B/R Recruiting CFB 200: Top Linebackers of 2017 Class
After thorough study using specific scoring criteria, Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analysts Damon Sayles, Sanjay Kirpalani and Tyler Donohue have graded the top 200 players in the 247Sports composite rankings and provided in-depth analysis on each young athlete. B/R will run a position-by-position breakdown series of the best college football recruits in the class of 2017. Here we present the top linebackers.
Responsibilities at linebacker continue to evolve, as value for scheme-diverse defenders who can cover the run and pass is at a premium. The position has always required physicality to handle brutal collisions. But now more than ever, players must hang with speedy skill players in space and bring heat as pass-rushers.
A well-rounded collection of 2017 linebackers, headlined by 5-star recruits Dylan Moses and Baron Browning, serves up several examples of the prototypical new-age linebacker. Balance is essential to flourish as an every-down collegiate standout, and few are built to contribute as true freshmen.
Here's our breakdown of the top-ranked prospects at this position with players assessed on the criteria of tackling, explosive strength, run defense, pass coverage, pass rushing and football IQ.
Player order and star ratings based on 247Sports' composite rankings through July 19. Unless otherwise noted, player stats are courtesy of 247Sports.
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20. 4-star ILB Tadarian Moultry, Jackson-Olin HS (Birmingham, Alabama)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Auburn
Mountry blew up on the recruiting trail following his junior campaign and a recent rise in composite rankings (climbed 45 spots in latest update) continues to reflect increased attention on this Tigers pledge. He owns an intimidating aura at the second level, dishing out damaging hits on a regular basis and his coverage range allows for consideration at inside or outside linebacker.
19. 4-star OLB Levi Jones,
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include LSU, Texas and USC
Jones is an enforcer at the second level, dishing out big-time hits on a regular basis. He's an excellent blitzer through interior gaps and can bring heat off the edge, using advanced handwork to avoid the grip of offensive tackles.
18. 4-star ILB Avery Roberts,
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Nebraska
Roberts exhibits the range to surge up a depth chart at either inside or outside linebacker. He is at his finest when shooting blocks and making stops behind the line of scrimmage, though quarterbacks must also account for his impressive instincts in pass coverage.
17. 4-star OLB Nathan Proctor,
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Maryland, Penn State and Virginia Tech
Proctor is a smooth pass-rusher off the edge, fueled by excellent initial burst. He seems more comfortable near the line of scrimmage than when tasked with pass coverage, so it remains to be seen where he'll land within a collegiate scheme.
16. 4-star OLB Hamsah Nasirildeen,
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Alabama, Florida and Florida State
This intriguing defender has flourished while handling safety duties at the prep level. Expect Nasirildeen to flash skills as a pass-covering linebacker who likes to lay the lumber when it's time to hit. Additional physical growth will help stabilize his potential at linebacker.
15. 4-star LB Jaden Hunter,
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Georgia
Hunter is most accurately labeled as a hybrid defender because he possesses the natural skills to develop into a dangerous pass-rusher off the edge. His athleticism shows through in pass coverage, but at this stage of development he is far more effective attacking downhill near the line.
14. 4-star OLB Bruce Jordan-Swilling,
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Alabama, Arkansas and LSU
The jury is out on whether Jordan-Swilling will finish his college career at linebacker. But that's only because he also brings a lot to the field at running back. Agile in run coverage and aggressive near the line, he's adept at reading quarterbacks, and play-action attempts don't often fool him.
13. 4-star ILB Levi Draper,
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Oklahoma
A terrific all-around athlete, Draper is capable of roaming sideline to sideline without awkward setbacks to his approach. He glides like a safety but drops the hammer on opponents with the authority of a potential all-conference linebacker.
12. 4-star OLB Willie Gay,
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Ole Miss
Gay is a great tackler who thrives in making plays behind the line of scrimmage and in space. He's fluid in coverage also. The Mississippi native is light size-wise (6'1 ½", 215 lbs) but makes up for that with athleticism and instincts. This is a modern linebacker who can play three downs because of his versatility.
11. 4-star OLB Jordan Anthony,
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Maryland, Michigan and Penn State
Anthony, also an accomplished running back on the prep level, is a torpedo in space and closes gaps in a hurry. This lack of hesitation and impressive quickness also makes him a consistent weapon in pass coverage.
10. 4-Star OLB Christopher Allen
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Height/Weight: 6'4", 234 lbs
High School: Southern University Lab School (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
Composite Ranking: No. 7 outside linebacker; No. 111 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Alabama, Arkansas and LSU
Top-ranked linebacker Dylan Moses isn't the only prized prospect originally from Baton Rouge whom Alabama and LSU are fighting tooth-and-nail against one another to land. The Tide and Tigers are also two of the favorites in the pursuit of linebacker Christopher Allen.
The hometown Tigers are heavy favorites to claim Allen's signature, per his 247Sports crystal ball.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Allen enhances a defensive front by providing coaches with options, as he can take on duties at outside linebacker or end. Still developing increased coordination for a formidable frame, he is already explosive enough (19/20) to contend with collegiate blockers.
His lateral quickness shines in run defense (14/15) as he attacks with excellent range, and that's a greater strength for him at this stage than pass coverage. Allen is a hybrid prospect who has one of the highest ceilings of any recruit on this list.
He dominated in 2015, according to Robin Fambrough of the New Orleans Advocate, totaling 108 tackles and 14 sacks.
9. 4-Star ILB David Adams
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Height/Weight: 6'1 ½", 224 lbs
High School: Central Catholic HS (Pittsburgh)
Composite Ranking: No. 3 inside linebacker; No. 109 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Notre Dame
Penn State and Pittsburgh were among the schools to earn visits from 4-star linebacker David Adams before he committed to Notre Dame. Adams is the highest rated of three Fighting Irish linebacker commitments in the 2017 cycle.
Considered the No. 4 overall prospect from Pennsylvania in the 2017 class, Adams' pledge provides another example of Notre Dame's immense out-of-region recruiting success.
Bleacher Report Analysis
A traditional thumper in the middle, Adams competes with ultra tenacity and intelligence, projecting as an eventual defensive captain. He ditches lead blockers with brute force and finishes through the ball (33/35), tackling to ensure ball-carriers don't slip into open space.
Adams, who recorded 76 tackles and 3.5 sacks last season, per MaxPreps, does a nice job of extending upon contact with offensive linemen and uses effective handwork to gain angles and explode through gaps. He'll be challenged to improve in pass coverage (17/20), particularly when it comes to changing direction downfield. But there's a lot to love about about what he brings to the heart of a defensive attack.
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8. 4-Star OLB Markail Benton
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Height/Weight: 6'1 ½", 237 lbs
High School: Central HS (Phenix City, Alabama)
Composite Ranking: No. 6 outside linebacker; No. 108 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Alabama
Markail Benton became another high-profile in-state prospect caught between recruiting efforts from Alabama and Auburn. As Hank South of 247Sports noted, the Tigers were considered the favorite to land Benton before he chose Tuscaloosa.
The Crimson Tide continue to dominate Auburn in terms of acquiring local linebacker talent during recent cycles.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Benton is a routine blitzer in prep action, flashing the physicality and explosive strength (18/20) to compete for playing time in a variety of linebacker roles. An asset when asked to drop into pass coverage (13/15), he'll challenge coaches to keep him on the field for 3rd-and-long distances as he establishes trust.
His angles in pursuit are predominately on point and Benton rarely fails to finish the process at the point of contact (23/25 tackling), wrapping up with authority in solo situations. There are occasions when he could be more violent at the line of scrimmage. That element of his approach will be addressed when it comes time to take on SEC offensive fronts.
Benton broke out in a big way during his sophomore season, per MaxPreps, compiling 87 tackles and four sacks.
7. 4-Star OLB Justin Foster
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Height/Weight: 6'4", 240 lbs
High School: Crest HS (Shelby, North Carolina)
Composite Ranking: No. 5 outside linebacker; No. 85 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Clemson, Notre Dame and Tennessee
Back in May, 4-star linebacker Justin Foster announced a top seven that included Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Kentucky, Notre Dame, Stanford and Tennessee. According to Tom Loy of 247Sports, Foster has identified Clemson, Notre Dame and Tennessee as the three teams pushing hardest for him.
During a conversation with B/R at The Opening, he expressed plans to commit during the first half of his senior season.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Foster brings prototypical size to the second level, chasing action with the physicality of a college veteran (19/20 explosive strength). His length makes him an excellent matchup against tight ends (14/15 pass coverage), and that expansive torso allows him to eliminate rushing lanes.
Though his physical assets immediately stand out, it's his motor that puts him over the top as a prospect. Foster plays with reckless abandon between whistles, though he doesn't over-pursue. And when it's time to dish out a hit in the open field, Foster makes sure it's one the opponent will feel for the rest of a game.
He tallied 67 tackles—12 for loss—and three sacks as a junior, per MaxPreps.
6. 4-Star ILB Nate McBride
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Height/Weight: 6'2", 220 lbs
High School: Vidalia Comprehensive HS (Vidalia, Georgia)
Composite Ranking: No. 2 inside linebacker; No. 76 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Oregon and Stanford
A trio of SEC programs and a pair of Pac-12 schools are among five favorite universities still in the running for linebacker Nate McBride. Among this group, Alabama and Georgia are the two teams in front of the pack, per his 247Sports crystal ball.
The in-state Bulldogs are favorites to land the nation's No. 2 inside linebacker, but this could be one of head coach Kirby Smart's tougher pickups on home turf.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Well-balanced and hard-nosed, McBride has the makings of a multiyear starter in any collegiate linebacker corps. Additional mass will go a long way toward his ability to decimate opposing offensive fronts, but there's a lot to love about a combination of pass-rush prowess (13/15) and run defense (28/30).
McBride manages to make multiple plays behind the line of scrimmage each game, but it's what he can accomplish downfield that draws attention to his versatility. He excels in pass coverage (19/20), reading the quarterback's line of vision and bursting to break on passes.
5. 4-Star OLB VanDarius Cowan
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Height/Weight: 6'4", 226 lbs
High School: Palm Beach Gardens HS (Palm Beach Gardens, Florida)
Composite Ranking: No. 4 outside linebacker; No. 69 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Alabama
As far as his recruitment is concerned, 4-star linebacker VanDarius Cowan is hoping the third time is a charm. Cowan committed twice to Sunshine State power Florida State before landing on Alabama's commit list.
As South detailed, Cowan has since become one of the more vocal recruiters among players slated to suit up for the Crimson Tide.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Rangy and mean, Cowan is a tone-setter for a defensive attack. He competes with as much swagger as any top recruit in the country, and as long as that emotion is used for positive purposes on the field, it gives him a mental edge over opponents.
His explosive strength (19/20) downhill also applies to his lateral efforts, and despite an occasional penchant for over-pursuit, Cowan is a force against the run (14/15). Serviceable in pass coverage, he may have a higher ceiling at defensive end depending on further physical development, though a role along the edge at linebacker is ideal in Alabama's scheme.
Cowan recorded 117 tackles and seven sacks last fall, according to Jodie Wagner of the Palm Beach Post.
4. 4-Star ILB Anthony Hines
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Height/Weight: 6'2 ½", 222 lbs
High School: Plano East HS (Plano, Texas)
Composite Ranking: No. 1 inside linebacker; No. 68 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Ohio State, Oklahoma and Texas
In possession of 90 scholarship offers heading into his senior season, Anthony Hines is among the most coveted recruits in this cycle. He cut his list to 10 programs July 7—with Auburn, Florida, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, SMU, TCU, Texas, Texas A&M and UCLA each remaining in the mix.
According to Brian Perroni of 247Sports, a decision could come before the season at the earliest. However, this recruitment could last deep into the campaign and feature several official visits.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Hines has few peers when it comes to tackling (34/35), rarely allowing an offensive player to pick up additional yards after the point of contact. This is evidenced by the 399 tackles he's collected through three seasons.
Also an adept pass-rusher (13/15), Hines can exploit gaps up the middle and did an excellent job shedding blocks en route to eight sacks last season. Pass coverage remains an area in need of improvement, but he's quick enough (4.12-second shuttle at The Opening) to hang with tight ends and backs in the intermediate range.
3. 4-Star OLB Drew Singleton
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Height/Weight: 6'2", 215 lbs
High School: Paramus Catholic HS (Paramus, New Jersey)
Composite Ranking: No. 3 outside linebacker; No. 60 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Clemson and Michigan
Michigan hit the jackpot in February when 5-star defensive tackle Rashan Gary pledged to the Wolverines on signing day. Wolverines linebackers coach Chris Partridge, the former head coach of Paramus Catholic High School, now aims to add another former high school pupil in linebacker Drew Singleton.
Penn State and Rutgers provide competition within the conference, while Clemson is also in solid shape after a spring visit from the Garden State's top overall prospect in the 2017 cycle.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Singleton, who spearheaded one of New Jersey's most fearsome defensive attacks in 2015, displays some of the most impressive short-area quickness (4.18 shuttle) in this class. He identifies offensive developments pre-snap and uses that burst to get downhill, swarming to the ball in run defense (14/15).
His ability to bring down ball-carriers alone in open space (23/25 tackling) is apparent. Also, Singleton's pursuit (19/20 explosive strength) allows him to erase rushing lanes downfield. He'll need to add some weight to withstand the rigors of an every-down collegiate role, and with Gary gone from Paramus Catholic, there will be significantly more pressure on Singleton than seasons past.
2. 5-Star OLB Baron Browning
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Height/Weight: 6'3", 230 lbs
High School: Kennedale HS (Kennedale, Texas)
Composite Ranking: No. 2 outside linebacker; No. 10 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Alabama, Ohio State, TCU, Texas and UCLA
At one point early in his recruiting process, 5-star linebacker Baron Browning was committed to Baylor. However, he reopened his recruitment nearly seven months after initially committing to the Bears.
Alabama and Ohio State are among the out-of-state powers trying to lure him away from the in-state Longhorns.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Few linebackers appear package-ready for the physical rigors of college like Browning, who clocked a 4.56-second 40-yard dash and 4.18 agility shuttle at The Opening. Capable of manning multiple linebacker roles, this Texas standout flashes the strength (24/25) to quickly shed lead blockers en route to the ball and finishes with violent collisions (24/25 tackling).
Agile enough to stick with running backs and tight ends in pass coverage (13/15), Browning picked off a pair of passes last season and held his own against a barrage of downfield targets at The Opening. His 2015 campaign also featured 74 tackles and four forced fumbles.
1. 5-Star OLB Dylan Moses
11 of 11Height/Weight: 6'2", 220 lbs
High School: IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)
Composite Ranking: No. 1 outside linebacker; No. 2 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Alabama, LSU and Texas
Dylan Moses, a 5-star linebacker, has been a household name in recruiting circles since he was a freshman in high school. Nearly two years after committing to LSU, Moses backed off that pledge in August 2015.
The Tigers, along with Alabama, remain in a heated battle to land the nation's top linebacker in the 2017 cycle.
Bleacher Report Analysis
It didn't take long for Moses to validate practically unprecedented hype in high school after he emerged as a force at linebacker and running back at University Lab in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. While he's seemingly plateaued from a physical-measurement standpoint, the phenom has grown into a seasoned vet who appears prepared for collegiate challenges.
Moses owns multiple triple-digit tackle totals in his high school career, and textbook fundamentals at the point of wrap-up (24/25) make him especially effective against rushing efforts (14/15). He's instinctive and savvy enough to persistently sniff out plays, putting pressure on opposing offensive coordinators to mix things up at a pace that makes their personnel uncomfortable.
We've grown so accustomed to Moses on the recruiting trail that it's easy to take his success for granted or assume he's peaked as a player. That isn't the case, as a blend of elite athleticism and unique football IQ set the stage for further advancement toward collegiate stardom.
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