With a beefier defensive line in front of them, the linebacker corp will be freed up to maneuver on the field. This very athletic unit could produce in 2009.
Centered around senior middle linebacker Alex Butt, the linebackers carry less of the load than they did in 2008. Instead of molding the system to fit the personnel, new Defensive Coordinator Matt Hachmann is installing his system into his players.
"I'm not concerned with the past," Hachmann said. "I'm more concerned with what these kids can do from here on out."
Along those lines, Hachmann is planning on moving Donte Blakey to strong side linebacker. This leaves the weak side to up-and-coming linebacker Frank Beltre, who has had a sensational spring, truly earning his spot on the roster.
The weak point in this unit is the lack of depth. Paul Stefanik has been sidelined most of the spring with lingering injuries, but will likely produce later in the spring. Besides Stefanik, there's not much outside of the starters to look forward to.
Simon's starters - Frank Beltre, Alex Butt, Donte Blakely
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