Linebackers

This coming season

SR

Ace Foyil
Jacob Cutrera
Perry Riley

JR

Kelvin Sheppard

SO

Ryan Baker
Shomari Clemons

FR [* denotes RS]

Kevin Minter
Kyle Prater*
Kellen Theriot*


The starting group SHOULD be (based only on playing time from last season):

SLB- Kelvin Sheppard
MLB- Jacob Cutrera
WLB- Perry Riley

However, LB's have a new sheriff in town by the name of John Chavis. The Chief likes a particular brand of LB, and is extremely hands on in this area. He typically likes his LB's quick, athletic, and versatile, versus the standard big and strong (and incidentally slow) linebackers that predominate most of college football.

I think Cutrera's job is safe for the time being, since we have no other MLB that is as game-ready as Jacob is, at the moment. Were he an underclassmen, though, he would probably be moved to DE in Chavis' defense.

That is my take on what we'll see from them this Spring.

Take it for what it's worth.

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wish Peveto had concentrated more on LB recruiting.

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And less on poor defense.

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MLB- Jacob Cutrera

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Average at best.

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Average at best

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Compared to Beckwith, maybe.

JC is better than many of the MLB's in the SEC, though. He played very well in relief. Missed a tackle or two, but would then make some great plays. The whole defense was out of sorts the last year-and-a-half, so it's hard to get an accurate read on the LB's we have.

I think Riley is the best of the bunch and Theriot should get some time at MLB. No way can they keep Baker and Prater on the sidelines for too long.

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JC is better than many of the MLB's in the SEC, though. He played very well in relief. Missed a tackle or two, but would then make some great plays.

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I guess we watched different games then because I don't see him being a starting quality SEC LB. IMO, the only reason he starts is because we are so thin at LB. I agree that Perry is the best of the bunch and that Baker should make a push for playing time. I also think that Minter will make some noise. Not sure if he will be able to take over a position but I have a feeling he will find a way to contribute.

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I think moving Chad Jones to LB would be great

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I think it would be right up Chavis' alley, but I don't want that move.

I think Jones' future lies as a ball-hawking safety.

i havent been impressed with our LBs, either. i would definately support Jones moving to LB. i was wanting that move last year.

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Linebackers

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Is Chavis strictly 4-3 or has he, depending on personel, run a 3-4? Anybody know? Most here seem to think he favors lb's in his coaching style.
The DT rotation should include;
Alexander
Nevis
Aubrey
Woods
Edwards
Hicks (JC)
Joseph(JC) is this kid a player?
Downs
Davenport

The DE rotation should include;
Alem
Levingston
Corley
Aghayere
Clement
Hagans

The LB rotation should include;
Riley
Sheppard
Cutrera
Prater
Clemons
Foyil
Theriot
Baker (saftey ?)
Minter

It seems to me that Chavis has a very solid group to work with and I expect marked improvement this season.

Prater Has anyone seen this dude, heard he got really big?