A deep and talented linebacker class in California is led by Galippo, the top backer in the nation and the MVP of the U.S. Army All-American Game. Smith and Lewis are two of the best athletes in the country and both had excellent seasons as running backs while Holt may be one of the best pure football players in California. Pritchett and Sloan are the top backers from NorCal. Matthews has linebacker in his blood and White plays much bigger than his size
MIDDLE LINEBACKERS:
1. Chris Galippo, 6-2, 230, Anaheim (Calif.) Servite
Committed to: USC
Simply the best linebacker in the country.
2. Terrance Pritchett, 6-3, 200, Sacramento (Calif.) Grant
Committed to: Oregon
Big and quick, Pritchett is the best linebacker in Northern California.
3. Robert Mullins, 6-2, 205, Los Angeles (Calif.) Dorsey
Committed to: California
Missed senior year with hip injury, but outstanding junior year indicates a bright future.
4. Terrell Turner, 6-2, 225, Los Angeles (Calif.) Crenshaw
Committed to: Oregon
Late bloomer found his niche at linebacker after moving from defensive line.
5. Demetrice Parks, 6-2, 225, Long Beach (Calif.) Poly
Stalwart in the middle of stingy Poly defense was a tackling machine.
WEAKSIDE LINEBACKERS:
1. Malcolm Smith, 6-2, 215, Woodland Hills (Calif.) Taft
Committed to: USC
One of the best athletes in California, Smith could even play safety in college.
2. Jordan Campbell, 6-0, 226, Norco (Calif.)
Committed to: USC
Few scream “linebacker” more than Campbell, a fiery defender with a vicious nasty streak.
3. Austin Stafford, 6-3, 210, Hayward (Calif.)
Committed to: Nebraska
Former defensive end will be able to roam for the “Blackshirts”.
4. Hunter White, 5-11, 200, Huntington Beach (Calif.) Edison
Committed to: Boise State
May be undersized, but plays big and hits even bigger.
5. Tyler Beck, 6-1.5, 205, Murrieta (Calif.) Vista Murrieta
Committed to: BYU
Do-it-all prospect is one of the Cougars top defensive commits.
The Next 5:
6. Mason Foster, 6-3, 226, Seaside (Calif.)- Washington
7. Matt Singletary, 6-3, 210, San Jose (Calif.) Valley Christian- Baylor
8. Kyler O’Neal, 5-11, 200, Oakland (Calif.) McClymonds- San Jose State
9. Howard Bowens, 6-0, 216, Claremont (Calif.)
10. Curtis Wilson, 6-1, 210, Los Angeles (Calif.) Verbum Dei
STRONGSIDE LINEBACKERS:
1. Malachi Lewis, 6-4, 215, Oxnard (Calif.) Rio Mesa
Committed to: Oregon
Will get a shot at running back for Oregon, but could be a bigtime backer.
2. Steve Sloan, 6-3, 228, San Jose (Calif.) Archbishop Mitty
Committed to: UCLA
The best linebacker in the Bay Area, Sloan played entire season with a broken hand yet still racked up triple-digit tackles.
3. D.J. Holt, 6-2, 235, Encino (Calif.) Crespi
Committed to: California
Holt is arguably the best “football player” in California in the class of 2007 and should make Golden Bear fans plenty happy.
4. Casey Matthews, 6-2, 220, Westlake Village (Calif.) Oaks Christian
Committed to: Oregon
The anchor of the Lions defense, Matthews may know the linebacker position better than anyone in the country.
5. Chris Carter, 6-2, 205, Fontana (Calif.) Kaiser
Committed to: Fresno State
Excellent pass-rusher in high school, Carter moves to linebacker for college.
The Next 5:
6. Andre Ferguson, 6-4, 210, Redlands (Calif.) East Valley
7. Miles Burris, 6-2.5, 242, Granite Bay (Calif.)- San Diego State
8. Tyler Ahles, 6-2, 235, San Bernardino (Calif.) Cajon- Colorado
9. Lawrence Winston, 6-2, 215, Compton
10. Travis McNaughton, 6-2, 230, Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei- Northern Arizona