With EA officially announcing a timeline for the new college football video game, sports enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the chance to dive into gameplay for the first time in over a decade. As the release date draws nearer, I’ve decided to predict the top-rated players in each position group. This time we review who will be the best linebacker patrolling the inside.
5. Jason Henderson
In the past two seasons, no player has had more tackles than Jason Henderson, with a total of 346 tackles. His outstanding performance earned him 1st team All Sunbelt honors for two consecutive years with the Monarchs. Henderson is a remarkably agile defender, with instincts that enable him to make plays across the field. He excels at attacking the football and evading blockers.
4. Danny Stutsman
For the second consecutive season, Danny Stutsman recorded over 100 tackles, leading the Sooners in this category for back-to-back years. He earned All-American recognition and was awarded first-team All-Big 12 honors. Stutsman is a tackling machine, with a natural ability to locate the football and make impactful plays. His talents extend to pass coverage, showcasing his versatility as a defender.
3. Barrett Carter
After a solid season in 2023, many speculated that Barrett Carter would enter the NFL draft. Clemson fans were very pleased to hear of his return as he was a big piece to that Tiger defense last season. With 62 tackles and 3.5 sacks, Carter secured 2nd team All-ACC honors. He particularly shines in pass coverage, utilizing his speed and athleticism to cover significant ground rapidly. Carter’s pursuit of the ball carrier is also impressive, allowing him to make decisive tackles.
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2. Jay Higgins
Jay Higgins led all college football players in defensive snaps last season, accumulating 171 tackles and earning 1st team all-Big 10 recognition in 2023. The standout Hawkeye linebacker is proficient in all aspects of the game, excelling particularly in coverage. According to PFF, Higgins boasted a 90.8 coverage grade, leading all Power 5 linebackers in that category.
1. Harold Perkins Jr.
Harold Perkins Jr. made a significant impact as a true freshman, boasting 7.5 sacks and 72 tackles, earning him Freshman All-American honors. In his sophomore year, Perkins transitioned to an off-ball linebacker role, maintaining impressive effectiveness despite a slight dip in production at times. Perkins’ elite speed and exceptional instincts enable him to outmaneuver offensive linemen and swiftly track down ball carriers.
Honorable Mentions
Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Jack Kiser, Collin Oliver
