Here are the top 10 linebackers returning to college football next season. Athletic enough to compensate for occasional less-than-ideal angles. Defensive leader for state title-winning team as junior. College Footballs 20 best linebackers of 2021 1. Has doubled as a running back for his high school, and has found success on that side of the ball. Unfortunately he doesnt always look super comfortable taking ball-carriers down in open space and his lack of length is a bit of an issue with blockers in his face, to go with been susceptible to getting sucked up by play-action. He was a three-year starter that was named a team captain in 1995 and earned All-SEC honors. Top 10 returning off-ball linebackers in college football Incredibly quick in shooting gaps. Stroud after his sensational first season as the Buckeyes' starter. He was one of four Big Ten linebackers on the list, behind Penn States Abdul Carter at No. Displays impressive linear acceleration with burst and open-field playmaking ability of a Power Five skill prospect. Simpson was right up there with those two linebackers for Oregon in Sewell and Justin Flowe as LB3 in the 2020 recruiting class. 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. Injuries are the only thing holding him back. Measured roughly 6-foot-1.5, 215 pounds spring before senior season. Rarely do you see a college football linebacker become a day-two NFL draft pick and you feel like the guy who was lined up next to him (but decided to stay for another year) is significantly better. Using PFFs preseason positional rankings and PFF-exclusive stats, here are the best linebacking corps in the country. No returning SEC pair was more productive last year than Georgia's Ramik In fact, over the past two seasons, the only SEC linebacker with a higher grade than Dumas-Johnson is Dean. Comfortable in zone coverage and is quick to anticipate throws. Shows quick hands to keep offensive linemen from getting inside. 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. Ability to close gaps without a doubt a strength at this point in his career. Trotter was second in that same group in both passer rating allowed (42.9) and open target rate allowed (47.6%). The senior got home with five sacks on only 43 pass-rushing snaps. Shows speed to chase play down on back side. So, what's the book on the quarterback heading into the 2022 college football season? Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (54) and defensive end Regan Upshaw (53) tackle Syracuse receiver Trebor Pena (29) during the first quarter at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York, Friday, October 15, 2021. Likely to find plenty of success on Saturdays in an aggressive 3-4 front. Productive two-way play who plays on edge of 3-4 defense. 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. Multi-sport athlete who excels on the baseball diamond also. 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). The junior has allowed only 172 receiving yards in that span, the fifth fewest for Power Five linebackers. Simpson was right up there with those two 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. 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. Instincts and athleticism should allow for situation-transcending matchup ability as a modern linebacker., Scouting report: 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. 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. So, what's the book on the Kentucky quarterback? Using his rankings and PFF-exclusive stats, here are the 10 best linebacking corps in the country. Lacks additional length, but is already pretty developed from a physical standpoint in the upper half even though hes young for his grade. Lorenzo Carter could be a high-upside add on a one-year, prove-it deal at 27 years old. However, it can also be very challenging in terms of what is being asked of guys in the pros compared to the collegiate level. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). The guy most draft rankings seem to have at the top for the position in college football is Trenton Simpson at Clemson. High upside athlete that can potentially provide value on either side of the ball and on multiple special teams units. His 17 tackles for loss/no gain were fifth in that same group as well. WebVisit ESPN to view College Football stat leaders for the current and previous seasons The Rebels pulled in one of the more underrated transfers this offseason in. Hes also been the most valuable linebacker in the country in that span, per PFFs wins above average metric. Jones was the second-highest-graded linebacker in the ACC last season with a 75.6 mark. Impact player in high school as linebacker/edge rusher and running back. Huff, an MWC: Utah State (Kyler Fackrell and Zach Vigil). Will need to cut down on the few mistakes he makes and keep mastering his craft, but should be viewed as one of the top backers in the class of 2023. This is the fifth in a series looking at the best positional tandems in college football in each conference, taking into account both college production and pro potential. Drayk Bowen Andrean (Merrillville, IN) LB. Scouting report: Nichelson is among the most athletic linebackers in the region. It was also the best single-season mark by a Power Five player in the PFF College era. Note: This ranking only includes off-ball linebackers. He has prototype size for a weak side backer and shows plenty of room to fill out his 6-3 frame. Functional athleticism produces consistent big-play juice on both sides of the ball. Displays good short area explosiveness and change of direction ability, flashing some make you miss ability in the open field. Gray flew around North Carolinas defense this year on his way to becoming a PFF second-team All-American. Nate Landman, Colorado: The former three-star prospect has blossomed into one of the most experienced and By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Web8. Excels on contact, exhibiting excellent play strength and power at the point of attack. Can re-direct and move along line of scrimmage. 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. If he can bounce back, this ranking will be too low for the Tigers. Requisite height with good length and a big frame to add mass. Drew Brees' next step in his post-playing career will put him back on a field. Michigan fans will get their first chance to watch Hausmann play in the Spring Game on Saturday, April 1 at the Big House. AAC: Houston (Derrick Mathews and Efrem Oliphant). Pursues downhill in the flat and chases plays down from behind. 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. Incredibly quick in shooting gaps. Thats what the Sooners seemed to be aiming for as they made the trip over eastern border to offer 2024 linebacker Brian Huff. Weve already seen him bat passes into the air and for his secondary players to dive for. The top 10 linebacker corps in college football ahead of the 2022 season 1. 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. Hopper was a first-team All-SEC selection this season due to his dominance on passing plays. His usually dependable tackling was a bit of an issue in open-field situations as well in 2019. Max Bullough, Michigan State 3. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Does not quit on plays. 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/9w22mjeZpI, PFF College (@PFF_College) May 15, 2022. Trotter played only 58 snaps last year as a true freshman but showed some nice flashes. Gained 1,500-plus receiving yards over sophomore and junior seasons. 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. 1 offensive tackle in the nation, according to On3s consensus ratings. A face-up tackler with good leg drive that doesnt let many slip ball carriers out of his hands. 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. 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. Working on anchoring against run important. When I watched those those Notre Dame edge rushers and safeties for the 2020, this guy flashed time and time again. Flashes chase-down speed with an exceptionally broad pursuit range. 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. 16. Has gotten better and better at shedding blocks over the years and isnt afraid to put his facemask on someone before crashing a gap. College football is just about here, which means its time to wrap up our preseason preview. Played soccer growing up before concentrating on football in high school. Put this clip on repeat.pic.twitter.com/9lVlRwAxMo, Eleven Warriors (@11W) October 22, 2022. Possesses the size to immediately give you snaps at the P5 level. 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. Power Rankings are PFFs NCAA power ratings based on weekly player grades in each facet of play. NFL+ gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market preseason games, LIVE local and primetime regular season and postseason games on your phone or tablet, the best NFL programming on-demand, and MORE! The sophomore led the SEC this season with a 79.9 run-defense grade. The Tigers also return sophomore Barrett Carter, a former five-star recruit. Body control shines as a receiver when he adjusts to the ball and uses his size to shield defenders. Plays with a physicality beyond his current size. https://halilsrealfootballtalk.com/2020/12/12/top-five-college-players-at-every-position-defense-edition/. pic.twitter.com/b5jXmoItKO, Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) January 5, 2022. One of the lone bright spots for the Orange in 2022, the Syracuse linebacking corps features two of PFFs top 25 linebackers in Mikel Jones and Stefon Thompson. The top 15 signees are attending 11 different schools. Plays with energy and effort, and is a competitor. A downhill inside runner that plays in a triple option offense, Perkins has the ability to project to both a power or zone scheme at the next level. He tended to overshadow Kendricks (6-0, 230) a little, but the senior has led the team in tackles the past two seasons and is the leader of the defense no matter what the situation is. Can engage and still drive legs to get around corner on blitz. Using his rankings and PFF-exclusive stats, here are the 10 best linebacking corps in the country. Seasoned blitzer that can get home with his elite burst on Friday nights. . Your login session has expired. Ridiculously productive with 1,700 yards of total offense and 27 touchdowns and 40 tackles, including seven sacks. Must continue to improve play strength, which should happen once lifting and eating in college. couldnt make you understand even if i tried to explain.. Carter picked Tennessee over a handful of other top programs that included Alabama, Ohio State, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Ole Miss, Oregon, Penn State and USC. Excellent closing ability on defense. Nick Jackson was ejected for targeting on this hit, PFF College (@PFF_College) September 24, 2022. Noah Sewell at number one made it fairly easy for me. His older brother, West, signed with Virginia as a three-star linebacker from the 2021 class before transferring to LSU. Check out the top 10 players from Georgia to play in the NFL. 10. 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. 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. Plays at times almost like a mad man as he shoots into the backfield with the intention of being violent. Has athleticism and speed to drop into coverage in flat or take running back one-on-one. His 94.1 coverage grade since 2019 ranks first among all FBS linebackers. Northwestern: Chi Chi Ariguzo and Collin Ellis. Run it back! The former Cornhusker had a solid game at the Big House last year and will now suit up in maize and blue. Brees is joining the Purdue coaching staff as an assistant for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, the school announced Thursday. 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. Shaw announced the news after the team closed out the season with a 36-25 loss to BYU on Saturday night, telling reporters he made the decision within the past week. Note: Ted Hendricks played Defensive Endat Miami,Mike Curtis played Fullback at Duke,and Bobby Bell played the line at Minnesota, so they weren't considered. The Tigers lost two of their three starting linebackers from 2021 in, but have two exciting pieces returning in, Simpson is the established superstar of the unit, standing as. Comfortable in space and owns valuable experience in both man and zone coverage, two things that he has further refined on the 7v7 circuit. High-level athlete also plays receiver. His 94.1 coverage grade since 2019 ranks first among all FBS linebackers. 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. Gets off quickly at snap. 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. WebFlashes ability to stand blockers up and also to knock ball-carriers backward on contact. Honorable mentions: Troy Brown (Central Michigan), Ivan Pace Jr. (Cincinnati), Mikel Jones (Syracuse), Owen Pappoe (Auburn), Ventrell Miller (Florida) & Bumper Pool (Arkansas), You can check out all my other college football positional rankings here or as one piece on halilsrealfootballtalk.com, Be the first one to comment on this story. 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. pic.twitter.com/igZKc1F8YQ, Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) January 10, 2023. Who in the NFL, past or present, would you compare Noah Sewells game to? 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. One of my Top-???? Their volume of tackles also reflects Georgia's defensive struggles on third down, though. Highest graded Pac-12 Linebackers since 2019, 1 Devin Lloyd: 90.92 Edefuan Ulofoshio: 90.3 pic.twitter.com/CWUgdH16fH, PFF College (@PFF_College) June 17, 2022. Interception No. Finally, somebody who may not be as comfortable stacking and shedding blockers in the traditional sense. Hes PFFs No. 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. 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. Power Rankings are PFFs NCAA power ratings based on weekly player grades in each facet of play. Broad, layered athletic profile projects very well in long term. He has a lot of quick-twitch in his game and shows both short area quickness and excellent closing speed. Plus, he is a very dependable open-field tackler, which is why the Crimson Tide use him as a QB spy in certain matchups. The Ohio State football team has eight linebackers on scholarship, but just two arrived on campus with bonafide inside linebacker designated rankings on Ellis (6-2, 230), who also will be a three-year starter, will play middle linebacker for the first time this season, and that should prove a good fit for his skill set. With two linebackers cracking the top five of this list, Clemson easily has the best linebacking corps in the country heading into next season. Flashes above average patience and vision at the line of scrimmage, showing the ability to hit the hole quickly. Not one, not two, but three Iowa linebackers made PFFs top 25 list, the Can re-direct and move along line of scrimmage. 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. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. in 2020, he earned a 90.2 coverage grade, which was first among Power Five linebackers. Also posted a 45-6 shot put PR during junior track and field season and played heavy minutes for his basketball team in Winter 2021-22. High upside athlete that can potentially provide value on either side of the ball and on multiple special teams units. The Rebels even used him inside towards the end of the season. As a true freshman, he led all Power-Five linebackers with a 91.0 pass-rushing grade. 11 is reserved for the elite linebackers at Penn State, as Parsons. His 82.9 run-defense grade since 2019 ranks fifth among active Power Five linebackers. Some of the re-ranks make sense, but others are rather odd. The Florida transfer was one of four Power Five linebackers who held top-15 grades both as a pass-rusher and in coverage this past season. Big 12 Picks, Lines For Saturday, February 25, College Basketball Predictions, Lines, How To Watch: Sunday, February 26, NCAA Tournament Bracket Projections, 68 Team Predictions, Bubble Teams February 27, AP Poll Top 25 Projection College Basketball Rankings Prediction Week 17, Coaches Poll Top 25 Projection College Basketball Rankings Prediction Week 17, Coaches Poll Top 25 College Basketball Rankings Week 17, AP Poll Top 25 College Basketball Rankings Week 17. Gained 1,500-plus receiving yards over sophomore and junior seasons. Uses length well when breaking down. Francisco Mauigoas 95-yard pick-six, @WSUCougarFBs second longest interception return in program history is this weeks #TUMSworthy moment.#Pac12FB | @TUMSOfficial pic.twitter.com/6J2R1zo64W, Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) September 30, 2022. 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. 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. 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. Our exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NCAA player performance data. To say the Sooners are loaded at the linebacker spot would be an understatement considering Frank Shannon mans the middle and Geneo Grissom will be more of a hybrid defensive end/linebacker this fall. One school to keep an eye out for Mauigoa is Miami (FL). pic.twitter.com/k0mGKNqZ0w, tarheelupdate (@tarheelupdate) September 10, 2022. Ivan Pace Jr. didnt allow a TD in coverage last season ???? , is the third-most valuable returning linebacker in the country, according to PFFs wins above average metric. was a top-10-graded linebacker in the conference last year, and his 74.7 run-defense grade was fifth-best in the ACC. 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. 2 linebacker in both PFFs preseason college rankings and PFF's 2023 NFL Draft big board. Here are the top five linebackers in college football, a group of future NFL Draft prospects. Along with senior S Ibraheim Campbell, they head a strong defensive back seven for the Wildcats. In his first year as a starter, he missed just three percent of his tackles and in 2019 he led the Bulldogs with 89 total tackles. The redshirt junior is a menace when coming downhill, as he was the only Power Five linebacker who earned 85-plus grades as both a pass-rusher and run-defender. Now Exree Loe steps up to man the MIKE leaving Chandler-Semedo at the WILL. Traits and pro-like mentality suggests that he can emerge as a trusted contributor for a Top 25 program and eventually an impact player. Telvin Smith, Florida State 4. Player to watch. Hes also great at not giving away hints when hes blitzing and timing up the snap. 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. Buy Sooners Tickets. His three forced fumbles were also tied for sixth in the country. and is arguably the best linebacker in the country on passing downs. 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. , but what about the best position groups? He has a lot of quick-twitch in his game and shows both short area quickness and excellent closing speed. He returned to FSU but keeping tabs. He joined Troy as an undersized walk-on in 2017 at just 5-foot-9, 210 pounds. 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. Finally, Seth Benson looked strong in coverage last year with a 79.3 grade that ranked 11th in the Power Five. Highly productive considering full-time two-way snaps. The sophomore was one of three in the Power Five with 75-plus grades as a run-defender, pass-rusher and in coverage. Has NFL draft potential.. Displays impressive linear acceleration with burst and open-field playmaking ability of a Power Five skill prospect. Also well-rounded basketball player. #COMMITTED pic.twitter.com/C6k1UTiS0y, Justin Wright (@JustinWright_30) December 7, 2022. Shows surprising hands-catching acumen and big-play speed as a receiver. Weeks picked LSU over a handful of schools that includes Georgia, Boston College, Duke, Miami, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Stanford and Tennessee. Tone-setter for an FBS-loaded Texas 5A D-I state championship defense as a sophomore and perennially highly-ranked program over final two high school seasons. Conference USA: Marshall (Jermaine Holmes and Evan McKelvey). Wilson piled up a league-best 133 tackles with 11 tackles for loss and four sacks. Ernest Hausmann, who transferred to Michigan after one season at Nebraska, was named to On3s recent top-10 Linebackers of 2023 list. 1 offensive tackle in the nation, according to. Intelligent player that has a good feel for whats going on around him, which isnt surprising given the fact that his father is an NFL defensive coordinator. looked strong in coverage last year with a 79.3 grade that ranked 11th in the Power Five. While at. Mike Jones Jr. rounds out the list at No. Here are the top five linebackers in college football, a group of future NFL Draft prospects. Georgia secured its second straight national championship on Monday night, overwhelming TCU in a 65-7 blowout. 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). pic.twitter.com/wQcyfdLP9Q, PFF College (@PFF_College) May 16, 2022. Has been nothing but productive under the lights on Friday nights racking up 139 tackles and five sacks as a junior. 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. Iowa Hawkeyes First things first, this is not meant to disparage Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell. Long-term positional home has been in question in the past, but functional athleticism and playmaking ability are not. Follow College Football 24/7 on Twitter @NFL_CFB. Last time an SEC linebacker duo was selected in the same draft:LSU, Florida and Georgia all had multiple linebackers chosen in the 2013 draft. Perkins is Micah Parsons-esque in that he can play either linebacker or edge defender at a very high level. If Ulofoshio was fully healthy, Washington would be higher on this list. this past season and is the most valuable returning linebacker according to PFFs, Dumas-Johnson is the next great Georgia linebacker, following past Bulldog greats such as. A downhill inside runner that plays in a triple option offense, Perkins has the ability to project to both a power or zone scheme at the next level. 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. In addition to edge and linebacker reps, owns significant snaps at safety and plays with coverage awareness. **More **. Comfortable in space and owns valuable experience in both man and zone coverage, two things that he has further refined on the 7v7 circuit. He can line up at defensive end with his hand in the dirt or play stood up over the tackle. Iowa ranks first, thanks to three linebackers making PFFs top 25 list. Rice was called the next Roquan Smith after the All-American linebacker was drafted following the 2017 season. Will need to cut down on the few mistakes he makes and keep mastering his craft, but should be viewed as one of the top backers in the class of 2023. Likely to find plenty of room to fill out his 6-3 frame without a doubt a at. Rusher and running back one-on-one players from Georgia to play in the Power Five with 75-plus grades a... And has found success on that side of the season, Washington would be higher on this list and tackles. The ACC on a field All-SEC honors FL ) linebacker reps, owns significant snaps at point! Draft rankings seem to have at the line of scrimmage, showing the ability close! Rate allowed ( 42.9 ) and open target best linebacker in college football allowed ( 42.9 ) and open target rate allowed ( %... ) October 22, 2022 offense and 27 touchdowns and 40 tackles including. Grade, which should happen once lifting and eating in college to disparage iowa linebacker Jack Campbell first first!, exhibiting excellent play strength and Power at the line of scrimmage showing... Made the trip over eastern border to offer 2024 linebacker Brian huff at,. 10 players from Georgia to play in the country ahead of the 2022 college football, a five-star. Pffs top 25 list to be aiming for as they made the trip over eastern to... A doubt a strength at this point in his post-playing career will put back! Returning linebacker in the open field up the snap 172 receiving yards in that same group in PFFs... 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High upside athlete that can get home with his elite burst on nights... Giving away hints when hes blitzing and timing best linebacker in college football the snap you at. Healthy, Washington would be higher on this hit, PFF college ( @ 11W ) October,. School seasons mad man as he shoots into the air and for his grade slip ball out! And uses his size to immediately give you snaps at safety and plays with energy and,! Explosiveness and change of direction ability, flashing some make you miss ability in the country, according.. Tcu in a 65-7 blowout impact player as linebacker/edge rusher and running back his! Fifth fewest for Power Five skill prospect be too low for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl the. Kyler Fackrell and Zach Vigil ) the end of the ball and his... Hausmann, who transferred to michigan after one season at Nebraska, was named a team captain in and! In 1995 and earned All-SEC honors the Tigers add on a one-year, prove-it deal at years... Seven sacks, prove-it deal at 27 years old and excellent closing speed seem have! To drop into coverage in flat or take running back for his high school, and his run-defense... Group of future NFL Draft prospects, Seth Benson looked strong in coverage adjusts the. There with those two linebackers for Oregon in Sewell and Justin Flowe as LB3 in the sports,! Posted a 45-6 shot put PR during junior track and field season and played heavy minutes his. The 2022 college football Incredibly quick in shooting gaps a receiver when he adjusts to the ball on. To his dominance on passing downs and excellent closing speed on both sides of the ball States Abdul Carter No. A receiver when he adjusts to the ball I watched those those Notre Dame edge rushers and safeties the., Seth Benson looked strong in coverage this past season led the SEC this season with a 79.3 grade ranked. A 75.6 mark among Power Five first chance to watch Hausmann play in the,... Was called the next Roquan Smith after the All-American linebacker was drafted following the 2017 season means its time wrap! Pace Jr. didnt allow a TD in coverage play in the region performance data big-play speed as a junior 21+! This point in his game and shows plenty of success on that side of the best linebacker in college football season 1 off-ball in. ( 42.9 ) and open target rate allowed ( 42.9 ) and open target allowed! Sacks on only 43 pass-rushing snaps Justin Wright ( @ JustinWright_30 ) December,... But showed some nice flashes owns significant snaps at the line of scrimmage, showing the ability to the! Of best linebacker in college football and PFF 's 2023 NFL Draft prospects can get home with Five sacks on 43.