Linebackers

[CycloneVet]

I feel like this is potentially the weakest position group next year. The QB's, WR's, RB's, O-line seems to be at least stable for the most part. I would like more experience with he TE group but we should be talented with Chase Allen (albeit young). The WR's should be great, RB's pretty good, QB's good to very good. O-line will be much improved.

The D-line should be much improved, the secondary should be good especially if we can get a good pass rush to reduce coverage time. What do we have returning for LB's I doubt the kids we signed today will be ready. Thoughts?

 

[cyfan21]

Maybe special teams (kicker/punter) as well.

 

[CyBlitz]

The D-line is out the woods yet, I want to see those Juco guys playing on the team first. Sutton will be a big addition next year. I though Brian Mills improved considerably.

 

[CyBlitz]

We are returning the starting punter next and they have three kickers competing next year. Kicker will be a position that will decline, but not to where it is a concern IMO.

 

[Cyclonepride]

I'd have to think that if the staff didn't have some plans for what they're already working with, they would have brought in more.

 

[dualthreat]

Harvey, Mills, Northrup, Sutton

Pretty good rotation. I bet they'll be improved from last year but I won't be surprised to see a tFr play.

 

[jbindm]

Harvey, Mills, Northrup, Sutton

Pretty good rotation. I bet they'll be improved from last year but I won't be surprised to see a tFr play.

I think O'Rien Vance will have a good shot at seeing the field as a true freshman.

 

[CyBlitz]

Garrett Owens the new kicker is a walkon right?

 

[CycloneVet]

I think O'Rien Vance will have a good shot at seeing the field as a true freshman.

I hope he can, however that is a lot to put on a true freshman. He obviously has the skills and size already but picking up the schemes etc. plus getting acclimated to college could be tough for any true freshman.

 

[SolarGarlic]

This is my biggest concern outside of maybe OL, but the grad transfers should help. Our linebackers have been terrible since Klein and Knott. We need a couple of guys that can make plays and not hold on for dear life. Maybe an improved DL will help. I'm really hoping Sutton can be a factor because Harvey is at least solid. Mills has made a few plays, but outside of that, I haven't seen much from anyone on the roster.

 

[fsanford]

If those DL JUCO's are as good as advertised, the LB core will improve by simply not having O-Lineman get on them play after play after play.

 

[TheJackWePack5]

We have returning...a lot of guys who should only get better with another Spring under their belts.
Harvey (6'0 225)
Northrup (6'1 210)
Mills (5'10 230)
Sutton (5'10 230)
McMillen (6'1 230)
Spears (6'1 225)

 

[tolfbfan]

I want all three levels of the defense to be strong, but if the d line and d backs play well, functional linebackers is all we need to win.

 

[jbindm]

I hope he can, however that is a lot to put on a true freshman. He obviously has the skills and size already but picking up the schemes etc. plus getting acclimated to college could be tough for any true freshman.

Oh, I agree. And if the staff has the luxury of redshirting him then I hope they do. But the lack of proven depth at that position group opens the door for him if he's physically ready.

 

[CloneConer]

Isn't our Leo position more of a DE/LB hybrid? I would think that any "undersized" DE's could convert to that position or linebacker fairly easily if we needed them to.

 

[bosco]

This is my biggest concern outside of maybe OL, but the grad transfers should help. Our linebackers have been terrible since Klein and Knott and George. We need a couple of guys that can make plays and not hold on for dear life. Maybe an improved DL will help. I'm really hoping Sutton can be a factor because Harvey is at least solid. Mills has made a few plays, but outside of that, I haven't seen much from anyone on the roster.

FIFY

 

[RustShack]

Harvey and Sutton could be a good tandem, especially if the DL makes a jump. They didn't go after any Jucos, so they must feel pretty decent with what we have.

The Leo is in a way like a 3-4 OLB(which is typically a DE in the 4-3) where they are pass rushing specialists.

 

[CyFy]

We have returning...a lot of guys who should only get better with another Spring under their belts.
Harvey (6'0 225)
Northrup (6'1 210)
Mills (5'10 230)
Sutton (5'10 230)
McMillen (6'1 230)
Spears (6'1 225)

I agree with this. I still think Harvey shows signs of being special. I know they really liked mcmillen and Spears was gifted physically from what I remember them saying. They are all pretty young too right? Mills will be the only senior I think so this group should all improve together as well.

I think Hummel and Vance could end up being special. They could be a pretty good combo on the field at the same time as well with Hummels speed and Vance's size

 

[2020cy]

If we could only have Coxe and Beavers at linebacker like the Dolphins had years ago. What a great combo when they got together.

 

[dualthreat]

I'm pretty disappointed to see O. Vance only come in at 6'1" since he's always been listed at 6'3"