The linebacker position is among the most complex when it comes to NFL Draft evaluations. Scouts factor in tackling, sideline-to-sideline speed, pass-rushing ability, coverage skills, intelligence and just about every other element of the game. Some linebackers will get more credit for their ability to defend the run and drop back in coverage while others will be evaluated based on their ability to rush opposing passers. Here is a look at the top five candidates with the potential to be the top linebacker in college football for the 2015 season.
Scooby Wright III, Arizona
Wright followed up an impressive freshman season with an even better sophomore campaign and now expectations will be even higher for the Windsor, California-native in his junior year. Wright led the entire country with 163 tackles, 29 tackles for a loss and six forced fumbles and he finished third in the nation with 14 sacks. Wright isn’t the fastest athlete but he is strong, smart and he has a tireless work ethic. All of those attributes were on display last season when he won the Bednarik Award as the nation’s top defender – regardless of position. The numbers he recorded last year were already off the charts and if he somehow manages to best those totals in 2015, there is no doubt that Wright will be the top linebacker in college football once again.
Su’a Cravens, USC
Cravens arrived at USC as a five-star recruit at the safety position but it didn’t take long for them to move him to linebacker where he has become one of the best in the nation in a short period of time. Cravens is a dominant sideline-to-sideline tackler with above-average speed. He flashes the ability to lay some big hits but his background as a safety also gives him an edge in terms of coverage ability. He recorded three interceptions last season. Cravens has the potential to dominate against both the run and pass and it won’t be a surprise when he challenges Wright as the nation’s top linebacker in 2015.
Myles Jack, UCLA
UCLA’s run of stellar linebackers continues with Jack, the latest in a line of feature defenders that has included Anthony Barr and Mychal Kendricks. The Bruins will once again expect big things from Jack in his junior season after he compiled 87 tackles, eight tackles for a loss and an interception last season. The strange part is that Jack actually got perhaps the most attention with his three rushing touchdowns last season after he was pressed in to duty at the running back position, which was a testament to his versatility, speed and athleticism. Jack will earn more attention as a linebacker in 2015 with the potential to be among the best in the nation.
Darron Lee, Ohio State
The Buckeyes have plenty of talent throughout an absolutely loaded roster and with so many stars on offense, it’s easy to overlook a defense that has several playmakers. Lee started at outside linebacker last year after redshirting in 2013 and it didn’t take long for him to establish himself as a star at the position. Lee has put on 33 pounds to become a booming 228-pound linebacker that still has the speed to get after opposing quarterbacks. He can also lay out some big hits and it will be very interesting to see what kind of numbers he can put up in 2015 behind a talented defensive line at Ohio State.
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Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame
Smith deserved more credit than he got as a sophomore last season because his supporting cast wasn’t nearly as good as many thought it would be. However, that won’t be the case again for his junior year as the Fighting Irish ‘backer is already regarded as one of the best in the nation. Smith is known for his incredible range and ability to make plays from sideline-to-sideline and it will be interesting to see what he has in store for an encore after leading Notre Dame with 111 tackles and adding 3.5 sacks last season. Smith might not get the same credit as Wright or Cravens but the potential is there for him to be among the best in the nation at his position in 2015.
