Husker Look to Fill In Gaps at Linebacker

[Mavric]

The healthiest of the returning linebackers will be junior Josh Banderas, who had 50 tackles and started six games, including the Holiday Bowl. Banderas saw limited action midway through the season, however, after struggling in several games. Long lauded as a top athlete by former head coach Bo Pelini, Banderas will have the cleanest crack at a big season.

Both senior David Santos and junior Michael Rose-Ivey are coming off major knee surgeries; Rose-Ivey missed all of 2014, while Santos missed the Holiday Bowl and subsquently got surgery after that. Santos finished with 50 tackles but only appeared in ten games.

Sophomore Marcus Newby also battled injuries throughout 2014, but he also struggled to find a role on the field. Cast as a third-down pass-rushing specialist, Newby had three tackles and one sack last season.

And that's the extent of the experience inside Nebraska's program, which currently includes six walk-ons and true freshman Dedrick Young, a two-way star from Peoria, Arizona who enrolled early. Earlier this winter, Luke Gifford -- a Lincoln Southeast signee from the 2014 class -- hinted he was moving to linebacker from safety.

Nebraska also has commitments from Tyrin Ferguson -- who played more defensive end than linebacker in his senior year at New Orleans Edna Karr High School -- and Mohammed Barry, a standout from Loganville (Georgia) Grayson High School. Athlete commit Antonio Reed likely projects to linebacker, as well. NU awaits word from Terez Hall, a prep linebacker from Lithonia (Georgia). According to Husker Online, NU has crossed Carrollton (Texas) linebacker Angelo Garbutt off the list. Garbutt could be headed to Iowa.

 

OWH

[Mavric]

Definitely playing time available at a somewhat-thin position in a new scheme that make more use of LBs than the previous one. Will be interesting to see who - and where - the playing time falls to.

[MichiganDad3]

I wouldn't be surprised to see a huge improvement in the play of the veteran linebackers. Bo's scheme required too much thinking.

[True2tRA]

I wouldn't be surprised to see a huge improvement in the play of the veteran linebackers. Bo's scheme required too much thinking.

 

Wouldn't it be awesome if ZA had one more year? I think he'd be in an entirely different position headed into the draft if he'd been utilized a bit differently in his career here.

 

I'm looking forward to seeing Rose play in Banker's scheme. Actually, I'm thinking Banderas is going to become a whole new level of player as well.

 

Does anyone else think Newby could be one of those guys ready to burst onto the scene?

[Ric Flair]

It's crazy how poorly the previous staff managed roster depth.

[Danny Bateman]

From a depth standpoint, losing Love to Kentucky hurts. Let alone the fact he looked like a star in waiting who never got coached up.

 

I'm curious to see which of the veterans truly we're hamstrung by Bo's system. Bando most certainly was. Rose was a stud even in Bo's system. He just needs to stay healthy and he should be a beast in any defense. Santos has always been an average to good player. He won't be a star but will probably start. Newby has all the potential in the world.

 

LB was a strength of Banker's Ds at OSU. Depth in two years is an issue, as only Newby will be left, but that's why we're loading up right now. Between the simpler, attacking style for LBs and Bray coaching em up in this system, I think we're about to see a whole new bar set for LB play at NU.

[Count 'Bility]

It's crazy how poorly the previous staff managed roster depth.

Whens the last time we went into spring having TOO MANY scholly players? Looking for guys that are headed out to make room for the newbs?

[zoogs]

Those who follow recruiting closer would know. Felt like we were always just filling up or sometimes saying extra spots will reward walk ons.

 

It's certainly different.

 

Bo could close, and Dec to Feb, recruit with effort. But this is overall a different take on team management.

[teachercd]

Those who follow recruiting closer would know. Felt like we were always just filling up or sometimes saying extra spots will reward walk ons.

 

It's certainly different.

 

Bo could close, and Dec to Feb, recruit with effort. But this is overall a different take on team management.

I think you are right...I also think that with recruiting...you can work really really hard early and make Dec/Jan the easier months instead of Vice-Versa (great 80's movie)

 

And yes, It seemed like Bo was always going into the season with like 80 or so on scholly but I could be wrong on that.

[Hunter94]

From a depth standpoint, losing Love to Kentucky hurts. Let alone the fact he looked like a star in waiting who never got coached up.

 

I'm curious to see which of the veterans truly we're hamstrung by Bo's system. Bando most certainly was. Rose was a stud even in Bo's system. He just needs to stay healthy and he should be a beast in any defense. Santos has always been an average to good player. He won't be a star but will probably start. Newby has all the potential in the world.

 

LB was a strength of Banker's Ds at OSU. Depth in two years is an issue, as only Newby will be left, but that's why we're loading up right now. Between the simpler, attacking style for LBs and Bray coaching em up in this system, I think we're about to see a whole new bar set for LB play at NU.

no way to go but up.......true

[LumberJackSker]

I just hope the new scheme allows our linebackers to make more plays. Outside of David it always seemed like the linebackers were just out there to fill gaps which left corners or a safety to make a one on one play on the outside.

[DaveH]

I'm excited to see Rose not injured. As Jon gruden might say, THIS GUY!