I realize a lot of this was discussed in the defensive line thread, so I don't know if this post will generate any enthusiasm.
Defensive line looks like our most solid area next year, and linebacker looks like the one with the most questions.
Depth - We have 11 linebackers listed on the depth chart: Devan Carter, Najee Clayton, Isiah Johnson, Steve Longa, Kevin Marquez. Trevor Morris, Nick Rafferty, Donte Roberts, Austin Rosa, Brandon Russell, and T.J. Taylor. In addition we have 4 committed for next year, two of whom are supposed to enroll early. I would estimate that 3 or 4 of these names do not a realistic chance of contributing, so I would say we still have enough bodies who may be able to compete.
Talent - Longa is the only one who has seen any serious time. He is a solid B1G linebacker. Otherwise we have to go basically on what the mods and posters who have been at practice say about them. I put Clayton in this list, because I have read more than once that he could be a talented linebacker as well as a safety. His speed would be helpful as well. As far as the other names, Bobby and Shawn have had some good things to say about several of them, so they might work out well. Based on Coach Flood's ability to develop players at other positions when they were needed, I have some confidence that we might have enough guys who can play at a high level.
Experience - We have exactly one linebacker with any experience. So we will have to live with the mistakes of inexperience and hope the talent compensates. IMO this is the only position group with so many uncertainties for next year. This is also the group that would be hurt most by the loss of Coach Flood. We have 4 guys committed right now, although one is a little iffy, I believe. Pollack would definitely go elsewhere. I think it is likely we would lose all 4. This group would be a new coach's biggest challenge IMO.
Defensive line looks like our most solid area next year, and linebacker looks like the one with the most questions.
Depth - We have 11 linebackers listed on the depth chart: Devan Carter, Najee Clayton, Isiah Johnson, Steve Longa, Kevin Marquez. Trevor Morris, Nick Rafferty, Donte Roberts, Austin Rosa, Brandon Russell, and T.J. Taylor. In addition we have 4 committed for next year, two of whom are supposed to enroll early. I would estimate that 3 or 4 of these names do not a realistic chance of contributing, so I would say we still have enough bodies who may be able to compete.
Talent - Longa is the only one who has seen any serious time. He is a solid B1G linebacker. Otherwise we have to go basically on what the mods and posters who have been at practice say about them. I put Clayton in this list, because I have read more than once that he could be a talented linebacker as well as a safety. His speed would be helpful as well. As far as the other names, Bobby and Shawn have had some good things to say about several of them, so they might work out well. Based on Coach Flood's ability to develop players at other positions when they were needed, I have some confidence that we might have enough guys who can play at a high level.
Experience - We have exactly one linebacker with any experience. So we will have to live with the mistakes of inexperience and hope the talent compensates. IMO this is the only position group with so many uncertainties for next year. This is also the group that would be hurt most by the loss of Coach Flood. We have 4 guys committed right now, although one is a little iffy, I believe. Pollack would definitely go elsewhere. I think it is likely we would lose all 4. This group would be a new coach's biggest challenge IMO.
