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Who has the best linebackers in the SEC? (Al.com rankings)
Posted on 8/15/17 at 9:17 am
Posted on 8/15/17 at 9:17 am
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Who has the best linebacker situation in the SEC? AL.com attempts to answer that question by ranking each of the league's 14 teams based on how well they are stocked at the position heading into the 2017 season.
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14. Ole Miss
Former Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze said at SEC Media Days, not long before his resignation, that the Rebels were “less than adequate” at linebacker last season. Although Ole Miss returns DeMarquis Gates (pictured) and Detric Bing-Dukes and adds a three-star JUCO transfer, the Rebels should still lag behind the rest of the league when it comes to linebacker play.
Projected starters (2016 stats)
WLB: Sr. DeMarquis Gates (79 tackles, 5.5 TFL, four sacks)
MLB: Jr. Detric Bing-Dukes (41 tackles, three TFL)
SLB: Soph. Brenden Williams (Spent 2016 at Northeast Mississippi CC)
Interesting fact
According to Pro Football Focus, Bing-Dukes is tied for the second-highest tackling efficiency rating among returning SEC linebackers.
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13. Missouri
Missouri fielded the worst total defense in the SEC last season, and while the Tigers feature a media darling at middle linebacker in Eric Beisel, Missouri is going to have to prove it doesn’t belong near the bottom of this ranking.
Projected starters (2016 stats)
OLB: Jr. Terez Hall (20 tackles, two TFL)
MLB: R-Sr. Eric Beisel (44 tackles, six TFL)
OLB: Jr. Kaleb Prewett (Sat out 2016 after transferring from Kansas State)
Interesting fact
At SEC Media Days last month, Beisel said he’s certain that he “lived a past life as a gladiator.”
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12. Arkansas
Arkansas returns Dre Greenlaw (pictured, right) as a third-year starter at linebacker as the Razorbacks move to a 3-4 base defense under new defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads. Greenlaw missed time last season due to an injury that also sidelined him during the spring, so his return will be refreshing for a defense that struggled mightily in 2016 and gave up more rushing touchdowns (39) than any other team in the conference.
Projected starters (2016 stats)
OLB: Jr. Randy Ramsey (23 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks)
ILB: Jr. Dre Greenlaw (42 tackles, 1.5 TFL, one interception)
ILB: Soph. De’Jon Harris (37 tackles, two TFL, one sack)
OLB: Sr. Dwayne Eugene (44 tackles, one TFL, one interception)
Interesting fact
De’Jon Harris’ nickname is “Scoota,” a name given to him by his mother when he was a baby.
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11. Texas A&M
Texas A&M returns promising linebacker Otaro Alaka as well as sophomore Tyrel Dodson, who is expected to have a bigger role this season, to pair with highly touted freshman Anthony Hines III. There’s reason for optimism at linebacker in College Station, but until the group shows it on the field, the Aggies still rank near the bottom of the conference.
Projected starters (2016 stats)
WLB: Fr. Anthony Hines III (Rated as the No. 2 inside linebacker in the 2017 class, per 247 Composite)
MLB: Jr. Otaro Alaka (74 tackles, nine TFL, two sacks)
SLB: Soph. Tyrel Dodson (27 tackles, 1.5 TFL)
Interesting fact
Dodson squatted an impressive 675 pounds in the offseason, a feat that made the rounds on social media last month and prompted Aggies coach Kevin Sumlin to tell the Houston alumni club that there will be no more videos coming out of the weight room.
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10. Florida
The Gators have to overcome the losses of Jarrad Davis and Alex Anzalone, both of whom bolstered the linebacker corps last season. It’ll be a youth movement for defensive coordinator Randy Shannon’s group, with three sophomores projected to start in the middle, including key returning contributors David Reese and Kylan Johnson (28).
Projected starters (2016 stats)
WLB: Soph. Vosean Joseph (13 tackles, one TFL)
MLB: Soph. David Reese (49 tackles, two TFL)
SLB: R-Soph. Kylan Johnson (39 tackles, five TFL, one sack)
Interesting fact
Johnson is tied for second-best tackling efficiency among returning SEC linebackers, according to Pro Football Focus.
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9. Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt has to overcome the loss of SEC leading tackler Zach Cunningham, but the Commodores return one of the more versatile players in the conference in senior Oren Burks (pictured), who plays a hybrid linebacker/safety role. His presence will buoy this unit this season in Cunningham’s absence.
Projected starters (2016 stats)
OLB: R-Jr. Charles Wright (13 tackles, 3.5 TFL, one forced fumble)
ILB: Sr. Emmanuel Smith (Six tackles, one pass breakup)
ILB: Sr. Oren Burks (59 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks, one interception, one forced fumble)
OLB: Jr. Josh Smith (Three tackles, 0.5 TFL, 0.5 sacks)
Interesting fact
Burks is the great nephew of civil rights leader Andrew Jackson White.
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8. Tennessee
The Vols struggled against the run last season, with much of those woes falling to the team’s front seven. Tennessee returns key contributors in Darrin Kirkland Jr. (pictured) as well as senior Cortez McDowell, which gives hope that the Vols could show some serious improvement in that aspect of the defense this fall.
Projected starters (2016 stats)
WLB: Sr. Cortez McDowell (54 tackles, four TFL, one interception)
MLB: Jr. Darrin Kirkland Jr. (45 tackles, five TFL, one sack)
SLB: Jr. Dillon Bates (Three tackles)
Interesting fact
The Vols’ top backup linebacker, Colton Jumper, is a former walk-on. He appeared in all 13 games last season and made seven starts — six of which came when Kirkland was injured.
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Posted on 8/15/17 at 9:17 am to TideSaint
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7. Mississippi State
Leo Lewis is the star of the unit for Mississippi State this season after an impressive redshirt freshman campaign that saw him finish second on the team in tackles. He’ll be flanked by a pair of upperclassmen on either side, while JUCO transfer Montez Sweat — a former four-star prospect — takes over on the outside.
Projected starters (2016 stats)
OLB: Jr. Montez Sweat (Spent 2016 at Copiah-Lincoln CC)
MLB: Sr. Dez Harris (37 tackles, 2.5 TFL)
ILB: Soph. Leo Lewis (79 tackles, 4.5 TFL, one sack)
OLB: R-Jr. Gerri Green (43 tackles, 0.5 TFL)
Interesting fact
Lewis is involved in a lawsuit with Oxford retailer Rebel Rags, which ties in to the NCAA’s investigation of the Ole Miss football program.
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6. South Carolina
The big boost here for South Carolina is the return of Skai Moore, who sat out last season due to a neck injury. His return gives the Gamecocks one of the most dynamic linebackers in the SEC, and a second-team preseason All-SEC selection, to pair with the experienced Bryson Allen-Williams (pictured) while sophomore T.J. Brunson takes over in the middle. Depth at the position remains a question for Will Muschamp and Travaris Robinson’s defense.
Projected starters (2016 stats)
OLB: Sr. Bryson Allen-Williams (75 tackles, 8.5 TFL, two sacks, two interceptions)
MLB: Soph. T.J. Brunson (12 tackles, one hurry)
OLB: R-Sr. Skai Moore (Missed all of 2016 due to neck injury)
Interesting fact
Moore led the Gamecocks in tackles in three consecutive seasons before sitting out last year.
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5. Kentucky
Kentucky returns an experienced group in the middle of its defense this fall, with Jones — the SEC’s leading returning tackler and a preseason third-team All-SEC pick — anchoring the unit. While Courtney Love (pictured, left) returns after steady season in at middle linebacker after transferring from Nebraska, both Josh Allen and Denzil Ware provide the Wildcats with an adequate pass rush on the outside.
Projected starters (2016 stats)
LB: Jr. Josh Allen (62 tackles, 8.5 TFL, seven sacks)
WLB: Jr. Jordan Jones (109 tackles, 15.5 TFL, four sacks)
MLB: Sr. Courtney Love (76 tackles, one TFL, one sack)
LB: Jr. Denzil Ware (70 tackles, 12 TFL, 5.5 sacks)
Interesting fact
Jones led the SEC and ranked 16th nationally in solo tackles per game last season with 5.7.
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4. LSU
LSU loses Kendall Beckwith and D.J. Riley, but the linebacker corps should remain strong again this year thanks largely to the presence of hybrid linebacker/defensive end Arden Key, who is the top returning player in the SEC this season, according to Pro Football Focus. Corey Thompson also returns after an injury sidelined him all of last season, plus the Tigers welcome back senior Donnie Alexander and Devin White.
Projected starters (2016 stats)
Buck: Jr. Arden Key (56 tackles, 14.5 TFL, 12 sacks)
Mack: Sr. Donnie Alexander (45 tackles, one interception)
Rover: Soph. Devin White (30 tackles, three TFL, one sack)
Field: Sr. Corey Thompson (Missed 2016 season due to ankle injury)
Interesting fact
Key set an LSU single-season record last season with 12 sacks.
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3. Auburn
A year ago, this unit was the biggest question mark on Auburn’s defense. Now, after a breakthrough 2016 campaign, the linebackers are the perceived strength of the Tigers’ defense after returning all three starters and its top four contributors (Montavious Atkinson being the fourth). Tre’ Williams (above right) was a preseason second-team All-SEC selection and the leader of the group, while Deshaun Davis (above left) played a massive role in the defensive turnaround last season.
Projected starters (2016 stats)
SLB: R-Jr. Deshaun Davis (63 tackles, seven TFL)
MLB: Sr. Tre’ Williams (67 tackles, 3.5 TFL, one sack)
WLB: Jr. Darrell Williams (52 tackles, three TFL)
Interesting fact
Williams was Auburn's second-leading tackler with 67 tackles last season despite playing in just 11 of the team’s 13 games.
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2. Georgia
The Bulldogs might have the most experienced linebacker group in the SEC, if not the most talented unit. With two seniors, including preseason All-SEC third-teamer Lorenzo Carter, and a pair of juniors, including All-SEC preseason first-teamer Roquan Smith (pictured, right), the Bulldogs are in great shape heading into the 2017 season.
Projected starters (2016 stats)
OLB: Sr. Davin Bellamy (51 tackles, nine TFL, five sacks)
ILB: Jr. Natrez Patrick (59 tackles, 4.5 TFL, one sack)
ILB: Jr. Roquan Smith (95 tackles, five TFL)
OLB: Sr. Lorenzo Carter (44 tackles, five sacks, 13 hurries)
Interesting fact
Pro Football Focus rated Smith as the No. 3 linebacker in the SEC last season, behind only Alabama’s Reuben Foster and Shaun Dion Hamilton.
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1. Alabama
Sure, Alabama must replace Reuben Foster, Tim Williams and Ryan Anderson, but the Tide also bring back what could be the most formidable linebacker corps in the SEC this fall. That group is anchored by seniors Rashaan Evans (pictured), a preseason first-team All-SEC selection, and Shaun Dion-Hamilton, a second-team All-SEC preseason pick. Add in promising outside linebackers Anfernee Jennings and Terrell Lewis, as well the likes of Mack Wilson, Keith Holcombe, Dylan Moses and Christian Miller to provide depth, and Alabama should be able to approach last season’s production from the unit.
Projected starters (2016 stats)
Jack: R-Soph. Anfernee Jennings (19 tackles, 2.5 TFL, three hurries)
Mike: Sr. Shaun Dion Hamilton (64 tackles, nine TFL, two sacks, two interceptions)
Will: Sr. Rashaan Evans (53 tackles, 4.5 TFL, four sacks)
Sam: Soph. Terrell Lewis (11 tackles, one TFL, one sack)
Interesting fact
According to Pro Football Focus, Evans had a higher pass-rush productivity rating (21.5) — which measures pressure on a per-snap basis while giving more weight to sacks — than former teammate and Butkus Award winner Reuben Foster (17.2).
Posted on 8/15/17 at 9:44 am to TideSaint
Little high on LSU, IMO.
Obviously Key is a monster and Devin White looks like an absolute stud. Otherwise, Donnie Alexander is undersized and we have freshmen behind them inside. Corey Thompson is about 28 now so he should be a stud but we really haven't gotten to see him play much because of the injuries so there is still a question mark there.
Obviously Key is a monster and Devin White looks like an absolute stud. Otherwise, Donnie Alexander is undersized and we have freshmen behind them inside. Corey Thompson is about 28 now so he should be a stud but we really haven't gotten to see him play much because of the injuries so there is still a question mark there.
Posted on 8/15/17 at 9:48 am to DBU
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Devin White looks like an absolute stud.
Posted on 8/15/17 at 9:49 am to TideSaint
dang, we have to play 8 of the top 14 ;( UGA fricked
Posted on 8/15/17 at 9:54 am to TideSaint
Shocking, AL.com gives Alabama the auto #1 ranking even though they have two sophomores with less than 20 tackles each last year and limited experience to base this off of 
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. 
Posted on 8/15/17 at 9:56 am to Rhino5
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Shocking, AL.com gives Alabama the auto #1 ranking even though they have two sophomores with less than 20 tackles each last year and limited experience to base this off of
Alabama loses 3 starting LBs to the NFL draft and is supposed to have the best LB unit in the SEC again? Seems ridiculous but do you think they are wrong?
Posted on 8/15/17 at 9:57 am to Rhino5
Calm down, they ranked auburn three
Posted on 8/15/17 at 9:59 am to TideSaint
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Al.com rankings
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1. Alabama
Yea no bias at all
Georgia still making waves though.
Posted on 8/15/17 at 10:06 am to idlewatcher
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Yea no bias at all
Georgia still making waves though.
Georgia's LB unit should be great. They are just going with the safe pick. It has become one of the safest assumptions in college football that Alabama is going to have a great LB unit every year under Saban. Part of it is recruiting (obviously) and part of it is scheme. Saban's defense highlights the LBs big time.
Posted on 8/15/17 at 10:07 am to elposter
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Alabama loses 3 starting LBs to the NFL draft and is supposed to have the best LB unit in the SEC again? Seems ridiculous but do you think they are wrong?
I certainly hope so
Posted on 8/15/17 at 10:08 am to idlewatcher
You'd think the rant would be smart enough to recognize a team that has competed for 5 of the last 8 national championships, and has produced 3 Butkus winners since 2009, is more than likely going to be near or at the top of the linebacker position. But hey, why use logic when you can be retarded.
Posted on 8/15/17 at 10:12 am to Gary Busey
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Gary Busey
What has been the youngest starting LB group Alabama has fielded under Saban?
Posted on 8/15/17 at 10:16 am to TideSaint
I just hope Skai Moore can stay healthy, that dood is fun to watch.
Posted on 8/15/17 at 10:16 am to Rhino5
Without looking it up, I would guess 2014.
Posted on 8/15/17 at 10:17 am to TideSaint
Oh look, another unbiased article by Al.com. 
Posted on 8/15/17 at 10:18 am to TideSaint
If our defensive line can be even average we'll have a solid defense.
Jordan Jones is a tackling machine.
Jordan Jones is a tackling machine.
Posted on 8/15/17 at 10:21 am to TideSaint
For AL.com to put Auburn at #3, that means they really think we're #1. Cause it takes a lot for them to give props to Auburn.
Posted on 8/15/17 at 10:48 am to TideSaint
Rashaan Evans is going to piss a buncha people off this year.
He has the potential to be every bit as good as Reuben.
He has the potential to be every bit as good as Reuben.
Posted on 8/15/17 at 10:52 am to DBU
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Donnie Alexander is undersized
Not anymore. Dude is 230lbs
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