Using a combination of Pro Football Focus grades and PFF's wins above average (WAA) metric, ESPN published an article yesterday listing the top 10 off-ball linebackers returning to college football in 2020. Mizzou's Nick Bolton was ranked # 2 on the list.
Mizzou fans already knew Bolton was an elite talent, but it's nice to see him get some recognition on a national level.
2. Nick Bolton, Missouri
After struggling on his 101 snaps as a true freshman in 2018, Bolton came back in 2019 as a starter and finished the year as one of the three-highest-graded players at his position.
Bolton was at his best in coverage. His elite 90.4 coverage grade tied for the third-highest figure among linebackers last season, and he allowed just 180 yards on 352 coverage snaps while forcing the most combined pass breakups and interceptions at his position (10). These, quite frankly, are ridiculous numbers for an off-ball linebacker playing in the SEC.
https://www.espn.com/college-footba...otball-top-10-returning-ball-linebackers-2020
Mizzou fans already knew Bolton was an elite talent, but it's nice to see him get some recognition on a national level.
2. Nick Bolton, Missouri
After struggling on his 101 snaps as a true freshman in 2018, Bolton came back in 2019 as a starter and finished the year as one of the three-highest-graded players at his position.
Bolton was at his best in coverage. His elite 90.4 coverage grade tied for the third-highest figure among linebackers last season, and he allowed just 180 yards on 352 coverage snaps while forcing the most combined pass breakups and interceptions at his position (10). These, quite frankly, are ridiculous numbers for an off-ball linebacker playing in the SEC.
https://www.espn.com/college-footba...otball-top-10-returning-ball-linebackers-2020
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