[BJWilliams]

Today I continue my review of the 2007 Liberty Flames by looking at the linebacking corps:

1. Brandon Duke (starter)
2. Nick Hursky (starter)
3. Stevie Ray Lloyd (starter)
4. Vince Redd (starter)
5. Patrick Bannon
6. Pierre Tinsley
7. Ian Childress
8. Kyle O'Donnell
9. Pat Parziale
10. Chad Brown
11. Terry Adams
12. Mark Malvaso
13- Mike Connolly (redshirt)





1. Brandon Duke- The redshirt senior finished his Liberty career admirably in 2007, tallying 45 total tackles (20 solo) as well as 1 sack.
2. Nick Hursky- the junior filled in very well for the graduated Manny Rojas, even after missing a could games with a knee injury. Even with those two missed games, he finished 2007 number two on the team in total tackles with 78, and registered 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
3. Stevie Ray Lloyd- The transfer from nearby Blacksburg was everywhere in 2007. He finished #1 in total tackles (95), #1 in assist tackles (61), and #3 in solo tackles (34). He even recorded an interception and recovered a fumble. He did not register a sack in 2007 but his ability to get into the backfield and create havoc proved invaluable.
4. Vince Redd- What can you say about the big linebacker coming to the Flames from Virginia. He proved to be a force in 2007 (and even was the subject of some jokes akin to the famous "Chuck Norris" jokes read on the internet). Redd, known for his long red sleeves that he wore under his jersey throughout the season, finished tied for 4th in total tackles (63), tied for second in solo tackles (37), led the team in sacks (6.5), led the team in tackles for loss (13.5), tied for second on the team in interceptions (2) and to top it all off, had one of the most vicious hits of the season on Coastal Carolina QB Willie Richardson.
5. Patrick Bannon- Bannon was the only true freshman to see time on the field in 2007, filling in for Nick Hursky while he recovered from a knee injury. He appeared in a total of nine games, and finished with 23 total tackles (11 solo), and tied for second on the team in sacks with 3.
6. Pierre Tinsley- Tinsley, the Amherst County High School product, saw time in 9 games, recording 18 total tackles (6 solo) and a fumble recovery.
7. Ian Childress- The junior finished tied for second on the team with 2 interceptions and had 17 total tackles (6 solo)
8. Kyle O'Donnell- The redshirt freshman finished with 14 total tackles and 1 interception
9. Pat Parziale- Finished with 11 total tackles and 1 interception
10. Chad Brown- the redshirt freshman finished with 8 total tackles
11. Terry Adams- recorded 4 total tackles in 2007
12. Mark Malvaso- did not factor in the defensive statistics in 2007
13. Mike Connolly- redshirted in 2007

With Lloyd, Duke and Redd all graduating, there will be a number of battles for the starting spots in 2008. With all of the other linebackers on the roster returning, and the addition of players like Doncel Bolt (more on him in the signing day review), this will probably be one of the most hotly contested (and most watched) positions in the spring.

Tomorrow: Defensive backs

[jcmanson]

Don't forget Tyler Tipton.

[Sly Fox]

Apparently we can forget Tippecanoe & Tyler too.

Nice work, BJ.

[Stevev]

How about Derrick Liskco (sp) - I heard that he is coming back. Not sure if it is a big deal or not.

[SuperJon]

Lisko's back. I don't know his eligibility though.

[bigsmooth]

good job BJ. tipton is done though.

[BJWilliams]

How about Derrick Liskco (sp) - I heard that he is coming back. Not sure if it is a big deal or not.

As I said in the review, this will be one of the most hotly contested positions in the spring. My guess is that Childress, Hursky, and O'Donnell will be early #1 at their position, with the Will slot pretty much wide open. Linebacker is one of the most numerous spots on the roster (13 guys on the 07 roster) and all but SRL, Vince and Brandon are going to be back. Bannon played pretty well in Hursky's place So I would not be surprised if he saw time at the Jack in the spring opposite Hursky.

[jcmanson]

Pierre Tinsley will get plenty of time as well.

[ToTheLeft]

Patrick Bannon -clap clap clapclapclap-

That kid is gonna be SICK.

[jcmanson]

Is he coming down with the staph infection?

[ToTheLeft]

Is he coming down with the staph infection?

He's gonna make Scott Riddle wish he had a staph infection.

[BJWilliams]

lol...Anyway, we havent heard much from PA but Im sure that tomorrow's review will bring out a little more from him.

[Obiwan]

You forgot Mike Connolly (redshirt in 2007). He will also compete for time at the Sam or Will LB spot.

[Sly Fox]

Thank you for that oversight, Obiwan. But I have a feeling his name won't be slipping anybody's mind this fall when he finally gets his turn on the field.