Lemming Top 25: Inside Linebackers :: 2007 not a strong year for the linebacker
Lemming Top 25: Inside Linebackers
 
2007 not a strong year for the linebacker  

Dec. 15, 2006

By Adam Caparell

CSTV.com


 



 ADAM CAPARELL

Adam is CSTV.com's football editor and national football writer.
E-mail here!

CSTV Recruiting Expert Tom Lemming has highlighted the top recruits in the country with his Lemming 100. Now he's broken down each position into its own Top 25. As signing day rapidly approaches, CSTV.com will highlight the top recruits at each position with Lemming's personal insights on the players who will be the next stars of college football.

 

Ask CSTV recruiting expert Tom Lemming about the 2007 class of inside linebackers and he'll tell you he's seen better.

 

"It's a weak year for the linebacker," Lemming said. "One of the weakest years in the last 10. After you get past the first three, there's a big drop-off."

 

But that doesn't mean there isn't any talent in this class.

 

1. Chris Galippo - 6-foot-2, 235 pounds, 4.6-40, Anaheim Servite, Calif.

 

You know Chris Galippo can play because Lemming believes he'll seriously compete for playing time immediately at USC.

 

"He had his tackles cut in half but had a strong year," Lemming said. "Lot of tackles behind the line. He seems to be in the backfield more than the tailbacks are."

 

2. Allen Bailey - 6-foot-3, 255 pounds, 4.7-40, Darien McIntosh Co., Ga.

 

According to Lemming, get a glimpse of Allen Bailey and you'd think he's ready for the NFL.

 

"He's the most muscular inside linebacker," Lemming said. "Missed five games due to injury, but he's dominating when he was healthy. A remarkably gifted athlete."

 

Bailey could wind up as a defensive end in college, but he'd prefer the stay at linebacker. Georgia, Florida and, depending on how the ongoing coaching search concludes, Alabama are after Bailey.

 

3. Chris Strong - 6-foot-3, 250 pounds, 4.6-40, Batesville-S. Panola, Miss.

 

Chris Strong doesn't have to worry about impressing any college coaches after already committing to Ole Miss. But he has to start worrying about what he eats.

 

"He gained almost 20 pounds this year and looked sluggish," Lemming said. "He has to watch his weight if he wants to stay at inside linebacker."

 

4. Chris Colasanti - 6-foot-2, 235 pounds, 4.6-40, Birm.-Brother Rice, Mich.

 

Chris Colasanti was born to do one thing: play inside linebacker.

 

"He had over 100 tackles last year and this year and he was first team, all-state," Lemming said. "He gives it his all. He has the size and a work ethic that's second to none."

 

The born inside linebacker is off to Linebacker U. where he'll look to become the next great leader on defense at Penn State.

 

5. Derrick Stephens - 6-foot-3, 217 pounds, 4.57-40, Houston Cy-Falls, Texas

 

If there's one thing about Derrick Stephens, it's that he's a heady defender.

 

"He has sideline to sideline speed," Lemming said. "He can diagnose plays. He's like a QB on the field. A smart guy."

 

Stephens is off to Texas A&M, a big catch for the Aggies.

 

6. Josh Bynes - 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, 4.6-40, Lauderdale Lake-Boyd Anderson, Fla.

 

Josh Bynes can cover some ground.

 

"He flies to the ball," Lemming said. "He seemed to be in on every single play last year. Has super talented teammates, but I was really impressed with him. He had 37 tackles for losses. Instinctive and tough. He's a Ray Lewis-type Florida linebacker."

 

Bynes hasn't committed anywhere yet, but all three Florida schools, Tennessee and West Virginia are vying to land him.

 

7. Steve Paskorz - 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, 4.5-40, Allison Park Hampton, Pa.

 

Steve Paskorz may not look like the best linebacker you've ever seen, but he's always making plays.

 

"He actually rushed for over 1,000 yards as a running back," Lemming said. "He's another guy who has great speed. Reminds you of Penn State linebackers."

 

The Pennsylvania native won't be going to Happy Valley. Instead, he's off to Notre Dame.

 

8. Kevin Rouse - 6-foot-1, 220 pounds, 4.58-40, Joliet Catholic, Ill.

 

Kevin Rouse isn't the most physically imposing guy on the field, but he gets the job done.

 

"He's a two-time all-stater," Lemming said. "He's not super big, not super fast, not super strong but makes plays. He was born to play football."

 

Rouse is committed to Iowa.

 

9. Scotty Cooper - 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, 4.45-40, Lake City, S.C.

 

Scotty Cooper is comfortable at either linebacker or safety, where he could wind up in college.

 

"He's like lightning to the ball," Lemming said. "He can really, really run. He impressed me when I saw him on film. Could possibly play a number of positions on the defensive side of the ball."

 

Copper's off to Clemson, a real good catch for the Tigers in Lemming's estimation.

 

10. Barquell Rivers - 5-foot-11, 205 pounds, 4.6-40, Wadesboro-Anson, N.C.

 

Because of his small stature, Barquell Rivers isn't going to get the kind of attention he deserves and schools could be kicking themselves in a few years if they pass him over. 

 

"He's going to be a star in college," Lemming said. "He's as good as all the other linebackers in the ACC. You never see him off his feet. Has great change of direction. A remarkable player."

 

N.C. State, Clemson, Florida and Penn State are just some of the schools looking to land Rivers.

 

 

11.       Kyle Jackson                  6-1, 220, 4.6           McDonough-Union Grove, Ga.

12.       Pat Lazear                      6-0, 225, 4.7           Bethesda-Whitman, Md.

13.       Broderick Binns             6-2, 220, 4.7           St. Paul-Cretin Derham, Minn.

14.       Jared Detrick                  6-2, 235, 4.55        Newport News-Woodside, Va.

15.       Robert Mullins               6-2, 205, 4.59        Los Angeles-Dorsey, Calif.

16.       Luke Diehl                      6-1, 205, 4.59        Castle Rock Douglas Co., Co.

17.       Bryce McNaul                 6-4, 236, 4.67        Eden Prairie, Minn.

18.       Mike Mele                        6-2, 221, 4.5           Manasquan, N.J.

19.       Max Dedmond               6-5, 230, 4.7           Evansville-Mater Dei, Ind.

20.       Brandon Lindsey           6-2, 220, 4.6           Aliquippa, Pa.

21.       Dominique Buchanan  6-2, 235, 4.7           Gilmer, Texas

22.       Nate Stupar                    6-2, 220, 4.6           State College, Pa.

23.       Devon Ramsey              6-2, 245, 4.6           Lawrenceville Prep, N.J.

24.       George White                 6-3, 246, 4.9           Flint-Carman-Ainsworth, Mich.

25.       Dane Conwell                6-0, 215, 4.6           Upper St. Clair, Pa.

 


 

 


 
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