It is not a secret that linebackers are asked to do more today than ever before. Whether it’s making the big tackle defending the run, getting after the quarterback as part of the pass rush or dropping back in coverage to make a play, the linebackers of the present are more versatile than ever before. They are bigger, stronger, faster and smarter and that trend should continue moving forward at every level. Here is a look at the top five linebackers in the 2017 recruiting class.
Dylan Moses, Outside Linebacker
Undecided
The five-star outside linebacker and No. 1 overall prospect in the country has yet to make a decision on where he will play his college football. The Bradenton, Florida-native had committed to LSU, but opted to reopen his recruitment this past year and is now considering more than 30 offers from the top schools in the country. Moses has outstanding strength and is incredibly quick off the snap with the instincts and techniques to get after opposing quarterbacks in a hurry. Even with elite pass rushing skills the consensus among scouts is that Moses’ range is his best asset as he is excellent at covering from sideline to sideline. Moses has been one of the most talked about linebacker prospects in the country since he was in eighth grade and college football fans will hear a lot more about him moving forward as he makes his decision on where to play and moves on to the next step in his career.
Baron Browning, Outside Linebacker
Undecided
Browning is another top linebacker recruit that originally had committed only to decide he would snub Baylor and reopen his recruiting status this past year. The No. 2 outside linebacker and No. 17 overall prospect on the board has more than 30 offers to choose from and there is no reason to believe a decision is coming in the immediate future. An incredible athlete that is very disruptive and is an outstanding tackler in open space, Browning is an elite outside linebacker prospect that also has enough size to line up as a pass-rushing defensive end in college.
Nate McBridge, Inside Linebacker
Undecided
McBridge is the No. 1 inside linebacker on the board for 2017 recruiting class and like the previous two players on this list he has yet to decide on where he will commit. The Vidalia, Georgia-native is reportedly leaning towards either in-state favorite Georgia or the defending national champions Alabama, but he also has a seemingly endless list of candidates to consider. A versatile player that could play either inside or outside, McBride does his best work in the middle of the field where his high football IQ and mean streak allow him to make plays from sideline to sideline and really punish opponents with his heavy hits.
Isaiah Pryor, Outside Linebacker
Ohio State Buckeyes
The No. 3 outside linebacker and No. 48 overall prospect in the 2017 class has already committed to Ohio State. The Buckeyes are thrilled about his skill set and versatility with a lot of talk about how they could potentially line him up at both linebacker and safety once he arrives. Pryor’s outstanding range, lateral movement and speed make him an ideal linebacker to use in pass coverage and he graded out as one of the top tacklers in his class. Pryor has the potential to be an elite weapon at the next level and Ohio State will undoubtedly plan to capitalize on all of his tools once he arrives.
Markail Benton, Outside Linebacker
Undecided
The need for top pass rushers at the college level has Benton rounding out the list of the top five linebacker recruits for 2017. The No. 4 overall outside linebacker prospect has excellent size and athleticism, but it’s his football IQ and instincts that really elevated him towards the top of this list. An excellent tackler that can make plays defending both the run and pass, Benton continues to be highly sought after, but has yet to make a decision on where he will play his college football with several teams expected to push hard for him over the next year.
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