The updated Rivals250 for the class of 2022 has been released. The linebacker group is one of the deepest and most talented positions in this cycle, with five-stars Shawn Murphy, CJ Hicks and Gabe Powers at the top, followed by some of the most sought-after inside and off-ball backers, and edge defenders Jaylen Sneed (Notre Dame), Harold Perkins, Dasan McCollough (Indiana) and Shemar James (Florida).
Here is more on the updated linebacker rankings.
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TODAY'S RANKINGS RELEASE: Inside linebackers | Outside linebackers | Strongside defensive ends | Weakside defensive ends | Defensive tackles
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RIVALS RANKINGS WEEK
Monday: Five-star countdown
Tuesday: Rivals250 unveiled | Gorney's thoughts | Biggest movers | Meet the new five-stars | Should Walter Nolen be the No. 1 DL?
Wednesday: QB rankings spotlight | RB rankings spotlight | WR/TE rankings spotlight | OL rankings spotlight | Who should be the No. 1 RB?
Thursday: DL rankings spotlight | LB rankings spotlight | DB rankings spotlight | ATH rankings spotlight
Friday: State rankings
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TEAMS WITH TOP COMMIT: Alabama, Ohio State
Ohio State is putting the Big Ten on notice with commitments from the nation’s top two outside linebackers. Hicks and Powers rank Nos. 1 and 2, respectively, at their position and both five-stars ranked inside the top 25 nationally. Hicks is an athletic off-ball linebacker who has thrived in coverage and patrolling over the middle of the field. Powers is emerging as a possible edge defender that could put his hand in the dirt when he arrives in Columbus.
As much as the Buckeyes have grabbed attention for their outside backer pledges, Alabama is doing damage with the inside linebackers. Shawn Murphy pledged to the Tide over LSU and Florida this summer, and paired with in-state standout Robert Woodyard, gives Alabama a massive 1-2 punch for the second level of its defense moving forward.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH ALABAMA FANS AT BAMAINSIDER.COM
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PLAYER ON THE RISE: Shemar James
Playing both linebacker and wide receiver for Mobile (Ala.) Faith Academy, Shemar James was among the top athletes in the Rivals250 before he was inserted as the No. 2 inside backer and No. 40 overall player in the class.
James plays with a relentless, downhill style and he’s primed to cause havoc. The athleticism he flashes on offense should make for a very intriguing linebacker at Florida.
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PLAYER TO WATCH: Harold Perkins
As with other highly rated linebackers such as James or Murphy, Harold Perkins is one of the best in the country for his rare skillset and ability to cover, blitz and defend the run at such a high level.
This offseason, Perkins saw Texas A&M and LSU a good bit and also explored Texas. He made mention of Florida, USC and Miami. Perkins flirted with making a decision, but he will need some in-game visits before finalizing his plans. The Aggies have momentum, but Perkins — a viable five-star contender — will take his time before giving a commitment.
