2015 Linebacker Recruits Who Will Be Tackling Machines for Their Future Teams

With offenses tending to move toward creating matchups in space, the responsibilities of the linebacker position have changed in recent years.

However, one duty that never changes for defenders in the middle level is their job of racking up tackles. 

The 2015 class has a handful of standout linebackers who have proven their ability to wreak havoc on the prep level. 

Which senior linebackers are primed to become tackling machines on the college level?

Players listed in alphabetical order.

Asmar Bilal

Two years ago, Notre Dame struck gold by keeping in-state stud linebacker Jaylon Smith close to home. 

With a pledge from 4-star linebacker Asmar Bilal, the Irish are hoping history repeats itself.

The 6’3”, 205-pounder from Indianapolis tallied 106 stops as a junior. He’s upped those numbers in his senior campaign, racking up 108 tackles through 11 games, per MaxPreps.

With that level of production under his belt, Bilal is a candidate to potentially take over for Smith as the enforcer in the middle of the Irish defense.

Amonte Caban

Perhaps the biggest factor in Louisville’s early success in the ACC has been the play of its defense, which ranks sixth nationally in total defense.

With the addition of 3-star linebacker Amonte Caban, the Cardinals potentially have another stud capable of anchoring their defense for years to come.

The 6’2”, 210-pounder has amassed 279 tackles over the course of his junior and senior seasons—with an average of 12 stops per game, per MaxPreps.

Caban’s instincts and nose for the football will give him ample opportunity to make an early impact upon arriving on campus next fall.

Nick Conner

Urban Meyer and the Ohio State Buckeyes have put together a strong nucleus of defensive talent in their 2015 recruiting class. 

While 5-star linebacker Justin Hilliard is one of the group’s headliners, 4-star linebacker Nick Conner will bring a decorated resume littered with production on the prep level.

As a junior last season, Conner tallied 129 tackles, including 19 for loss to go along with three interceptions. 

The 6’3”, 220-pounder is versatile enough to play inside or outside at the next level, and he will pair with Hilliard and 4-star athlete pledge Jerome Baker to give the Buckeyes a potentially daunting trio of future studs at linebacker.

John Houston

One of the top uncommitted linebacker prospects in the 2015 class is 4-star California product John Houston.

The 6’3”, 211-pounder has powers such as Arizona State, Miami, Oklahoma, Oregon and USC in hot pursuit of landing his commitment—and with good reason. 

During his sophomore and junior seasons, Houston combined to record 239 tackles. He’s enjoying a banner senior campaign, having racked up 131 tackles with three sacks, three forced fumbles and three interceptions through 10 games, per MaxPreps.

Houston’s versatility against the pass and his stout production as a run defender makes him one of the rare prospects who are capable three-down linebackers at the next level.

Malik Jefferson

The nation’s top uncommitted linebacker prospect is 5-star Texas standout Malik Jefferson.

The 6’3”, 215-pounder has totaled 188 tackles over the last two seasons, including 37 for loss, 19 sacks and eight forced fumbles. 

Additionally, he flashed his athleticism at The Opening earlier this summer, posting a time of 4.49 seconds in the 40-yard dash, according to The Dallas Morning News.

Similar to Houston, Jefferson is another intriguing talent who is capable of being a three-down linebacker due to his effectiveness against the run and the pass.

Darrin Kirkland, Jr.

Credit: 247Sports

One year after racking up 110 tackles and eight sacks as a junior, 4-star linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr. has tallied 105 tackles and four interceptions through eight games as senior, per MaxPreps.

After officially decommitting from Michigan last week, Kirkland has suitors such as Ole Miss and Oklahoma among the powers trying to get in the mix with him.

The 6’2”, 235-pounder projects as a prototypical inside linebacker at the next level.

Regardless of which school he chooses, Kirkland is a talented prospect capable of setting the tone as a physical defender who causes mayhem for opposing offenses.

Cameron Smith

USC has had its share of impact defenders in recent years, and its 2015 recruiting class already has a handful of potential difference makers in the fold.

Included in that category is in-state 4-star linebacker pledge Cameron Smith.

As a junior, the 6’3”, 225-pounder amassed 113 stops with three interceptions and two forced fumbles. In nine games as a senior, Smith has posted 103 tackles with four interceptions and two forced fumbles, according to MaxPreps.

Current Trojans middle linebacker Hayes Pullard—who led the team in tackles last season and is currently the team leader in stops this year—is a senior whose departure will leave a huge void in the middle of the Trojans defense.

However, Smith has a chance to make an early impact if he can continue to flash the instincts and playmaking ability he’s displayed over the last two years of his high school career.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports. Collegiate stats via CFBstats.com, unless otherwise noted. 

Follow @SanjayKirpalani