Top Five: Opposing Linebackers

 Top Five Opposing Linebackers

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

The Hoosier Huddle Top Five Opponents series continues today with a look at the five best opposition linebackers the Indiana Hoosiers will be battling against this season.

1. Anthony Walker – Northwestern – Junior – 91.5 tackles, 20.5 TFL, 1 INT, 4 PBUs, 2 FRs

The 6’1”, 235-pound star from Northwestern had a breakout season in 2015, finishing with 20.5 tackles for loss (second in the nation). Anthony Walker’s play earned him All-American honors as well as a consensus place on the All-B1G team. He is capable of wrecking games, notching 19 tackles against the Duke Blue Devils and 14 tackles with 3.5 tackles for loss in the ‘Cats rivalry game victory over Illinois.

Walker is fast, instinctive and a wonderful tackler that finishes plays when he gets the chance. His strong play helped lead the Northwestern defense to a top-10 performance in 2015 and expectations are high in 2016. IU has a very strong offensive line but Walker will be a handful for the Hoosiers.

2. Raekwon McMillan – Ohio State – Junior – 88 tackles, 4 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 4 PBUs

Ohio State has to replace 16 starters, including 8 on defense. However, they are certainly not left without stars and the prominent returning star on defense is their leading tackler in 2015, Raekwon McMillan. The junior came to Columbus as a five-star recruit and he has not disappointed. In 2015, he posted 88 tackles and was named as a Butkus Award finalist. His play, along with his leadership during this offseason has caused OSU head coach Urban Meyer to already name the Hinesville, Georgia native a captain for the 2016 season. With guys like Joshua Perry and Joey Bosa and Eli Apple gone, McMillan is going to be called upon to lead a very young defense into a season with a lot of questions but (as always in Columbus) high expectations. 

3. Riley Bullough – Michigan State – Senior - 77 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 4 sacks, 2 INTs, 2 PBUs, 2 FFs, 1 FR

The latest in a long-line of Spartans in his family (grandfather, father, uncles and brother all played for MSU plus his younger brother is a sophomore with the Spartans), senior Riley Bullough took over the starting middle linebacker position prior to the 2015 season and excelled as the leader of the defense. He led the team in tackles and his play earned him All-B1G honors (second team). In 14 career starts, Bullough has shown a nose for the ball as he’s snagged four interceptions. He’s a prototypical MIKE linebacker that moves to the ball well and finishes tackles when he gets his shot on the ball carrier. Bullough will pair with fellow returning starter Jon Reschke to form a very solid mid-linebacker duo.

4. Brandon Bell – Penn State – Senior – 65 tackles, 12.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks

Brandon Bell’s 2015 numbers don’t look all that impressive. However, when his leadership and the fact that he missed two games is taken into account, I believe he belongs on this list as one of the tougher linebackers the Hoosiers offense will face. Penn State experts from blackshoediaries.com believe Bell is the most passionate and fiery defender on the roster and they believe, “the difference in the defense’s demeanor and nastiness is palpable when Bell is on the field”. Former defensive coordinator Bob Shoop loved sending Bell on blitzes and he responded by notching 12.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. Bell will be joined by Jason Cabinda and NyeemWartman-White (returning from injury) as the NittanyLions should have one of the best linebacker groups in the country.

5. Jermaine Carter Jr. – Maryland – Junior – 84.5 tackles, 14 TFL, 3 PBU

Maryland Terrapin fans didn’t have much to cheer about in 2015. However, the play of Maryland-native Jermaine Carter Jr. was a bright spot worthy of a round-of-applause. Carter Jr. ranked second on the team with 14 tackles for loss (the most for a Maryland MLB since 2002) and earned a spot on the honorable mention All-B1G team. He averaged 8.6 tackles per game (eighth in the B1G) and had at least four tackles in every game of the season. He was successful against IU, posting 13 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss in last season’s Hoosiers victory. Carter will be the leader and focal point of DJ Durkin’s first defense as Maryland’s head coach. Although he’s only 6’0” and doesn’t have the ideal length for an elite linebacker, he’s capable of leading a defense. The question for the Terpswill be whether or not the rest of the unit can help him.

Others

Danny Ezechukwu – Purdue – Junior – 59.5 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sacks, 1 INT

Anthony Wint – Florida International – Junior – 64.5, 5.5 TFL, .5 sacks, 1 INT, 2 PBU