The Top 5 Players of 2008: Linebackers

The linebacker position is one of the most highly regarded in football. A good linebacker must be lightning fast, possess good field vision, uncanny instincts, and crushing strength. The linebacker is the Nostradamus of football - he must recognize what will happen before it happens. I think you will enjoy this list of 2008's top 5 college linebackers.


Wake Forest Linebacker Aaron Curry

1. Aaron Curry (Wake Forest) - Aaron Curry may be a big surprise coming in at number one on my list. Curry, who is 6'3"-247 lbs, has emerged as an elite linebacker during the 2008 season. He finished with 101 tackles (63 solo), 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 INT. Curry received the 2008 Butkus Award for the nation's top linebacker. He was also placed on the first-team All-ACC Team. Look for Curry to be a first round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.
2. Rey Maualuga (USC) - Rey Maualuga has been a menace to PAC 10 offenses in 2008. The 6'3" - 255 lbs linebacker has been compared to Pittsburgh Steelers Safety Troy Polamalu for his aggressive play and hard hits. Maualuga recorded 80 tackles (52 solo), 2 INTs, and 1 TD. He was placed on the 2008 Playboy Pre-season All-American Team, and on the Lombardi Award and Bronko Nagurski Award Watch Lists. He was honored with the 2008 Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the best collegiate defensive player of the year.
3. James Laurinaitis (Ohio State) - The 6'3"-243 lbs Buckeyes linebacker had another great season in 2008. Laurinaitis had a whopping 130 tackles (52 solo), 4 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 2 INTs this past season. He received the 2008 Lott Trophy, presented to the college football defensive IMPACT player of the year. Laurinaitis was also awarded the 2009 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award, which is presented to the outstanding senior NCAA Division 1 Student-Athlete of the year. This was the first year of the award.
4. Mark Herzlich (Boston College) - Mark Herzlich had a fantastic 2008 season for the Eagles of Boston College. Herzlich had a combined 110 tackles with 81 solo tackles. That's right....81 solo tackles! He also contributed 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 6 INTs, and 2 TDs. He was named to the Butkus Award and Lott Trophy Watch Lists during the pre-season. Herzlich was a key factor in Boston College's return trip to the ACC Championship Game in 2008, and managed to give ACC offensive coordinators bad headaches each week. I don't think we are finished seeing what this great linebacker will do on the field.
5. Clint Sintim (Virginia) - The 6'3"-254 lbs, Clint Sintim, had an outstanding 2008 season for the Cavaliers. Sintim developed into a terrific pass-rusher in 2008, apparent by his 69 tackles (38 solo), amazing 10 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.

This will conclude my top 5 linebackers of 2008. Check in tomorrow for The Top 5 Players of 2008: Defensive Backs!