The final 2023 rankings are being released throughout the week, and with Thursday’s release comes the final defensive position rankings of the cycle. The Rivals staff takes a look at which linebackers in the second level are best fit for their future programs.
BEN KUETER TO IOWA
“Over at least the last 10 years, the leading tackler at Iowa has been a linebacker and the numbers haven’t really been close. It was Jack Campbell over the past couple seasons, Nick Niemann, Kristian Welch and Jake Gervase before that, Josey Jewell for a while there and others. Ben Kueter could definitely be next on that list and in almost every way, it looks like he’s going to have a chance to be a star for the Hawkeyes. The new four-star is from Iowa City, and he’s going down the road to play football and wrestle. At the Under Armour Game he looked like someone who could be dominant in the Big Ten. It just makes so much sense.” – Adam Gorney
“Despite its offensive deficiencies this past season, Iowa still fields a very impressive defense and this season it is adding a world champion wrestler to the mix in Ben Kueter. The in-state signee has outstanding physical gifts and a style that fits in perfectly with what Iowa likes to do on defense. Even though he is on the leaner side at this point, Kueter should have no problem filling out his frame as needed once he’s a part of the team. It was impressive to see what he was able to do in Orlando at the Under Armour Next All-America Game and the skills that he showcased should help him hit the ground running at Iowa.” – Adam Friedman
*****
DRAYK BOWEN TO NOTRE DAME
“Drayk Bowen embodies everything you think of when it comes to a great Notre Dame linebacker and I see him being the quarterback of the Irish defense for years to come. He brings a blue-collar mentality to the game, is as smart as they come, and has the size plus athleticism to be a tackling machine. Bowen brings much more to the Irish locker room than just being a great player and I cannot think of a linebacker who is a better fit for where they are going than him.” – Clint Cosgrove
*****
TACKETT CURTIS TO USC
“When evaluating the issues that USC had in 2022, a true leader both on the field and off on the defensive side of the ball was heavily missed. Enter Tackett Curtis, who is arguably the biggest defensive piece that USC added in the 2023 cycle.
“The four-year, two-way Louisiana standout comes from a lineage of football coaches and embodies the leader mentality needed to help right the ship on the defensive side in Los Angeles. Curtis arrived to Los Angeles weeks before classes started and is already getting to work on potentially playing early for the Trojans as soon as his freshman season. From a physical perspective, Curtis is ready to hit the field. From a leadership perspective, there may not be a more important recruit for Lincoln Riley in his 2023 class.” – Nick Harris
*****
LEWIS CARTER TO OKLAHOMA
“There have been some brilliant defensive minds at the collegiate level over the last two decades and Brent Venables has been among the best of the best. From his early DC beginnings with the Sooners to the defensive dynasty built at Clemson, Venables has coached up some of the best. Fitting the mold of a hard-nosed presence in the box turning away running backs, Lewis Carter is that guy. Carter reads plays at an exceptional level, has a quick burst to the ball, and closes with determination. – Ryan Wright
*****
