Rivals Rankings Week: Updated 2022 linebacker rankings
Rivals continues to roll out its updated rankings for the 2022 class and our focus today moves to linebackers. We touch on the program with the highest-ranked linebacker commit, single out a program that is trending for big names and identify a top prospect that will have a lot of eyes on him because of a potential commitment.
2022 DEFENSIVE RANKINGS: Outside linebacker | Inside linebacker | Strongside defensive end | Weakside defensive end | Defensive tackle
2022 OFFENSIVE RANKINGS: Offensive tackle | Offensive guard | Center | Wide receiver | Tight end | Running back | All-purpose back | Pro-style quarterback | Dual-threat quarterback
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RIVALS RANKINGS WEEK SCHEDULE:
Monday: Five-Star Countdown
Tuesday: New Rivals250 | Big movers | Where five-stars stand | Five-star watch | Farrell's thoughts
Wednesday: Offensive position rankings released | Programs with most commits
Thursday: Defensive position rankings released
Friday: State rankings released
CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team
COVERAGE: Rivals Transfer Tracker | Rivals Camp Series
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PROGRAM WITH THE TOP COMMIT: Ohio State
What a group Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes are putting together at linebacker in 2022. Three of the top four outside linebackers in the 2022 class are already committed to play in Columbus, and the leader of that trio is five-star CJ Hicks.
Gabe Powers and Dasan McCullough are not far from joining Hicks in the five-star ranks. Both Powers and McCullough are ranked among the top 35 prospects in the country. This group is athletic and among the top prospects in the country.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH OHIO STATE FANS AT BUCKEYEGROVE.COM
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PROGRAM TO WATCH: Alabama
Alabama signed a historic class in 2021, and will again compete for the top class in 2022. Linebackers will play a role this cycle. The Crimson Tide have a commitment from Robert Woodyard, the No. 2 inside linebacker in the country, and are in the mix for other elite playmakers.
One is Shawn Murphy, a five-star out of Virginia. The Crimson Tide may not be the team to beat at this stage, but they are definitely among the favorites. Two other top targets are in-state playmakers TJ Dudley and Shemar James. Alabama is expected to be a finalist for each.
When Alabama pursues, it is hard for top recruits to say no, so expect the Tide again to get the majority of who they want in the end.
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PROSPECT TO WATCH: TJ Dudley
The four-star linebacker out of Alabama does not plan to take his recruitment too much further. He grew up an Auburn fan, and the new staff on the Plains has come in and made him a priority, but the Tigers have to play catch up.
Alabama and Clemson are the leaders, and a decision is likely to come this spring. He is not ready yet, but a decision does not appear to be too far away. Will he stay home or leave the state? That is what he is contemplating.