[BJWilliams]

This was probably the deepest position at the end of last year and all the way through spring practice. Looking at the defensive statistics, 4 of the top 10 tacklers last year were linebackers (Chad Brown, Nick Hursky, Ian Childress and Wes Cheek). The only loss from last year is Hursky but they are loaded for bear at this one. Here is what we're looking at so far:

Lost:

Nick Hursky Carnegie, PA (Graduation)
Derek Lisko Flower Mound, TX (Graduation)
Mamadou Balde Moon Township, PA (Graduation)


Returning:

Ian Childress Redshirt Senior Bedford, VA
Kyle O'Donnell Redshirt Sophomore York, PA
Wes Cheek Senior Dacula, GA
Jamal Giddens Sophomore Norfolk, VA
Pierre Tinsley Redshirt Sophomore Lynchburg, VA
James Pelzer Junior Laurel, MD
Cameron Gillespie Redshirt Senior Federal Way, WA
Doncel Bolt Junior Long Beach, CA
Chad Brown Redshirt Junior Melbourne, FL
Mike Connolly Redshirt Sophomore Sarasota, FL

Incoming:

Eric Fath Quakertown, PA Quakertown HS
Demetrius Ward Hampton, VA Phoebus HS
Marques Jenkins Stafford, VA Colonial Forge HS (Hargrave Military Academy/Ole Miss)

Id say the for sure LB starters are Bolt, Giddens and Pat Bannon although Ian Childress could lock in as a starter as well after getting another year of eligibility back. I put it to you my fellow FFers for your thoughts on the LB corps for 2009.

[Chris Lang]

BJ -- Bannon moved to the defensive line.

[Stevev]

How about the Mississippi transfer. Did he ever committ?

[jcmanson]

Giddens is the man, that's all for now.

[SuperJon]

We are stacked at this position. Give me four starters and I can tell you why one of the reserves should be starting over them.



That's a good thing.

[libertyFANatic123]

How about the Mississippi transfer. Did he ever committ?

I heard he's already here

[SuperJon]

He is. He's been taking classes this summer session.

[Libertine]

Balde and Lisko are both gone (graduation).

[BJWilliams]

Thanks for the updates boys...OP has been edited accordingly...this could be a VERY good year for the defense in 09

[Stevev]

Where is Mike Connolly? Did he leave too?

[SuperJon]

He's still here. BJ missed him like the others listed on here.

[BJWilliams]

Jon's right on that one...As he said before we are VERY deep at LB so chances are good he could contribute pretty heavily this fall. I was going through the 2008 roster and with so many names to scan through I do occasionally miss a few. Its good to have guys to help me stay up on changes as well so definite thanks to SJ and Mr Lang and Libertine for your constructive help with info.

[Stevev]

My predictions for starters: Jamal Giddens, Ian Childress, Chad Brown, and Wes Cheek

Bolt, Tinsley, ODonnell, Connolly, and Jenkins will get serious playing time.

[jcmanson]

I think Bolt will start at the Mike backer since he has the most experience at that spot. Also, I'm pretty sure Giddens, Childress, and Cheek all play primarily outside backer so only 2 of those 3 will start.

I see Childress, Cheek, Brown and Bolt starting, but like everyone has said we are loaded at this position. We can bring in an entire second team consisting of Giddens, Tinsley, ODonnell, Connolly/Jenkins that could rival any other team in the conference's LB corp.

[SuperJon]

And you're completely forgetting about Demetrius Ward. That kid would likely get significant time at any other school in the conference. We may be able to redshirt him.

[jcmanson]

And you're completely forgetting about Demetrius Ward. That kid would likely get significant time at any other school in the conference. We may be able to redshirt him.

I've never seen the guy, much less seen him play. I can't vouch for his ability.

[SuperJon]

I can. He's Jamal part two.

[jcmanson]

haha, I love it.