With the world's best athletes set to compete in the Summer Games in Rio, we thought we'd get in on the fun by holding a medal competition at each major position group. College Football 24/7 analysts ranked the top three players at each position, with points assigned to each player accordingly -- three points for each first-place ranking, two for each second-place ranking and one for each third-place ranking. The points were totaled, resulting in final gold-, silver- and bronze-medal finishers. The medal presentation continues with linebackers.
Linebacker Podium
GOLD MEDAL: Raekwon McMillan, Ohio State
SILVER MEDAL: Reuben Foster, Alabama
BRONZE MEDAL: Jarrad Davis, Florida
Also receiving votes: Kendell Beckwith, LSU; Vince Biegel, Wisconsin; Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt; Malik Jefferson, Texas; Josey Jewell, Iowa; Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Tennessee; Anthony Walker, Northwestern; Tim Williams, Alabama.
Analyst ballots
Daniel Jeremiah: 1) Raekwon McMillan 2) Reuben Foster 3) Kendell Beckwith
Ohio State lost a ton of defensive talent to the 2016 NFL Draft, but it still has several young studs remaining. McMillan is a downhill thumper with enough speed to make plays on the perimeter as well. Foster was all over the field in the national-championship game. Beckwith is a huge inside linebacker (6-foot-2, 252 pounds, per school measurements) and he is very productive inside the tackle box. He can bang with interior offensive linemen and he is a physical, chest-up tackler.
Lance Zierlein: 1) Anthony Walker 2) Zach Cunningham 3) Raekwon McMillan
There are some extremely productive linebackers vying for the gold and it will be a close race. Walker uses speed and instincts to rack up his stats. Cunningham operates in that same fashion.
Bucky Brooks: 1) Tim Williams 2) Reuben Foster 3) Raekwon McMillan
Williams is a rugged traffic cop with outstanding instincts and diagnostic skills. Foster and McMillan are bullies between the hashes.
Charles Davis: 1) Raekwon McMillan 2) Reuben Foster 3) Vince Biegel
McMillan is a force at ILB,. He can thump and run. Foster is the consummate Alabama ILB. He can run, hit and take on blocks. He's well-coached in pro-style concepts. Biegel is one of my favorites. He is another Badger LB with enormous production.
Chase Goodbread: 1) Raekwon McMillan 2) Jarrad Davis 3) Josey Jewell
McMillan had a fantastic season a year ago with a lot of talent around him; this year, he'll be asked to repeat the feat without nearly as much support. The Gators haven't had a presence at inside linebacker like Davis since Brandon Spikes.
Chad Reuter: 1) Jarrad Davis 2) Malik Jefferson 3) Jalen Reeves-Maybin
SEC running backs and quarterbacks should know where Davis is on every play -- and stay away from him. Jefferson is an athletic freak who will earn comparisons to Jaylon Smith before too long. It takes about two seconds to recognize Reeves-Maybin on the field, as his speed to the ball is unparalleled in this class.
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