2019 Linebackers

[TwentyTwo]

Linebacker core for 19' looks strong!

ILB Joe Bachie (Sr.) 6'-2 " 238 Michigan State...returned for Senior season instead of opting for NFL...1st Team AA by ESPN.Com...3rd year as Starter; in two seasons had 202 total tackles; 19 TFL; 4 INT's; 5 FF's & 2 Fumble Recoveries

LB Paddy Fisher (Jr.) 6'-4" 241 Northwestern......All Big 10 Honors 2nd Consecutive season; 100 + Tackles back-to-back seasons;(227 Most in Big 10); 14 TFL' 8 FF's! ; 2 INT's

ILB Evan Weaver (Sr.) 6'-3" 245 Cal....career 230 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss (-52 yards), 6.0 sacks (-35 yards), 2 INT's for 47 yards ; 37-yard TD return Washington in 2018 , 8 pass breakups!

ILB David Woodard (Jr. ) 6'- 2" 230 Utah State....another Very athletic player who covers the entire field! PFF 1st Team A-A ...AP 3rd Team All American ; MWC Defensive Player of the Year

OLB Carter Coughlin (Sr.) 6'-4" 245 Minnesota....led the team 9.5 sacks & 15 TFL + team leading 4 FF's • named All-Big Ten Second Team by the coaches and media • Academic All-Big Ten.

ILB Colin Schooler (Jr.) 6'-0 236 Arizona....AP All Pac 12; Led all Power 5 defenders with 1.79 TFL per game; scored on a Safety; Freshman Defensive Player of Year in 17' ...brother Brendon starting WR at Oregon

ILB Nate Landman (Jr.) 6'-3" 230 Colorado ... reminds me of "Throwback" Ted Johnson; NFL written all over him!

MLB Mike Rose (Soph.) 6'-3" 240 Iowa State.....Honorable Mention All-Big 12 … First-Team Freshman All-American by the FWAA and The Athletic … one of the top rookie defenders nationally; ONLY ONE POWER 5 OFFER! Best Cyclone LBer since AJ Klein
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/s...es-linebacker-big-12-championship/2594190002/

OLB Dax Hollifield (Soph.) 6'-1" 243 Virginia Tech...coming off aan Impressive True Freshman season; sky is the limit!

ILB Tuf Borland (Jr.) 6'-1" 232 Ohio State....played thru Achilles tendon injury last season' 20 Career starts ; 125 tackles

MLB Cale Garrett (Sr.) 6'-3" 230 Missouri....PFF SEC 1st Team' ; 112 Tackles last season; 12 vs. Alabama

Cooper Edmiston (Sr.) 6'-3" 241 Tulsa ... has 237 tackles, 9.5 Sacks -23 yards, 5 INT's, 5 fumble recoveries, 3 FF's

ILB Logan Wilson 6'-2" 250 Wyoming...another Top MWC LBer with NFL potential

ILB Christian Rozeboom (Sr.) 6'-2" 225 South Dakota State...364 career Tackles ; three consecutive 100+ TAckle seasons. FCS that has produced Offensive Talents like Zach Zenner ; Dallas Goedert & Jake Weineke now looks at Defense!

ILB Dominic Cizauskas (Sr.) 6'-2" 260 Glenville State... D2 Terror...could play for any Power 5 FBS Team! 134 tackles last season

There are plenty more talented Linebackers dotting the College landscape! Feel free to Add to the list...

 

[Red Raider]

Great list TwentyTwo!! Should be a fantastic year for linebackers.

Ben Holt (SR) 5’10” 220lbs Purdue
Holt is a former walk on who played fullback and linebacker his first couple years before emerging as a star in his junior year. He is a grad transfer from Western Kentucky. His father is the co-defensive coordinator at Purdue. Holt is undersized but was very productive as last season.
2018 stats: 116 tackles, 11.5 for loss, 2.5 sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR


Blake Gallagher (JR) 6’1” 227lbs Northwestern

Paddy Fishers linebacker buddy was just about as impressive last year! He had 127 tackles, 7.5 for loss, 1 INT, and 1 FR. His brother Bryce is a freshman this year also at LB. Best LB duo in the country with Fisher??


I’ll have some more to post later, lots to choose from this year! I’ll make one for Pete Werner later, him and Borland also make a great duo.

 

[Red Raider]

Pete Werner (JR) 6’3” 236lbs Ohio State
OLB who is pretty quick and rangy and has good size for the position. Has been exposed at times but is overall a productive playmaker for the Buckeyes. He enjoyed a good season last year with 58 tackles, 7.5 for loss, 2 sacks, 9 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles. The 9 PD’s really stands out to me especially for a linebacker.


Clay Johnston (SR) 6’1” 232lbs Baylor
Son of a NFL strength coach and youngest of 3 college football playing brothers. Clay is the best of them by far and has had a great career at Baylor so far. He was also a really good running back in high school. His career totals are 179 tackles, 18.5 for a loss, 2 sacks, 1 INT (65 yard return), and only one forced fumble.


Jake Hansen (JR) 6’1” 230lbs Illinois
Breakout sophomore season after missing all of 2017. Last year he had 95 tackles with 8.5 for loss and a sack, he also forced and recovered a fumble. Hoping he can top the 100 tackle mark this season.


Jesse Osuna (SR) 6’0” 225lbs San Jose State
Osuna was the guy that replaced big time tackles Frank Ginda and he did not disappoint in his breakout season. In 2018 he recorded 93 tackles, 10 for loss, 2 sacks, 2 INT’s, 1 FF, and 3 FR’s. He is primed for another huge season.


Matt Bahr (6th year) 6’1” 210lbs Kent State
I’ll continue the 2018 breakout players with former safety Matt Bahr. Bahr was granted a 6th year of eligibility after missing most of 2017 with an injury. He did not disappoint in his first year as a starter in a new position with 91 tackles, 7.5 for loss, 3 sacks, 1 INT, and a forced fumble.


Jeff Gemmell (r-SR) 6’3” 230lbs Charlotte
He has been a productive player over the past few seasons recording a total of 220 tackles, 16.5 for loss, 5 sacks, 1 INT, 2 FF, 1 FR. Barring injury he should top the 300 career tackles mark in his last season.


Jordan Fehr (SR) 6’3” 226lbs App. State
1st Team All-Sun Belt in 2018 as a first year starter. Had a great season with 86 tackles. 7.5 for loss, 5.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery. Lets hope he can reach the triple digits this season!


Kash Daniel (SR) 6’1” 221lbs Kentucky
Was overshadowed by top 10 pick Josh Allen last season but he should be the top defender for Kentucky this season. Fantastic SEC linebacker also enjoyed a breakout season in 2018 in which he was also a team captain. He didn’t disappoint with 84 tackles, 7.5 for loss, and a sack.


Unfortunately Stanford LB Sean Barton retired from football with 1 year of eligibility left. He was 2nd on the team with 92 tackles last year.

 

[Red Raider]

The former safeties/hybrids. A lot of these guys popping up around college football now, they never seem to become NFL players even though there are plenty of (black) linebackers like them in the NFL now.

Austin Hall (SR) 6’2” 215lbs Memphis
This guy should be drafted next year but it’s yet to be seen if he will even pop up on draft boards. He’s been the starter at STAR for Memphis for 3 years already and he’s played really well. In his 3 seasons he has 203 tackles, 24.5 for loss, 2.5 sacks, 3 INT, 14 PD, 2 FF, 4 FR, 1 TD. Talk about filling up the stat sheet! All-State safety in high school.


Zayne Anderson (SR) 6’2” 215lbs BYU
We’ve been waiting for him to breakout for a while. Started off 2018 HOT with 36 tackles and a pick in the first 4 games before missing the rest of the season. He’s getting one last chance as the starter at “flash linebacker”. Finally settling into the LB position after 3 years at safety. Star RB/safety and sprinter in high school. He has 111 career tackles, 3 INT’s, 3 FF, and 2 FR. He definitely has a knack for the turnover.


Jojo Domann (JR) 6’1” 230lbs Nebraska
Playing their hybrid nickel back “Cinco” position. He has battled injuries throughout his career but is looking to be a full time starter this fall. He was an extremely versatile high school player starting at WR/RB/S/Kicker and was the top ranked player in Colorado for his class.


Andrew Martel (SR) 6’1” 215lbs UTSA
Former starting safety is now playing linebacker in his final season. He’s had a decent career at safety recording 77 tackles, 5 for loss, 3 sacks, 1 INT, and 3 fumble recoveries. Was his districts Utility MVP his senior year of high school.


Eddie Hahn (JR) 6’3” 214lbs UCONN
Started 10 games in 2018 and finished with 59 tackles and 4 for a loss. After a year of linebacker under his belt he should have a much improved season. He played QB and safety in high school.

 

[Shadowlight]

TwentyTwo and Red raider continue to amaze me with their spot on lists.

I agree that the Fisher/Gallagher combo at Northwestern is as good as it gets. And Fisher along with hyper athlete David Woodard of Utah State (see above) are often mentioned as first round picks for 2020. Tuf Borland has gotten some first round mentions as well.

Pete Werner is a superb rangy athlete in his own right. He needs seasoning because he wasn't really a LB in high school but with his ability it is only a matter of time before he steps up big. Zayne Anderson of BYU is another speedy athletic marvel who I hope strikes gold in the 2020 NFL draft.

Great lists and pics gentleman. A lot of white talent at LB this season. Thanks again.

 

[TwentyTwo]

Thanks for the props Shadowlight! Always enjoy your expert feedback! 3 of 4 Top LBers Bachie(#26) ; Weaver (#37) & Woodward(#50) in Athlons NFL Top 50 Overall Players!

Thanks for all the additions RR! There is a plethora of talent at the LBer position. Baylor's Clay Johnston is a Tackling Machine! SEC LBer Kash Daniel is consistently under the watchful eye of DWF's; Hoping Werner can bounce back for the Buckeyes; was listed 2nd Team for now.

One can only hope they don't put a Caste Cap-limit come the 2020 NFL Draft. We just saw a slight uptick on the sneaky athleticism in the '19 Draft (Birr-Kirvin; Barton ; Cashman ; Holcomb ; etc. I certainly looks that way again.... Hopefully this is an upward trend!

Hybrid LB/DB continues...Zayne Anderson (posted him as DB two years ago); Austin Hall; Hahn ; Martel; etc. All Fringe prospects in the NFL??

Dante Olson (Sr.) 6'-3" 237 Montana .....Shattered School Record Single-season tackles (151); named to Seven A-A Teams ; 3rd in Buck Buchanan Award....should tear it up at NFL Draft Combine...IF Invited??

Dylan Tonkery (Jr.) 6'- 0 228 West Virginia ....missed back 1/2 of last season due to injury ; still 4th on team TFL; good enough to Start 8 games RS Freshman season

 

[Red Raider]

Alex Grace (SR) 6’1” 220lbs Western Michigan
Undersized LB holds the Michigan state high school single season rushing record with 2962 yards and 36 touchdowns after an incredible career as a RB. Moved to LB in college and became a starter in 2018. In his first season as a starter he had 83 tackles, 10.5 for loss, 1 sack, 1 INT, and 1 FR. He also forced 2 fumbles as a backup/special teams player in 2017. Fits the mold of the hybrids but is strictly a linebacker in their defense.


I also have 2 outstanding service academy linebackers for y’all. Typically not NFL prospects but definitely standouts to watch.

Cole Christiansen (SR) 6’2” 225lbs Army
2 year starter for Army has 163 career tackles, 17 for loss, 1 sack, 1 INT, and 1 FF. In high school he was a standout RB/LB and lacrosse player.


Kyle Johnson (JR) 6’0” 220lbs Air Force
Another undersized LB who starred in lacrosse in high school. Johnson was a 1st time starter in 2018 and he recorded 70 tackles, 7.5 for loss, 1 INT returned for a TD, and a fumble recovery. Looking forward for an even bigger year for him.

 

[Red Raider]

Pete Werner (JR) 6’3” 236lbs Ohio State
OLB who is pretty quick and rangy and has good size for the position. Has been exposed at times but is overall a productive playmaker for the Buckeyes. He enjoyed a good season last year with 58 tackles, 7.5 for loss, 2 sacks, 9 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles. The 9 PD’s really stands out to me especially for a linebacker.
View attachment 2426

Clay Johnston (SR) 6’1” 232lbs Baylor
Son of a NFL strength coach and youngest of 3 college football playing brothers. Clay is the best of them by far and has had a great career at Baylor so far. He was also a really good running back in high school. His career totals are 179 tackles, 18.5 for a loss, 2 sacks, 1 INT (65 yard return), and only one forced fumble.
View attachment 2427

Jake Hansen (JR) 6’1” 230lbs Illinois
Breakout sophomore season after missing all of 2017. Last year he had 95 tackles with 8.5 for loss and a sack, he also forced and recovered a fumble. Hoping he can top the 100 tackle mark this season.
View attachment 2428

Jesse Osuna (SR) 6’0” 225lbs San Jose State
Osuna was the guy that replaced big time tackles Frank Ginda and he did not disappoint in his breakout season. In 2018 he recorded 93 tackles, 10 for loss, 2 sacks, 2 INT’s, 1 FF, and 3 FR’s. He is primed for another huge season.
View attachment 2429

Matt Bahr (6th year) 6’1” 210lbs Kent State
I’ll continue the 2018 breakout players with former safety Matt Bahr. Bahr was granted a 6th year of eligibility after missing most of 2017 with an injury. He did not disappoint in his first year as a starter in a new position with 91 tackles, 7.5 for loss, 3 sacks, 1 INT, and a forced fumble.
View attachment 2430

Jeff Gemmell (r-SR) 6’3” 230lbs Charlotte
He has been a productive player over the past few seasons recording a total of 220 tackles, 16.5 for loss, 5 sacks, 1 INT, 2 FF, 1 FR. Barring injury he should top the 300 career tackles mark in his last season.
View attachment 2431

Jordan Fehr (SR) 6’3” 226lbs App. State
1st Team All-Sun Belt in 2018 as a first year starter. Had a great season with 86 tackles. 7.5 for loss, 5.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery. Lets hope he can reach the triple digits this season!
View attachment 2432

Kash Daniel (SR) 6’1” 221lbs Kentucky
Was overshadowed by top 10 pick Josh Allen last season but he should be the top defender for Kentucky this season. Fantastic SEC linebacker also enjoyed a breakout season in 2018 in which he was also a team captain. He didn’t disappoint with 84 tackles, 7.5 for loss, and a sack.
View attachment 2433

Unfortunately Stanford LB Sean Barton retired from football with 1 year of eligibility left. He was 2nd on the team with 92 tackles last year.

Appalachian State’s Jordan Fehr made Bruce Feldmans list of freak athletes this year. At 6’3” 230 he ran a 4.45 40 yard dash and had a 40.5 in vertical jump, he could tear up the NFL combine if he gets invited in the future!

 

[Leonardfan]

Week 2 accolades from PFF:

Cale Garrett, Missouri
Garrett did it all over the field for Missouri, recording three pressures, five defensive stops, a pass breakup and allowing just 14 yards on 25 snaps in coverage.


Evan Weaver, Cal
The nation’s highest-graded linebacker from 2018 was back at it again, pivotal to Cal’s upset victory over Washington. He made a whopping 11 defensive stops, 18 total tackles, three QB pressures and allowed just 18 yards on five targets in 34 coverage snaps. An all-around elite performance from one of the country’s top three-down linebackers.

Zane Zandler, Virginia
On 34 snaps across the defense for the Cavs, Zandler brought home two QB pressures, six total tackles, six defensive stops and didn’t miss any of his tackle attempts in a great all-around performance.

 

[TwentyTwo]

Cal LBer Evan Weaver the Leading Tackler in the Nation...followed by Utah State's David Woodward at #2 & TCU's Garrett Wallow #3
Ben Holt (Purdue) & Nate Landman (Colorado) in a three way tie at #7

Considering how there are only abt 25%? white starters on Defense in the FBS ......5 of the Top 9 Leaders in Tackles is pretty impressive!

https://www.ncaa.com/stats/football/fbs/current/individual/35

* Listed Garrett Wallow in DB Thread ; he's a Hybrid LB

 

[Leonardfan]

At the halfway point of the season 6 of the 10 top tacklers are white:

Evan Weaver Cal 83 total tackles
David Woodward Utah St 71 total tackles
John Lako Akron 68 total tackles
Nate Landman Colorado 67 total tackles
Joe Bachie Michigan St 66 total tackles
Jacob White Ball St 64 total tackles

 

[Bucky]

https://www.nfldraftdiamonds.com/2019/10/jeff-gemmell/

Nice article on UNC Charlotte standout Jeff Gemmell.

 

[Leonardfan]

Wyoming redshirt senior LB Logan Wilson is the only remaining Butkus Award semifinalist from the Group of Five.
The Butkus Award has cut down their semifinalist group to just 12 players. Of those 12, Wilson (6'2/250) is the lone Group of Five player, with most of the other candidates hailing from the SEC of Big 10. In addition to 38 solo tackles, Wilson has 6.5 tackles for loss, six passes defended, and an interception. Wilson will get a chance to shine against versus Boise State this Saturday.


Joe Bachie, Jordan Glasgow, Jake Hansen and Evan Weaver have all been named semi-finalists as well.

 

[Shadowlight]

How the hell is Utah State's David Woodward left off the Butkus list unless they factored in he is done for the season?

Speaking of which why the hell is his season ending injury undisclosed? God almighty you would think it was some CIA secret. I heard concussion something but I have no idea.

I grade Woodward as a first round pick. Hopefully that comes to fruition. Just a junior but I suspect he probably will declare for 2020 but again like everyone else I am in the dark about this injury.

 

[Bucky]

Two more underrated LBs in Montana's Jace Lewis (6'1 230) and Fresno State's Justin Rice (6 225) .

https://www.nfldraftdiamonds.com/2020/05/jace-lewis/

https://www.nfldraftdiamonds.com/2020/05/justin-rice/