The Spring preview continues as the Bulls return to field and begin preparation for the highly anticipated 2012 season. In this section, we will take a look at one of the most experienced and skilled positions on defense, the linebackers. All three starters from last year are returning and will have to anchor the middle of the field for Coach Holtz and company.
Returning at the SAM linebacker position is Sam Barrington (6-1 234-pounds). The senior starter once again returns to anchor the outside linebacker position and returns as one of the most experienced players on the defense. Reshard Cliett (6-2 213-pounds) played sparingly last year in his freshman year, but has the ideal size to become a big time pass rusher. He will get plenty of snaps this season and will have a chance to shine in spring. At the MIKE linebacker position is Michael Lanaris (6-0 235-pounds) who was the starter in the middle and played a solid role in both pass and run defense. Lanaris is the penciled in as the starter, but he will have competition. Mike Juene (6-0 227-pounds) considered the hardest hitting linebacker on the team, could be in line for the job and will push for playing time. Ruben Garcia (6-0 232-pounds) was the back-up last year and will look to push for snaps as well. At the WILL linebacker position is big time hitter DeDe Lattimore (6-1 234-pounds). Lattimore returns as the tackling machine for the USF defense and could be line for another big season.
The Bulls are loaded with young, talented linebackers, but will need many of them to step up during camp in order to help add depth behind the veteran players and help prepare for the future in 2013 and beyond.
Zack Bullock (6-3 210-pounds), Edsel Caprice (6-2 204-pounds), Corian Hamilton (6-0 230-pounds), Hans Louis (6-0 214-pounds), Antoine Pozniak (6-2 218-pounds), Cody Durakovic (6-1 230-pounds), and Kalin Hall (6-2 221-pounds) will all have a chance to shine during the spring and put themselves ahead in the depth chart entering the fall. The Bulls will need to find someone to replace Armando Sanchez who was special teams standout and also a key reserve at linebacker as well.
Linebacker is a position of strength for USF. With all 3 returners coming back and their reserves returning, the middle of the field will locked down for USF. The real question in spring is if Mike Juene could take over the MIKE linebacker spot from Michael Lanaris. The other key will be which young freshman can rise up the depth chart and prove themselves ready to step in for key snaps during the season.
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