Ultimate Depth Chart: Linebackers

Today we tackle the linebacker spot. The backer spot takes a strong but swift athlete as they must be able to chase down running backs and quarterbacks, be fast enough to cover tight ends and occasionally receivers and be strong enough to shed offensive linemen as they rush the quarterback. I had to go with NFL clips again, something I am trying to avoid. It is important to note that these player's NFL's careers were not considered.

Linebacker 1
Starter: #63 Mike Singletary, Baylor (1977-1980)
- Singletary was a three time All-Southwest Conference selection and two time All-American pick. He won the 1979 and 1980 Davey O’Brien Award. He racked up an eye-popping 662 careers tackles, including 232 as a sophomore.
2.) #55 Derrick Thomas, Alabama (1985-1988)
- Thomas set the standard for linebackers as pass rushers. Thomas recorded 52 sacks during his career, including 27 as a senior (’88), added 22 tackles for a loss, blocked 5 kicks and forced 10 fumbles. Thomas recorded 44 quarterback hurries in 1988, the first year QB hurries were recorded. Thomas won the1988 Butkus Award and finished 10th in the Heisman voting.
3.) #44 Dan Morgan, Miami (1997-2000)
-Known as a hard-nosed player, Morgan is the first player to win the "triple crown" for defensive players: Butkus (top linebacker), Bednarik (top defensive player by Maxwell) and Nagurski (nations top defensive player) Awards. He was a consensus first team All-American and All Big-East selection as a senior. Morgan started every season at Miami and totaled 532 tackles, 44 for a loss, 14 sacks, eight forced fumbles, two interceptions and 12 pass break ups during his career. Probably not a particularly well-known pick, but I watched this guy a lot when he was at Miami, he was extremely good as a Hurricane.



Linebacker 2
Starter: #50 Dick Butkus, Illinois (1962-1964)
-Consensus All-American pick for the 1963 and 1964 season. Big Ten Most Valuable Player for the 1963 season. He finished third in Heisman Trophy voting in 1964.
2.) #60 Tommy Nobis, Texas (1963-1965)
- Winner of the Knute Rockne (best lineman), Outland and Maxwell Awards. Two time All-American selection for 1964 and 1965. Nobis averaged nearly 20 tackles per game. Also contributed as a guard on the offensive line, including during the Longhorn’s 1963 National Championship season.
3.) #84 Jerry Robinson, UCLA (1975-1979)
- Athletic linebacker who was a three time All-American. Totaled 468 tackles during his career, including a 28 tackle performance against Air Force.




Linebacker 3
Starter: #98 Lawrence Taylor, North Carolina (1977-1980)
- Earned All-American and ACC Player of the Year award in 1980; brought an intense, reckless and violent style of play.
2.) #44 Brian Bosworth, Oklahoma (1984-1986)
- Bosworth is the only collegiate player to win two Butkus Awards (’85 and ’86) and was also a two time consensus All-American. Bosworth recorded 413 tackles, 12 sacks, 39 tackles for a loss and four forced fumbles during just three years of play as a Sooner. A member of the Sooner’s 1985 National Championship team.
3.) #52 Jack Youngblood, Florida (1968-1970)
- Youngblood finished his career with 29 quarterback sacks, the 1970 Outland Trophy and SEC Lineman of the Year.









What do you think of my selections? Who would you start at the three linebacker spots if you had a choice?