What is a linebacker in football?

What is a linebacker in football?

Their job is to shed the blocks of the offensive linemen and tackle ball carriers, usually running backs coming through the line or quarterbacks dropping back to pass. If a player is on the defensive line, they are generally big and strong. Linebacker (LB) – As the name implies, the Linebackers back the defensive line.

What is a linebacker size?

So what is the ideal size for a linebacker? It's changing. You want height (6'1-6'3) and weight for an Inside Linebacker (ILB) to be around 220-245; to take on guards and h-backs. But you still have to move as a linebacker so stiff won't win in the Power 5.

Are linebackers usually big?

Linebackers are often smaller than offensive linemen, but their speed in comparison is much better, which allows them to erase any disadvantages. For example, center Jeff Saturday is 6'2" and 295 pounds. Linebacker Ray Lewis is 6'1" and 250 lbs. ... Linebackers have to be big if they want to be game changers.

What does an NFL linebacker do?

A linebacker in football is part of the defense. Linebackers are responsible for stopping both the run and the pass. They must be both athletic to play the pass but also big enough to stop the running attack. Linebackers are known as the leaders and play-callers of the defense.

What's a Mike linebacker?

The middle linebacker, often called the "Mike", is frequently the "quarterback of the defense". His central role on the field means he is in the best position to call defensive plays and direct shifts and changes based on what the offense is doing.

Why is linebacker called Mike?

The middle linebacker, or MIKE, is the quarterback of the defense and got his name because he is positioned in the middle of the defense (more or less). ... The MIKE's first order of business is to keep the weakside linebacker (WILL) “clean” by neutralizing any offensive linemen who reach the second level.

How do you become a linebacker?

0:101:58Football Tips : How to Become a Better Linebacker - YouTubeYouTube

How do linebackers train?

3:239:53Strength Training For Linebackers | 4 Tips To Improve Football PerformanceYouTube

How tall are running backs?

The average NFL running back today clocks in just under 6 feet tall, so it's not that rare to find one that stands around 5'8”. However, none of them are more memorable, more dazzling, or more magnificent than the great Barry Sanders.

What is a rush linebacker?

Rush Linebacker: Sometimes is called the "elephant" of the defense. ... They always line up on the weak side (where the tight end isn't) of the defense. Their primary goal is to get after the quarterback, and generally teams use a gifted pass rusher on this role.

Who is the best linebacker in the NFL?

• 1) Bobby Wagner. While he just turned 31, Wagner is still the best inside linebacker in football. ... 2) Fred Warner. We went back and forth on whether Warner should be the top linebacker on our list, but we ultimately landed at No. ... 3) Eric Kendricks. ... 4) Darius Leonard. ... 5) Lavonte David. ... 6) Devin White. ... 7) Roquan Smith. ... 8) Demario Davis. ... 9) Deion Jones. ... 10) Tremaine Edmunds. ...

Who is the greatest linebacker of all time?

• The 15 Greatest NFL Linebackers of All Time Chuck Bednarik. How good of a football player was Chuck Bednarik? ... Ray Nitschke. Ray Nitschke was your classic NFL goon and a complete linebacker. ... Dick Butkus. ... Bobby Bell. ... Willie Lanier. ... Jack Ham. ... Jack Lambert. ... Harry Carson. ... Mike Singletary. ... Lawrence Taylor. ...

What position is the linebacker in football?

• A linebacker (LB or backer) is a playing position in American football and Canadian football. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards (4 m) behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen, and therefore "back up the line.".

What does an outside linebacker do in football?

• The outside linebacker designated as the strong side linebacker lines up on the side of the field that the offensive unit’s tight end lines up on or on the side that has the most offensive players. When a tight end is present, the strong side linebacker usually lines up directly across from him.