How things stand with top five uncommitted 2022 linebackers
The 2022 class is full of major prospects that will be stars at the college level. The twists and turns of their recruiting process will be front and center in a little over a month, so let’s take a look at the recruitment of the top uncommitted prospects at each position. Up next are the linebackers.
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MORE: Top 5 uncommitted 2022 QB | RB | WR | TE | OL | DT | DE
CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
COVERAGE: Rivals Transfer Tracker | Rivals Camp Series
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Top contenders: Ohio State, Alabama, Penn State, Miami
Recruiting outlook: It looked like Murphy was going to end his recruitment early, but the pandemic put everything on pause. Ohio State is the favorite because of his connections to the state and the school, but Alabama and Penn State have been pushing. Miami is in the mix because the Hurricanes are in contact with him a lot, but all of these teams are chasing the Buckeyes.
Farrell’s take: You have to like Ohio State’s chances here, as he’s been close to committing a few times and knows many players in the class.
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Top contenders: Penn State, Maryland, Boston College, Ohio State, Tennessee, Arizona State
Recruiting outlook: Barham doesn’t talk about his recruitment much to the media, his coaches or college coaches. He is quietly going about his business and working on his craft despite not having a fall season. Penn State is a school that he has had some consistent contact with, along with Maryland and Boston College. Other teams haven’t stopped pushing for him, but he just doesn’t seem all that interested in the process at the moment.
Farrell’s take: You have to like Penn State’s chances right now, but don’t count out Maryland or the SEC as they will push for him.
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Top contenders: Washington, USC, Oklahoma, Alabama, Clemson, Colorado, Oregon
Recruiting outlook: Bailey isn’t in a rush to end his recruitment and there are plenty of teams chasing him. Without a season in California this fall, Bailey has had time to build relationships with college coaches. USC and Washington are two teams he’s been in contact with a lot, but Oklahoma, Alabama, Clemson, Oregon and Colorado are also reaching out a lot.
Farrell’s take: I’m going with USC right now, but a lot could change with Clay Helton on the hot seat.
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Top contenders: Maryland, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Virginia, Michigan, Texas
Recruiting outlook: Not being able to visit schools has really hindered Sneed’s recruiting process. He has a long list of offers and recently did a virtual visit with Maryland, but he is working to build relationships with a lot of schools. Expect Sneed to remain in a holding pattern until he can take visits.
Farrell’s take: He’s likely to be one of the top targets for the next coach at South Carolina, and I could see him staying home if he connects with the new Gamecocks coaches.
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Top contenders: Ohio State, Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, North Carolina
Recruiting outlook: Walker released a top six earlier this month, but he isn’t feeling like he needs to commit soon. Clemson looks like the favorite because of his relationships there and how close it is to home, but Ohio State is keeping him warm. Look for Walker to try to take some key visits once the dead period is over and then commit soon thereafter.
Farrell’s take: To me, Clemson is clearly the team to beat here, with everyone else a distant second.