SEC Linebacker Rankings

Nov 9, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Ramik Wilson (51) tackles Appalachian State Mountaineers wide receiver Andrew Peacock (11) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Appalachian State 45-6. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

1. Georgia – they return all four guys in a 3-4 and they are all beasts. Ramik Wilson and Armarlo Herrera were the team’s leading tacklers last year, and Jordan Jenkins was 2nd team all-SEC. Then sophomore Leonard Floyd should be coming into his own.

2. LSU – Kwon Alexander is the leader here, plus DJ Welter returns as a senior. Lamar Louis and Kendell Beckwith are very talented LBs who should push this unit near the top.

3. Alabama – it seems like Bama just keeps on generating freaks at linebacker. Trey DePreist is the latest. He had 5.5 TFL last year. They’ll have to replace the rest of the group including CJ Mosley who was there for about 10 years, but they are just going to reload with a number of really talented guys.

4. Mississippi State – Benardrick McKinney is one of the best if not the best LB in the conference. Matthew Wells has started enough games in his career to qualify him as a 3-year starter and is fast as lightning. Deontae Skinner leaves from last year but Beniquez Brown should fill in nicely and this unit shouldn’t miss a beat.

5. Ole Miss – the Rebs list the fewest LBs in the SEC (with UK) with 2.5(?). Tony Conner plays the “Husky” position which is half LB and half safety. If you include him here it might vault them up to #2 but should we really do that? Serderious Bryant is a real talent, and is better than Denzel Nkemdiche in my opinion, but both are good. DJ Shackelford returns for his 11th season (unofficial count) in Oxford.

6. Florida – their top two guys return in Michael Taylor and Antonio Morrison and they were also the top two tacklers on the team last year. Plenty of talent at Florida, and they should be solid.

7. South Carolina – a couple of years ago the defensive line was incredible while the LBs were so youthful they were exposed at times. Now it’s kind of reversed and this group has developed with all three starters returning for a veteran corps.

8. Auburn – some of the most unusual names return: Cassanova McKinzy and Robenson Therezie. They were not too good last year. They’ll probably do just enough again in ’14 but they aren’t elite as some have espoused.

9. Tennessee – AJ Johnson is one of the best LBs in the country. The problem is who is going to play beside him? Plus this group is likely going to be inside the box a lot with an inexperienced D-line.

10. Vanderbilt – this is definitely Vandy’s strength on defense. They only have four returning starters on that side of the ball and three of them are at LB.

11. Missouri – the Tigers defense was gutted from last year. Kentrell Brothers returns from last year, and they’ll need some other unproven guys to step up.

12. Kentucky – Mark Stoops likes to play with a nickelback so UK only lists two LBs…they have Khalid Henderson as a returning starter. The loss of Avery Williamson will hurt.

13. Arkansas – the Hogs were not good last year. Braylon Mitchell and Brooks Ellis return but I’m not sure it’s going to help a whole lot.

14. Texas A&M – I’m not sure how (a) D.C. Mark Snyder keeps his job and (b) he’s one of the highest paid assistants in the country.