Consider the position of a linebacker – A defensive player that’s a threat to the pass, the run, and the pass rush as well. They’re a commanding leader, directing a defensive line, each of whom may outweigh him by 50 pounds or more. They are considered the fiercest players on the field, a hybrid between linemen and defensive backs. The 2023 returning linebackers of the SEC certainly embody these characteristics and more.
ESPN recently released its Position U study. This evaluates each position in terms of which universities have contributed the best players to the NFL. Without getting into the details, It’s a combination of college success, draft stock, and NFL success.
In terms of linebacker U, Georgia and Alabama ranked number one and two respectively. Florida did round out the top at number 10. 2023 will be no different in terms of the talent poised for the next level. However, it won’t be isolated to these two.
In fact, the linebacker pool in the SEC is so full, you’ll see a great player in one list, but not in another. There is just that much talent.
Paralysis by Analysis
A note about Pro Football Focus, or PFF. This is an analytical company focusing on the analysis of teams and players in the NFL and FBS. This UK-based company provides numerical grades for players based on every play. This is how some determine the best-returning players.
However, PFF’s mathematical rating system does come under some scrutiny. As Bill Belichick said in an interview, “…don’t rely on the analytics without seeing the playbook.”
For the purposes of this article, no analytics were used. Yes, some of the players in this list have decent PFF scores, but some do not. We’re just letting you in on how the sausage is made.
Georgia
We might as well start with the team ESPN believes is Linebacker U. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart has a defensive mindset to begin with and the linebackers are the lynchpin in any good defense.
Jamon Dumas-Johnson: The Bulldogs’ two consecutive national championships were made possible in no small part because of the play of Dumas-Johnson. He is one of those that appear on multiple lists as Georgia has their sights on a three-peat. In 2022, he had 70 tackles, nine for a loss, and four sacks. His numbers should go up, especially with the confidence a national championship brings.
Alabama
The number two Linebacker U has a couple of returning stars, one of which builds on what he did as a freshman.
Dallas Turner: Alabama’s phenom Will Anderson exited for the NFL, leaving the perfect space for Turner to step up. He had a stellar freshman season with 30 tackles, 10 for a loss, and 8.5 sacks. He had a bit of a slump last season, but his record after 28 games is 67 tackles, 18 for a loss, and 12.5 sacks. He is poised to be the primary edge rusher for the Tide.
Deontae Lawson: This Bama linebacker missed the entire spring due to knee surgery. But by all accounts, he is back stronger than before. After a week into fall training camp, defensive coordinator Kevin Steele said that Lawson has basically taken over the defense. In 11 games last season, he had 51 tackles, 2.5 for a loss, and four pass breakups. Some say he is on pace to become the next great Alabama middle linebacker on par with C.J. Mosley.
LSU
The SEC West may be coming to an end after this season. At least we know the 2024 season will be without divisions. However, there will always be competition between Alabama and LSU. This year, the Bayou Bengals may outdo the Tide in the linebacker department.
Harold Perkins: He made everyone’s list when it came to the best in the conference. He broke out last year as a true freshman. According to On3, he is the number seven player overall going into 2023. His stats from last year led the team with 72 tackles, 13 for a loss, 7.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, an interception, and three pass breakups.
Omar Speights: He was a first-team All-Pac-12 linebacker last year at Oregon State. Speights came to LSU through the portal this year. His addition may ensure that the boys from Baton Rouge are stacked in the middle defensively.
Ole Miss
Head coach Lane Kiffin’s Rebels started out last year running the table. They went 7-0 out of the gate, but then, they lost the next five in a row. The defense started giving up 35 points per game. But, Kiffin got smart and brought over Alabama’s defensive coordinator, Pete Golding. He’ll need some help in the linebacker room and new transfers coming into the fold.
Ashanti Cistrunk: The Rebels will be debuting a new defense this fall along with their new defensive coordinator.
The senior Cistrunk is the only familiar face in the linebacker room these days. The position took a hit at the end of the season. With three transfers and a promising five-star recruit, Cistrunk’s leadership will be needed, especially with the new defense.
Last season he racked up 72 tackles, 3.5 for a loss, one pass breakup, and one forced fumble.
Arkansas
The Razorbacks went into last season with the promise that came from the 9-4 2021. However, with injuries and an ineffective defense, the Hogs ended their season 7-6. Enter new defensive play caller, Travis Williams. He’ll need seasoned leadership at the linebacker core for newbies that came through the portal.
Chris Paul, Jr.: This redshirt sophomore is the oldest son of Golden State Warriors point guard, Chris Paul Sr. Paul played 617 snaps last year and will likely be the new quarterback of the defense.
“Pooh” Paul made quite a mark in the 2022 season attaining Freshman All-SEC and second-team Freshman All-American honors.
He had 62 tackles, eight for a loss, four sacks, and one forced fumble. Along with new transfers Antonio Grier (USF) and Jaheim Thomas (Cincinnati), Paul has a formidable group to lead this season.
Kentucky
In the Bob Stoops era, the Wildcats have done nothing but improve. With the exception of 2022, they have always finished higher than preseason rankings. But on defense, they need to replace three linebackers whose eligibility ran out. Veteran leadership should help.
Trevin Wallace: He is speedy and played most of last season as a weakside linebacker. Wallace accounted for 54 tackles, 5.5 for a loss, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, and a quarterback hit.
For 2023, Wallace feels he needs to rely on his speed and not hesitate so much. As he said, “When I see it, go hit it.” That’s a phrase that certainly resonates with anyone who has ever played the position.
J.J. Weaver: Weaver is a prime watchlist candidate for the NFL. The only problem has been his injuries over the last few seasons. Wildcat coaches are hoping that some weight gain in the offseason will help prevent that in his redshirt senior season. The key will be maintaining his speed.
Weaver has 16 career starts and played in 35 games. The outside linebacker has amassed 120 career tackles, 23.5 for loss, 9.5 sacks, 47 pressures, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions. He has been involved in 1,297 defensive snaps.
Mississippi State
The Bulldogs of Starkville aren’t feeling the love much these days. They have been picked last, or next to last in several preseason polls. If the linebacker crew is any indication of that, it would be news to these two.
Both came in number one and two for total tackles in the SEC last year.
Jett Johnson: As a Tupelo, MS native, Johnson came out of high school highly recruited winning the prestigious Mr. Football award in 6A Mississippi. All of his life he bled maroon and white.
This six-year senior led the SEC in tackles last year with 115. Combined with his teammate Watson, they are the only pair of Power Five teammates to finish one and two in their respective conferences.
Nathaniel Watson: Here is another linebacker that is showing up on everyone’s preseason lists. Watson nailed 113 tackles last year, second to his running mate Johnson. He also racked up six sacks, the most of any MSU defender.
Missouri
This is Blake Baker’s second season as Mizzou’s defensive coordinator. In 2022, the Tigers got lucky with the transfer portal and they allowed 8.7 fewer points per game. This season they return eight starters including this breakout player at linebacker.
Ty’ron Hopper: Hopper transferred after three seasons with Florida just in time for the 2022 season. He immediately made a difference.
His previous three years at Florida saw impressive performances. Ironically, his first solo tackle came against Missouri. After the transfer, he seemed to bloom.
Last year, he finished the regular season with 77 total tackles and led the team with 14 tackles for loss and six quarterback hurries. Perhaps he’ll make a difference to a team that is ranked near or at the bottom of most power rankings.
Dick Butkus Should be Proud
There are many more linebackers that will make a difference in the SEC. There will be breakout players that never made a preseason list. That’s just the nature and the beauty of the game.
The players highlighted here have already made their mark at linebacker and probably will do more in 2023. There will definitely be unknown breakout stars that we’ll write about as the season unfolds. That’s the ebb and flow of college football.
