Tough call when it comes to choosing LB units
In a year loaded with great linebacker corps, Ohio State and Florida State have the best of the bunch.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
Weakside LB A.J. Hawk anchors the nation's deepest and best corps of linebackers. Hawk is an instinctive, high-motor linebacker who simply finds ways to make plays all over the football field. He has amassed 247 total tackles and 21.5 tackles for loss over the past two seasons. Questions regarding his speed were answered when scouts timed his 40-yard dash in the low-4.5s during his spring workout on campus, and Hawk is reportedly in the best shape of his life heading into his senior season.
Bobby Carpenter is a senior returning starter at strongside linebacker. He is an upfield player with good size and speed. On obvious passing downs, the Buckeyes will occasionally move Carpenter up to a wide-end position, which will allow emerging sophomore Marcus Freeman to showcase his athleticism in coverage. The Buckeyes have two middle linebackers who could start at most schools. Anthony Schlegel, a transfer from Air Force, is battling Mike D'Andrea for playing time at the position. Both are seniors, which makes the battle even more heated. Schlegel finished with 84 tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss last season, but D'Andrea is a big-time hitter and an emotional leader on this unit.
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