SEC Football: Ranking the SEC Outside Linebackers

Every Tuesday, The SEC Blog will rank the top player at each position for each team in the SEC. Today, we rank the best outside linebacker at every school in the conference. Keep in mind, with some teams running a 4-3 and others running a 3-4, this list is as much system-based as any position on the field.

14. Alvin Dupree, Kentucky

Dupree is slated to start at strongside linebacker in place of Ridge Wilson, who was dismissed from the team this spring. The 6'4", 255-pound sophomore had 21 tackles last season, with 2.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.

13. Archibald Barnes, Vanderbilt

Barnes moved into the starting lineup midway through the season. Vanderbilt is scary-thin at linebacker, but Barnes returns as the Commodores' leading returning tackler. He tallied 59 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and two interceptions in 2011.

12. D.T. Shackelford, Ole Miss

Shackelford led the Rebels with five sacks and added nine tackles for loss in 2010, but tore his ACL prior to the 2011 season. Aside from middle linebacker Mike Marry, Ole Miss is thin outside thanks to the move of C.J. Johnson to defensive end. When healthy, Shackelford is a star, but two surgeries to the same ACL have his future in doubt.

11. Jacques Smith, Tennessee

Smith is making the move from the defensive end spot in the 4-3 to the outside linebacker position in the 3-4. Along with "Sam" linebacker Curt Maggitt, Smith should emerge as a star in 2012. Smith had 35 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and six quarterback hurries.

10. Tahj Jones, LSU

Linebacker is a position of concern for the Tigers, and Jones is looking to capitalize on the opportunity. He had 27 tackles last season in a reserve role. At 6'2", 205, Jones uses his speed more than his size, which is a trait that defensive coordinator John Chavis has been known to utilize with success in the past.

9. Adrian Hubbard, Alabama

If there's a player on this list that will skyrocket up this list once the season starts, it's Hubbard. Nico Johnson, C.J. Mosley and Trey DePriest will solidify the middle of the linebacking corps, but outside, there is some inexperience. Hubbard only saw action in eight games last season, but Alabama is "Linebacker U" in the SEC for a reason. He won't be down low on this list for long.

8. Alonzo Highsmith, Arkansas

Highsmith can play outside and inside, but sat out spring with a torn tendon in his pectoral muscle. He had 80 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks last season playing alongside Jerry Franklin. If Highsmith comes back healthy, he could be part of a solid 1-2 punch with defensive end-turned-linebacker Tenarius Wright.

7. Daren Bates, Auburn

As a junior in 2011, Bates had 104 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. He led all Auburn defenders in tackles and emerged as one of the leaders of Auburn's rebuilt defense this spring. The arrival of new defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder should benefit Bates in 2012.

6. Andrew Wilson, Missouri

Wilson was a second-team All-Big 12 selection last season at middle linebacker, but will move back to the outside now that Will Ebner has returned. He led Missouri with 98 tackles last season and was named the MVP of Missouri's Independence Bowl win over North Carolina. Wilson, Ebner and Zaviar Gooden will make Missouri's linebacking corps one of the best in the SEC.

5. DeVonte Holloman, South Carolina

Holloman made the move to the "Spur" position in the 4-2-5 defense, which is more of a safety/linebacker spot. For the purposes of these rankings, we'll count him as an outside linebacker. He had 51 tackles as a safety in 2011, but "Spur" is more of a natural spot for him, and he should excel in 2012.

4. Jelani Jenkins, Florida

Jenkins finished third on the Gators with 75 tackles in 2011. He added six tackles for loss and two sacks. He and Ronald Powell bookend that linebacking corps, but Powell's status this season is very much in doubt after tearing his ACL this spring.

3. Cameron Lawrence, Mississippi State

Lawrence is the best linebacker that you've never heard of. He finished second in the SEC last season with 123 total tackles and added six tackles for loss and two sacks. At 6'3", 230, Lawrence has a nose for the football and is poised to have a solid season again in 2012.

2. Sean Porter, Texas A&M

As a junior in 2011, Porter led the Big 12 with nine sacks. With Texas A&M switching from the 3-4 to the 4-3, Porter is expected to benefit from the more space that comes with playing in a 4-3. At 6'2", 230, Porter has the size and speed to be a star in the SEC.

1. Jarvis Jones, Georgia

Jones is the perfect fit for defensive coordinator Todd Grantham's 3-4 system. He led the SEC in sacks with 13.5 last season and passed up an opportunity to play in the NFL to chase a championship at Georgia. He was a first-team All-SEC performer last season and will likely be a first-round draft pick next season.

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