The 2011 USF Primer: Linebackers

Sam Barrington leads a talented linebacking corps into 2011 (Picture: www.tbo.com)

The 2011 USF Primer continues as we take a look at the linebacking corps, a talented and veteran group that will be the heart and soul of the defense this season. See who is going to step up this season and who will emerge as the star player. [keep reading]

Linebackers

The linebacking position has always been a strength of the USF defense and the 2011 group may be one of the most talented and athletic groups in recent history.

Projected Starters

At the WILL linebacker position is 6-2 237-pound sophomore DeDe Lattimore. Lattimore emerged on the scene last season and became a starter in his freshman year. Lattimore led the team with 69 total tackles, including 6.5 for loss, and 3 sacks. He is very physical at the line of scrimmage and has the speed to chase down the ball carrier behind the line of scrimmage. At the MIKE linebacker position is 6-1 235-pound junior Sam Barrington. Barrington has become a force in the middle of the field for the Bulls, attacking well at the line of scrimmage and using his great speed to fall back in coverage at times. He had 65 tackles last season, 6.5 for loss, half a sack, and forced fumbles. He is a veteran force in the heart of the defense and should have another productive year. Listed at the SAM linebacker position coming out of the Spring is 6-2 210-pound freshman Reshard Cliett. Cliett was recruited as a safety last season, but during his redshirt season, he worked on adding weight and hitting the weight room to gain size. He emerged this season as a fast, attacking hitter a big enough impression to win the job coming out of Spring. Coaches are very high on Cliett, but he will have to battle every step of the way for his starting position.

Projected Top Reserves

JUCO transfer Mike Juene, the 6-foot 216-pound junior out of Independence Community College is a top reserve and could end of winning a starting roll at some point. Juene enrolled this Spring and has been working with the team. He is a hard hitter that will get plenty of time on the field this season. 6-foot 237-pound junior Michael Lanaris is the top reserve at the MIKE position. Lanaris finished 2010 with 29 tackles, 3.5 for loss, half a sack, and 2 interceptions. 6-foot 215-pound senior Curtis Weahtersoon is the top reserve at the SAM position. Weather had 22 tackles last season and should be a top reserve behind freshman Cliett. 6-1 218-pound freshman Antoine Pozniak is a 3-star recruit out of Jersey City, New Jersey that enrolled this Spring and has been working out with the team. He has a great chance to get on the field this season. 6-foot 214-pound senior Sharly Azard, 5-11 227-pound freshman Ruben Garcia, 6-2 221-pound junior Kalin Hall, 6-foot 227-pound freshman Hans Louis, and 6-3 228-pound senior Kasy Owens, and 5-10 225-pound junior Chris Breit are other players that will work hard on the practice team and help provide depth for the Bulls. The Bulls also have a few freshman enrolling this fall as well. 6-3 205-pound Zack Bullock out of Sebring, Florida and 6-2 200-pound Edsel Caprice out of Cape Coral.

Watch Out For: DeDe Lattimore to improve. The sophomore linebacker earned his way into a starting role on the defense as a freshman and will continue to improve and is poised for a huge season, anchoring the center of the defense.

Strength: Depth and experience. The linebacker position is the strength of the USF defense. Each player has speed and athletic ability. The Bulls also have great experience and depth at the position, making it a strong unit for the team.

Weakness: Youth. The Bulls have a lot of inexperience on the depth chart. Juene, Cliett, and Pozniak are raw players that have never played at the Division I level and will have to learn fast at this level how to play and produce for the Bulls.

Outlook: The linebackers are one of the best units for the USF defense. They have experience and great ability. They will be the anchor of the defense and should have a huge season for the Bulls.

Rating: 8.5