Linebacker Position No Fountain of Youth
There are many aspects of the 2006 Husker football team to get fans excited. One area in particular is the group of returning linebackers.
Junior Corey McKeon exceeded everyone’s expectations at middle linebacker in 2005, easing the loss of Barrett Ruud (NU’s all time tackles leader) to graduation. Backing up McKeon will be sophomore Phillip Dillard, a highly coveted prospect from NU’s 2005 recruiting class. Dillard played some a year ago but now adds the benefit of a full spring to his resume.
Junior college transfer Steve Octavien missed most of last season to injury but even in his limited appearances at weak-side linebacker in the 2005 opener and throughout spring practices, he’s shown a lot of playmaking ability. Junior Bo Ruud, who started most of last season at weak-side linebacker returns to share time with Octavien. Junior Lance Brandenburgh also started at the spot in NU’s Alamo Bowl victory over Michigan and he practiced at strong-side linebacker as well this Spring.
Senior Stewart Bradley brings loads of experience to the strong side and senior Dontrelle Moore and sophomore Nick Covey will also be in the mix at that spot.
Things appear pretty stout at linebacker not only for 2006 but 2007 as well. But what about 2008? Too far off to worry about? Not for the coaching staff.
With no freshman linebackers in the 2006 recruiting class and the one junior college transfer’s status reportedly in doubt, Nebraska appears set to enter 2008 with only two scholarship upperclassman linebackers. The linebackers recruited between now and February will be the only non-newcomers available to fill the third starting linebacker spot or to contribute as the main back-ups.
That’s certainly not ideal, especially in a season where many other positions appear primed for greatness as it will be the senior year for most members recruited in the #1 ranked class of 2005.
As we watch the recruiting class grow over the next seven months or so, one thing to be rooting for is a load of linebackers. The Huskers probably need a minimum of three and five would not be too many. Otherwise, 2008 will be a year of growing pains for the linebackers and that's not something fans or the athletic director want to see in year five of Bill Callahan's coaching tenure. Given Callahan's success recruiting thus far, you'd think that he'll have no trouble finding the players he needs. Time will tell. In the meantime, the mature group that remains for 2006 and 2007 should be fun to watch.
» Enjoy this article?
Send it to your friend or get Husker news by email!
Related Stories: Defense
Post a comment