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.
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.
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.
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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.
