2007 CFN Preview - Unit Rankings ... LBs

CFN 2007 Preview Unit Rankings - Linebacker Ranked 1 to 119

2007 CFN Unit Rankings

Linebackers

CFN 2007 Unit Rankings
2007 Preview | Offenses | Quarterbacks | Running Backs
Receivers | Offensive Lines | Defenses | Defensive Lines
Secondaries | Special Teams  

1. USC
Over the years, a ton of great linebackers have done their apprenticeship at USC, but this group has a chance to be the best ever.  Three NFL-ready players at their respective positions, Keith Rivers, Rey Maualuga, and Brian Cushing, will control game after game. The backup trio of Kaluka Maiava, Thomas Williams and Clay Matthews could start at about 90 other places.

2. Texas
The receiving corps might be the strength of the Longhorn offense, but the linebackers are the strength of the team. The possible second teamers, whoever they might become, will all get big looks in NFL camps and could start almost anywhere else in the Big 12. This group will dominate at times in the more aggressive defensive system. an the coaching staff find the right rotation? Sure, it's complaining about the Porsche for not having enough cup holders, but it could be a problem to develop the right chemistry considering all the star defenders need time.

3. Penn State
While you don't get better by losing an all-timer like Paul Posluszny, the corps will be one of the best in the Big Ten if Sean Lee takes another step in his progression and Dan Connor is the all-around defender he's expected to be. Finding a top-notch number three will be the main job in fall practice, but there are plenty of options to choose from.

4. Virginia Tech
The linebacking corps is more than just Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi, but it's the All-America duo that makes it special. They must stay healthy. Corey Gordon appears ready to shine in a starting role, even though he hasn't done much of anything over the course of his career, while Cam Martin, Brett Warren and Purnell Sturdivant form a small, but promising backup trio.

5. Ohio State
The Penn State linebacking corps will be hailed by almost everyone as the best in the Big Ten, and rightly so, but the Buckeye two-deep might be even better and has even more potential to be dominant. Jim Laurinatis and Marcus Freeman are sure-things, while Larry Grant, Ross Homan and Austin Spitler will all be fantastic. This is a big, fast, talented group that should be among the best in America.

6. Oregon State
While USC is in a linebacking class of its own, Oregon State isn’t far behind in the league with a trio of senior starters led by Derrick Doggett on the strongside. Oregon State is beginning to develop a track record of producing playmaking linebackers with pro potential.  This year’s group will enhance that growing reputation with three players capable of earning all-league honors.

7. Nebraska
It's more of a star-studded corps than it might get credit for on a national level. Bo Ruud and Corey McKeon will get all-star honors, while Steve Octavien has top 100 draft pick potential. As good as everyone is, there has to be more forced turnovers and more big plays against the run. Those will come.

8. Oklahoma State
A major concern going into last year has turned into one of the team's biggest strengths with more than enough talent and depth to form a good rotation. Once Collins is healthy, and if he's able to go, this has the potential to be one of the Big 12's better corps with experience, speed, and a boat load of talent no matter who's starting. As a group, it needs to play a bit more disciplined and has to be a bit stronger against the run.

9. Boston College
Virginia Tech's linebacking corps is the best in the ACC, and Georgia Tech and Miami have great ones, but BC's is up there. There's speed, hitting ability, experience, and a boatload of talent even without Brian Toal. With a good line in front of them taking care of most of the running plays, the linebackers will roam free, for the most part, and be extraordinary.

10. LSU
The speed and talent generally makes up for any problems. The corps only faced one team, Arkansas, that could pound the rock on a consistently effective basis (that includes Auburn), and the Hogs tore off 298 yards and three touchdowns. Either this crew will be exposed as above-average early on against Virginia Tech, or it'll firmly establish itself as the star corps of the conference.

11	Tennessee
12	TCU
13	Miami
14	Georgia Tech
15	UCLA
16	Clemson
17	Auburn
18	South Florida
19	Virginia
20	Florida
21	Michigan
22	Wisconsin
23	Arizona
24	Colorado
25	California
26	South Carolina
27	Illinois
28	Oklahoma
29	Florida State
30	Arkansas
31	BYU
32	New Mexico
33	Nevada
34	Wyoming
35	Iowa
36	Rutgers
37	Louisville
38	Kansas State
39	Georgia
40	Southern Miss
41	Missouri
42	Maryland
43	Wake Forest
44	Alabama
45	Notre Dame
46	Michigan State
47	Mississippi State
48	Vanderbilt
49	Boise State
50	Connecticut
51	Kentucky
52	Baylor
53	Tulsa
54	NC State
55	Washington
56	Texas A&M
57	Arizona State
58	West Virginia
59	Washington State
60	Kansas
61	Stanford
62	Central Michigan
63	Houston
64	San Jose State
65	Hawaii
66	Iowa State
67	SMU
68	Cincinnati
69	Mississippi
70	East Carolina
71	Oregon
72	Pitt
73	Syracuse
74	Colorado State
75	Fresno State
76	Indiana
77	Utah
78	Minnesota
79	Memphis
80	Texas Tech
81	Akron
82	Kent State
83	Northern Illinois
84	Air Force
85	UTEP
86	Western Michigan
87	Northwestern
88	North Carolina
89	Duke
90	Purdue
91	Marshall
92	Bowling Green
93	Toledo
94	Miami Univ.
95	Florida Atlantic
96	Ball State
97	UAB
98	Louisiana Tech
99	Idaho
100	Troy
101	Ohio
102	UCF
103	UNLV
104	Rice
105	Tulane
106	North Texas
107	San Diego State
108	Eastern Michigan
109	Middle Tennessee
110	FIU
111	Buffalo
112	New Mexico State
113	Utah State
114	UL Lafayette
115	Arkansas State
116	UL Monroe
117	Navy
118	Army
119	Temple