November 23, 2012; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeye linebacker Christian Kirksey (20) sacks the Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Taylor Martinez (3) at Kinnick Stadium. Nebraska beat Iowa 13-7. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

The Iowa Hawkeyes football program faces an uphill battle in the Big Ten this year, to say the least. They are breaking in a new quarterback, uncertainty at running back and wide receiver, and a lot of youngsters in the defensive backfield. One area where Iowa is pretty well set for the 2013 season is at the linebacker position, where they boast the best group in the country featuring James Morris, Anthony Hitchens, and Christian Kirksey.

While there are little to no expectations for the Hawkeyes in 2013, there are high expectations from a crew that in 2012 combined for 332 tackles and 18 tackles for loss. This trio of bash brothers is ranked fourth in the country by Lindy’s publication in the linebacker unit rankings nationally, and they are the top ranked team in a 4-3 defensive base scheme.

Teams that might be ranked ahead of Iowa’s LB group in pre-season unit rankings might include 3-4 teams like Stanford and UCLA, who have some elite level edge rushers that are considered linebackers.

Here are my preliminary scouting reports for each of Iowa’s star linebackers, a group that could feature three players ranked in the top ten at their respective positions come time for the draft.

31 Anthony Hitchens, Linebacker, Junior  6’1″ 225 pounds

Hitchens came to Iowa as a three-star defensive back prospect by many outlets, but he’s added nearly 25 pounds of bulk since he came to Iowa City and has turned into the team’s best tackler. Hitchens flies all over the field, making plays behind the line of scrimmage and shutting run plays down with his quickness. He is the ideal weakside linebacker for a Tampa 2 defense because of his ability to cover the pass and pick up backs out of the backfield. I would love to see Iowa use him more in blitzing situations, but I think Hitchens has the potential to be a Wesley Woodyard type of player, slightly undersized defensive back hybrid linebacker who can fly all over the field and make plays.

44 James Morris, Linebacker, Junior 6’2″ 230 pounds

Morris is a blue-collar, hard-nosed, tough-as-nails inside linebacker prospect who has the look of a future NFL starter, and a reliable one at that. He is rangy and has great leadership skills, and though he came into the Hawkeye football program as a 215 pound pup, he has emerged as one of the team’s top tacklers and grown into a 230 pound beast. Morris is a tackling machine who is always flying to the ball, and he’s been productive ever since his freshman season. He had 70 tackles as a freshman, 109 tackles as a sophomore, and as a junior, he’s looking to break the 100 tackle mark yet again with 96 through 10 games. The former running back is a little tight in the hips in coverage, and he’s not an elite athlete like the other LBs on Iowa’s roster, but he’s going to make tackles and make plays for your defense, and he’s a guy you’ll want to have on your team, undoubtedly.

20 Christian Kirksey, Linebacker, Junior  6’2″ 220 pounds

Kirksey may be the best linebacker prospect of Iowa’s stellar group. He doesn’t lead the crew in tackles, but he is definitely one of the most exciting defensive playmakers in the Big Ten. He has great athletic ability and is still growing into his frame. As a sophomore, Kirksey finished with 110 tackles and five tackles for loss, along with an interception, three passes broken up, and two forced fumbles. He has followed that up with a stellar junior season where he has 76 tackles, two pick-sixes, and 2.5 tackles for loss. He is excellent in coverage and his closing speed is second to none. He is a good wrap-up tackler and I think he can add a little more bulk and be one of the best OLBs in his class.

Dec 1, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Ha

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 208 pounds

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2013 pre-season report

Ha’Sean “Ha Ha” Clinton-Dix emerged as one of the top playmakers on one of the best defenses in college football as a sophomore in 2012, and looks like one of the best safety prospects in the country going into his junior season. He has good size at 6’1″ 208 pounds, and is a rangy playmaker who had four interceptions last season. Good looking safety prospect who has a ton of potential. Should be one of the best at his position when he decides to leave school.

Career Highlights (via Alabama athletics site)

2012 (SOPHOMORE): Has played in all 13 games and started nine … tied for sixth in the SEC with 0.31 interceptions per game (four interceptions) … has totaled 30 tackles, (19 solo), adding a forced fumble and three pass breakups … 91 interception return yards.

2011 (FRESHMAN): Clinton-Dix was one of nine newcomers and seven true freshmen that earned playing time during their first year at Alabama … finished with 11 tackles including five solo stops and two pass breakups as a backup safety and key contributor on special teams.

Stats

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix defensive statistics via CFBStats.com

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

November 17, 2012; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Deion Belue (13) returns a 57 yard fumble recovery for a touchdown against the Western Carolina Catamounts at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 5’11″

Weight: 185

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This is a very talented former JUCO transfer to Alabama who started all 13 games last season and finished with 40 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, one fumble returned for a touchdown, as well as seven passes broken up. He was an All-American at the JUCO level who can also return punts and is really good with the ball in his hands. The only starting senior in the Alabama secondary going into 2013 has a chance to emerge as one of the best CB prospects in the SEC. Lean frame at 5’11″ 186 pounds, and good length allows him to break up a lot of passes even if he gets slightly beat on a play. I’m intrigued to see how he measures out at the Combine.

Career Highlights (via Alabama athletics site)

2012 (JUNIOR): Has started all 13 games in his first season in a Crimson Tide uniform … junior college transfer who has totaled 36 tackles (5.5 for loss), plus two interceptions and a fumble return (57 yards) for a touchdown … also has broken up six passes and forced a fumble.

COLLEGIATE HIGHLIGHTS: Signed with the Crimson Tide in 2010 and came to Tuscaloosa after two years at Northeast Mississippi Community College … proved to be a playmaker on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball in high school but excelled at defensive back in junior college … a second-team NJCAA All-American in 2011 after recording 24 tackles with two tackles for loss, one sack and one interception …. started at NEMCC … ranked by 247sports.com as a four-star prospect and the nation’s No. 7 JUCO player.

Stats

Deion Belue defensive stats via CFBStats.com

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

Dec 1, 2012; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears running back Lache Seastrunk (25) stretches for the end zone pylon during the second half against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Floyd Casey Stadium. The Bears defeated the Cowboys 41-34. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

10. Silas Redd, USC

9. Dri Archer, Kent State

8. James Wilder Jr., Florida State

7. Bishop Sankey, Washington

6. Isaiah Crowell, Alabama State

5. Carlos Hyde, Ohio State

4. Damien Williams, Oklahoma

3. D’Anthony Thomas, Oregon

2.  Ka’Deem Carey, Arizona

1. Lache Seastrunk, Baylor

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Nov 29, 2012; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) sets up to pass the ball during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at High Point Solutions Stadium. Louisville Cardinals defeat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

10. Braxton Miller, Ohio State

9.  Marcus Mariota, Oregon

8. Brett Hundley, UCLA

7. Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech

6. Derek Carr, Fresno State

5.  Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M

4. Aaron Murray, Georgia

3. Tahj Boyd, Clemson

2. David Fales, San Jose State

1. Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville

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November 3, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Kadron Boone (86) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Adrian Hubbard (42) and defensive back Deion Belue (13) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6’5″

Weight: 252 pounds

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Very intriguing prospect who came onto the scene last season at Alabama as a sophomore, and considered leaving after the season for the NFL. Still has a lot to prove at the collegiate level, but showed flashes of brilliance in a season where he racked up 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks in addition to his 41 tackles and three forced fumbles. Good size and length for the hybrid linebacker position, and his ability to rush the passer puts him right in the center of the first round discussion.

Alabama moves him all around the field, playing mostly SLB but also moving over to cover the slot, blitzing up the middle, or sometimes even coming off the weakside. Doesn’t have an elite burst off the snap, but does a good job of reading plays. If he wants to take his game to the next level, he’s going to have to just do everything faster, and that will come with time. Very intrigued to see how he improves as a second year starter.

Career Highlights (via Alabama athletics site)

2012 (SOPHOMORE): Has started 12 games at strongside “sam” linebacker while playing in all 13 … specializes in rushing the quarterback, with 39 total tackles (23 solo), 10 tackles for loss (-49 yards), 6.0 sacks (-39 yards), a team-best three forced fumbles, a pass breakup and four quarterback hurries … two-time Alabama defensive player of the week (Arkansas & LSU) and the SEC defensive player of the week following LSU game.

2011 (REDSHIRT FRESHMAN): Hubbard gave the Crimson Tide a dangerous threat off the edge as a reserve jack linebacker … played in nine games and recorded nine tackles, including 1.5 for a loss of five yards and a quarterback hurry.

Stats

Adrian Hubbard defensive stats via CFBStats.com

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker C.J. Mosley (32) in action against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half of the 2013 BCS Championship game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6’2″

Weight: 232 pounds

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We were looking for Mosley to break out as a junior in 2012, and that’s exactly what he did. After sharing the starting job with Nico Johnson, Mosley became a full time starter at WILB where he was absolutely dominant, earning consensus first-team All-American and All-SEC honors in his junior season. In his All-American season, he had 107 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks, two interceptions, and a defensive touchdown on one of those picks. He was selected as the team’s defensive player of the week nine times last season, on a team that has stud after stud. This guy is the real deal, and he has scheme versatility. I think he is athletic enough to play OLB in a 4-3 defense, or could even play ILB in a four-man front. He is obviously well-versed in playing in a dominant 3-4 defense, so he could transition to the NFL and play in that scheme as well.

Does a good job of  taking on blocks and shedding linemen to make plays. Has good anticipation skills and doesn’t let very much get past him. Very good at making plays behind the line of scrimmage and being used in blitzing situations. This is a player that never comes off the field and has been called the most dynamic player on the Alabama defense. He can cover, he can make plays behind the line, and he can be a force against the run. This is just a really instinctive linebacker prospect who does a lot of things really well. He is a first-round caliber prospect because of his scheme diversity, athletic ability, and the fact that he never has to come off the field. I am really impressed by Mosley and I think he is going to be a top 50 pick when all is said and done.

2012 pre-season report

Mosley came to Alabama and had a phenomenal freshman season in 2010 where he finished with 67 tackles, 10 passes broken up, and two interceptions, both for touchdowns. The Freshman All-American and freshman All-SEC performer came back as a sophomore and slightly regressed statistically, sharing the starting inside linebacker job with Nico Johnson. I would say, of Alabama’s draft-eligible linebackers, Mosley probably has some of the best overall talent. He’s a fantastic athlete with great size and speed, but he had just 36 tackles as a sophomore. Mosley has some injury concerns but he is a very good player who can break out as a top linebacker talent for the 2012 season.

Career Highlights (via Alabama athletics site)

2012 (JUNIOR): Starting weakside “will” linebacker in all nickel and dime extra-DB situations … consensus first team All-American and first team All-SEC choice … named first team All-America by the AFCA, Walter Camp, AP, Sporting News and Sports Illustrated … was a finalist for 2012 Butkus Award, presented to the nation’s top linebacker, and a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award (top defensive player) … leads the team with 99 tackles (43 more tackles than the next player) … has made 10 starts … ninth in the SEC in tackles per game (7.62) … has seven tackles for loss (46 yards), four sacks (34 yards) and two interceptions, returning one 16 yards for a touchdown against Michigan … equaled the Alabama career record for interceptions returned for touchdowns (3) … also has one forced fumble, three quarterback hurries and two pass breakups … has posted four double-digit tackle games, with at least six tackles in 10 of 13 games … selected as one of the one of the Alabama defensive players of the week in each of the first six games and nine total games.

2011 (SOPHOMORE): C.J. Mosley shared the starting job at will linebacker with Nico Johnson … started six games this season with Alabama starting in a nickel defense while playing in 11 games … missed the Florida and Vanderbilt games after dislocating his elbow in the first quarter vs. Arkansas … returned for the Mississippi game but did not start … finished with 37 tackles on the season with 4.5 tackles for loss (-20 yards) and two sacks (-15 yards) … also broke up two passes and notced one interception … named one of the Defensive Players of the Week by the Alabama coaching staff following the Penn State game.

2010 (FRESHMAN): Mosley played in all 13 games as a true freshman and finished third on the team with 67 tackles … earned freshman All-SEC honors as well as first-team Freshman All-America honors from the FWAA, Rivals.com and CollegeFootballNews.com … registered two quarterback hurries and a team-high 10 pass breakups … tallied his first interception and took it back for a touchdown against No. 7 Florida … added another for 41 yards against Georgia State.

Stats

C.J. Mosley defensive stats via CFBStats.com

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

November 3, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Ed Stinson (49) against the Alabama Crimson Tide during a game at Tiger Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6’4″

Weight: 282 pounds

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Big, long defensive line prospect who is likely best fit as a five technique with a 3-4 team in the NFL. Returning leader and fifth year senior on a defensive line that will anchor one of the top defensive units in all of college football. Very good run-stuffing defensive lineman who had 8.5 tackles for loss and three sacks in 2012 as a junior. Stinson became a full time starter in 2012 after playing a big part in the Alabama rotation as a sophomore, even earning two starts as a redshirt freshman. He is expected to contend for All-SEC honors as a senior. As an NFL prospect, he could be a first or second round DE in a 3-4. After spending Sundays working the merchandise booth at Dolphins games as a high school kid in Miami, Stinson will now be on the field. Saw a great rise in his status as a prospect this past year, jumping from being a relative unknown to being one of the top senior DE prospects in the country. Good athlete being a former linebacker.

Career Highlights (via Alabama athletics site)

2012 (JUNIOR): Has started all 13 games at defensive end … has registered a career-best 29 tackles, including 19 solo stops and 8.5 tackles for a loss (23 yards) … has recorded three sacks and five quarterback hurries to help bolster the nation’s No. 1 defense.

2011 (SOPHOMORE): Stinson was in the Crimson Tide’s rotation along the defensive line … made 19 tackles in 13 games, including five for a loss of 12 yards with a pass breakup, forced fumble and a sack … gave Alabama a consistent run-stopper and a good pass rusher.

2010 (FRESHMAN): Stinson played in nine games and earned two starts … tallied 14 tackles, including eight solo stops, all on running plays … recorded two quarterback hurries.

Stats

View Ed Stinson statistics at CFBStats.com

November 24, 2012; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Kevin Norwood (83) pulls in a touchdown pass in the endzone against the Auburn Tigers during the second quarter at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6’2″

Weight: 195 pounds

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2013 pre-season

Taller, leaner receiver prospect who is a fifth year senior that has improved every year he’s been part of the Alabama program. While Amari Cooper stole the spotlight in 2012, Norwood showed solid improvement, catching a career high 29 passes for 461 yards and four touchdowns. He knows how to go up and make a play, averaging nearly 16 yards per reception. Solid route runner whose production is a bit diminished because of the way the Alabama offense is run. I think as of right now, before the season, Norwood looks like a mid-late round prospect who will need a big breakout year statistically to jump off the charts a little bit. He is a pretty polished overall receiver who can make plays on a consistent basis, and in a variety of ways. Has good hands and comes up with big plays at clutch times for the Crimson Tide. Not the flashiest receiver prospect, but he can make his presence known as a senior if he can get up to near 1,000 yards.

Career Highlights

2012 (JUNIOR): Has stepped up as one of Alabama’s go-to receivers while playing in 12 games with 10 starts … second on the team with 26 receptions for 395 yards and four touchdowns … averaging 15.2 yards per catch and 32.9 yards per game … 21 of his 26 receptions have converted first downs (80.8 percent) … has nine “explosive” receptions (15-plus yards) … earned offensive player of the week honors following the Western Kentucky and LSU games.

2011 (SOPHOMORE): Norwood was a regular in the rotation at wide receiver … played in 11 games and finished with 11 receptions for 190 yards … 10 of his 11 catches converted first downs for the Alabama offense … had a breakout game in the BCS National Championship Game with four grabs for 78 yards.

2010 (REDSHIRT FRESHMAN): Norwood played in all 13 games and hauled in three catches for 56 yards and a touchdown.

Stats

Oct 27, 2012; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Anthony Steen (61) prepares to block during the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 312 pounds

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Steen has been a full-time starter on one of the best offensive lines in all of college football since he was a freshman, when he became a starter in the final two games of the season. Big, powerful guard prospect who was among the top players at his position in the country as a junior, when he contemplated leaving early for the NFL. On an offensive line where he should have been considered a weakness with two 2o13 first rounders in Chance Warmack, and a guy whom I believe to be an NFL starter in Barrett Jones, Steen stood out as the best player last year. That also includes junior phenom Cyrus Kouandjio, who is certain to be a first round pick in 2014 or 2015. Among the stellar offensive line play at Alabama, Steen stood out because he was the only one last year to not have a penalty or a sack allowed in 14 games. No one else on the offensive line can claim those types of accolades, but this is a kid who didn’t even get picked for an All-American or All-SEC team.

I think right now, I would view Steen as a solid second or third round pick, and even higher if he can prove his dominance last year wasn’t a fluke. This is a top notch guard who leads quietly, and will be a very good starter in the NFL.

Career Highlights (via Alabama athletics site)

2012 (JUNIOR): Has played in 38 career games and earned 24 starts along the offensive line, starting all 13 games at right guard in 2012 … named Alabama offensive player of the week after Western Carolina game.

2011 (SOPHOMORE): Anthony Steen started the first seven games of the 2011 season at right guard before missing the Tennessee game due to injury … in all, started nine games in 2011 while seeing action in all 13 … returned to start against Mississippi State … helped Alabama rank 16th nationally running the football with an average of 214.5 yards per game while ranking 20th nationally in scoring offense with 34.9 points per game and 31st in total offense (429.6 ypg) … the line ranked 26th nationally in sacks allowed at 1.31 per game … the Tide scored 34 rushing touchdowns.

2010 (FRESHMAN): Steen was one of the Crimson Tide’s top backups along the offensive line in 2010 before an injury to right guard Barrett Jones forced him into a starting role for the final two games of the 2010 regular season against Georgia State and Auburn at right guard … played in all 13 games … replaced Jones in the first half of the Mississippi State game when he suffered a high ankle sprain.

2009 (REDSHIRT): He redshirted during his first year with the Tide.