PFF Names UC Linebacking Unit Second-Best in College Football

Cincinnati has more than three players worthy of starting.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Aug 31, 2022 7:09 AM EDT

CINCINNATI — It's pretty clear what the best position group is on the UC Bearcats football team this season. PFF agrees after ranking the UC linebacking unit second in the country behind the Iowa Hawkeyes.

"Despite losing three of their four best linebackers from a year ago," Max Chadwick wrote. "The Bearcats still field one of the best units in the country. Ivan Pace Jr. transfers in from Miami (Ohio) and is arguably the best linebacker in the country on passing downs. He posted 80.0-plus grades both in coverage and as a pass-rusher last season, one of only four to do so in the country. The other three, Devin Lloyd, Nakobe Dean, and Channing Tindall, all were taken within the first three rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft.

"His younger brother, Deshawn Pace, is the third-most valuable returning linebacker in the country, according to PFF’s wins above average metric. Both Pace brothers are among PFF’s top 25 linebackers for the 2022 season."

Pace has been a revelation since arriving as a transfer in the spring, and he completes this group of elite talents. The coverage star should see starting-level snaps from day one.

The versatility is palpable, and the Bearcats will need that from the first kickoff as they face one of the best rushing attacks in the SEC this weekend against Arkansas.

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