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Ranking the 50 best college football players for 2016

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 10, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Malik Jefferson (46) chases Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) during Red River rivalry at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Malik Jefferson (46) chases Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) during Red River rivalry at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Malik Jefferson’s success as a linebacker for the Texas Longhorns didn’t come as much of a surprise to anyone, especially head coach Charlie Strong. Getting to campus as the top high school outside linebacker in the country and a five-star prospect, it was only a matter of time before Jefferson really broke out as a star for the Longhorns.

The big stage didn’t scare the true freshman outside linebacker in 2015 as he finished his first real game against Notre Dame with nine tackles and an eventual career-best 2.5 tackles for loss.

Jefferson played in 11 games, starting nine while missing the Baylor contest due to injury. He finished with 61 total tackles, seven for loss, 2.5 sacks, three passes defended and a forced fumble. Those numbers earned him honorable mention All-Big 12 honors as well as the distinction of Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year.

The Freshman All-American will enter his sophomore season as the outright starter on defense and will likely be the most impressive defender for a team that ranked 106th in total defense last season, but looks to improve majorly.

Standing 6-foot-3, 232 pounds, Jefferson’s size makes him a scary sight for opposing quarterbacks and ball-carriers, alike. He has great field vision, strength, and explosiveness to make him the complete package at linebacker.

Malik Jefferson will be a household name by the end of the 2016 season.

Next: 33. KD Cannon

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