d1-d3

Question
Hey coach, what is the difference between a linebacker that signs with a d1 school, a d1aa school, a d2 school a naia school and a d3 school.By this I mean statistic and size wise

Answer
B -

Thanks for the question.  Well, there is no required difference in any linebacker at any level.  It all is just a matter of what level each is able or wanting to play.  In most cases, guys looking to play college football look to go to the biggest school (division wise) possible.  Not often does someone who is offered to play at a D1 school go to a D2 or D3 school, without a reason.  Grades play a part, as does personal preference, maybe even in some cases location.  But overall, in most instances it turns out just to be a matter of skill and talent.

As far as players sizes and statistics, it is the obvious answer in most cases.  At the top level (D1) most of the time youll find the bigger, faster, stronger LBs.  As you go down in levels, the sizes and speeds usually go down as well.  But it also depends on what type of defense and what particular LB position you are talking about.  A middle LB might be a little bigger, stronger, and stockier in one defense, but in another he may be a little smaller and quicker, almost like a strong safety.  It all depends on the defense, the player, and in a lot of the case the coach's preference.  Remember that a great player is a great player.  Size helps, as does speed, but it doesnt ensure you will be good.  Some of the best LBs in history were slow, maybe not as strong as others, but they had that "something" that cant be taught.  An average D1 middle LB will probably be between 5'11" - 6'4" and between 210-250 lbs.  Outside LB is totally different, and REALLY depends on what particular defense he is in.  In some, he could be 6'1" 230, in others, he might be a rushing OLB at 6'5" 250?  Again, as I am sure you are getting, there is no real answer to this, because each school, each level, and each defensive scheme is different.

The best way to get a good grasp on this is to go online and look up a few schools at each level. Look up the top 3 teams this past season at each level (should be able to find that by their end of the season ranking). Check out their rosters, and you will see what I am saying.  While you are doing that, make sure and research each team a bit and learn what defense they use (3-4, 4-3, 3-3, etc).  When you know that, then look at the roster, and you will really see how different the LB position can be, even at the same level.

Best wishes

Coach Perl