ESPN College Football

A versatile playmaker at the linebacker position is the defensive equivalent of a dual-threat quarterback at the collegiate level. Elite athletes are capable of overcoming poor defensive line play by sifting through traffic and making plays from sideline-to-sideline versus the run. They also can upgrade a pass defense with their ability to rush the passer and make the big play when the ball is in the air.

When one individual excels at all three facets -- run support, pass rush and coverage -- he can make up for a lot of other sins on a defense. Ohio State seems to be a factory for these types, including Tom Cousineau, Randy Gradishar, Chris Spielman and Andy Katzenmoyer. And this year is no exception, as Bobby Carpenter and A.J. Hawk rank as two of the biggest game-breaking linebackers in the nation.

Some of the other great examples in college football history include Mike Singletary (Baylor), Lawrence Taylor (UNC), LaVar Arrington (Penn State), Derrick Thomas (Alabama) and Ray Lewis (Miami-FL).

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