We utilized the Pro Football Focus (PFF) database and grading system to take a look at the highest-graded returning linebackers across FCS football entering the 2023 season.
Each player’s PFF Grade represents their overall defensive grade from the 2022 season, including postseason games. Linebackers who played 20% of the minimum number of snaps were included in the rankings below. All rankings and statistics were gathered using the Pro Football Focus database.
*NOTE: These rankings are not the official Bluebloods FCS Positional Rankings For The 2023 Season*
1. Liam Johnson (Princeton)
PFF Defensive Grade: 92.8
2022 Statistics: 90 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1 sacks, 1 interception, 3 pass breakups
2. Bryce McCormick (Furman)
PFF Defensive Grade: 90.9
2022 Statistics: 77 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 3 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery
3. Winston Reid (Weber State)
PFF Defensive Grade: 90.1
2022 Statistics: 112 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 1 interception
4. Noah Martin (Samford)
PFF Defensive Grade: 90.0
2022 Statistics: 92 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception, 2 pass breakups
5. Adam Bock (South Dakota State)
PFF Defensive Grade: 86.4
2022 Statistics: 76 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 1 forced fumble
6. Armon Bailey (Sacramento State)
PFF Defensive Grade: 86.3
2022 Statistics: 88 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 4 pass breakups
7. Bryce Norman (Southeast Missouri)
PFF Defensive Grade: 85.6
2022 Statistics: 119 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, 6 pass breakups
8. Nathan Arthur (Dayton)
PFF Defensive Grade: 84.1
2022 Statistics: 73 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 pass breakup
9. Ken Standley (Mercer)
PFF Defensive Grade: 83.9
2022 Statistics: 85 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 2 pass breakups
10. Maurio Goings (Delaware State)
PFF Defensive Grade: 83.6
2022 Statistics: 47 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 pass breakup
11. Teddye Buchanan (UC Davis)
PFF Defensive Grade: 82.6
2022 Statistics: 44 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, 5 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble
T-12. Mike DeNucci (Lehigh)
PFF Defensive Grade: 82.5
2022 Statistics: 66 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, 1 forced fumble
T-12. Shane Hartzell (Villanova)
PFF Defensive Grade: 82.5
2022 Statistics: 74 total tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 1 forced fumble
14. Isaac Dowling (Mercer)
PFF Defensive Grade: 82.4
2022 Statistics: 99 total tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 interceptions, 3 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble
15. Lewis Matthews (Grambling State)
PFF Defensive Grade: 82.2
2022 Statistics: 103 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 2 sacks
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