There is plenty to love about SEC Football and one of the biggest crowd pops on any given Saturday in the South is going to come when a linebacker flattens an offensive player with a vicious hit. Generations of linebackers have made the SEC their own personal playground for athletic brutality and that trend is sure to continue on in 2021 with these five linebackers, in particular, being ones to watch out for as the season unfolds.
By Steve Wright
Here are the five best linebackers in the SEC entering the 2021 season:
5. Grant Morgan – Aransas Razorbacks
Arkansas is one of many SEC teams with a couple of studs at the linebacker position. What they have over most teams is experience, with senior Grant Morgan leading the defense and having played all but one game since 2017. Last season Morgan was simply superb, accounting for a ridiculous 110 total tackles (second in the conference), 7.5 tackles for a loss, a pair of sacks, and five passes broken up. Morgan is a blue collar player, one who rarely gets beaten and who will often track down a play across the field thanks to his effort and ability to beat blockers to the point of contact.
4. Zakoby McClain – Auburn Tigers
When you think of Zakoby McClain the factors playing in his favor are his consistency and his ability to make big plays when they are required. He led the SEC in tackles last year with 113 and also in solo tackles with 57. McClain also contributed momentum stopping plays with 5.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, and a forced fumble. He isn’t a wow player that is going to b highlighted every week, but every defense needs a player like McClain anchoring the defense and making important plays.
3. Adam Anderson – Georgia Bulldogs
Adam Anderson is a hybrid LB/DE but he does most of his work without his hand on the turf. The 6-foot-5, 225 pounder had a limited role last season, but when he was called on to rush the passer he was as dangerous as any player in the SEC in that role. He finished second on the team in sacks last season and has eight for his career entering the 2021 campaign. Don’t be shocked to see Anderson double that number this fall.
2. Henry To’o To’o – Alabama Crimson Tide
Three Alabama linebackers could be on this like – Will Anderson Jr. is the one I have missing out – but the addition through the transfer portal of former Tennessee Volunteer Henry To’o To’o is almost unfair in regards to the strength ‘Bama now has at the position. Over the last two seasons while playing for Vols. A team that was hardly setting the world on fire, To’o To’o picked up 140 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks. And four pass breakups. To’o To’o will immediately add to the Crimson Tide’s rushing defense and will be a huge player in 2021.
1. Christian Harris – Alabama Crimson Tide
A starter since day one as a true freshman, Harris was a machine as a sophomore last season. In the pandemic shortened campaign he had 79 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, a pair of pass breakups, and one pick. Harris anchors Nick Saban’s defense on the weak side as he has outstanding play recognition skills and he is rarely fooled out of the job he is supposed to be doing. As comfortable in short passing zones as he is rushing the quarterback, Harris has an all-around skill set that really makes him stand out.
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