10 Bold Predictions for Top LB Recruits in Class of 2014

The class of 2014 has an outstanding crop of linebacker recruits. Defending on the second level is not an easy task, but many players across the country make it look easy.

With so much talent at the position this year, the future of the position looks bright. Several of the top linebackers will go on to do amazing things in college.

Looking into the recruiting crystal ball, extraordinarily big things are coming for a select few. When looking back in five years, remember where you heard it first.

Player evaluations are based on review of tape at Scout.com, Rivals, 247Sports and ESPNU. 

Ronnie Clark Will Become a Safety at Alabama

247Sports

At 6'3.5" and 210 pounds, Ronnie Clark has the athleticism to excel as a receiver or outside linebacker in college. He shows great build-up speed, catches the ball well and also has good instincts.

However, when he arrives in Tuscaloosa, Clark will be turned into a safety. He is a great fit for Alabama's defense, as his ability to play in zone coverage and make plays on the third level will help the Crimson Tide.

The 4-star prospect will be an All-SEC player for 'Bama, but it will be in the defensive backfield.  

Otaro Alaka Will Become Known as the Best Coverage Linebacker in the Big 12

247Sports

A Texas commit, Otaro Alaka is a talented 4-star linebacker from Houston. He has great athleticism and speed, which is why he can play on all three downs.

The 6'3", 205-pound Alaka flashes natural ability in coverage. He can cover tight ends and running backs in man coverage, plus he has the ability to buzz back into zones. The Longhorns are getting a 'backer who will not need to be taken out of sub-packages.

Alaka will become known as the best coverage linebacker in the Big 12 before he departs from Austin. 

Tre' Williams Will Be a 2-Time Defensive Captain at Auburn

Auburn has a commitment from 4-star linebacker Tre' Williams, who plays middle linebacker. Not only does the "Mike" 'backer make all of the defensive calls, he is also usually the leader of the unit.

At 6'2" and 230 pounds, Williams has the size and talent to make an immediate impact on The Plains. He has good instincts to recognize plays in a flash, plus he plays big at the point of attack. The Alabama native also shows solid short-area quickness to burst to the ball.

Williams will be a two-time defensive captain before his career is over for Auburn.  

Kyle Berger Will Leave Ohio State as Complete a Player as James Laurinaitis

247Sports

From 2005 to 2008, Ohio State had the pleasure of being home to James Laurinaitis, who now plays for the St. Louis Rams. He was a talented linebacker who not only could stop the run, but also had the athleticism to play the pass.

Starting next season, the Buckeyes will have 4-star linebacker Kyle Berger on their roster. At 6'3" and 215 pounds, Berger is a smart defender who can do an array of things on the field.

As he leaves Columbus, those who have followed Ohio State's program closely through the years will hold Berger in the same light as they do Laurinaitis.

Dwight Williams Will Start at Least 5 Games at Safety

247Sports

Due to his athleticism and speed, Dwight Williams is excellent in coverage. The 6'1", 205-pound Los Angeles native can drop back, flip his hips and make plays in the passing game.

Williams is a 4-star outside linebacker prospect, but he has a small frame. That is why it wouldn't be shocking to see a team move him permanently to safety.

Even if he grows into a full-time outside linebacker in college, Williams will start at least five games as a safety before he graduates.  

Bryson Allen-Williams Will Get 20 Sacks Before He Leaves South Carolina

247Sports

A 4-star outside linebacker prospect, Bryson Allen-Williams is actually more of a defensive end. He fits best as a stand-up rush-end whose main job is to get upfield and attack the pocket.

At 6'2" and 214 pounds, Allen-Williams has outstanding quickness at the snap. He's an athletic rusher who can quickly dance around blockers before bursting to finish on the quarterback. His speed and explosiveness will help him be a nightmare for SEC offenses.

Allen-Williams is committed to South Carolina, where he will register 20 career sacks.  

Hoza Scott Will Be One of Texas A&M's Best Defensive Players as a True Freshman

Texas A&M has a talented recruiting class coming to College Station next year. Among the best players in the group is 4-star outside linebacker Hoza Scott.

At 6'2" and 220 pounds, Scott has excellent athleticism and range. He is an instinctive 'backer who has the speed to make rare plays on the second level. Scott also flashes good pass-rushing ability on third downs, plus he is solid in coverage.

With the Aggies defense not having the strongest reputation, Scott's talent will be called upon sooner rather than later. He will be one of Texas A&M's best defensive players by the middle of his freshman year. 

Raekwon McMillan Signs with Ohio State and Intercepts 10 Career Passes

Raekwon McMillan is a 5-star linebacker from Georgia who is 6'2" and 242 pounds. He possesses fantastic strength to shed blocks when attacking running plays.

However, the knock on McMillan is that he struggles in coverage. Yet, he flashes the speed and athleticism to develop into an above-average defender versus passing plays.

McMillan will sign with Ohio State, where linebackers coach Luke Fickell will improve his ability to play on passing downs. The Peach State native will finish his career in Columbus with 10 interceptions.  

Christian Miller Will Get 7 Sacks as a True Freshman for Alabama

Alabama loves to rush the passer, and 4-star outside linebacker Christian Miller certainly has the ability to consistently get to the quarterback.

At 6'4" and 222 pounds, the South Carolina native displays a terrific surge at the snap to crash off the edge. Miller bends well, plus he has solid strength to fight blockers at the point of attack.

Miller will get seven sacks as a true freshman for the Crimson Tide in 2014.  

Shaun Hamilton Will Be the Best Middle Linebacker from This Class

247Sports

Although he is a 4-star prospect, Shaun Hamilton does not get the attention he deserves. He has excellent talent to go along with a 6'0", 240-pound frame.

Hamilton has good vision to locate the ball at the snap, as well as find running backs in traffic. He displays outstanding strength and toughness at the point of attack, where he plays big versus blockers. Hamilton also can quickly explode to the ball to make stops, plus he has good speed.

When it's all said and done, he will be the best middle/inside linebacker from the 2014 class.  

2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map

Use the 2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map to locate the top linebackers in the country. Make your own bold predictions on them, as well as other elite recruits!

Edwin Weathersby is the College Football Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. He has worked in scouting/player personnel departments for three professional football teams, including the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns.