Linebacking Corps 2007: Who's it gonna be?

[Irish Envy]

With both Brandon Hoyte and Corey Mays graduating, the Irish defense has two huge voids to fill. Up to this point, there has been more buzz about the possibility of Travis Thomas moving to linebacker then that of those that already are designated at the position.

The Irish currently have 11 backers on the roster, 3 seniors, 3 juniors, 3 sophomores and 2 freshmen. Here is a quick look at how they break down:

Seniors (3)
Joe Brockington
Nick Borsetti
Mitchell Thomas

Juniors (3)
Abdel Banda
Maurice Crum
Anthony Vernaglia

Sophomores (3)
Steve Quinn
Scott Smith
Kevin Washington

Freshmen (2)
Maurice Richardson
Toryan Smith

Obviously, the only guy right now penciled in as a starter is Mo Crum, which leaves 10 guys fighting for the other two positions. All of the seniors have been special teamers up to this point in their careers, but Brockington did get good reviews form the Irish coaching staff late in the season last year. Like Crum, however, he has been hobbled with an injury to begin camp, so that may set him back.

Taking a look at juniors Banda and Vernaglia, they are both unknown quantities. Banda did not play in 2005 as he was sidelined with an injury and he will also miss spring practice. Verngalia, a very highly touted 5 star recruit from California, has never panned out but has immense athletic ability.

Looking at both the sophomore and freshmen, you also have virtually no idea of what they can bring to the table as they have very little game experience or none at all. I've heard good review on Steve Quinn, as he has apparently worked very hard this offseason. In the end, all of them may still be a year away from contributing significantly.

In the end, like the cornerbacks last year, the linebacking corps this year are going to have some issues. They're going to lack that leadership that Hoyte brought and the playmaking ability that Mays seemed to have.

Can Crum lead this unit? If not, who? Who is going to get the big stop when we need it? Okay, I've talked enough... what do you think about it?

 

[Irish Envy]

Just taking a second to reflect on this post, you can see why there is a possibility that Notre Dame is taking 4-5 linebackers in this upcoming recruiting class. I'm including the safety prospects that could turn into Apaches like Lorenzo Edwards and Harrison Smith.

 

[tgolden]

I think Morrice Richardson is gonna be very good, but I'm a little biased.

 

[Dannyboy Ayers]

I really like Toryan Smith I heard bad things about Vernaglia in the spring game and in the practices, stuff like he was getting run over and doing too much arm tackling. I don't know how much truth there is to this but Toryan had some good reviews as far as his abillity to finish and make the big hit.

 

[Óglaigh_na_hÉireann]

Tbh, I think the coaches need to put Vernaglia in during meaningful game-time (ie, when both 1st teams are still playing). There's a slight chance that all he needs is more motivation and playing in a real game could be it.

It's not impossible for someone to play much better during a game than in a practice.

 

[scooper]

I don't think that's it. Playing time HAS to be earned in practice. Putting a guy in during a game who has not produced in practice can hurt you big time.

 

[LuckoftheIrish86]

Really hope Vernaglia steps up in some sort of way. Maybe he just need more practice, PT and expereience to really nail down the position of LB?

 

[Dannyboy Ayers]

if the second team is kicking your ass what is the first team going to you? he needs to work harder to prove himself to get playing time. I agree with Scooper that it is to be rewarded you don't give the player who is getting his ass handed to him in practice the oppertunity to play bigger in games. I also agree that players play bigger in games than they do in practice.

 

[Irish Envy]

Really hope Vernaglia steps up in some sort of way. Maybe he just need more practice, PT and expereience to really nail down the position of LB?

Don't know, but this is his make or break year. He won't get this opportunity again IMO.

 

[jiggafini19]

If they play a base nickel and go with Maurice Crum and Mitchell Thomas, I'd have no problems with this.

 

[BLUE_THUNDER]

I would have it like this

Morrice Richardson, Toryan Smith, Mo Crum Jr.


but it for sure wont happen

 

[Dannyboy Ayers]

I don't know about Mo Richardson but I would love to see Toryan in there I think he can be an impact player if given the oppertunity and with the depth chart the way it is that might happen.

 

[jiggafini19]

We'll find out just how good some of these freshmen are.

A lot of it is just terminology and fine tweaking of technique. At that point, you know whether they're players or whether they're freshmen.

I doubt any frosh start from the get go unless Sam Young takes the right tackle job because no one else can. Other than that, I don't expect to see too many of these guys early unless it is on special teams.

Back to the Linebackers: they appear to be deep with uncertainty when it comes to these players. Only Mo Crum is a sure thing.

 

[BGIF]

Back to the Linebackers: they appear to be deep with uncertainty when it comes to these players. Only Mo Crum is a sure thing.

Is he?

Is his back healthy?

 

[jiggafini19]

He's a sure thing to start if he's healthy.

So yeah.