2013 College Football Player Rankings: Top 5 Linebackers – Bama’s C.J. Mosley Top LB

2013 College Football Player Ratings: Top 5 Linebackers – Bama’s C.J. Mosley Top LB: In college football, the Butkus Award is given annually to the best player at the linebacker position. Over the years, the honor has gone to run-stopping inside linebackers, pass-rushing outside linebackers and hybrid linebackers that can seemingly do it all. The diverse skill sets of the winners are a testament to the multitude of tasks that linebackers are asked to perform on the football field. From engaging blockers and bring down ball carriers to rushing opposing quarterbacks and dropping back in pass coverage, being an elite player at the linebacker position requires a special combination of strength, speed, agility and knowledge of the game. With that in mind, here is a closer look at a few players that stand out as the best linebackers in the country heading into the 2013 college football season.

1.      C.J. Mosley, Inside Linebacker, Alabama Crimson Tide

The highly-touted recruit has more than lived up to the hype at Alabama, and he enters his senior season as the team’s MVP from a year ago. Mosley flies all over the field and is blessed with a combination of speed, strength and instincts. Last year, he notched more than 100 tackles to go along with four sacks and a couple of interceptions. Mosley has improved his game to meet his constantly-expanding role throughout his time with the Crimson Tide, and he should have his best season to date now that he is one of the defensive leaders of the two-time defending national champs.

2.      Anthony Barr, Outside Linebacker, UCLA Bruins

It’s hard to believe that Barr was a running back prior to the start of the last year. In his first year as a linebacker, he tallied 71 tackles to go along with 13.5 sacks. Obviously, he the converted linebacker brings plenty of speed and agility to the table, and Barr can burn offensive tackles on the edge and make explosive plays in the backfield. However, he also showed surprising strength when stopping the run, and with a full year at his new position under his belt, the best is likely yet to come from the senior.

3.      Chris Borland, Inside Linebacker, Wisconsin Badgers

While he doesn’t have the high-end speed to dominate as a pass-rusher, Borland is the prototypical force that any coach would love to have in the middle of their defensive front. He is a strong, reliable tackler that always seems to be in the proper position to make plays. Borland has averaged more than 120 tackles over the past two years, and while he isn’t flashy, he is a tackling machine for the Badgers.

4.      Shayne Skov, Inside Linebacker, Stanford Cardinal

Stanford had one of the hardest-hitting, stingiest defenses in the country last year, and if you don’t believe me, just ask the high-powered offenses of Oregon or USC that averaged just 14.0 points per game against the Cardinal. The leader of the stout unit is Skov, and while his overall numbers don’t necessarily jump off the page, his ability to make life easier for his teammates by constantly absorbing multiple blockers and getting everyone lined up properly is crucial. Skov provides an excellent blend of individual production and team leadership.

5.      Ryan Shazier, Outside Linebacker, Ohio State Buckeyes

Shazier exploded as a sophomore for Urban Meyer, tallying 116 tackles and 5.0 sacks. His speed off the edge allows him to get to opposing quarterbacks and make game-changing plays in the backfield. Meanwhile, his strength and energy allows him to be a force when it comes to stopping the run, and he reached double digits in tackles on six different occasions last year. Shazier will only be a junior this year, and with all the talent Meyer has brought in around him, he should make a ton of highlight-reel plays this season.

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