Breaking Down 5-Star LB Raekwon McMillan's Highlight Tape

Hailing from Liberty County High School in the Hinesville area of Georgia, 5-star linebacker Raekwon McMillan is among the best defensive players in the national 2014 class.

At 6'2" and 242 pounds, McMillan has a thick frame that packs a punch at the point of attack. While he does need to polish his technique in coverage, the Ohio State commit has great short-area quickness, instincts and toughness.

The future Buckeye displays his skills on an impressive highlight tape that warrants a closer evaluation.

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

Play No. 1 0:00-0:03

Several things are impressive about McMillan on this play. First, he doesn't take a false step at the snap before attacking the line of scrimmage.

A lot of linebackers take an extra unnecessary step out of their stance when reacting to running plays. 

Next, McMillan does a great job of quickly filling the alley with force before meeting the running back head-on. Finally, he delivers a good pop generated from his lower body before wrapping the running back at the point of attack.

Play No. 2 0:05-0:07

Edwin Weathersby II

This play isn't shown in its entirety, but McMillan's closing quickness can be seen. Watch the big 'backer hustle to chase down the ball-carrier to finish the play.

Play No. 3 0:08-0:17

Edwin Weathersby II

Here's where McMillan shows off his ability to be an effective blitzer. Although he crashes off the edge, this is more of a blitz than a pure pass rush by the Ohio State commit.

He displays good quickness at the snap to shoot upfield before taking advantage of the running back taking a poor angle to meet him outside the pocket.

Then he uses a subtle burst to get his hands on the quarterback to disrupt the throw. After that, McMillan just uses his solid athleticism to make a play.

Play No. 4 0:22-0:24

Edwin Weathersby II

This is another play that displays McMillan's ability as a blitzer. He appears to get a good jump on the snap, then uses exceptional closing quickness to finish the play. 

This specific physical attribute will help McMillan make a ton of plays in Columbus.

Play No. 5 0:25-0:27

Edwin Weathersby II

This is another play that is not shown in its entirety, but just enough can be seen for a quick evaluation.

It simply displays McMillan's ability in pursuit. He appears to be on the move laterally while tracking the running back to the edges. Then he makes a wrap tackle to bring his target down.

Play No. 6 0:29-0:30

Edwin Weathersby II

On this play, instead of challenging blockers at the point of attack and shedding them, McMillan knifes his way through traffic to get to the ball.

Look at him use good short-area quickness, plus the savvy to weave his way around and through trash, meeting the ball-carrier with force.

Play No. 7 0:31-0:33

Edwin Weathersby II

This is similar to the sixth highlight of this tape, as McMillan pierces the offensive front after quickly reading the play.

It's tough to see his footwork, but judging by how fast he gets to the ball, McMillan likely didn't take a false step out of his stance.

Any linebacker who makes a play like this likely has great anticipation. Ohio State is getting a stud 'backer who is ready to contribute to its defense right now versus running plays.

What Raekwon McMillan Means to Ohio State

Here is a video from the Full Ride series about how valuable McMillan is to Ohio State's recruiting class. It's safe to say that he's the Buckeyes' 2014 headliner.

The Peach State native is the top player in the class, plus he should be able to help right away.

2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map

McMillan is featured on the 2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map!

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.