The offenses in the SEC continue to grow more dynamic and explosive. Each team’s defense needs more efficient defenders to slow down these high-caliber offenses. The SEC has been graced with some elite defenders, especially at the linebacker position. These elite linebackers often go on to lead elite defenses in the NFL. Several defenders will be regarded as top-of-the-line defenders to potentially stop an elite offense. Next in our series of best returners in the SEC is the top returning linebackers in the SEC going into the 2022 season.
Best Returning SEC Linebackers for 2022
4. Jeremy Banks – Tennessee
As a former running back, Tennessee linebacker Jeremy Banks knows when to attack with aggression. This past season was a huge breakout year for Banks. He was a linebacker that played multiple roles in the Volunteers’ defense. He is a tackler who can find the ball carrier and shed off blocks. Further, Banks is also a reliable coverage defender against tight ends or bigger wide receivers. This past season, Banks accounted for 128 total tackles, 59 solo tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, five-and-a-half sacks, four pass breakups, and one interception. The Volunteer accounted for the sixth-most assisted tackles and seventh-most total tackles this past season. Tennessee is in a great position to compete in the SEC East behind their experienced team. Banks will be the leader of a potentially dangerous defense.
3. Bumper Pool – Arkansas
Much like the Razorbacks, outside linebacker Bumper Pool is a player that has been getting better each year. He had a breakout year in 2019, but he continues to rise to stardom in the SEC for his consistent play-making abilities and his name. Pool has accumulated 349 total tackles, 137 solo tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 16 pass breakups, and one fumble recovery in his four years at Arkansas. He is a player that waits patiently for the right opportunity to make or assist with a tackle. He was selected as a first-team All-SEC last season and the second-team All-SEC in 2020. Pool decided to stay as a redshirt senior instead of declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft. He will be one of the most efficient zone-coverage/tackling linebackers in the SEC this 2022 season.
2. Henry To’oTo’o – Alabama
The NCAA Transfer Portal has been huge for head coach Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide as they have acquired elite and reliable playmakers. One playmaker that made a huge impact last season was former Tennessee transfer Henry To’oTo’o, who had a terrific junior season with the Tide in 2021. To’oTo’o played in 23 games in his first two years at Tennessee while starting in 22 of them. This past season for Alabama, To’oTo’o accounted for 111 total tackles, 52 solo tackles, seven-and-a-half tackles for loss, four sacks, and one forced fumble. He was named to the second-team All-SEC team in 2020 and 2021. To’oTo’o will be the determined field general of the defense going into the 2022 season.
1. Will Anderson Jr. – Alabama
Alabama outside linebacker Will Anderson Jr. is likely the best defensive player in the SEC and one of the top in all of college football. Since arriving as a true freshman, Anderson has been difficult to stop as a pass rusher. Anderson has accumulated 153 total tackles, 90 solo tackles, 41.5 tackles for loss, 24.5 sacks, and three pass breakups in his two seasons at Alabama. This past season, Anderson stepped up to an even higher setting of greatness as he accounted for 101 total tackles, 56 solo tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks, and three pass breakups. Last year, he finished first in the nation in tackles for loss and sacks accounted for. Finally, Anderson won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Further, he was a unanimous All-American and finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy race.
Anderson will go into the 2022 season with a determined mindsight of revenge and domination. His explosive get-off, incredible combination of strength and speed, and tenacious movements make him one of the most dangerous pass rushers in college football. Teams will likely try to double-team consistently in the 2022 season. Anderson looks to finish his third year with another National Championship title, a potential Heisman Trophy, and a lock for the top pick for the 2023 NFL Draft.
