2020 Linebackers

[TwentyTwo]

ILB Paddy Fisher (Sr.) 6'- 4" 246 Northwestern...Active FBS Leading Tackler with 318! 3 career INT's & 10 Forced Fumbles; native of Katy TX (suburban Houston)

OLB Garrett Wallow (Sr.) 6'-2" 230 TCU ....Led Big 12 in Tackles (125)/10th Nationally; added 18 TFL; Hybrid Safety added 18lbs. since Freshman season; my favorite Defensive Player this season; this years Tanner Muse? Native of New Orleans LA

ILB Tuf Borland (Sr.) 6'-1" 234 Ohio State...180 tackles in career(15.5 for loss); Pre-Season 1st Team All Big 10; entering 3rd season as Team Captain

ILB Nate Landman (Sr.) 6'-3" 230 Colorado .... 1st Team PAC 12; Top 20 in Tackles last season(114) ; 23 career starts
12 PBU's; 3 INT's

OLB Mike Rose (Jr.) 6'- 3" 240 Iowa State ....Honorable Mention All Big 12 last season; 77 tackles; team best 9.5 TFL; Starter from Day 1 as a Freshman

OLB Ryan Bowman (Sr.) 6'- 0 280 Washington....Former Walk-on ; 12 Sacks ; 23.5 TFL ; 17 career starts

OLB Blake Gallagher (Jr) 6'-1" 235 Northwestern ....247 career Tackles ; led Big Ten in 18' (127) ....Best LB Duo in the Nation w Fisher

ILB James Skalski (Sr.) 6'-0 235 Clemson ...105 tackles last season; 17 career starts; ; 12.5 TFL; 6 Sacks; old school bad azz; cracked QB Joe Burrow's rib in NCG (not on this play)

Jake Hansen (Sr.) 6 '- 1" 225 Illinois ...FBS Forced Fumbles Leader ; Butkus Semi-Finalist; Pre-Season 2nd Team All Big 10; missed final 4 games to injury

Pete Werner (Sr.) 6'-3" 242 Ohio State .... Versatile ; Player of Game in Big 10 Championship ; 2nd on team in Tackles ;5.5 TFL - 11 yards, 3 PBU ; two fumble recoveries; potent 1 - 2 punch w Borland

 

[Red Raider]

Blaze Alldredge (SR) 6’2” 220lbs Rice
2019 1st Team All C-USA. Alldredge was a monster in 2019 with 102 tackles, 21.5 for loss, 4 sacks, 1 FF, and 1 FR. 2019 Team MVP.


Colin Schooler (SR) 6’1” 229lbs Arizona
One of the top LB’s in the country. 2017 Freshman All-American, 2018 first team All-PAC 12. 313 career tackles, 46 TFL, 9 sacks, 4 INT (202 return yards!!), 7 pass deflections, 3 FF, 3 FR, 1 TD.


Dax Hollifield (JR) 6’1” 232lbs Virginia Tech
Starter since true freshman season, has 130 tackles, 12.5 for loss, 4 sacks, 3 INT, 2 FF, 1 FR. Has the look of a future NFL player.


Jojo Domann (SR) 6’1” 235lbs Nebraska
Came to Nebraska as a safety and grew into an impact player at LB. 11 TFL in 2019, also has 5 FF, and has recorded 3 turnovers.

 

[Red Raider]

It looks like my post got screwed up again so I’m re-adding these two.


Bubba Arslanian (JR) 5’9” 205lbs Akron
Undersized but always around the ball, had 125 tackles, 4 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 FF in 2019. Still has two years left.


Justin Rice (SR) 6’2” 225lbs Fresno State
Twin brother of stud TE Jared Rice (Chargers UDFA). First season as starter in 2019 had 112 tackles, 7 TFL, 3 sacks, 2 INT, 4 FF, 2 FR, 1 TD. Another big season could have him on the NFL radar.

 

[Bucky]

We've definitely got some backers this year!

Jack Sanborn(JR) 6'2 235 Wisconsin. 87tkls, 5.5sks, and 3ints which pretty much all came last season, his first as a starter. Next level talent! His younger bro is also committed to The Badgers in '20 class!


Noah Burks(RSR) 6'2 245 Wisconsin. Took control of starting spot after an injury to an upsider. Average production that I expect him to improve on. 44career tkls and 2sks. He did have an impressive 68yd INT for a TD where he was able to show his jets.

 

[Red Raider]

David Curry (SR) 6’2” 230lbs Georgia Tech
Son of former NFL all pro Buddy Curry, former Defensive Rookie of the Year. David was also a high school pole vault state champion, he’s an athlete to say the least and should be on the NFL radar. 2 year starter had 97 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 2 FF, and a FR in 2019.


Kristopher Moll (SR) 6’1” 215lbs UAB
1st Team All C-USA in 2019 along with Blaze Alldredge (mentioned above). First Team All-State in high school at Florida’s highest level. 104 tackles, 16 TFL, 9 sacks, 1 INT, 4 FF, and a FR in 2019. He is a bit small but is exactly the kind of playmaking linebacker the NFL is looking for these days.


Teddy Gallagher (SR) 6’1” 240lbs Coastal Carolina
2019 All-Sun Belt 3rd Team, 2020 preseason All-Sun Belt 2nd Team. 2019 stats include 88 tackles, 3.5 for loss, 1 FF.


Malcolm Rodriguez (SR) 5’11” 210lbs Oklahoma State
2019 2nd Team All-Big 12 and team defensive MVP. Started every game at safety in 2018 before starting every game at linebacker in 2019. Career stats are 197 tackles, 12 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 1 INT (pick six), 2 FF, and 1 FR.


Bumper Pool (JR) 6’2” 225lbs Arkansas
First off, great name. He played well as a reserve in 2018 and became a full time starter in 2019. 2019 stats include 94 tackles, 6.5 TFL, and .5 sack. Would like to see him get a few turnovers and sacks in the next two seasons.


Zane Zandier (SR) 6’3” 230lbs Virginia
Solid size and great production as well. 2019 stats were 108 tackles, 12.5 TFL, 5 sacks, 1 INT (pick six), and 5 pass deflections.


Diego Fagot (JR) 6’3” 240lbs Navy
Continuing the trend of great service academy LB’s over the last few years. He had a fantastic sophomore season with 100 tackles, 12 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 1 INT (pick six), and 2 FF.


Ryan McWood (SR) 6’2” 229lbs Miami (Ohio)
First time starter in 2019, recorded 99 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 1 FF, and 1 FR.


Guys, we have some fantastic linebackers returning in 2020. I didn’t even know we had so many guys with over or close to 100 tackles last season.

 

[Red Raider]

Chris Bergin (SR) 5’11” 215lbs Northwestern
The third of the trio of good Northwestern linebackers. 86 tackles, 6 TFL, .5 sack, and 2 pass deflections in 2019.


Drew White (JR) 6’0” 230lbs Notre Dame
White had a nice season as a first year starter with 80 tackles, 8 TFL, 2 sacks, and 2 FR.


Payton Wilson (SO) 6’4” 235lbs NC State
Wilson led the team in tackles in 2019 as a redshirt freshman. He had an offseason arrest that resulted in multiple charges but hopefully he learned from that and doesn’t do anything stupid again. He has the size to be a NFL player and if he holds down the starting spot throughout his career that can become a reality. In his first season he had 69 tackles, 5 TFL, and an INT.


Noah Wilder (JR) 6’0” 225lbs UAB
Wilder formed a great duo with Kristopher Moll (mentioned above) in 2019. He had 85 tackles, 10 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 FF, and a FR.


Riley Whimpey (SR) 6’1” 230lbs Boise State
Whimpey was originally in the 2015 class but then went on a mission. He was teammates with Sam Darnold at San Clemente HS in California. Career totals of 152 tackles, 11 TFL, 4 sacks, 8 pass deflections, 2 FF, and a FR.


Kyle Harmon (JR) 6’0” 229lbs San Jose State
Harmon had a nice 2019 season with 89 tackles, 6 TFL, 2 sacks, 3 FF, and 2 FR.


Will Honas (SR) 6’1” 225lbs Nebraska
Honas is a JUCO transfer that became a starter in 2019. He had 73 tackles, 6 TFL, and a sack.


Cole McCubrey (SR) 6’1” 235lbs UMASS
McCubrey led UMASS in tackles in 2019 while recording 84 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 1 sack, and a FF.

 

[TwentyTwo]

Thanks for the excellent additions Bucky & Red Raider!!

Is there a better name in CFB than Bumper Pool??

OLB Troy Andersen (Sr.) 6 '- 4" 233 Montana State...*EDIT will REDSHIRT in 2020 after a surgery for a lower-body injury was delayed by three months during the coronavirus pandemic,
Former QB became All Big Sky LB;(11 TFL/ 6.5 Sacks) Swiss Army Knife was in Running Back category here on CF last season ; But the NFL Scouts say he's a Linebacker.

OLB Baylon Specter (Jr.) 6 '- 1" 230 Clemson...Projected Starter...last season very productive on the 2nd team; 45 tackles (6.0 for loss), 2.0 sacks, PB & fumble recovery on just 284 snaps

Bryson Armstrong (Sr.) 5'- 11" 212 Kennesaw State.... Pre-season FCS All American; In career 284 Tackles; 34.5 TFL! 17 Sacks ; 5 INT's; 16 PD; 5 FF; 5 FR; 2 Block punts; Jerry Rice Freshman of the Year Award (see Cooper Kupp)

Riley Cole (Sr.) 6'-3" 230 South Alabama .....Projected Starter has All Sun Belt Conf. potential if he can stay healthy

 

[dolphins15]

Wyatt Harris (SO) 6'2" 218 TCU
He started 6 of the final 7 games as a true freshman. He had 26 tackles, 2 TFL, and 1 INT. Will be one to watch the next few seasons.

Carson Wells (JR) 6'4" 250 Colorado
He had 57 tackles last season starting 9 games. A big kid from Florida. Makes a nice tandem with Landman.

Jace Lewis (SR) 6'1" 230 Montana
Another tackling machine from the Griz. He had 131 tackles, 12 TFL, 4.5 sacks and 2 FF last season. Played next to Dante Olson (UDFA Philly) last season and now has his opportunity to step into the spotlight.

 

[Red Raider]

Wow for Montana last season they had Dante Olson (179 tackles), Jace Lewis (131 tackles), and Robby Hauck (129 tackles). Did they ever have subs? LOL that’s pretty impressive to me.

 

[dolphins15]

RR, I guess those 3 must have been in on about every tackle lol.

Jack Cochrane (SR) 6'3" 230 South Dakota
He had 106 tackles, 7 TFL, 3 sacks, 2 INT's, 2 FF, 2 FR last season. An athletic play making LB on he FCS level with good size.

Anthony Koclanakis (SR) 6'1" 226 Murray State
A former JUCO kid from Cali. Had 124 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 INT, and 2 FR.

Drew Seers (SR) 6'1"227 Lindenwood
He put up huge tackling numbers at the D2 level with 175 tackles, 17 TFL, and 2 FR. Probably needs to add some turnovers to get a shot at the next level.

 

[dolphins15]

Jake Venables (R.SO) 6'1" 230 Clemson
Son of the defensive coordinator Brent Venables. Jake is no slouch though. He had 38 tackles, 9 TFL, 1.5 sacks and 1 PBU. Will be behind Skalski and Spector but expect him to get in the rotation. Clemson also has a few more white scholarship LB's waiting in the wings.

Nate McBride (SR) 6'2" 223 Georgia
We have known about Nate for awhile at castefootball. Going back to his high school days when he was winning the 100M and 200M state championships. But he has never been giving a shot at Georgia and it doesn't look any better this year. He has 20 career tackles. Wish he would have transferred out and got an opportunity to play more.

Jackson Sirmon (R.SO) 6'3" 237 Washington
He had 28 tackles with 1 FR last season. Projected as the starter on ourlads. Has good bloodlines the son of former NFL LB Peter Sirmon.

 

[wile]

Great work. I have really enjoyed watching the NU LBs the last few years, too bad last year's offense made the games unwatchable and futile for the D, with a semi-competent offense the D would have looked great. Yay gimmick offense and when it doesn't work the first 583 times keep trying.

 

[Shadowlight]

Jack Lamb (SO) 6'4" 228 Notre Dame
Lamb was standing out early on especially as a third down situational edge disrupter until an early season hip tear finished his season. In a few games he had 7 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. While underrated ILB Drew White ( see above) is penciled in as a starter backed up by junior Bo Bauer, Lamb might not start but I suspect he will see the field quite often. They want to take advantage of his length and ranginess where he can cover or rush the QB.


Josh Marsh (SO) 6'2" 218 Auburn
With his blond hair and rugged good looks Marsh looks like a matinee idol. But in reality he is very religious as both of his parents are pastors. Marsh might not play much on defense this season ( Auburn is loaded with LB depth) but expect to see him on the special teams fetch squad. So why bring him up? True he could end up like speedy LB Nate McBride (see above) and not advance past special team designation. Or he could more likely follow the path of say S Troy Apke who didn't get defensive reps until his upperclassmen years. In a word Marsh is an outstanding athlete and is tremendously fast. A 4.3 40 is not out of the question. One to at least keep an eye on.

 

[dolphins15]

Bryce Flater (R.JR) 6'1" 224 Northern Iowa
He had 143 tackles, 8 TFL, 1 INT, 1 FF, and 1 FR. Rushed for over 2,000 yards his senior season in high school but played at a Class A school in Iowa. Didn't get a scholarship to UNI until he showed out in an all star game.

Ryan Greenhagen (JR) 6'1" 235 Fordham
1st team All American and 1st team All-Patriot League. He had 123 tackles, 18.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks, and 1 FF. He has 33 career TFL's in two seasons!

Tyler Dressler (SR) 6'3" 245 Richmond
1st team All-CAA. He had 104 tackles with 4 sacks, 12 TFL's and 4 PBU's. Has good size might get a shot at the next level.

 

[dolphins15]

Dustin Crouser (SR) 6'2" 230 West Virginia State
Originally played at Charlotte. Left football in 2015 and came back to WVSU in 2018.He had 132 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, and 1 FR.

Logan Backhaus (SR) 6'4" 205 South Dakota State
Missouri Valley Football Conference Honorable Mention, SDSU defensive MVP. He has 195 career tackles, 14.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 5 FF, 8 INT's. Athletic play making LB.

Jackson Hankey (JR) 6'1" 220 North Dakota State
Former walk-on and from North Dakota. He had 127 tackles, 9 TFL, 1 sack, and 2 PBU's.

 

[Red Raider]

Gavin Potter (SO) 6’2” 215lbs Kansas
Potter was unexpectedly thrown into the starting lineup in 2019 as a true freshman due to injuries. His inexperience hurt him a little bit but he became reliable as the season went on. He should be a full time starter for the rest of his college career. True freshman stats were 56 tackles, 3.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks, and a pass deflection.


Andrew Pryts (SR) 6’1” 225lbs Stanford
Pryts was a 4 star safety coming out of high school with offers from Alabama, Penn State, Michigan, Notre Dame, Wisconsin, and many more. Pryts moved to inside linebacker in 2018 and became a starter in 2019 leading Stanford in tackles. He had 72 tackles, 1 TFL, and an INT. He entered the transfer portal but it looks like he’ll be back at Stanford.


Antonio Montero (JR) 6’0” 216lbs Rice
Montero teams up with Blaze Alldredge to form a nice linebacker duo. He was high school teammates with NFL linebackers Carter Coughlin and Ryan Connelly. In 2 seasons Montero has had 117 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 INT, and a fumble recovery.


Vinny Labus (JR) 6’1” 232lbs Northern Illinois
Labus was a backup in 2018 before becoming a starter in 2019. In 2 seasons he has 72 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF, and a FR.


Mike Ruane (SR) 5’11” 230lbs UMASS
Ruane was 2nd in tackles for UMASS in 2019 behind Cole McCubrey. He only started 2 games in 2019 but made a big impact. Career stats are 93 tackles, 3 TFL, and a 2 FR’s.

(there were some good pics of him but I couldn’t get them to upload.)

Dylan Tonkery (SR) 6’0” 228lbs West Virginia
Has started 25 games in his career, recording 101 tackles, 15.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 1 FF, and 2 FR.


Colby Campbell (SR) 6’0” 210lbs Presbyterian
Campbell is one of the best linebackers in the FCS. He had 150 tackles in 2019 which was a Big South record. In 3 seasons he has 259 tackles, 25 TFL, 12 sacks, 1 INT, 3 FF, and 2 FR’s.

 

[Bucky]

Nice additions fellas. Looking at these posts it looks like another deep class for us at LB! Some future pros out there no doubt. Who are you guys most looking forward to seeing ?

*Nate McBride has wasted away at Georgia.. I remember hearing about him as a Sophomore in HS, he was a stud with elite speed as mentioned in this thread. Really wish he would have transferred out 3years ago..

 

[dolphins15]

Nice additions fellas. Looking at these posts it looks like another deep class for us at LB! Some future pros out there no doubt. Who are you guys most looking forward to seeing ?

*Nate McBride has wasted away at Georgia.. I remember hearing about him as a Sophomore in HS, he was a stud with elite speed as mentioned in this thread. Really wish he would have transferred out 3years ago..

Paddy Fisher is a big physical dude out there roaming. i'm also looking forward to watching Clemson. All the white LB's they have are very talented. .

 

[Red Raider]

Nice additions fellas. Looking at these posts it looks like another deep class for us at LB! Some future pros out there no doubt. Who are you guys most looking forward to seeing ?

*Nate McBride has wasted away at Georgia.. I remember hearing about him as a Sophomore in HS, he was a stud with elite speed as mentioned in this thread. Really wish he would have transferred out 3years ago..

I’m most excited for Garret Wallow, I think he has the traits that the NFL wants these days in a linebacker. I think he will test well too since he used to play safety, he could be a first or second round pick.

 

[Bucky]

All good picks. Agreed about Fisher, huge and a tackling machine. Big Ten is really deep with Pale faces at LB!

I'm also interested in watching Clemson with their blue collar boys on Defense.

Wallow is a beast and should indeed test well as mentioned.

Be interesting to see how many end up with combine invites this year.

 

[Red Raider]

This is how I’d rank the combine potential for these LB’s. **not including underclassmen**
If this or something similar is the case then it’ll be a really fun combine to watch just for the linebackers

very high chance/locks:
Garret Wallow
Colin Schooler
Paddy Fisher
Tuf Borland
Pete Werner
Justin Rice
Nate Landman
Zane Zandier
Noah Burks
David Curry
James Skalski
Jake Hansen

50% chance:
Kristopher Moll
Blaze Alldredge
Andrew Pryts
Ryan Bowman
Jojo Domann
Riley Whimpey

 

[dolphins15]

RR, if we got that many LB's to the combine I would be ecstatic!

 

[TwentyTwo]

SAD the Ivy League has already announced NO Football in the Fall. Maybe they can play in the Spring?
The rest of College Football NEEDS to happen this Fall! Harbaugh make a strong push today

Agreed ! Wish Nate McBride would have transferred. Also think he was capable of being a quality Running Back too looking at all the HS highlights! 6 '- 2" 220 running in the 4 .4 's

Kristopher Moll may fall into the Ashtyn Davis / Erick Harris category. Been a tackling machine

Thanks for keeping the Linebacker prospects rolling! Plenty quality players to follow!

Joel Dublanko (Sr.) 6 '- 3" 235 Cincinnati
Projected Starter ; time to step up Full Time......in a more limited role still managed to make 34 tackles; 3.5 tackles for loss; 1 sack ; 1 forced fumble

Swayze Bozeman (Sr.) 6'- 3" 210 Southern Miss
Last season had 57 Tackles' 6 TFL; 4.5 Sacks; 2 Fumble Recoveries & 1 Forced Fumble; former JUCO prospect; his time to shine!

 

[Red Raider]

Ethan Tucky (SR) 6’2” 243lbs Cincinnati
Has played well for Cincinnati after transferring from Boston College. In two seasons has recorded 57 tackles, 13 TFL, 5 sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR.

 

[dolphins15]

Jacob Dobbs (SO) 6'0" 222 Holy Cross
Jerry Rice Award Finalist (2019)...Hero Sports First Team Freshman All-American (2019)... Second Team All-Patriot League (2019)....Led the team with 93 tackles, 7 sacks and 12 tackles for loss...Also totaled 3 interceptions, 3 fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble and 1 pass breakup.

Simeon Page (SR) 6'0" 230 Bucknell
Three-time All-Patriot League (2019, 2018 & 2017) ... two-time All-Patriot League First Team (2019 & 2018)..He has 142 career tackles, 34.5 TFL, 22.5 sacks, and 5 FF.

Seth Carlisle (JR) 6'0" 225 Tennessee Tech
Came in as a QB and switched to LB. Started this past season. Has 115 career tackles, 5.5 TFL, and 3 INTs.