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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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Nov 21, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Raekwon McMillan (5) lines up against the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Raekwon McMillan (5) lines up against the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Ohio State is losing some major talent in the middle of its defense, including All-American Darron Lee who was a first-round draft selection in 2016. Returning, though, is middle linebacker Raekwon McMillan, the former No. 1 inside linebacker prospect in the nation coming out of high school in 2014.

Urban Meyer has a knack for getting elite talent to Columbus and McMillan is just the latest in a long line of players who have first-round potential.

The junior linebacker was an All-American candidate as a true sophomore in 2015, recording 119 total tackles, four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and four defended passes. He looks like a true star in the middle of the defense with his ability to read the play, shed blockers and close gaps.

Leading a defense of former four and five-star recruits in tackles as a sophomore is definitely a sign of things to come as he will now be looked at as a veteran leader. Most of Ohio State’s defense was drafted by NFL teams this season, leaving McMillan to hold down the fort while his friends earn pro paychecks.

McMillan did improve considerably from his freshman year to sophomore campaign. He did play in all 15 games for the 2014 national champion Buckeyes, but finished with just 54 tackles, seven for loss and 2.5 sacks.

Imagine what another full season of starting at inside linebacker will do for the athletic specimen from Hinesville, Ga. If you’re looking for an early Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year candidate, look no further than McMillan.

Next: 31. Zach Banner

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