Top 10 NFL Middle Linebackers - Fan Rankings However, there is chatter again that linebackers are going to have to trim down a bit for the current game. John Alexander is the first person to have played outside linebacker in the NFL. He does not give ground on contact with blockers, and he plays flat at LB depth with first step. So for me, its keep going, take coaching, work hard in the weight room and on the field, and keep myself at that level.. Linebackers can get pretty heavy in fact, Chiefs rookie Tanoh Kpassagnonstarted a game at outside linebackerat 289 pounds! The lightest NFL player is 155 lbs, wide receiver Deven Thompkins #83 a 5' 8" rookie with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A mike linebacker has to be big, strong, and able to be a physical tackler play after play. Average college football player size for OL: 62 / 282 lbs. All Rights Reserved. One of the outside linebackers is usually called into either blitz or pass coverage to make up for the missing DB. England Rugby Squad Ages (Six Nations 2022), Six Nations Winners Titles And Grand Slams By Team, 8 Ways To Prevent Blisters From Rugby Boots. . Understanding the Cover 3 Zone Defense in Football, The Pocket in Football - Definition and Explanation. This is a lot closer to the 245 lbs linebacker average. A few of my favorite drills to use for football speed workouts are using box formations where youre constantly working on cutting at full speed. Set up a series of hurdles or some plyo boxes and work on your high box jumps, which train hip extension/flexion. He dropped five pounds from his college playing weight and expects to weigh in around 225 pounds. The 46 is used in heavy run situations to stop the run, when a team wants to apply much pressure, or merely to confuse the quarterback and offensive line. In standard defenses, middle linebackers commonly lead the team in tackles. Reps : 8-12. Since the strong side of the offensive team is the side on which the tight end lines up, or whichever side contains the most personnel, the strongside linebacker usually lines up across from the tight end. Different techniques will be more efficient than others each week. To learn more about punter recruiting guidelines, click here. Outside line backers sometimes are considered to be pass players before they are run players. Usually, teams that run a 34 defense look for college defensive ends that are too small to play the position in the pros and not quite fluid enough to play outside linebacker in a 43 defense as their "Jack" linebacker. 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For other uses, see. Positives: Undersized run-and-chase linebacker who is best in pursuit. He can find the open window in zone or separate from man coverage. After unexpectedly falling to the third round of the 2021 CFL Draft, Hladlik established himself as the B.C. At the same time, they often will line up directly over the center on third downs or in goal-line situations, so they need to be able to handle that responsibility. Wiki User. Linebacker | Football Positional Guidelines | Go Big Recruiting My recommendation is to wait for any kind of specialization until you are nearing or at the college level. The recruit must be able to know all coverage and have quick feet. "He . This means following a strict regimen that progresses you specifically as a line-backer during the little bit of off-season you have. 6 potential Miami Dolphins targets to watch at the 2023 NFL Scouting Experience: multiple years competing at All-State level. Nothing's a hard, fast rule, and there are a few NFL linebackers this short. Current Ohio State Inside Linebackers and their 247Sports rankings Lets break down an actual football workoutthat a linebacker will need to follow for the off-season. Ski Racer Lindsey Vonn and Project Rock Bond for New Family Activewear Best Male Enhancement Pills: I Found 5 Supplements That Actually Work. The recruit must be a constant threat anytime he is on the field. In terms of height, most middle linebackers fall between 6 feet and 6 feet 2 inches tall. Arm: 32.75. "I am on the heavier side of the scale, but I like to . Average college football player size for DB: 511 / 183 lbs. If there is a strong call, the linebacker on the strongside is called "Sam", while the linebacker on the weakside is called "Will". Average college football player size for TEs: 64 / 241 lbs, Multiple years competing at the All-State level and, in some cases, the All-American level. Strength Training For Linebackers | 4 Tips To Improve Football Cornerback is going to be a spot to watch no matter who is on the field, but one of the most intriguing prospects is Christian Gonzalez. He gains ground and plays downhill with first step; he stays square without losing athleticism. Though, coaches will consider an athlete with a slower snap time if the athlete is more consistent. 2023 CFL Draft profiles: UBC DE Lake Korte-Moore traded ski racing for Vanderbilt's Anfernee Orji set a high bar, jumping 38.5. Often the strongside linebacker will be called upon to tackle the running back on a play because the back will be following the tight end's block. What are the "prototypical" builds (height/weight) for each NFL This answer is: He can find the open window in zone and separate from man coverage. Linebackers are divided into middle linebackers, sometimes called inside linebackers, and outside linebackers. Stats: 40yd: 4.6; Bench: 315 lbs. Another great drill has you move forward/ in reverse and side to side going off a simple command. He is the vocal leader in most defensive schemes, calling out formations and strengths and communicating adjustments. We also compare the position to other sports. Copyright 2023 JW Media, LLC, parent company of Muscle & Fitness. He shows the ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact. The names of the two inside line backers are often called Sam and Mike and these two are lined up about four yards from the line of scrimmage and are lined up with the offensive guard. Comes in all sizes. The middle linebacker, often called "Mike", is frequently the "quarterback of the defense". started at middle linebacker in 7-3 opening win over South Dakota State as defense allowed just 120 yards total offense . Linebackers tend to be about 70 lbs lighter than offensive linemen in the NFL. Among inside linebackers, one is generally a run-stuffer who is better able to handle offensive linemen and stop running backs, while the other is often a smaller, faster player who excels in pass coverage. What do coaches look for in a middle linebacker. All Area/District and Multi-Year All Conference. No linebacker in football has accomplished more in the last five years than the Panthers Luke Kuechly (pronounced KEEK-lee). Top 30 Linebackers in the NFL Since 1970 - The Grueling Truth A Sparta pin in the next weight gave Rossi the chance to be the hero. We'll be updating this list with relevant measurements and drill results as the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine progresses, so be sure to check back. Average college football player size for DL: 62 / 259 lbs. Old Tappan NJ wrestling wins first sectional title in program history If youre interested in more comparisons, check out our article that compares rugby and football players in terms of lifting weights.. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Access the linebacker training and drills bundle to get education on how to play LB for football. However, many players who play this position weigh at least 220 pounds, so they can still be fast enough to cover running backs and tight ends downfield. He should have soft hands and be able to stretch the field vertically. Barbell hack squat, or barbell front squat. "I think he is going to be huge at the combine," said NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah. The idea behind the 34 defense is to disguise where the fourth rusher will come from. Active player shows good movement. The recruit must be equally active in both the run game and in coverage. Average college football player size for OL: 64 / 297 lbs. The outside linebackers in a 34 defense must be very skilled at rushing the quarterback, and would be playing defensive end in a 43 defense. Whether its Jesse Owens in Berlin, Muhammed Ali in Rome, Mark Spitz [Read More], Everyone has heard it: a mid-game buzzer that simultaneously causes cheering or disappointment, excitement or dread, depending on which team you're [Read More], Browse Our Sports Dictionary For The Latest Sports Terms & Jargon. What Position Should I Play in Football? A Helpful Illustrated Guide Active player thats constantly around the ball. Sign up below to receive our newest workout routines, recipes, news stories, and offers from our partners. Recruit should have a combination of size and speed and must change the LOS at the point of attack. . With that being said, some of the toughest middle linebackers in the league have been between 510 and 62 tall. running back - fast, agile, strong, elusive. Recruit should be proficient in throwing receivers open and executing the back-shoulder throw. He should be able to block and catch from the backfield. Recruits must have a great combination of size and speed and be able to change the LOS at the point of attack. 8 Week Linebacker Weight Training Program. This is the second heaviest position in football. Thats a massive difference, and clearly not a fair contest! Defensive Captains with signal-calling experience are highly desirable for inside linebackers. Its important to have good structural integrity within your entire body so that you can withstand constant hits and tackle after tackle. Copy. Flashes solid instincts in the run game. He shows strength and explosiveness on contact. "They do question my weight a . In the "Tampa 2" zone defense, the middle linebacker is required to drop quickly into a deep middle zone pass coverage thus requiring a quick player at this position. The weakside inside linebacker is typically called the "Will," while the strong side or middle inside linebacker is called the "Mike". Mike linebacker - The middle linebacker in a 4-3 defense. What do you call a defensive tackle opposite the center? For example, Percy Given of Georgetown is another center with a claim to the title "first linebacker," supposedly standing up behind the line well before Schulz in a game against Navy in 1902. However, some zones will send the outside linebackers into the flats (area directly to the left and right of the hash marks, extending 45 yards downfield). 2020 Position Preview: Linebacker - Sports Illustrated Oklahoma Sooners Strongest Man Competition (2006) | NFL Pro Bowl Skills Challenge NFL 10.9M subscribers Subscribe 16K 2.3M views 6 years ago Larry Allen, LeCharles Bentley, Lorenzo Neal, Joey Porter, Shaun Rogers,. - Families should use them to get a better understanding of what division levels an athlete is best suited for. As a contact sport, it is often compared with American football. For example, in acover 3 zone, the middle linebacker will drop, read the quarterback's eyes, and break on the football. He must be athletic enough to stay ahead of the ball carrier in open field and demonstrate the body control to block in space. Thank you for signing up. . What is a good size . Players in this position line up several yards back from the line of scrimmage behind the defensive lineman, and is set-up in the middle of the linebacking corps. Must be able to throw the deep out, comeback, dig and seam router with some loft, as well as throw the ball through the goalpost from near the 45-yard line. Must have a kickoff average of at least 65 yards, field goal range of 55 yards or more and a hang time of 3.8 seconds. However, there are various historical claims tied to the linebacker position, including some before 1904. Knocks blockers and ball-carriers backward and/or off their feet. Besides "Mike", other nicknames such as "Sam", "Will", or "Jack", are commonly used to refer to various linebacking roles. 4 Workouts Per Week. Why is it so important to get my video to college coaches? Coach Keys: Shows the ability to take over a game defensively. Height. The back gives him his direction, and the linemen tell him if the play is a run or pass. He should have a consistent motor with physical and athletic upside to develop in time. The safety, like the linebacker, can blitz, play man-on-man, play zone, or drop back into deep coverage like a normal safety would do. The outside linebacker's job is to cover the end to make sure a run does not escape and to watch the pass and protect from it. On the year, the junior totaled 84 tackles with 10 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and . The 33rd Team Scouting Dept. Its interesting to compare this with the difference in weights between linemen in college and the NFL. A marauding linebacker with outstanding coverage capabilities and the raw power required to also stop the run when needed. Average college football player size for D3 TEs: 62 / 211 lbs, Average college football player size for NAIA TEs: 62 / 222 lbs. For example, the 43 defense has four defensive linemen and three linebackers; conversely, the 34 defense has three linemen and four linebackers. The focus of the 34 defensive line is to occupy offensive linemen thus freeing the linebackers to tackle the running back or to rush the passer or otherwise drop into pass coverage. Not to mention, your strength is often times what can save you in this sport. [citation needed]. Average college football player size for D3 LB: 511 / 207 lbs, Average college football player size for NAIA LB: 511 / 209 lbs. Typically All Conference or minimum 1 Year Varsity Starter. Weight. The first day of the 2023 NFL Combine has come to an end, following some incredible performances from many of the draft's top defensive prospects. If the linemen block hard, he reads the play as a run and will flow with the direction of the back to fill his gap and make the tackle. Vincent Jarrett is an avid sportsman, and he loves to play basketball, tennis and golf. Explodes on contact, visibly changing the LOS or driving ballcarriers backward. Most linebackers don't reach or exceed 38 inches in vertical leap because they want to stay focused on the field rather than looking at their watch. With the right plan and the right discipline, you can get seriously shredded in just 28 days. To build on an explosive first step, I always love to have my football workouts include some type of vertical jump training for overall power. The number of linebackers is dependent upon the formation called for in the play; formations can call for as few as none, or as many as seven. In terms of height, most middle linebackers fall between 6 feet and 6 feet 2 inches tall. He needs to be strong in man coverage and excellent in zone coverage while knowing his responsibilities. Linebacker strength is constantly being put to the test, no matter what technique you play. Linebacker (LB) is a playing position in gridiron football. Pittsburgh defensive tackle Calijah Kancey ran the 40-yard dash in 4.67 seconds, the fastest recorded time for a defensive tackle since 2003 and likely clinching his status as a first-round [citation needed]. Tony Twillie Former Contributor/writer, WhoDatDish.com, Saints site at FanSided (2016-2020) Author has 7.7K answers and 9M answer views 1 y Related They also put a lot of pressure on their arms because they are expected to make tackles behind the line of scrimmage. What Is A Middle Linebacker In Football? Definition & Meaning | SportsLingo 40 Time: 4.52. They also typically have some ability to stop the run, so teams tend to ask them to put their hand in the dirt more than other linebacker positions. A reliable estimate of your peak torque during the bench press is 12 repetitions. The linebacker position is a versatile position that requires players to be both big and athletic. The recruit must have a quick release off of the LOS, good vision and instincts, good hands and the quickness to make defenders miss. He needs to show strength and leverage as a run defender, and he must go with speed and quickness as an edge rusher. All of these drills are perfect for football workouts since they force you to develop explosiveness in the hips and the strength to toss around running backs. Assessing Noah Sewell's performance at the 2023 NFL Combine Whereas, athletes at larger powerhouse schools might not need to be a multi-year varsity starter to get some looks. He must be able to catch a jump ball as easy as a post, shallow, slant or hitch. In a three man front, he will generally play over the guard to the strong side and generally has the responsibility of stopping the. He is typically very athletic and quick. That's what linebackers do. With his eyes on the running back, the mike linebacker sees and keys on the linemen. If the guard come out for a run play they know that they need to fill the gap that they are supposed to so that they can make a play if it comes to them. Instinctive in the run game. All rights reserved. Families who arent sure where their school lands on this spectrum should reach out to their current high school coach for more perspective. He should be one of the fastest kids on the field. Jack Campbell - University of Iowa Athletics We think rugby flankers are the nearest equivalent position to linebackers. Linebacker strength is constantly being put to the test, no matter what technique you play. Average weights of running backs in NFL and college football, Average weights of linemen in NFL and college football, Average weights of quarterbacks in NFL and college football, Average weights of wide receivers in NFL and college football, Average weights of defensive backs in NFL and college football, difference in weights between linemen in college and the NFL, compares whether NFL players are bigger than rugby players. For linebackers, the average shuttle time is 4.3 seconds, average 40 is 4.71 seconds, and the average broad jump is 9 feet, 8 inches.