Redshirt freshman safety Reshard Cliett is making the switch to linebacker this off season. The 6'2" 196-pound freshman had been working out all season on the practice squad as a safety, but according to Coach Holtz will be making the switch to help add depth and speed for the Bulls linebacker corps next season.
The Bulls are losing several big time playmakers at linebacker, including Sabbath Joseph. The Bulls return Michael Lanaris, Sam Barrington, DeDe Lattimore, and Weatherspoon. Incoming freshman like Pozniak and JUCO transfer Jeune will give the Bulls depth, but Holtz still is high on Cliett moving to safety.
Cliett was an under the radar type prospect when recruited because of his injury his senior season in high school, but he is a talented defender, with both speed and hard hitting ability. He will have to add some weight to play at the linebacker spot. According to Holtz, Cliett is up to 205 pounds right now and could be up to 220 by Fall.
I like this move for the Bulls. Joyce, Jenkins, and Young have the safety position locked up, so moving Cliett to linebacker makes sense. Cliett probably won't start because of the depth the Bulls have, but with his speed and playmaking ability, I could see him fitting into Mark Snyder's zone blitzes and causing chaos in the backfield. Let's hope he is able to keep up the hard work and reach his desired weight and get on the field in 2011.
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