Jack Follman’s All-Time LBs from Current Pac-12 Schools

The linebacker group may not be as deep as others, but it's filled with memorable superstars

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Posted on May 15, 2022


  By Jack Follman, SuperWest Sports

Our countdown of the best players in Pac-12 history by position group marches on with linebackers.

Like the other groups, there are some great historical names here from a bunch of different programs.

This group isn’t as deep as some of the other groups but it certainly is filled with memorable superstars and future NFL standouts.

Also, like a lot of these groups, USC is quite dominant.

1. Jerry Robinson, UCLA

An ultra-rare three-time All-American (especially for the 70s) and winner of the Pop Warner Trophy his senior year, Robinson heads up a legendary pack of linebackers here.

A College Football Hall of Famer with his number retired at UCLA.

Scooby Wright | Christian Petersen/Getty Images

2. Scooby Wright, Arizona

Wright had one of the best seasons in conference history at any position in 2014. He had a great overall career, but 2014 was unbelievable as he cleaned house.

He won the Bednarik, Lombardi, and Nagurski Awards while also claiming Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, unanimous All-American honors, and leading Arizona to the South Division title.

3. Rey Maualuga, USC

If you were to look up “ideal college linebacker” in the dictionary, you might find Maualuga. He was a scary hitter who was a three-time first-team All-Pac-10 guy.

He had an incredible 2008 season, winning the Bednarik Award, and Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year while also earning unanimous All-American honors.

4. Chris Claiborne, USC

Claiborne was a lot like Seau—a scary good linebacker with an incredible final season of college football. He took home the Butkus Award and Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year in 1998.

Junior Seau | Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

5. Junior Seau, USC

The legendary linebacker had an all-timer season in 1989, logging 19 sacks on his way to winning Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year.

6. Lofa Tatupu, USC

The Maine transfer made a name for himself at USC, winning two national championships and earning All-American honors as one of the leaders of the Trojan resurgence under Pete Carroll.

7. Jack Del Rio, USC

He had an incredible overall career with the Trojans, earning multiple All-American and all-conference honors. He peaked by being the runner-up for the Lombardi Award in 1983.

Ricky Hunley | David Madison/Getty Images

8. Ricky Hunley, Arizona

The first Wildcat to burst out as a star in the conference., Hunley was a two-year All-American who won Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year in 1983.

9. Matt Russell, Colorado

He had a killer career for the Buffs in the 90s. His best came in 1996 when he won All-American honors and the Butkus Award.

Utah’s Devin Lloyd | Chris Gardner/Getty Images

10. Devin Lloyd, Utah

Lloyd closed out a great career in 2021 with an all-time great season. He won Pac-12 Defensive Player of the year, earned All-American honors, and led Utah to their first Pac-12 championship.

11. Clay Matthews, USC
12. Richard Wood, USC
13. Hau’oli Kikaha, Washington
14. Trent Murphy, Stanford
15. Anthony Barr, UCLA
16. Bob Bruenig, Arizona State
17. Alfred Williams, Colorado
18. Robert Thomas, UCLA
19. Matt Grootegood, USC
20. Jamir Miller, UCLA
21. Shayne Skov, Stanford
22. Pat Tillman, Arizona State
23. Dave Hoffman, Washington
24. Adrian Young, USC
25. Don Manning, UCLA