I'm pretty new to this site, but I'd love to hear what others have to say on this topic. Its common knowledge that we are wanting quality linebackers in the 13 class, namely Mike Mitchell and Trey Johnson. Interestingly, both score out at 94 on 247. Ryan Shazier, David Perkins, Josh Perry and Camren Williams all scored 94 as well. Even though Curtis Grant scored a 96, he has not stepped up and dominated like many thought he would. (Myself included) My question is, who do you think will progress and make that significant leap into a starting position next year? I left out Crowell, who was less highly touted, but he is certainly in the mix as well. In my mind the most important asset a linebacker can possess is aggressiveness and a feel for the ball. Clearly, Ryan Shazier has the instincts and the speed and toughness to make plays consistently. Who do you think in the list above will be the next to make great things happen on the next level?
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welcome! lots of discussion on this topic actually. the MIKE will be hotly contested next year, between curtis grant, cam williams, and likely incoming freshman trey johnson and mike mitchell (both of which could get playing time right away). david perkins has been quiet, if i had to guess he might be on special teams duty again or maybe a redshirt season if we can't reel in either mitchell / johnson. jamal marcus was rumored to get some time on the d-line. i would love to see him develop at the SAM and blow up some plays.
Hell even if Marcus just came in on 3rd downs against pro style teams to rush the passer from Sam I'd love to see it. Give me a Perry surprise at Mike and a Marcus at Sam.
Grant has been a huge disappointment at mlb. That said it take a guy that isn't afraid of contact to play that position. With some big time players coming in on d line maybe they could move Spence to mlb he runs like a deer and is a ball hawk.
I hope there is enough talent in the tank for someone to emerge
TJ leva
Td brian robiskie
David perkins....played well on special teams and is built like a brick #$/@house as a freshman. Most likely outside guy though
I still have faith in Grant.
I agree. Not everyone can come in and play MLB as a freshman or even sophomore. Hopefully he hasn't come away from this season too discouraged and can step up and live up to his potential.
I'm not ready to call Grant done yet either, but I do think next year is most definitely a now or never situation. Perkins, Perry, & Marcus will all shine at points next year as well IMO. Cam Williams had plenty of hype coming in last year so I'd like to see what happens with him...Shazier will have a rediculous year in which he could get recognition for possibly being the best LB in the country.
The world is full of kings & queens who'll blind your eyes & steal your dreams - it's heaven & hell - Ronnie James Dio.
I agree with both of you fellas.
Spence is DE, be silly to move him to LB with the guys we have there and could be bringing in the next couple of years... i am concerned with the mike position but i think when talking about our LB situation we forget the potential dominance of our d-line, making our LBs free to make a few missteps if they do happen...
Doesn't 11W have one of these threads every single day?
lol it's the offseason man, get used to the monotony.
~Because we couldn't go for three~
If you don't like it you can go elsewhere. Noone is forcing you to come to 11 warriors.
Ahhh, The always helpful "If you don't like it, then GTFO" post...Let's just talk about linebackers ehh?? Grant has all the physical tools, so there is still some hope that he can put it together mentality and turn into a quality player. Shazier has one outside position locked up so you have to figure Meyer will take all the talented youngsters and give them a shot in the middle. Whoever sticks, sticks. There's too much young talent in the LB core for SOMEONE not to step up. Have a little faith.
"It is a man's own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways." - Buddha
Watch out for Jamal Marcus to see extensive action at rush LB and outside LB as well...he looked pretty fast and dominate on Kick Offs this year. Him and Josh Perry will both play a lot. I'd expect to see Cam Williams and David Perkins more as well. The whole C. Grant thing baffles me...and I tend to think he'll be like Etienne Sabino and will make an impact his SR year. I'd rather he do well this year and picks up how to play Mike LB during this off season.... That would be extremely helpful as well as proof he's as good the hype of his 5* recruiting jazz (#1 Outside Linebacker in 2011 if I'm not mistaken).
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987
We have to remember that Etienne Sabino was a 5-star recruit and it took him multiple years (to include a JR year redshirt) for him to get a grasp on the LB position. Grant still has a chance to put it all together and have a couple of productive years.
Hmmm...
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987
Here's hoping that Curtis Grant learned a LOT by watching Zach Boren take over the MLB position and in short order excel at it. I think that kind of 5 star player who dominated HS kids on pure physical ability often doesn't realize how much they have to elevate their mental game to do well on the college level.
The good thing is he had it demonstrated to him very clearly by watching the other awesome physical specimens on the team (Shazier, Bryant, Barnett, Howard, et. al.) in the early season make absolutely GREAT-OMG-ESPN highlight worthy-IF-ONLY-I-HAD-NOT-ALLOWED-A-70-YARD-TD plays on a regular basis. And then saw those same players start listening to the coaches and following Zach Boren's leadership to end the season as a vastly improved defensive unit.
That's what I want to believe, but I don't know if the kid really has the heart and hunger to up his game. I remember reading a quote early last season along the lines that he almost quit because he wasn't sure it was worth it.
But one thing we do know is that Urban and his coaches are master motivators and evaluators. I expect that Grant will either find his champion's heart, or simply quit before the beginning of next season.
i think grant will end up starting at mlb... the real question is will he end up there or will someone take his job
mark may wins douchebag of the year... again
If I'm not mistaken, I thought the biggest knock on grant is an inability to grasp the defense. I don't think its a phsyical thing...I know he had said himself his freshman year he picked up some extra weight and felt he wasn't as effective after doing so. And was at the point of quitting the game altogether. So I'm guessing its a mental thing that is keeping him on the sidelines. Hopefully he can get it turned around. As has been said, sabino had a similar trajectory. Decent special teams guy, huge talent and just couldn't nail down the intricacies of the defense and the mike position. Hopefully another solid offseason will help grant turn the corner. The physical tools are there...and the competition is going to be there. Hopefully he can get the head in line with the body.