Rivals Rankings Week: Class of 2021 LB rankings released
CLASS OF 2020 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | State | Position | Team
CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals100 | Position
Following a long spring of camps, 7-on-7s and combines, the Rivals.com rankings for the 2021 class have been released. Linebacker is next in our look at a position-by-position breakdown of the updated rankings.
Class of 2021 Linebacker rankings: Inside linebacker | Outside linebacker
Rivals Rankings Week:
Tuesday: 2021 Rivals100 revealed | Vandagriff No. 1 | Mind of Mike
Wednesday: 2021 Offensive position rankings
Thursday: 2021 Defensive position rankings revealed
Friday: 2021 State rankings revealed
TEAM WITH TOP COMMIT: USC
This might sound hard to believe, but there are 112 linebackers with offers in the 2021 class and there are eight linebackers in the initial Rivals100.
Only one of them is committed. Out of more than 100 prospects, the only one who has made a pledge so far is Ma’a Gaoteote, who recently transferred from Las Vegas (Nev.) Faith Lutheran to Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy for his junior season.
Gaoteote picked USC in February 2018 and Trojan fans are familiar with the name since his older brother, Palaie, is already on the roster. His move to IMG Academy could get more SEC and ACC powerhouses involved in his recruitment, but so far the 2021 linebacker remains happily committed to USC.
TOP PROSPECT: SMAEL MONDON
There has been a lot made about no linebackers making the top 30 in the initial 2021 rankings, but as the analysts get a closer look at Mondon and possibly some others, some drastic moves up could be in order for the next round of rankings.
The Dallas (Ga.) Paulding County standout is an athletic specimen who has really made significant strides in his game over the last year. He’s such a phenomenal and explosive athlete that he’s also used at running back on his team. Colleges have taken notice as Mondon now lists more than a dozen offers. Georgia and Auburn are believed to hold an edge but Alabama, Florida, Ohio State and others are also in the mix.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Jonathan Flowe
One of the more intriguing players in the entire 2021 class is Upland, Calif., standout Jonathan Flowe, who already has 23 offers and he also happens to be the brother of five-star linebacker Justin Flowe in the 2020 class.
Jonathan Flowe had an outstanding sophomore season flying to the ball, making plays, showing off tremendous athleticism and physical ability and dominating on the defensive side. It will be interesting to see if his recruitment takes much shape or if his future destination is determined by where his brother goes.
During the season, Flowe said he and his brother often talk about recruiting and playing together. With so many options for himself, the two could be a package deal.