Top 10 Linebackers of all time

[mat1992 2,233]

Once again, all FCS, but can't forget Jeff Boller, the all-time leader in tackles with 382. A HOFer. This list was very difficult when it came to ranking the top 10 ILBs. There were many good ones and some great.

1)Telvion Clark (2012-13). Virginia Tech transfer. Had 194 tackles in two seasons. Was named second-team All-American in 2013 and first-team All-CAA after recording 145 tackles in 16 games for the championship runner-up. Five forced fumbles, had 4.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries and five pass breakups in 2013. So wound up with 194 tackles in two seasons. Played some in the CFL.

2)Monte Gaddis (2012-13). Undersized at around 5-10, 205, but very good tackler who earned second-team All-CAA in 2012 and 2013. Second-team All-American in 2012. Had 124 tackles with two picks in 2013 and 74 tackles with 12 TFLs in 2012. Finished with 198 tackles in two seasons. 

3)P.D. Moore (2001-04). Also played some safety. Another undersized backer at around 5-10, 190. Had 274 tackles. Earned third-team All-American in 2004. First team All-A-10 in 2004 and first-team All-PL in 2003 and 2002 as a DB. Led the team in tackles with 111 in 2004. Finished with 11 sacks, 20 pass breakups and four fumble recoveries. Also had 8 picks and three returned for TDs. HOfer.

4)Robert Heyward (2016-19). Another undersized backer at 5-11, but fast and strong (listed at 235 as a senior). Finished tied for ninth with 274 tackles along with HOFer. P.D. Moore. Heyward was very good against the pass. Earned second-team All-CAA in 2019 and 2018. Had 35.5 tackles for loss in his career. Had three picks.

5)Brian Bradford (2004-07). Good size at 6-2, 240. One of best LB duos in school history with John Webb. As a senior, he was named first-team All-American and first-team All-CAA. All-conference pick for three straight seasons. Had 149 tackles in 11 games as a senior, which was 30 tackles more than anyone else in the CAA. Wound up with 328 tackles to rank fourth all-time. Had 7.5 sacks.

6)Mike Arbutina (1991-94). An outstanding middle linebacker in the early nineties who finished second-all-time in tackles with 361. Listed at 5-11, 202. Which made what he did more impressive. Also had eight sacks, three fumble recoveries and 17 pass breakups. HOFer.

7)Jordan Manning (2005-08). Finished third-all-time in tackles with 338. Underrated linebacker because he also played with Bradford and Webb. Earned third-team All-CAA in 2008. Very fast linebacker who played inside and outside. Led team with 105 tackles in 2008,  93 tackles in 2006 and with 80 tackles in 2005.  Had 44 tackles for loss. 

7)Diondre Wallace (2015-18). Seventh-all time in tackles with 290. Third-team All-CAA in 2018. Very strong in run support. Had 3.5 sacks and 10 TFLs.

9)John Webb (2004-07). Rangy linebacker. Named All-Conference Academic team. Third-team All-A-10 in 2006 along with Bradford. Played a bunch of positions including free safety, defensive end and outside linebacker. So breaking my rule about using all inside linebackers but he has to be on some list. Finished with 308 tackles to rank fifth all-time, also had 16.5 sacks and seven pass breakups. 

10)Neal Regan (2000-03). Second-team All-PL in 2003 and 2002. Had 2004 tackles in those seasons along with seven sacks, three fumble recoveries and 10 pass breakups.

HM Jim Colongo (1994-97) and Donte Blakey (2006-10). Colongo ranked sixth-all-time in tackles with 302 and I know that was mainly ECAC non-scholarship era, but he was a tackling machine who was 5-11, 205. Blakey was one of the more talented linebackers. A shoulder injury cost him most of his junior season. Had 158 tackles. Had a great senior season in 2010 with 85 tackles and was third-team All-CAA that season.

[TigerFan54 102]

Arbutina was tough as nails, and I loved PD Moore's energy. (Very likable guy too.)