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Top 5 AAC Linebackers in 2013
August 23, 2013 10:27 pm EDT by
AAC Football
One week. That is all that remains until the 2013 college football season finally kicks off. It has been a long and much anticipated wait for fans across the country, as well as all the programs that have worked tirelessly to prepare for this very time.
The American Athletic Conference embarks on its first inaugural season and sports a much different look after conference realignment gave it a makeover. Though it took one of the heavier hits out of all the leagues affected by programs switching, the AAC still has very talented teams and players.
In fact, the AAC will have some of the most high-powered offenses in the nation, most notably the Louisville Cardinals. With some of the offenses the league will field, defenses will be overshadowed. But there is no shortage of talented defensive units and players.
Leading up to the 2013 season, we have ranked the top five players at each position in the AAC, beginning with the quarterbacks at the start of July. Last week, we ranked the top five defensive linemen the league has to offer. This week we take a look at the top five linebackers.
The AAC is loaded with big-time playmakers at the position and holds its own against the top conferences in the country. The following is a list of the top five linebackers for the league in 2013. It is not based on who will have the best year when it is all said and done, but on each player's previous play and their expectations heading into the season.
Bryan Heater is an AAC basketball and football columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, Friend him on Facebook or add him to your Google network.
No.5 Tyler Matakevich
When you talk about some of the best up and comers at the position, Temple Owls' Tyler Matakevich has to come to mind. Last year as a freshman, he recorded 101 tackles (67 solo, 34 assisted) and three tackles for loss. It is rare that you see a freshman make so many stops, but the 6-foot-1, 220-pound emerging sophomore was everywhere on the field.
Matakevich possesses the necessary skills to become one of the premiere linebackers in the country. He will only get stronger as time progresses and despite a monster first year, he still has lots of room for improvement.
No.4 Preston Brown
As mentioned, the Cardinals will have one of the best offenses in the country, but that doesn't mean there aren't play makers on the defensive side. Senior Preston Brown is a leader on the defense, making 109 stops, three tackles for loss and an interception in 2012. His 6-foot-2, 255-pound frame allows him to shed blocks and get to the ball.
He also has surprisingly good speed for someone his size. Expect Brown to turn in another solid campaign in 2013 and continue to be an anchor for the Louisville defense.
No.3 Yawin Smallwood
The Connecticut Huskies have one of the premiere young linebackers in junior Yawin Smallwood. To say he had a great 2012 season would be an understatement. For the year, he tallied 120 tackles (59 solo, 61 assisted), 15 tackles for loss and four sacks. He has great size at 6-foot-3, 244 pounds and plays from sideline to sideline.
Smallwood also has great instincts when it comes to reading plays, and is a bull rusher when he pursues the quarterback. He has the ability to play on Sundays. All signs point to an even better year in 2013.
No.2 Derrick Matthews
Not many people think of defense when the Houston Cougars come up, but 6-foot, 210-pound junior Derrick Matthews is a defensive machine. As a sophomore, Matthews recorded 126 tackles (46 solo, 80 assisted), 17 tackles for loss and six sacks. He is undersized for a linebacker and will need to add more weight and muscle. But, he could be the fastest linebacker in the AAC.
His size allows him to move much faster. He is great in pass coverage, indicated by his eight pass breakups. If he can add more weight, Matthews has the ability to be the best in the league.
No.1 Greg Blair
Coming in at the No. 1 overall spot is Cincinnati Bearcats senior Greg Blair. In 2012, he made a remarkable 138 tackles (68 solo, 70 assisted), nine tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and two interceptions. Basically, wherever the ball was, you could bet Blair wasn't far away. His combination of size and speed for a 6-foot-2, 252-pound linebacker gives him a decisive advantage during pursuit.
Though it will be tough to match last year's output, it wouldn't be wise to put it past him. Blair has a never-ending motor and should be the top at his position in 2013.
Be sure to check out the Rant Sports 100 in 100 Series, a preview of the top 100 College Football Teams for the 2013 Season!
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