Seniors rule the preseason rankings for the nation's top returning linebackers, with Penn State's dominating Paul Posluszny taking the top honors.
1. Paul Posluszny, Penn State, SR, 6-2, 231
Posluszny is a throwback-type linebacker with very good physical tools and even better intangibles. He possesses adequate size and good speed, but his rare instincts and ferocious mentality are what make him a special player. Posluszny's 116 tackles paced what was one of the Nittany Lions' best defensive performances in the school's illustrious history. He did tear two ligaments in his right knee during Penn State's Orange Bowl victory over Florida State, but the good news is that the injury did not require surgery. Assuming he returns to form as a senior, Posluszny will be a shoe-in for consecutive first-team All-American honors -- not to mention the top linebacker selected in the 2007 draft.
2. Patrick Willis, Mississippi, SR, 6-2, 232
Willis has flown somewhat under the radar from a national college football perspective, but NFL scouts have been clamoring over his pro potential since he broke through as a full-time starter in 2004. Over the course of the last two seasons, he has ranked among the country's most productive defenders with 198 combined tackles. Assuming he fully recovers from offseason foot surgery, Willis has the instincts, range and explosive power to once again keep Ole Miss' defense respectable after it finished 27th nationally in total defense a year ago. Willis also projects as the top inside linebacker in next year's draft class.
3. Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma, SR, 6-0, 233
Alexander is a prototypical weakside linebacker with adequate size to complement his impressive blend of speed and athleticism. During the past two seasons as a full-time starter for the Sooners, Alexander has displayed his consistency and big-play prowess with a combined total of 176 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, seven sacks, two interceptions, five forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. It's safe to say that Alexander is the premier player on what could be college football's most talent-laden defensive unit in 2006.
4. Brandon Siler, Florida, JR, 6-1, 235
Siler has been a force since the day he stepped on the Gainesville campus. The true junior has already collected 141 tackles, including 20 for losses, and he is reportedly in the best shape of his life. At 6-foot-1, 235 pounds, Siler has one of the best combinations of size, speed and power of any linebacker in college football. NFL scouts are also impressed with this youngster's work ethic, leadership and diligence in the classroom.
5. H.B. Blades, Pittsburgh, SR, 6-0, 242
Blades lacks ideal height and speed, but his size, strength, instincts and mean streak are tough to ignore. Blades comes from a long line of ruthless defensive standouts (father Bennie was drafted by the Lions in 1988, and uncles Al and Brian were also standouts at University of Miami before playing in the NFL). When the 2006 season concludes, H.B. could go down as the most productive college player in the Blades family. As it stands right now, he has notched 286 tackles in three seasons with the Panthers.
