In the Week Eleven edition of the Splendid Seven, we are linebacker heavy. So many LBs that seven spots weren’t enough.
SPLENDID SEVEN
1 – Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming
This was my second viewing of Muma this season and once again I came away impressed. He quickly moves around the field and finishes strongly. I would like to Muma more active in coverage. Against Boise State last Friday, he recorded 14 tackles (9 solos).
2 – Tyler Badie, RB, Missouri
For an undersized back (5’8” 194 pounds) he runs like a bruiser. Badie probably broke 15 or more tackles against the Gamecocks defense. He is also explosive. Badie is probably not going to be an every-down back in the NFL. However, his production (four games in 2021 over 200 yards) and skill set will get Badie on a roster. Against South Carolina, he took Missouri on his shoulders and ran them to a victory with 34 carries 209 yards, and a score.
3 – Hassan Haskins, RB, Michigan
Haskins was already known as a tremendous special teams’ player. Since taking over as the Wolverines’ feature back he is showing off his multi-faceted abilities. Haskins has a nice combination of size and speed. He can carry the load if need be. Haskins is also skilled at catching the football and pass blocking. Against Penn State, Haskins had 31 carries for 156 yards. He also caught five passes for 45 yards. I expect an early day three exit off of draft boards for Hassan Haskins.
4 – Michigan EDGEs Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo
As will become a trend in this column this week, I am lumping together performers because I couldn’t narrow down all of the excellent defensive efforts. For the second consecutive week, Hutchinson and Ojabo dominated from both sides of the Michigan defensive front. Both are tremendous athletes. Hutchinson is polished but Ojabo may have more upside. The pass rushers both may have their names called in the top-15. Against the Nittany Lions, the pair combined for 11 tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles.
5 – Penn State LBs Brandon Smith, Ellis Brooks, and Jesse Luketa
Penn State is blessed with three linebackers that will all play in the NFL. The best of three is likely junior Brandon Smith. However, Ellis Brooks and Jesse Luketa both have next levels skills. Luketa has already accepted a Senior Bowl invitation. The trio combined for 32 tackles against Michigan.
6 – Arkansas LBs Bumper Pool and Grant Morgan
The Razorback linebacker duo is a bit less heralded but is grittier. Morgan is a former walk-on and Bumper Pool is more than a cool name. Both are physical as tacklers. Against LSU the dup combined for 24 tackles and 3.5 TFLs.
7 – LSU LBs Damone Clark and Micah Baskerville
Damone Clark has had a tremendous season for LSU. One that could see him entering the Top-100 conversation soon. Baskerville flashed with his blitzing against Arkansas and his speed. The two Bayou Bengals recorded 24 stops and three sacks against Arkansas.
WEEK ELEVEN NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS
Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux continued his cementation as the top pick in this class with another two-sack performance, this time against Washington State.
Speaking of edge rushers, Penn State’s Arnold Ebiketie also notched two sacks this week against Michigan. He is also making a potential move into the Top 100 conversation.