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CFB Recruiting 200: Top 22 Linebackers in Class of 2016
After thorough study using specific scoring criteria, Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analysts Damon Sayles, Sanjay Kirpalani andTyler Donohue have graded the top 200 players in the 247Sports composite rankings and provided in-depth analysis on each young athlete. Bleacher Report will run a position-by-position breakdown series of the best college football recruits in the class of 2016. Here we present the Top Linebackers.
Other Positions
In today's game, the demand for versatility is evident when college coaches are searching for prospects at the linebacker position.
Whether manning spots on the inside or outside, prospects manning those spots have to be able to rush the passer, make plays in open space and drop into coverage with equal effectiveness.
That's not an easy task, but programs across the country can find those traits bundled together in a handful of touted prospects in the 2016 cycle.
The latest chapter of Bleacher Report's CFB Recruiting 200 series will break down the top linebackers in the 2016 cycle and grade them on key factors such as tackling, pass rush, explosive strength, run defense, pass coverage and football IQ.
How do the nation's top linebacker prospects measure up to one another?
All analysis provided by B/R National Recruiting Analyst Sanjay Kirpalani. All rankings courtesy of 247Sports' composite rankings.
22. 4-Star OLB Daniel Bituli
1 of 22Height/Weight: 6'3 ½", 235 pounds
High School: Nashville Christian School; Nashville, Tennessee
247Sports Ranking: No. 14 outside linebacker; No. 185 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Committed to Tennessee on July 18, 2015
For the third consecutive year, Tennessee head coach Butch Jones and his staff are in position to land the top in-state prospect after the recent pledge of 4-star linebacker Daniel Bituli.
Bituli chose the Volunteers over offers from Auburn, Florida, LSU and Ole Miss among others.
As noted by Ryan Callahan of 247Sports, while Bituli is listed as an outside linebacker, the Vols plan to line him up in the middle when he arrives in Knoxville.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Bituli is a physical presence who brings the wood when he finds the ball. He's athletic enough to chase plays from sideline to sideline, and he brings a speed-rush component when he operates on the outside or at end. In fact, that spot may be where he flashes the most long-term potential.
21. 4-Star OLB Camilo Eifler
2 of 22Height/Weight: 6'1 ½", 215 pounds
High School: Bishop O'Dowd High School; Oakland, California
247Sports Ranking: No. 13 outside linebacker; No. 175 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Uncommitted: Considering California, Michigan, Oregon, Texas A&M, UCLA and Washington
The battle to land 4-star California linebacker Camilo Eifler will conclude at The Opening.
The stud 'backer announced that he will commit at the showcase for the nation's top prep players held at Nike's headquarters in July.
According to Justin Hopkins of 247Sports, Washington is considered the favorite to land the No. 29 prospect out of the state of California. Ironically enough, his current head coach on the prep level is former Huskies legend Napoleon Kaufman.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Eifler is built like a safety, and he even looks like a defensive back when he drops into coverage. His quickness can cause problems when he rushes the passer, and he works well against speedy backs and receivers in open space. He will need to get bigger and stronger at the next level. However, if he can maintain his explosiveness, he has great potential to be a dominating presence in college.
20. 4-Star OLB Bryce Youngquist
3 of 22Height/Weight: 6'1", 215 pounds
High School: Los Osos High School; Rancho Cucamonga, California
247Sports Ranking: No. 12 outside linebacker; No. 166 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Committed to Oklahoma on July 31, 2015
Oklahoma continued its success recruiting the state of California when the Sooners landed 4-star linebacker Bryce Youngquist recently.
The 6'1", 215-pounder chose Oklahoma over offers from Arizona State, Oregon, Tennessee and Wisconsin among others.
According to Luke Stampini of 247Sports, Youngquist was one of the top linebackers present at the recent B2G Elite camp.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Youngquist is a speedy defender who moves well in space. He's got the ability to be effective in coverage as well. He's also physical enough to play the middle spot if he can add a little size. Doing so will help him take on blocks at the next level.
19. 4-Star OLB Keandre Jones
4 of 22Height/Weight: 6'3", 198 pounds
High School: Good Counsel High School; Olney, Maryland
247Sports Ranking: No. 11 outside linebacker; No. 164 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Committed to Maryland on Dec. 1, 2014
Maryland scored a huge victory on the recruiting trail late last year when 4-star linebacker Keandre Jones decided to pledge to the Terrapins.
The state's No. 6 prospect chose the Terps over offers from Auburn, Penn State and West Virginia among others.
According to Ahmed Ghafir of 247Sports, Jones—who earned an invite to The Opening—has reaffirmed his pledge to the Terrapins despite overtures from schools such as Ohio State.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Jones is another linebacker who is light enough to play in the secondary. His length and athleticism are tools that help him create havoc at different spots on defense and special teams. He's at his best when he's attacking the line of scrimmage either as a blitzer or off the edge. Adding size and maintaining his quickness will be critical to his development in college.
18. 4-Star ILB Jaquan Yulee
5 of 22Height/Weight: 6'0", 252 lbs
High School: Indian River High School; Chesapeake, Virginia
247Sports Ranking: No. 8 inside linebacker; No. 161 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Committed to Alabama on June 8, 2015
Alabama has had success recruiting the state of Virginia in recent years, and the Tide were able to land another stud from the Mid-Atlantic region in 4-star linebacker Jaquan Yulee.
According to BamaOnline's Hank South, Yulee selected Alabama over Florida State, Michigan State, North Carolina and Virginia Tech, among others.
Yulee is the No. 2 prospect out of the state of Virginia in the 2016 cycle.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Yulee is a thumper as a middle linebacker. Although he's a little on the short side at 6'0", he's adept at knifing through blocks and delivering a blow to ball-carriers. He also has the instincts to be a good blitzer. He’s got the lateral quickness to develop into a solid defender in pass coverage.
17. 4-Star ILB Tre Lamar
6 of 22Height/Weight: 6'4", 240 lbs
High School: Roswell High School; Roswell, Georgia
247Sports Ranking: No. 7 inside linebacker; No. 153 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Committed to Clemson on July 17, 2015
Although 4-star linebacker Tre Lamar excels at causing chaos on the field, he one day hopes to put things together as an engineer after his playing days are over.
The 6'4", 240-pound Georgia product, who is approaching 40 offers, is one of the most sought-after linebackers in the 2016 cycle.
Lamar pledged to Clemson over offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida and Florida State among others.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Lamar is a prototypical middle linebacker with great size and a nose for finding the football. He's a sure tackler who can effectively take on and fight through blocks on run plays. To be a three-down player at the next level, he will have to continue to improve in pass coverage. However, he has the athleticism and the football IQ necessary to make that transition.
16. 4-Star ILB Krys Barnes
7 of 22Height/Weight: 6'2", 220 lbs
High School: Liberty High School; Bakersfield, California
247Sports Ranking: No. 6 inside linebacker; No. 139 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Committed to UCLA on March 14, 2015
UCLA landed the nation's No. 12 class in 2015 despite being the only school in the Top 25 of the 247Sports team rankings to not have at least 20 commitments.
The Bruins are off to a fast start again in 2016, with 4-star linebacker Krys Barnes among the early standouts to pledge to head coach Jim L. Mora and his staff.
According to Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports, Barnes recorded 130 tackles with five forced fumbles and an interception last season.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Barnes may be a little light at 220 pounds, but he plays bigger and more physical than his size indicates. He has the ability to chase down plays from sideline to sideline, and he's adept at dropping into coverage and sticking with backs, receivers and tight ends. He will need to get stronger to take on blocks from bigger linemen at the next level.
15. 4-Star ILB Shaquille Quarterman
8 of 22Height/Weight: 6'1", 239 lbs
High School: Oakleaf High School; Orange Park, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 5 inside linebacker; No. 129 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Committed to Miami on June 24, 2014
Miami's run to a top-five class in 2016 began with a trio of commitments in June 2014.
Included in that group was 4-star linebacker Shaquille Quarterman, who rates as the second-best linebacker out of the Sunshine State.
Quarterman, who is still being pursued by Alabama, Louisville, Michigan and Michigan State, per Nate Adelson of InsideTheU, committed to Miami over schools such as Auburn, Clemson, Florida and Georgia.
Bleacher Report Analysis
I got a chance to view Quarterman at the Orlando Nike Opening Regional camp, and he impressed me with how fluidly he moves for a kid his size. He flashes great instincts on film, and he's strong and athletic enough to shed blocks and find the ball on run plays. He also has great closing speed when he zeroes in on a ball-carrier.
Overall, Quarterman will have to make strides in pass coverage, but he possesses the traits necessary to be a standout linebacker at the next level.
14. 4-Star ILB Dontavious Jackson
9 of 22Height/Weight: 6'2", 239 lbs
High School: Alief Elsik High School; Houston
247Sports Ranking: No. 4 inside linebacker; No. 112 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Michigan, Oklahoma, Texas and Texas A&M
When it comes to prospects who have racked up the most offers, 4-star Texas linebacker Dontavious Jackson is a player whose list can stack up against that of any player in the 2016 class.
Jackson has racked up 57 offers, with in-state powers Texas and Texas A&M fighting to keep him close to home.
However, Alabama—which hosted Jackson on a visit last month—appears to be a team that could make a serious run at landing the touted Lone Star State defender.
Bleacher Report Analysis
One thing that jumps out about Jackson on film is the manner in which he unloads power when he makes tackles. He has a nice blend of size and athleticism, and he has shown the ability to make plays in open space in pass or run situations. I would like to see him get more active as a pass-rusher, but that may be an area he can expand upon in college.
13. 4-Star OLB Daelin Hayes
10 of 22Height/Weight: 6'4", 250 pounds
High School: Skyline High School; West Bloomfield, Michigan
247Sports Ranking: No. 10 outside linebacker; No. 104 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Committed to USC on July 26, 2014
Ever since 4-star Michigan linebacker Daelin Hayes committed to USC back in July of 2014, the recruiting world has wondered if he would stick with his pledge to head to the West Coast.
As noted by Tom Loy of 247Sports, Hayes has stood firm in his commitment despite schools such as Notre Dame still aggressively recruiting him.
Hayes, who is the top prospect in Michigan in the 2016 cycle, has already committed to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Hayes is a freakish athlete. At the Sound Mind Sound Body camp in Detroit, he even took reps at receiver. He's also played running back during his prep career. With his size, he moves extremely well. He can drop into coverage, but where he's special is coming off the edge in pass-rush situations. If he continues to grow, a move to defensive end could be in his future.
12. 4-Star ILB Brendan Ferns
11 of 22Height/Weight: 6'3", 223 lbs
High School: St. Clairsville High School; St. Clairsville, Ohio
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 inside linebacker; No. 98 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Penn State and West Virginia
After 4-star linebacker Brendan Ferns burst onto the scene as a touted prospect, it seemed as if he were destined to land at Ohio State.
However, as Steve Wiltfong reports, the two parties mutually agreed to go in another direction because Ferns wants to major in petroleum engineering—a curriculum Ohio State doesn't offer.
Penn State and West Virginia appear to be the main beneficiaries of this development in Ferns' recruitment.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Ferns displayed his athleticism by also lining up at running back and receiver for his prep squad. As a linebacker, he displays great lateral quickness and the ability to close gaps in short order. In pass coverage, he's quick and agile enough to break on routes and make a play on the ball. He could stand to add some size to his frame, but overall he has a blend of skills to be a three-down middle linebacker in college.
11. 4-Star OLB Curtis Robinson
12 of 22Height/Weight: 6'3", 205 pounds
High School: Mater Dei High School; Santa Ana, California
247Sports Ranking: No. 9 outside linebacker; No. 91 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Committed to Stanford on April 13, 2015
Stanford has had a nice run of developing linebackers in recent years.
That factor was one of a handful of things that led 4-star linebacker Curtis Robinson to pledge to the Cardinal back in April, according to Ryan Bartow of 247Sports.
Robinson chose Stanford over offers from Michigan, Oregon, Ohio State, USC and UCLA among others.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Robinson has the look and build of a rangy safety prospect. He's one of the better linebackers in this class when it comes to pass coverage. His length is another factor that helps him disrupt things versus the run or pass. He is a little light in size, so adding bulk will be a necessity for him. However, he's got the skill set to be a unique linebacker who can operate at a high level in space.
10. 4-Star OLB Jeffrey McCulloch
13 of 22Height/Weight: 6'2 ½", 230 pounds
High School: Aldine Davis High School; Houston
247Sports Ranking: No. 8 outside linebacker; No. 86 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, LSU, Florida, Texas and Texas A&M
As profiled by Bleacher Report's Damon Sayles, 4-star linebacker Jeffrey McCulloch earned his nickname "The Shark" in part due to the devastating blows he's delivered on the field on the prep level.
He's been active in checking out programs since the spring, with Alabama, LSU, Florida and Texas A&M among the schools he's visited, according to Horns247.
The U.S. Army All-American also has Texas as a school that is pushing hard for his services.
Bleacher Report Analysis
McCulloch has made a living by coming off the edge on the prep level, and it's a role he thrives in. In fact, he could be an effective defensive end in certain looks at the next level. However, he's athletic enough to operate in space thanks to his propensity to deliver bone-crunching hits. He's a bit of a tweener, so finding the right fit scheme-wise is critical for him in the recruiting process.
9. 4-Star OLB Erick Fowler
14 of 22Height/Weight: 6'1", 232 pounds
High School: Manor High School; Manor, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 7 outside linebacker; No. 73 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Committed to LSU on June 13, 2015
After failing to sign a linebacker in the 2015 class, one of the biggest needs for LSU in 2016 was retooling the middle level of its defense.
The Tigers struck a huge blow last month when they landed Texas 4-star linebacker Erick Fowler.
Although Fowler could play defensive end, the Tigers have made it clear they want him at linebacker, as noted by Shea Dixon of Geaux247.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Fowler is a natural as a pass-rusher coming off the edge. However, his ability to be a sure-handed tackler in space is what makes him a candidate to be a three-down linebacker at the next level. His biggest adjustment in college will be proving that he can be effective in pass coverage.
8. 4-Star ILB Lokeni Toailoa
15 of 22Height/Weight: 6'1", 212 lbs
High School: Wilmer Amina Carter High School; Rialto, California
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 inside linebacker; No. 71 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Committed to UCLA on March 23, 2015
UCLA could have a formidable punch in the middle of its defense with pledges from Krys Barnes and fellow 4-star linebacker Lokeni Toailoa.
However, according to Lars Hanson of 247Sports, Toailoa could be on the verge of flipping to fellow Pac-12 member Washington after the Huskies recently offered his brother, Leni Toailoa—a 3-star safety and current San Jose State commit.
The No. 12 prospect from the Golden State initially committed to UCLA over Notre Dame, USC and Washington, among others.
Bleacher Report Analysis
What Toailoa lacks in size, he makes up with speed and sheer aggression. He also plays tight end for his prep squad, which highlights the athleticism he brings to the linebacker position. He's a sure tackler who flies all over the field in pursuit, and his speed helps him cover a lot of ground in pass coverage. He will need to add some size to prepare for the physical rigors of the position in college.
7. 4-Star OLB Michael Divinity
16 of 22Height/Weight: 6'2", 218 pounds
High School: John Ehret High School; Marrero, Louisiana
247Sports Ranking: No. 6 outside linebacker; No. 61 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Uncommitted: Considering Baylor, LSU, Oklahoma, Ole Miss and Texas A&M
Given LSU's need at linebacker, it would love to pair Erick Fowler with in-state 4-star linebacker Michael Divinity.
As noted by Shea Dixon, the Tigers have made Divinity a priority.
However, schools such as Baylor, Ole Miss—which had Divinity on campus in late May—and Texas A&M are trying to lure him away from his home state for college.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Divinity is an active presence as an outside linebacker. He's even split out to cover receivers on the prep level and has had success doing so. He covers ground in short order when moving from sideline to sideline. Getting bigger and stronger will be a priority for him moving forward.
6. 4-Star ILB Rahshaun Smith
17 of 22Height/Weight: 6'3", 225 lbs
High School: IMG Academy; Bradenton, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 inside linebacker; No. 55 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Committed to Clemson on March 26, 2015
Originally a native of Baltimore, 4-star linebacker Rahshaun Smith is one of a handful of standouts who transferred to IMG Academy in the offseason.
Smith committed to Clemson in March over offers from Alabama, Florida State, LSU and Oklahoma, among others.
Smith is a versatile defender who could also play defensive end at the next level.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Smith is another prospect I got to watch up close at the Orlando Nike Opening Regional camp. His length and his ability to be a disruptive force as a pass-rusher separate him as an elite prospect. In pass coverage, he displayed a good feel for dropping into zones and breaking on routes. Plus, he's versatile enough to play on the outside or even at defensive end in certain situations.
5. 4-Star OLB Keion Joyner
18 of 22Height/Weight: 6'3", 200 pounds
High School: Havelock High School; Havelock, North Carolina
247Sports Ranking: No. 5 outside linebacker; No. 50 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Uncommitted: Auburn, Florida State, LSU, North Carolina and Texas A&M
One of the more interesting recruitments in the 2016 cycle moving forward will be that of 4-star North Carolina linebacker Keion Joyner.
The in-state Tar Heels have some momentum, having been able to get him on campus last month.
However, Auburn, LSU and Florida State are among the schools hoping to make a splash with the No. 2 prospect from North Carolina in the 2016 cycle.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Joyner is a rangy linebacker who could excel in a hybrid role that mixes his responsibilities from linebacker to defensive end. His length and wingspan are tools that help him frustrate blockers and corral ball-carriers in pursuit. His frame is suitable for adding mass, which gives him one of the higher ceilings of any linebacker in the 2016 class.
4. 5-Star OLB Mique Juarez
19 of 22Height/Weight: 6'2", 222 pounds
High School: North High School; Torrance, California
247Sports Ranking: No. 4 outside linebacker; No. 21 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to USC on Jan. 18, 2015
USC cleaned up at linebacker in the 2015 class, and it is well on its way to doing so again with pledges from Daelin Hayes and 5-star linebacker Mique Juarez.
As Steve Wiltfong details, Juarez has a skill set similar to current Trojans star defender Su'a Cravens.
Juarez chose the Trojans over offers from Michigan, Notre Dame, Oregon and UCLA among others.
Bleacher Report Analysis
The comparison for Juarez to Su'a Cravens is a fitting one. He's very similar in that he has the skill set of a safety playing in the box as a linebacker. His versatility to line up in different spots and create havoc as a pass-rusher or as a run-stuffer is impressive. He's one of the more complete prospects in the 2016 class.
3. 5-Star OLB Ben Davis
20 of 22Height/Weight: 6'3", 240 pounds
High School: Gordo High School; Gordo, Alabama
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 outside linebacker; No. 20 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia and LSU
It's a banner year in the state of Alabama, as 5-star linebacker Ben Davis is one of three defenders from the Yellowhammer State to earn the 5-star designation in the 2016 class.
Davis, whose father Wayne is the all-time leading tackler at the University of Alabama, has maintained that his father's legacy in Tuscaloosa will not have an impact on his college choice.
As noted by Chris Nee of Noles247, Davis intends remain open to all schools and take his recruitment the distance.
Bleacher Report Analysis
From a physical standpoint, Davis is a freakish athlete who even plays receiver for his prep squad. As a linebacker, he is a disruptive force who is comfortable in the scrum at the line of scrimmage or on the edges versus speedy backs and receivers. When you combine his frame and the versatility he brings to the position, Davis has intriguing long-term potential.
2. 5-Star OLB Caleb Kelly
21 of 22Height/Weight: 6'3", 215 pounds
High School: Clovis West High School; Fresno, California
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 outside linebacker; No. 18 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oregon and Oklahoma
The top prospect from the state of California in the 2016 cycle is 5-star linebacker Caleb Kelly.
At the moment, even though in-state powers UCLA and USC are aggressively recruiting him, Wiltfong notes Kelly could leave the state for his college ball.
Oklahoma is the current favorite, but there is a long way to go in the U.S. Army All-American's recruitment.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Similar to fellow California native Juarez, Kelly is a player who can line up at defensive back, linebacker or even at defensive end in certain looks. He's athletic enough to be effective in pass coverage. His best fit may be on the edge as a pass-rusher. His wingspan and quickness are tools that help him cause havoc in the backfield.
1. 5-Star OLB Lyndell Wilson
22 of 22Height/Weight: 6'2", 220 pounds
High School: Carver High School; Montgomery, Alabama
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 outside linebacker; No. 10 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida State and Georgia
Atop the list of prospects from the state of Alabama in the 2016 class is 5-star linebacker Lyndell Wilson.
While he has offers from programs all over the country, most pundits expect in-state rivals Alabama and Auburn to battle it out for Wilson.
In addition to those programs, Florida State and LSU are two schools trying to lure Wilson away from his home state.
Bleacher Report Analysis
When I spoke to Wilson at the Atlanta Nike Opening Regional camp, he told me he patterns his game after former Alabama All-American C.J. Mosley. Wilson's game has some similarities to the current Ravens star. He's physical enough to be stout against the run and he has the agility to cover running backs in the flats or receivers in the middle of the field. With his size and speed, Wilson is a player who has the potential to be dominant at multiple spots in college.
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