We keep rolling on with our defensive rankings, and today we are looking at the ACC’s best linebackers.
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1) Denzel Perryman, Miami
On a suspect defense last year, Miami’s Denzel Perryman was one of the few bright spots. He’s coming off a first team All-ACC season, that saw him have over 100 tackles. CBSSportsline has made him their number 1 ILB NFL draft prospect. Perryman made a big leap from his sophomore to junior season, and he is projected as 2nd or 3rd round pick, with whispers of being a first round selection with a strong senior season. Perryman is only 6 feet, but he makes up for his lack of height with solid instincts, and very good tackling skills.
2) Terrance Smith, Florida State
Terrance Smith was surrounded by some very good linebackers like Christian Jones and Telvin Smith last year at Florida State. Smith is expected to be the leader of the Nole’s linebacking unit this year, and I believe he’ll be able to do it. He’s got good height for a LB at 6-4, and I like his athleticism. Smith played especially well towards the end of last season, and has all the tools to be an elite linebacker.
3) Stephone Anthony, Clemson
Stephone Anthony was considered one of the best linebackers of the 2011 class. A former 5 Star recruit, Anthony struggled his sophomore year, but in his junior season he started to fulfill some of that early promise. He’s coming off a season that saw him have 131 tackles, and 13.5 for loss. I’ve seen NFL draft boards have Anthony listed as 3rd or 4th round pick, but he certainly has enough ability to move up.
4) Kelby Brown, Duke
Anyone else noticing Duke has put quite a few players in these top 5 lists? If are you surprised by Duke this year, then you aren’t following what’s happening in Durham. Kelby Brown is a rock solid linebacker for the Blue Devils. He was an All-ACC selection with over 120 tackles last season. He doesn’t have quite the athleticism of the first 3 linebackers, but he’s an instinctive player with a nose for the ball.
5) Lorenzo Mauldin, Louisville
I had to find a spot somewhere on these top 5 lists for Louisville’s Lorenzo Mauldin. He played DE last season and had 9.5 sacks. It appears he’ll be moved to the linebacker position this year. He was a highly regarded DE, who some considered one of the best returning DE’s in the country. A player that talented, but is versatile enough to player DE or LB? That’s impressive. Mauldin is going to have a big 2014 no matter where he lines up.
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