Linebackers for 2012: Position Projections

i think muncie will be good

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Lorenzo Phillips: ???

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isn't he gonna play DE?

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Kwon Alexander

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nah, still coming back from injury. almost a definite RS

Assuming Muncie stays outside, then we probably develop 2 (and maybe 3) inside linebackers from the incoming group - otherwise, we definitely need 1 (maybe 2).

The good news is Granier, Louis and probably Feist could all easily transition, and even better Granier and Feist can probably cross-train and play inside and out (ala James, Highsmith and Sheppard).

I predict Alexander will be the best of the group, but may redshirt because of the knee (although that is by no means certain at this point).

There was very little splash in our 2012 recruiting class - primarily because of the number and profile of decommitments - however, the silver lining is that we needed linebackers like it was nobody's business. And this group is not just a bunch of consolation prizes -

Alexander, if healthy, is a Top 5 to 8 player at his position, nationally. (Likely OLB his whole career)

Louis is one of those "football" players who rarely makes defense(especially linebacker) full time because he's too valuable in other spots - we need linebackers. (Can play inside or out)

Phillips - another overlooked player (IMO) that plays bigger (in a good way), AND will get bigger and faster. It is tough to teach instinct and toughness - this kid has them. (Probably OLB)

Granier - I really think this kid is Chavis' Mike of the future - another knee injury victim, but this kid is a tackling machine.

I don't think I have to pimp Feist and Debo more than they already have been on the RB and the Rant - but it is safe to say they're playmakers. (Debo probably stays outside, Feist can play either inside or out.)

6 players - I believe we will see 3 or 4 with multiple conference awards and 1 or 2 nationally recognized players out of this group (barring a slew of injuries).

Dieon Jones is a stud. I think he will get himself into the LB rotation immediately.

Louis needs a lot of coaching. He wasnt playing any RB in the playoffs and still did nothing at LB while a ULL commit next to him made all the tackles.

Kevin Minter: MLB
Tahj Jones: OLB
Lamin Barrow: OLB
DJ Welter: MLB
Luke Muncie: OLB
Seth Fruge: Walk on
Kwon Alexander: OLB/MLB
Trey Granier: MLB
Deion Jones: OLB
Lamar Louis: OLB/MLB
Lorenzo Phillips: OLB
Ronnie Feist: OLB

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literally every rivals.com article out about him around the time of his recruitment and signing. Unless his knee is coming along better than expected now...

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I know this, but that was a long time ago. Much can change and I've seen some of these beat writers saying things about him being an impact freshman implying (at least to me) that he won't be RSing.