Linebackers Stepping Into the Spotlight in 2023

Author:
Matt Perkins
Publish date:
Mar 12, 2023

Continuing my series on players emerging from the shadows in 2023, let's take a look at some off-ball linebackers.

1. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. & Barrett Carter, Clemson

Overshadowed by: Trenton Simpson

Clemson had one of the best linebacking corps in the country last season, but the name at the top of the billing was Simpson. Now, Trotter and Carter step up and will need to continue the Tigers' recent run of strong linebackers in order to get back to the CFP.

Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (54) and linebacker Barrett Carter (0) during the first day of fall football practice at the Allen Reeves Complex in Clemson Friday, August 5, 2022.
© Ken Ruinard / Staff / USA TODAY NETWORK

2. Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State

Overshadowed by: Jack Campbell

The Big Ten is littered with outstanding linebackers, and you could easily make a case for Abdul Carter or Maema Njongmeta here too, but Eichenberg really started to come into his own in 2022.

Scroll to Continue

3. Jaylan Ford, Texas

Overshadowed by: DeMarvion Overshown, Dee Winters

Ford somehow had a quiet first-team All-Big XII season in 2022, in large part due to the fact that his teammate Overshown was one of the bigger names at the position in the country. He has a knack for the ball, as he created six turnovers (four interceptions, two fumble recoveries) and accrued 119 total tackles. He's a force to be reckoned with.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Jaylan Ford (41) celebrates a late 4th quarter fumble recovery during the game against Iowa State at Royal Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Oct. 15, 2022.
© Aaron E. Martinez / American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

4. Lander Barton, Utah

Overshadowed by: Daiyan Henley, Jackson Sirmon, Omar Speights

The Pac-12 freshman of the year got better and better as the season went along in 2022. With Henley and Jackson off to the draft and Speights transferring to LSU, there's an opening for Barton to take over as the clear top dog in the conference at the linebacker position.