Scouting Notre Dame - Linebackers

Manti Te'o leads an aggressive linebacking group for the Irish.

The Irish use a 3-4 base defense, putting three big bodies on the front line and putting four, big athletic linebackers in the middle of the field. All of them can drop back in pass coverage and take away anything underneath in the short passing game. They also have the size needed to lock down the running back and even put their hand on the ground and blitz from the edge. The 3-4 is a very unique defensive set up that allows the defensive coordinator to mix and scheme even more than normal with so many linebackers on the field. It does allow running backs to hit the line faster without an extra 300-pound plus body on the line, but it can create nightmares in the blocking and protection schemes for the offensive line.

Here are the linebackers that make up the base of the 3-4 Notre Dame defense. [keep reading]

Starters (note that all of these players are outside linebackers, so we are working from the left side of the formation to the right side).

Prince Shembo - 6-2 - 250-pounds - Sophomore

Shembo is a very explosive and athletic player that played mostly as a reserve last season but is getting a shot to start (used a lot in nickel coverage as well, makes him a big time shut down threat in the passing game). He played in 13 games last season, making 15 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and forced one fumble.

Darius Fleming - 6-2 250-pounds - Senior

Fleming is an explosive pass rusher that can line up at defensive end if needed. He has started 23 games in his career (27 games overall) and is a force. He made all 13 starts last season, totaling 49 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, broke up 4 passes and even intercepted one pass.

Manti Te'o - 6-2 - 255-pounds - Junior

Te'o arguably the best defensive player for the Irish. He has played in 23 games for his career, starting all 13 last season. Te'o made 133 tackles, including 9.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, forced one fumble, and broke up 3 passes. Te'o is one of the best pass rushing linebackers in the country and seems to be at the ball no matter where he lines up. Daniels and company will have to watch for him all the time.

Dan Fox - 6-3 230-pounds - Junior

Fox played mostly on special teams in 2010. He made 20 tackles including 11 tackles for loss in reserve time on defense.

Key Reserves

Danny Spond - 6-2 - 242-pounds - Sophomore

Spond played in 8 games last season, mostly on special teams, recording one tackle. He dealt with injuries for most of the season.

Steve Filer - 6-3 - 235-pounds - Senior

Filer appeared in 13 games last season, mostly on special teams, totaling 14 tackles.

Ishaq Williams - 6-5 - 242-pounds - Freshman

Williams is a top recruit for the Irish that is battling for a chance to get onto the field. Could see duty on special teams.

David Posluszny - 6-0 238-pounds - Junior

Brother of Paul Posluszny (former great at Penn State, now in NFL). He has played in 16 games, including 6 last season, mostly on special teams (recorded one tackle).

Anthony McDonald - 6-2 238-pounds - Senior

McDonald has played in 23 games for his career, mostly on special teams. He missed part of 2010 due to a knee injury. He played in 11 games (before injury) totaling 11 total tackles.

Carlos Calabrese - 6-1 245-pounds - Junior

Calabrese missed two games last season due to injury but is healthy for 2011. He made 60 tackles, including 5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.

Justin Utupo - 6-1 251-pounds - Sophomore

Athletic player. Spent 2010 on the scout team and is working to get onto the field this season.

How Does USF Match Up? USF will be able to get yards in the running game. Fitch showed the ability last season to change up the style of offense, going from pro-style with two tight ends for protection to a spread offense using the option and matching speed on the corners. With Scott as the bruising running back and speed players on the wings, the Bulls will be able to match up well with the Irish front. Underneath plays will be hard and moving to the sidelines will also prove tough with their overall speed.