Seniors rule top preseason LB rankingsBy Todd McShayScouts Inc.Seniors rule the preseason rankings for the nation's top returning linebackers, with Penn State's dominating Paul Posluszny taking the top honors.1. Paul Posluszny, Penn State, SR, 6-2, 231Posluszny is a throwback-type linebacker with very good physical tools and even better intangibles. He possesses adequate size and good speed, but his rare instincts and ferocious mentality are what make him a special player. Posluszny's 116 tackles paced what was one of the Nittany Lions' best defensive performances in the school's illustrious history. He did tear two ligaments in his right knee during Penn State's Orange Bowl victory over Florida State, but the good news is that the injury did not require surgery. Assuming he returns to form as a senior, Posluszny will be a shoe-in for consecutive first-team All-American honors -- not to mention the top linebacker selected in the 2007 draft.2. Patrick Willis, Mississippi, SR, 6-2, 232Willis has flown somewhat under the radar from a national college football perspective, but NFL scouts have been clamoring over his pro potential since he broke through as a full-time starter in 2004. Over the course of the last two seasons, he has ranked among the country's most productive defenders with 198 combined tackles. Assuming he fully recovers from offseason foot surgery, Willis has the instincts, range and explosive power to once again keep Ole Miss' defense respectable after it finished 27th nationally in total defense a year ago. Willis also projects as the top inside linebacker in next year's draft class.3. Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma, SR, 6-0, 233Alexander is a prototypical weakside linebacker with adequate size to complement his impressive blend of speed and athleticism. During the past two seasons as a full-time starter for the Sooners, Alexander has displayed his consistency and big-play prowess with a combined total of 176 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, seven sacks, two interceptions, five forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. It's safe to say that Alexander is the premier player on what could be college football's most talent-laden defensive unit in 2006.4. Brandon Siler, Florida, JR, 6-1, 235Siler has been a force since the day he stepped on the Gainesville campus. The true junior has already collected 141 tackles, including 20 for losses, and he is reportedly in the best shape of his life. At 6-foot-1, 235 pounds, Siler has one of the best combinations of size, speed and power of any linebacker in college football. NFL scouts are also impressed with this youngster's work ethic, leadership and diligence in the classroom.5. H.B. Blades, Pittsburgh, SR, 6-0, 242Blades lacks ideal height and speed, but his size, strength, instincts and mean streak are tough to ignore. Blades comes from a long line of ruthless defensive standouts (father Bennie was drafted by the Lions in 1988, and uncles Al and Brian were also standouts at University of Miami before playing in the NFL). When the 2006 season concludes, H.B. could go down as the most productive college player in the Blades family. As it stands right now, he has notched 286 tackles in three seasons with the Panthers.6. Vince Hall, Virginia Tech, JR, 6-0, 234Hall, who emerged as one of the ACC's most dominant young defenders with 112 tackles last season, is primed to take the college football nation by storm as a junior in 2006. On top of his outstanding combination of size, athletic ability and power, Hall impresses me with his efficiency as a tackler, which unfortunately is becoming a lost art these days.7. Anthony Waters, Clemson, SR, 6-3, 241Waters may be a bit overrated as a pro prospect at this point, but it's hard to argue with his impact on the college gridiron. Waters, who is entering his third season as a full-time starter, collected 70 tackles as an outside linebacker in 2004 before moving inside to replace Leroy Hill (Seahawks) in 2005, when he upped the ante, making 109 total tackles, including 13.5 tackles-for-loss.8. Desmond Bishop, California, SR, 6-2, 242The former JUCO All-American exceeded expectations during his first season in Berkeley. He immediately took over as the full-time starter at middle linebacker and finished the year with 89 tackles. With that experience and a full offseason of conditioning under his belt, the explosively quick and powerful Bishop is primed to compete for first team All Pac-10 honors in 2006.9. Lawrence Timmons, Florida State, JR, 6-3, 235OK, I'll admit it. I'm giving in to hype over substance with this choice. Timmons demonstrated flashes of future stardom during his 35-tackle, three-sack campaign as sophomore last season, but it certainly wasn't enough to warrant top-10 billing among all returning linebackers in college football. However, when the longtime -- and typically understated -- defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews speaks this highly about a young man's development during the spring, I must listen. With Ernie Sims (Lions) and A.J. Nicholson (Bengals) gone to the NFL, there's room for Timmons to emerge as the next great Seminole linebacker this fall.10. Sam Olajubutu, Arkansas, SR, 5-9, 230Davis proved to be an offensive spark plug when healthy as a freshman last season. Clemson was undefeated in the five games that Davis finished with 15 or more carries; the team was 3-4 in the other seven contests. A full offseason of training should lead to a more durable Davis in 2005. With all five starting offensive linemen returning, Davis should put up monster numbers as the Tigers' offensive focal point.The next best 15:11. Xavier Adibi, Virginia Tech, junior12. Justin Warren, Texas A&M, senior13. LaMarr Woodley, Michigan, senior14. Earl Everett, Florida, senior15. Jon Beason, Miami, junior16. Buster Davis, Florida State, senior17. Brian Toal, Boston College, junior18. Kevin McLee, West Virginia, senior19. Thaddaeus Washington, Colorado, senior20. Dan Connor, Penn State, junior21. Corey McKeon, Nebraska, junior22. Greg Moffitt, South Florida, junior23. Rashad Bobino, Texas, sophomore24. Oscar Lua, USC, senior25. Rob Caldwell, Navy, senior <span style="color:#6600CC">ESPN decided not to post the pictures this time around....</span>
