The linebacker position is one of college football‘s most diverse and critical positions. A linebacker’s potential to impact the passing and running games while still leaving the centre of the field open makes him much more valuable for the defence. In today’s football, linebackers are expected to perform a wide range of tasks. Because of the proliferation of high-tempo, spread-based offences, playing inside linebacker frequently entails more pass coverage than run defence.
They are the enforcers and, in many cases, the first line of defence along with the front seven. On any given autumn Saturday, linebackers are the aggressors who set the pace from start to finish. Linebackers are typically the most aggressive players on the field, whether called on in a blitz package or zone defence. It’s physically demanding work that necessitates film study. These players know how to track down ball carriers, control the game’s momentum, and make crucial plays when their teammates need them most. The best linebackers in college football are listed below, and each has a massive impact on their team’s performance as a given.
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Micah Parsons, Penn State
Micah Parsons is, without a doubt, the most explosive linebacker in the nation. Including 14 tackles for loss on the field and five pass breakups in the air, plus inducing turnovers, the list goes on. Parsons’ sophomore season was historic, with several honours and selections on several All-Big Ten and All-American teams. The returning junior may be one of the most valuable players in the nation, not just at his level. The frightening thing is that Parsons might only be getting started, making him the best linebacker in 2020.
Hamilcar Rashed, Oregon State
Hamilcar Rashed is a natural. The redshirt senior is on several All-American and award watch lists for 2020, and rightly so. Rashed, arguably the greatest on-ball linebacker in the nation, has a knack for getting to the quarterback. In reality, his inability to influence the air game and his lack of pass covering skills are the only reasons he isn’t ranked first. Rashed has 22.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks, breaking many Oregon State records, and is a Top-5 performer in the Pac-12 and one of the best players at his place entering this season.
Rayshard Ashby, Virginia Tech
The ACC should take note of Rayshard Ashby’s continuing progress. The returning senior has steadily improved over the past two seasons, putting his name in the mix for ACC Defensive Player of the Year consideration in 2019. The Hokies had a fantastic season in 2019, and the Second-Team All-ACC selection should be at the top of not just the DPOY discussion but also the All-American scene.
Carlton Martial, Troy
On the offensive end, Martial is a force to be reckoned with. In 2019, the Trojans linebacker was unstoppable. Carlton Martial is making a name for himself in the league, leading the conference in tackles and tackles for loss, and recording double-digit tackles in seven Troy games. His blend of pace and stamina enables him to reliably get past the line of scrimmage. His squad will look to the returning junior to add significantly to the team’s defensive prowess.
Colin Schooler, Arizona
Without a doubt, Colin Schooler is the most underestimated linebacker in college football. Despite the fact that he plays for a mediocre team in the Pac-12, Schooler’s defensive efforts should not be overlooked. Over the last two seasons, the returning senior has led the Wildcats in tackles and tackles for loss. Although his numbers dropped in 2019, he has still considered for All-Pac 12 consideration and could have a chance to make the First or Second Team this season. If Schooler plays to his full capacity, we might hear his name called early in the spring in Vegas.
Paddy Fisher, Northwestern
Paddy might not be the most flashy player in a young Big Ten conference, but he makes the most of what he has. Fisher has almost 300 total tackles in his three years with the Wildcats, and he has been their top defensive player for the last two seasons. Fisher’s only choice in 2020 is to boost his draught stock, as Northwestern will not be a candidate. This season, the versatile and athletic linebacker would be one to watch.
Nate Landman, Colorado
Nate Landman is without a doubt the best player on this Colorado Buffaloes team. All-American and All-PAC 12 awards have been conferred on the returning senior at different stages. Landman has had back-to-back 100-tackle seasons and is a regular player on defence. Landman’s junior season was not nearly as dominant as his sophomore season, but he has demonstrated growth in coverage and his potential to influence the opposing quarterback’s passing game. Landman, on the other hand, also has a lot to prove in his final season.
Garrett Wallow, TCU
Garret Wallow would be the best linebacker in the world on any other team. While being on a TCU roster full of defensive superstars, Wallow seems to stand out. Wallow is a reliable performer, leading the team and league in combined tackles, tackles for injury, and First-Team All-Big 12 honours. Despite his lack of coverage abilities, the returning senior is skilled at running to the ball carrier and stopping large plays on the field.
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Dylan Moses, Alabama
Although it’s shocking to see a player who hasn’t played since 2018 receiving such high praise, Moses deserves it. Moses is a freak of nature who disrupted the pass and got to the ball carrier first. Moses was named All-SEC in 2018 and was a finalist for the Butkus Award at the end of the season. Moses will be called on to be a defensive mentor as he returns to the lineup, and his experience and performance will be vital for an Alabama team that has lost many of its top defensive stars to the draught.
Nick Bolton, Missouri
Nick Bolton is a power to be dealt with as one of the best, linebackers in the SEC. Despite playing a greater role due to Cale Garrett’s injury, the returning junior was the highest-graded linebacker in the SEC. Bolton does not see any play behind the line of scrimmage, but his pass-coverage ability is undeniable. Bolton has demonstrated his versatility and high game awareness on the defensive side of the ball with two interceptions and seven pass breakups. After a dominant sophomore season, his junior season will be a sight to behold.
