The Ohio State Buckeyes have already added one linebacker through the transfer portal in DeaMonte Trayanum from Arizona State, and with new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles changing up the defensive culture, it is not unrealistic for Ohio State to look for more second-level talent in the portal.
The Buckeyes are likely to run a 4-2-5 scheme and that should be a good thing considering how underwhelming the linebacker play has been in recent years, but those two backers will need to be aggressive and ready to move sideline to sideline. The list of talented linebackers in the portal is so large, I decided to split the list into two with this one focused on more outside backer types. The following are the five best outside backers available in the portal as of today.
Juliano Falaniko, USC
Oct 14, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Clay Helton celebrates with linebacker Juliano Falaniko (41) after an NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC defeated Utah 28-27. Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The USC Trojans have seen a large number of guys leave the program and one of the most noticeable is former three-star linebacker, Juliano Falaniko. The pass-rushing outside backer has insane potential and can contribute with his hand in the dirt or standing up. He never even scratched the surface of his potential at USC, but a change of scenery should do him well.
Devell Washington, West Virginia
West Virginia Mountaineers receiver Devell Washington, center, celebrates with his teammates after their 24-21 AutoZone Liberty Bowl win over the Army Black Knights in Memphis, Tenn. on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020. Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Similar to Steele Chambers, Devell Washington was a former wide receiver who made the transition to linebacker in the spring due to West Virginia’s needs at the…
..
