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Now that spring practice is over and the countdown is on to the first week in September, most schools are glad to have survived the spring with no major injuries. A few of the league’s top linebackers sat out the spring, either rehabbing an injury and simply being cautious.
That being said, here are the SEC’s top 10 linebackers coming out of the spring, in alphabetical order:
Kendell Beckwith, LSU: Beckwith is one of many LSU veterans who could have turned pro this winter but decided to return to Baton Rouge. He scared everyone when he went down with a knee injury early in spring practice, but he was back for the last week and played in the spring game. A few months of rest and he’ll be fine for summer workouts. He’s a top-three middle linebacker who is projected to be a high-round draft pick next April.
Richie Brown, Mississippi State: Brown, like Beckwith, could have turned pro but decided to come back to Starkville. It’s a good thing. He’ll be the leader of a young but talented defense, and being the boss will be a role that fits him well after registering a team-high 109 tackles last season.
Lorenzo Carter, Georgia: The Bulldogs linebacking corps is starting over but not from scratch. Carter, 6-6, 242 pounds, projects as an impact NFL linebacker. The Bulldogs need him to play like one in 2016 after slumping as a sophomore.
Davin Bellamy and Lorenzo Carter want to be a 'consistent force' for UGA OLBs in transition https://t.co/U6evFyHTl3 pic.twitter.com/vCRdcs4OOD
— Marc Weiszer (@marcweiszer) May 9, 2016
Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt: Vandy’s defense was nasty last year and had to carry its shaky offense. Expect big things out of the defense again this year, with Cunningham flying all over the field. He had 103 tackles last season and is the best player on the Commodores’ roster.
Jarrad Davis, Florida; Davis was great in 2015, posting 98 tackles, good for second on the team. He had 11 tackles for loss, including 3.5 sacks and had a big game against Alabama in the SEC Championship Game, recording eight tackles, including six solo, and forced a fumble. The Gators lost most of their stars on defense, so Davis will be counted on heavily to lead the way.
Reuben Foster, Alabama: The Crimson Tide simply reload. And 2016 will be no different. Losing a player like Reggie Ragland at middle linebacker is big, but Foster will fit right in a be a star in his own right. The Tide’s defense should be a top-5 in the country group, once again, with Foster leading the way.
Dre Greenlaw, Arkansas: Greenlaw burst on the scene as a freshman last year and had 95 tackles. He has speed galore and is a smash-mouth tackler. There’s plenty of hope that the Razorbacks defense will be much improved this year, and Greenlaw will be one of the many reasons.
Skai Moore, South Carolina: Moore just might be the most complete linebacker in the SEC. He also put off the NFL to return to school. He’s fast, can hit and has a nose for the football. With Will Muschamp taking over, you can expect big improvements out of the South Carolina defense, with Moore leading the way.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Tennessee: Reeves-Maybin sat out the spring to rehab his injured shoulder, but the all-SEC linebacker will be 100 percent by the time the fall rolls around. The Volunteers defense is loaded with experience and Reeves-Maybin is primed for another big year as Tennessee chases an SEC East title, and maybe much more.
Tim Williams, Alabama: Williams is a quarterback’s worst nightmare. No one in the SEC – or even the country – rushes the passer from the linebacker position like Williams does. Alabama’s defense will be scary good this year and Williams is a big reason why.
NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr has Alabama's OLB Tim Williams as the third player taken in the 2017 NFL Draft.
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) May 11, 2016
Tom Brew is an award-winning journalist and author who is covering SEC football for Saturday Down South.
