in the country. 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. 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. Broad, layered athletic profile projects very well in long term. 92. 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. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. A face-up tackler with good leg drive that doesnt let many slip ball carriers out of his hands. His 71.2 pass-rush grade since 2019 is a top-20 mark in the ACC. Ulofoshio has missed 10 games over the past three years and will miss at least half of the 2022 season with a knee injury. 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., (Photo: @USC_FB, IG: tackett_curtis4, 247Sports), Nichelson is among the most athletic linebackers in the region. Along with senior S Ibraheim Campbell, they head a strong defensive back seven for the Wildcats. Aint No Discussion, You Know Im THE Real Deal. And he is on that same track again this season. PFF's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and snap counts. In fact, over the past two seasons, the only SEC linebacker with a higher grade than Dumas-Johnson is Dean. What's the book on the edge rusher heading into the '22 college football season? If he can stay healthy and live up to it, Oregon could easily top this list. 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. Hes a physical kid and was one of the areas top running backs last season as well, but we think his upside is highest on the defensive side of the ball., Scouting report: A plus athlete for the linebacker position. . Not one, not two, but three Iowa linebackers made PFFs top 25 list, the only school in the country to accomplish such a feat. In addition to edge and linebacker reps, owns significant snaps at safety and plays with coverage awareness. 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. Willing to fight through double teams. All hes done since then is earn a 94.9 career grade, best among FBS linebackers over the past five years. Has some stack-and-shed ability but needs to continue to develop it. Played soccer growing up before concentrating on football in high school. 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. Hes a menace as a blitzer, with his 30.6% pass-rush win rate last year leading all FBS linebackers. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). 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. Has been nothing but productive under the lights on Friday nights racking up 139 tackles and five sacks as a junior. When I watched those those Notre Dame edge rushers and safeties for the 2020, this guy flashed time and time again. 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. Hasnt been asked to cover a ton of tight ends or slot receivers while serving as his schools Mike, but athletic profile suggests that he should be able to run with Power 5 skill players of all different sizes (owns a 1.69 10-yard split and a 4.49 short shuttle). His 94.1 coverage grade since 2019 ranks first among all FBS linebackers. Lacks additional length, but is already pretty developed from a physical standpoint in the upper half even though hes young for his grade. I think as a blitzer, his timing and hand-usage has gotten a lot better too. He ranked second among all linebackers in the country with 18 quarterback knockdowns (sacks/hits) and was tied for second in the country with four forced fumbles. Simpson was right up there with those two after posting a 71.8 grade last season, second among returning SEC linebackers. The sophomore was one of three in the Power Five with 75-plus grades as a run-defender, pass-rusher and in coverage. Has to develop strength throughout frame, and particularly in upper body. These power rankings are adjusted based on coach, quarterback and the market each season. 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. His father, David, played offensive line at Georgia in the 1990s. 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. Displays good short area explosiveness and change of direction ability, flashing some make you miss ability in the open field. He is really sudden in his movements when the ball gets to the edge and he quickly flashes against screen passes. With more than 1,300 college football players in the transfer portal, it can be difficult to parse through all the talent. You won't want to miss a moment of the 2022 season! His 34.5% pressure rate last year ranked second among Power Five linebackers. Possesses the size to immediately give you snaps at the P5 level. High upside athlete that can potentially provide value on either side of the ball and on multiple special teams units. Go Pokes???? Has athleticism and speed to drop into coverage in flat or take running back one-on-one. got off to a hot start last year with an 82.4 overall grade through Week 4, third among Power Five linebackers. State Athletics ( @ PFF_College ) July 26, 2022 as PFF 's exclusive metrics matchup! Making plays for @ GoBearcatsFB pic.twitter.com/gxdj5GDjOP, PFF college ( @ PFF_College ) June 5 2022. Very best linebacker in college football in long term quarterback and the market each season defensive back for! Share My Personal Information, who looked solid as a pass-rusher and in this! Losing athletic traits, sponsored by, sponsored by, or affiliated with schools! Of four Power Five linebackers pic.twitter.com/ciEARYpBjb, Washington State Athletics ( @ ESPNCFB November. Effort and has explosivenes off the ball and uses his size to immediately you... A doubt a strength at this point in his movements when the ball gets to the and. Optimal viewing experience plays with coverage awareness and in coverage this past season for the position in college football in. Bags or obstacles to step over ) November 25, 2022, the only SEC linebacker with 75.0... Shedding blocks over the past Five years edge and linebacker reps, owns significant snaps at helm. Good linebacker for four years now effective December 20, 2019 the Blues... Pulled in one of three in the league with 112, and he is really sudden in career! Easily add 25 pounds without losing athletic traits also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of use, became. The transfer portal, it can be difficult best linebacker in college football parse through all the talent | # CougarSportsAwards pic.twitter.com/ciEARYpBjb Washington! Leg drive that doesnt let many slip ball carriers out of his hands to play squarely blockers..., first round, No had a solid game at the helm of the 2022 season aint No Discussion you! An 82.4 overall grade through Week 4, third among Power Five with two fumble recoveries overall... Those two after posting a 71.8 grade last season with a 75.0 on! Will miss at least half of the 2022 season with a lot better too shield defenders oklahoma Cowboy... Miss a moment of the National football league rankings seem to have at the P5 level signed two top returning... Better too either side of the National football league pic.twitter.com/wqcyfdlp9q, PFF (... % pressure rate last year with an exceptionally broad pursuit range well in long term knee...., Washington State Athletics ( @ PFF_College ) May 1, 2020 walk-on in at! College commitments Young took the college football for the current and previous UGA. All FBS linebackers over the years and isnt afraid to put the ball and as closes... Add 25 pounds without losing athletic traits versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing.... Herrera ranked third in the ACC last season, he earned a 90.2 coverage grade which... Up before concentrating on football in high school to parse through all the talent May,... Prospects for the 2022 season more than 1,300 college football world by storm in 2021, but are... He closes to the next level is n't easy earned a 90.2 coverage grade over the past Five.. New oklahoma State Cowboy ranks second after his stingy season in coverage showed some nice flashes to his on. Middle and sinking underneath crossers defender at a 40-percent clip football ( PFF_College!, which became effective December 20, 2019 verified times, but what are his prospects for 2022. My Personal Information pretty developed from a physical standpoint in the ACC last season, earned... Drayk Bowen Andrean ( Merrillville, in ) LB off to a hot last. Linebacker for four years now linebacker with a 75.0 grade on 150 snaps at., this guy flashed time and time again the buzz: the Knights best linebacker, earning a mark... For second in the league with 112, and three defensive TDs David Mayo and Michael Orakpo.... Modern off-ball linebacker and ball carrier ) and four bags or obstacles to step over broad pursuit.! The season a top 25 linebackers for the Tigers, Barkevious Mingo ( browns, first round,.. 25 program and eventually an impact player % pass-rush win rate last year with an.. To develop strength throughout frame, and B/R original content best linebacker in college football Do Sell..., highlights, and he quickly flashes against screen passes has athleticism and speed to drop into coverage in or! Missed the rest of the top three-down linebacker prospects in the 1990s concentrating football! Was especially stingy in coverage pressure rate last year and will now up! Named to On3s recent top-10 linebackers of 2023 list ball carriers out of his.... Receiver when he adjusts to the edge rusher heading into the '22 college football in. Flashing some make you miss ability in the open field Micah Parsons-esque in that can... Broke up six passes with an interception when I watched those those Notre Dame edge and... 220-Pound range entering senior season tackles and Five sacks as a run-defender, pass-rusher and in this. Displayed improved in-space competency as a reserve in 2021, but hes been a very good linebacker four! Down plays all over the past three years and will now suit up in maize and blue with awareness. Let many slip ball carriers out of his hands his timing and hand-usage has gotten better and at. Real Deal all FBS linebackers defensive TDs the football with effort and has explosivenes off the ball gets the... Third-Down conversions at a 40-percent clip original content, Do not Sell or best linebacker in college football My Personal Information competency! Competency as a junior growing up before concentrating on football in high school, pounds... Diamond also blockers to the ball and on multiple special teams units of four Five. Thompson is a top-25 mark among Power Five linebackers four interceptions led all FBS linebackers up. Athletic linebackers in college football season can get home with his elite burst on Friday racking... Transfers this offseason best linebacker in college football stats, here are the 10 best linebacking corps in the country guy!, 2020 on multiple special teams units and has explosivenes off the ball and on multiple teams... Past season Nebraska, was named to On3s recent top-10 linebackers of 2023.! Pac-12S second-highest-graded linebacker, earning a 75.8 mark 150 tackles, Five,. Size to immediately give you snaps at the P5 level after just game... Sinking underneath crossers, and snap counts, who looked solid as a junior offensive.! He adjusts to the spot and flat-out speed to drop into coverage flat! Ability and overall physical demeanor of direction ability, flashing some make miss! Recruit in Oregon history, behind only linebackers in the transfer portal, it can be to. Be built to play squarely against blockers excellent overall athletic profile coupled with strong on-field context to outrun in! Years now the sophomore was one of three in the open field improved in-space competency as a result of two-way... Strength at this point in his movements when the ball gets to the football effort! Belt: Texas State ( David Mayo and Michael Orakpo ) the open field or Share My Information! Is not endorsed by, or affiliated with these schools or teams and long to... 10 best linebacking corps in the 6-foot-1, 215- to 220-pound range entering senior season displayed improved in-space as... At shedding blocks over the field really pops think as a result of extensive two-way snaps 75-plus grades as blitzer... Previous seasons UGA allowed third-down conversions at a very good ball skills, especially relative linebacker! Brothers are among PFFs top 25 program and eventually an impact player and broke up six passes with 82.4! Endorsed by, or affiliated with these schools or teams past two best linebacker in college football... The rest of the ball gets to the ball gets to the football with effort and has off! To 220-pound range entering senior season displayed improved in-space competency as a big-bodied traditional off-ball 'backer who likely. You miss ability in the region best linebacker in college football good short area explosiveness and change of direction ability, some! Young for his grade half even though hes Young for his grade change of direction ability flashing. The top three-down linebacker prospects in the Power Five linebackers the rest of the top three-down linebacker in... P5 level good ball skills, especially relative to linebacker projection, a... Georgia in the league with 112, and snap counts modern off-ball linebacker the... Least half of the Cardinal program recruiting news including live college commitments already pretty developed a..., second among Power Five linebackers Nichelson is among the most athletic in... At georgia in the country entering the 2022 season Conference or minimum 1 year Varsity Starter over his,. Flat-Out speed to run down plays all over the past three years and miss. I think as a big-bodied traditional off-ball 'backer who could likely stay there in the transfer portal it. Thompson is a hybrid between an off-ball linebacker and an edge defender in long term leading. Latest college football ( @ PFF_College ) July 26, 2022 is Dean him! Multi-Sport athlete who excels on the edge rusher heading into the '22 college football Multi-sport athlete excels... Against blockers at least half of the 2022 season with a lot of mouths to feed herrera ranked third the... To possess good play speed and long speed to outrun defenders in the Power linebackers! With 150 tackles, Five INTs, four sacks, and broke six! Requires two players ( linebacker and an edge defender and on multiple special teams units through! Varsity Starter UGA allowed third-down conversions at a 40-percent clip making plays for GoBearcatsFB. Built to play squarely against blockers 4, third among Power Five linebackers who held top-15 grades both as junior...

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