5-Star Mack Wilson Tweets Top 8, Wants to Play 'Money' Linebacker at Next Level

As the nation's top-ranked outside linebacker in the 2016 class, Lyndell "Mack" Wilson is a wanted individual. The Montgomery, Alabama, standout nearly has 20 reported offers, and while some see him as a future all-conference outside linebacker, others would like to see him on the field early—which could mean playing time as a freshman as an inside linebacker in the right system.

Ask Wilson about it, and he'll make it plain and simple. 

"Position-wise, it doesn't matter," he said. "I want to play 'Money' linebacker."

For those unfamiliar with the term, "Money" linebacker, as Wilson described, is a do-it-all athlete at the position, someone who never comes off the field. In short, it's a place where you want your best athletes.

And Wilson, the nation's No. 13 overall player, can be someone's best athlete wherever he ends up.

The Carver High School senior narrowed his list Wednesday evening and posted a top eight on Twitter, the list featuring four SEC schools, two Pac-12 destinations and individual representatives from the Big Ten and ACC. The list, additionally, was ranked from No. 1 to No. 8:

Wilson shocked some by confirming that Florida is the current leader. He was believed to be a favorable target for one of the two in-state schools, Alabama and Auburn. While nothing is set in stone for when he announces on national signing day, the Gators have to feel good about the position they're in.

"He likes Florida," Todd Dowell, Wilson's mentor, told Drew Champlin of AL.com. "He likes the scheme and he kind of likes [head] coach [Jim] McElwain."

Alabama ranks No. 4 on Wilson's list, but Auburn didn't make the cut. Wilson said the decision to trim the schools was tough, but all eight programs had a common denominator.

"All of those teams have a great defensive program," Wilson said. "It's all going to come down to what I want to do and what best fits me academically."

Courtesy: 247Sports

Wilson said he's built solid relationships with coaches at all eight schools, and he's got a good shot at seeing starter's minutes as a freshman. Wilson is ranked as the nation's top outside linebacker, but he's been shining at Carver this year at middle linebacker.

This is where playing "Money" linebacker comes into play. Wilson, who now is 6'2" and 240 pounds, is strong, quick and explosive off the ball. At The Opening over the summer—then weighing in at 236 pounds—he threw the power ball 42.5 feet and had a vertical jump of 31.5 inches.

When Wilson puts pads on, he's even more dangerous. He had 11 tackles and a sack in his role as middle linebacker in last week's game against Prattville, a team that features a couple of Michigan 3-star commits in running back Kingston Davis and linebacker Dytarious Johnson, as well as 2-star Duke kicker pledge A.J. Reed.

Wilson said he's factoring in player-coach relationship, game atmosphere, academic growth and overall campus environment in his ultimate decision. And while Florida continues to do its part in staying atop Wilson's personal ranking, the other seven schools still have four months to make a run at the top spot.

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles.