One vs. One: Comparing top LBs from 2017, 2018 classes
Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.
With Signing Day in the rearview mirror and our national rankings shut down, we thought it would be fun to compare the top players at their position in 2017 to the top players at their position in 2018. We call it One versus One and today we look at the linebackers.
MORE ONE VS. ONE: DL | OLs| QBs | RBs | WRs/TEs
CLASS OF '18 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | State | Position | JUCO
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER - BARON BROWNING VS. MICAH PARSONS
The skinny: Browning trimmed his list down to Ohio State, UCLA, Alabama, Michigan, Florida State and TCU before committing to the Buckeyes. He took an official visit to Columbus on the weekend prior to his decision. Playing in only five games in 2017, Browning finished with 14 tackles and 1.5 tackles for a loss for the Buckeyes.
Parsons initially committed to Penn State before re-opening his recruitment and taking visits to Nebraska, Georgia, Ohio State and Oklahoma. However, his desire to play for the Nittany Lions never disappeared, so re-committed on the early Signing Day.
Farrell’s take: While I liked Browning quite a bit and think he will be a future star, Parsons is one of the elite hybrid players I’ve scouted in the last 10 years. The question is, how will he fare if Penn State puts him at middle linebacker, a position foreign to him? Based on quickness, first step, pass rushing ability and sideline to sideline speed, I’m still going with Parsons.
Farrell’s verdict: Parsons
INSIDE LINEBACKER - JORDAN ANTHONY VS. TERADJA MITCHELL
The skinny: Anthony committed to Michigan over Penn State, Auburn, Oklahoma and Maryland in late December. After redshirting in 2017, Anthony will be battling for playing time during the spring and summer. With the linebacking corps being one of the deepest positions for the Wolverines, it will be interesting to see how quickly he progresses.
Mitchell, who was long thought to be a Florida State lean, committed to Ohio State in early June. He joins a young and talented group of linebackers in Columbus.
Farrell’s take: Anthony was an undersized linebacker but very quick twitch, explosive to the football and able to get skinny when he needed to avoid blocks. Mitchell is the opposite, a huge linebacker who takes on blocks well and gets off them to make a play. This is a tough call because they are so different, but I’ll go with Mitchell because he has the prototypical size.
Farrell’s verdict: Mitchell
