Inside linebackers are usually the quarterbacks of the defense. They make the calls at the line of scrimmage, and they help get players lined up and in the correct call. Inside linebackers are also run stoppers, and having a guy in the middle you can count on is invaluable to defensive coordinators.

Here are the SEC’s top incoming inside linebackers for 2015:

Editor’s note: Saturday Down South’s references to ratings follow the 247Sports.com composite rankings.

1. Leo Lewis, Mississippi State (Brookhaven, MS)
The Skinny: Leo Lewis became one of the biggest stories prior to National Signing Day. He decommitted from Ole Miss just days before signing day, and he eventually settled on Mississippi State. He’s the top ranked inside linebacker for the 2015 recruiting class, and he’s the definition of a run stopper. Assuming Lewis qualifies, he’ll see the field in 2015, and the staff hopes he becomes the next Benardrick McKinney.

2. Josh Smith, Vanderbilt (Murfreesboro, TN)
The Skinny: Josh Smith may become one of the conference’s best players over the next couple of seasons, and he’s a fantastic looking prospect. He has great lateral movement and good tackling ability, and he should see the field early for Derek Mason’s defense.

3. Darrin Kirkland, Tennessee (Indianapolis, IN)
The Skinny: AJ Johnson left the biggest hole in the Vols’ defense at middle linebacker, and Darrin Kirkland hopes to eventually fill it. The Vols have nice linebacker depth as it stands right now, but Kirkland is a player to watch who can break into the lineup in 2015.

4. Montavious Atkinson, Auburn (Fairburn, GA)
The Skinny: Although Montavious Atkinson is listed as a inside linebacker, he weighs only 200 pounds and is light for the position. He could transition into more of an outside linebacker role once he hits campus, especially if he struggles to put on weight. Auburn loves Atkinson’s motor and instincts.

5. Daniel Fennell, South Carolina (Loganville, GA)
The Skinny: South Carolina needs tacklers at linebacker, and Daniel Fennell is the future of the position. Fennell hails from Georgia, and the Gamecocks are pulling more prospects from the fertile Peach State.

SEC’s top five signees by position breakdown: