Is Luke Kuechly The Best Linebacker In College Football?

CBSSports.com's Tony Barnhardt asked and answered ten questions about the ACC. One of those ten questions dealt with BC's linebacking Boy Wonder, Luke Kuechly. When asked whether Kuechly is the best linebacker in college football, Barnhardt responded:

"Well, let's look at the numbers. Boston College has played 26 games since Kuechly arrived at Chestnut Hall as a freshman. He has started all 26 and has averaged 13.1 tackles per game. Last season he led the nation in total tackles (183) and individual tackles (110). He is 6-3, 225 pounds of speed and muscle and, barring injury, he is your national defensive player of the year. There are some big holes to fill on the offensive line at Boston College (three guys who started a collective 121 games), but because of Kuechly on defense and senior RB Montel Harris (1,243 yards rushing in 2010) on offense, it would not be wise to sleep on the Eagles."

Tomahawk Nation also answered the same ten burning questions that Barnhardt answered on the ACC and thinks that Alabama's Hightower or Oklahoma's Lewis are better. But TN does concede that it's close.

Regardless of whether #40 is actually the best linebacker in college football, it's still high praise for the Boston College junior. If he stays healthy, he could finish as national defensive player of the year and one of the all-time greats at BC. Of course, we are a little biased.

Be sure to check out Barnhardt's other nine burning questions on the ACC. Personally, I think the Florida State National title contender discussion is a bit premature, and am also interested in seeing what N.C. State (under Glennon), Clemson (under new OC Chad Morris) and Maryland (under Edsall) will do this season.