We’ve now moved on to rank our top 5 linebackers in the ACC. In a bit of surprise, as I looked at each team’s roster, a school I didn’t expect might have the best group linebackers in the ACC. Let’s find out who it is…
Previous Rankings
Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Tight Ends | Offensive Linemen | Defensive Linemen
1) Christian Jones, Florida State
Christian Jones has all the tools to be an elite linebacker. A 6-4 232 lb senior, he is Florida State’s leading returning tackler. This quote was from NFLScout.com – “has an impressive combination of speed and strength to make plays at all levels. – Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com” He’s considered a late 1st round or early 2nd round NFL pick. With a a good season he may end up a top 15 pick.
2) Jack Tyler, Virginia Tech
The Hokies leading tackler last year was Jack Tyler with 119 stops. He also had 13 tackles for loss. Tyler is listed as one of the top 10 senior linebackers by CBSSportsline. Not highly recruited, he was a walk on at Virginia Tech, and has made himself into an All-ACC quality linebacker.
3) Kevin Pierre-Louis, Boston College
It may be time to start calling Boston College linebacker U. From Mark Herzlich, Luke Kuechly, Nick Clancy to now Kevin Pierre-Louis, the Eagles just keep churning out solid linebackers. He averaged nearly 10 tackles a game last year and was an Honorable Mention All-ACC. Pierre-Louis is aggressive player and sure tackler. He’s a bit undersized at 6-1 218 lbs, but that doesn’t stop him from being one of the ACC’s best linebackers.
4) Jabari Hunt-Days, Georgia Tech
Wondering which school I was talking about at the beginning of the article? It’s Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets may have the best set of linebackers in the ACC. Most pre-season All-ACC lists have at least 2 somewhere on the 1st, 2nd or 3rd team. I think Jabari Hunt-Days is the best of the 3. He made several Freshman All-American teams, and he led the Yellow Jackets with 84 tackles last year. He has good size at 6-3 252 lbs and is rangy. He may top this list next year.
5) Dyshawn Davis, Syracuse
Dyshawn Davis was one of the best linebackers in the Big East last season. He’s on several pre-season All-ACC teams for 2013. Davis is a confident player. This summer he said “We’re coming into the ACC to win a championship, an ACC championship. Teams better watch out. That’s all I can say.” Two positions you want to see confidence out of are quarterback and linebacker so even though I’d consider it unlikely that Syracuse wins the ACC, I like the attitude.
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