2012 College Football Top 5 Linebacking Corps

2012 College Football Rankings: Top 5 Linebacking Corps: Back in the day, linebackers were big, strong, nasty guys that didn’t have to be particularly fast or agile. The position has evolved over time, and while linebackers are still big, strong and nasty, they are also fast, skilled and versatile weapons on defense. In today’s game, linebackers are asked to do everything from stopping the run to rushing the passer and dropping back in coverage. The athleticism seen at the position is at an all-time high, and some of the best football players in the country can be found at linebacker. The position has never been more important, and with that in mind, here is a look at the top linebacking corps in the country for the upcoming college football season.

2012 College Football Top 5 Linebacking Corps

1.      Georgia Bulldogs

Not only do all four starting linebackers return to Georgia’s 3-4 system, but all four are upperclassmen, as well. Outside linebacker Jarvis Jones is the star of the bunch, coming off a year when he led the SEC with 13.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss. Cornelius Washington is a solid pass rusher at the other outside backer spot, while Alec Ogletree and Mike Gilliard will take care of the middle of the field. While Ogletree misses time early in the year because of a suspension senior Christian Robinson will take his place, and the former starter in his own rate will provide depth for the unit all year long. The Bulldogs have an experienced group of linebackers that are both consistently productive and capable of making game-changing plays.

2.      Stanford Cardinal

All four starting linebackers return for Stanford, and the unit will actually get upgraded thanks to Shayne Skov’s return from a knee injury. Skov is a physical beast at inside linebacker, and he is the unit’s vocal leader, as well. With Skov back in the middle, there is a good chance that Stanford’s rush defense will improve this season after already ranking third in the country in 2011-12. The Cardinal also have an excellent tandem at outside linebacker in Chase Thomas and Trent Murphy. Murphy finished last season with 10 tackles for loss, while Thomas finished with 17.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. Anyone that thinks Stanford’s linebackers are just a bunch of strong, slow run stoppers better think again. This group makes plays in the backfield and pressures opposing quarterbacks. This unit is the total package.

3.      Wisconsin Badgers

In a conference that has been famous for producing linebackers over the years, the Badgers currently have two of the best. Outside linebacker Mike Taylor led the Big Ten with 150 tackles, and inside backer Chris Borland ranked second with 143. While both players are incredibly productive, Borland can make a claim to be the best interior linebacker in the country after adding 19 tackles for loss to his impressive overall total last year. Ethan Armstrong will round out the trio, and while it will be his first year as starter, he is far from inexperienced. Armstrong saw action in 12 games last season, and he should have plenty of chances to make an impact while playing alongside two studs like Taylor and Borland. Overall, this unit is as reliable and productive as they come.

4.      Iowa State Cyclones

Playing for a middle of the pack team in the Big 12 can make it tough to get noticed, but the Cyclones’ linebackers can’t help but get noticed thanks to seniors A.J. Klein and Jake Knott. Klein and 116 tackles last season and Knott had 115, and considering how pass happy the Big 12 has been, it makes the high totals even more impressive. The duo does it all for the Iowa State defense, stuffing the run, dropping back coverage and forcing turnovers. Jeremiah George and C.J. Morgan will work together to fill the third linebacker spot, but as long as Klein and Knott are on the field, this unit will be stout.

5.      Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State’s trio of linebackers has everything a defensive coordinator could ask for. Outside linebacker Denicos Allen defines the new breed of freakishly athletic pass rusher, and he had 11 sacks last season to prove it. Meanwhile, Max Bullough is the prototypical strong run stuffer at middle linebacker. The third member of the group is Chris Norman, and while he doesn’t make the highlight plays like Allen or pile up the tackles like Bullough, he does have two seasons of starting experience. Norman is far from a weak link, and he will be where he is supposed to be when he is supposed to be there. This unit is rock solid.

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