Best of the SEC: How Texas linebackers stack up as we rank all 16 conference teams

After years of discussions, negotiations and preparation, Texas has finally joined the SEC. But how do the Longhorns stack up as they enter the toughest conference in college football?

We’re ranking the SEC position by position, assigning points for each team — 16 points for first place through one point for 16th. We’ll update the totals with each installment, giving a sense of which teams will contend for the SEC title and College Football Playoff spots.

We’ve already examined the quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, offensive lines and defensive lines. Next we rank the SEC schools on the strength of their linebackers heading into the season:

More: Best of the SEC: How the Texas offensive line stands as we rank all 16 conference teams

Georgia linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson, left, tackles Florida running back Trevor Etienne in a game last season. The one-time All-American for Georgia has transferred to SEC rival Kentucky, bolstering an already stout Wildcats linebackers unit.

1. Kentucky: Don’t overlook talented Cats

The Wildcats’ impressive linebacking corps rivals its defensive line for the best unit on the squad. D’Eryk Jackson, who has led Kentucky in tackles in each of the past two seasons, plays the middle spot like a noseguard with his stout 6-foot-1, 245-pound frame. He’s not just a run plugger, either; last season he had 8½ tackles for a loss, two sacks, two interceptions, four pass breakups, a forced fumble and a defensive touchdown. He got plenty of help in the portal with the arrival of Jamon Dumas-Johnson, an All-American for Georgia in 2022 who battled injuries last season. Even better, outside linebacker JJ Weaver returns for a sixth season despite an NFL opportunity and has a collegiate résumé that includes 29 starts, 165 tackles, 32 tackles for a loss and 16½ sacks. Daveren Rayner provides…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/best-sec-texas-linebackers-stack-215625699.html

Author : Austin American-Statesman

Publish date : 2024-07-29 21:56:25

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