Linebackers - A Look Forward
by KoolBell777 on Feb 25, 2011 3:00 AM CST
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Thanks to Andy Bitter, and Todd Van Emst for photo
The defensive question mark of Auburn football in 2011 isn't going to be how to replace a Lombardi Award winner.
There was plenty of questions as to the talent in the defensive backfield, and plenty of talent was added with arguably the best DB recruiting class in the country, so that shouldn't be a big worry for next season either.
There is however, going to be one big question, that has to be answered and quick.
It's going to be how do you replace two senior linebackers that were iron men in that position for two solid seasons.
In the picture above is #21 Eltoro Freeman, #17 Josh Bynes, #46 Craig Stevens, all played linebacker the past two seasons. Only Freeman returns of these three.
Eltoro Freeman has been a mystery to figure out, while at the same time a fan favorite. Who could forget his initial interview with the media when he uttered this, "I wasn't recruited by any one coach, Tubberville didn't offer me a scholarship, Auburn University did. They kept in contact with me" He had gone the JUCO route, "My scholarship didn't have a coaches name on it, it had Auburn University on it, so when I was down they stayed with me, so I thought I would stay with them when they were down". That statement meant more to Auburn fans than anything else at the time.
The school had just hired a new coach, and an entirely new staff along with it. The fan base needed a positive sign. No, they were starving for anything positive, and in steps Freeman with that quote "They stuck with me when I was down, so I'm going to stick with them". An instant hit, Freeman was All IN.Then a funny thing happened on the way to the starting position, Freeman wanted to impress the coaches so much, he tried too hard. I know what you are thinking, He tried too hard?!? This writer clearly has lost his mind. Freeman was trying to make the big play, instead of playing within the system. Now that he has cleared that hurdle, his improvement was dramatic, and clearly evident.
One of the hardest hitters on Auburn's defense, Freeman is now the leader at the Linebacker position, Coach Roof has complete confidence in Eltoro, and after the Georgia game, awarded Freeman with the start against heated rival Alabama, and Freeman delivered. 6 tackles, 2 for a loss and 3 assist and probably the best game ending video of the season for Auburn.
Daren Bates will be back, and he has plenty of playing time, although many believe he would be better suited moving back to safety, his natural position. Until the coaches announce any such moves however, he will be listed as linebacker.
Harris Gaston also returns. He made major strides last season and figures to compete for some playing time.
Auburn recruited a couple of standout high school linebackers, and they will get a chance to earn some playing time, but the road is going to be tough. Last year's recruiting class had a trio of linebackers that had the faithful filled with anticipation. With a total of eleven underclassmen listed at the LB position, I have no doubt that someone will step up and win the other two starting spots. The big question will be how quickly some quality depth can be developed.
Jessel Curry and Jake Holland each has playing time albeit little, and there is a question as to Jawara White's situation that has not been clarified officially by the University.This is going to be an interesting spring, to see who comes out as the early favorites for playing time at linebacker. Worthy of our attention will be the continued improvement of Freeman, the placement of Bates, who wants the middle position, and who are going to be the backup to these. Let's hope Coach Roof has the right group of young men to answer this one big question of concern. Who wants to play?
Now on to the video competition. Last week Young IE handily defeated the def drum productions BCS title video. So the winner goes on to week two. This week Young IE will go up against Earl Mannings "Big Cam" done to the music of "Big John" The Jimmy Dean classic.
Young iE- Dam it Feels Good To be a Tiger (National Champions) (via
WAR EAGLE!
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excellent topic on the LBs and one that should be the headliner heading into spring/summer
i love the simple question… “who wants to play?”
it will certainly be an interesting fight for these spots.
if i were roof, i would look to secure the MLB by the spring so that that piece is settled and real leadership can build from there. i think the worse thing that could happen would be to wait too late to select the MLB starter. chemistry is incredibly important and that ledership that Bynes brought every week was… simply stunning.
the MLB start position will be about athleticism, but should be about a personality to lead more than anything.
you do it and you wipe it up.
sorry, i've got some more...
i do think the eltoro freeman story is a good one. last september i sat at opening day with one of his tutors…an older woman in LL section 16 endzone. she spoke of eltoro as an incredibly passionate young man… his play, the video you attached… definitely shows it.
half the battle for these coaches is just evaluating these kids, their skills, their personalities,… reaching a concensus on where they belong and how much responsibility can they manage. where can they help the team most…
there are 2-3 comments i want to make regarding the AU D LB and secondary:
1. bates needs to move back to safety. i love this guys fball mentality. with a young and inexperienced LB corp in 2011, i would prefer AU put him back at safety with M. McNeiil as a more effective last line of defense. the 3 LBs underneath will be challenged for sure. the only way i think this doesn’t happen is if FR Florence & … Swain?… come in and just light it up. in my opinion, bates plays much better when he is given a couple seconds to react to a play,then he flies at the ball in front of him. LBs aren’t afforded this time, and if you guess too much or react wrong, you find yourself way out of position and the guy is behind you. this was an experiment in 2010 (bates to LB) that i personally didn’t like to begin with… i think it had more to do with the 2 seniors (etheridge and savage) coming back than putting bates where he could succeed best.
2. thorpe has had his chance to rise to challenges. with exception of the TD saving tackle in the ‘09 outback bowl OT, he just simply hasn’t made plays. he was burned by larger WR we faced and his confidence fell rather than rose to those challenges in 2010. we need help there, and i suspect incoming FR will take his spot at CB. it is time we turn this defensive liability into a strength. T bell and chris davis had stronger games throughout the season then thorpe did. he’s a good kid, but he is going to have a sincere battle to keep his start spot. i don’t think he has a chance to keep it.
3. what about the idea of Freeman to MLB? is this a completely absurd idea? is he too short? everyone knows that holland has worked hard and got some good PT in 2010… i just can’t believe this AU staff not brainstorming some scenario that would introduce a tough fight for him to earn that start.
BTW, MLB is the position i am the most concerned about for this entire 2011 Auburn team.
would love to hear all your thoughts on this.
you do it and you wipe it up.
Good points, and thoughts about Freeman....
I don’t know about him at MLB, I think he has always been an OLB because of his speed. His only problem was playing within the system. One interview last year coach Roof mentioned how far Eltoro has come along, and that he was helping everyone else get aligned properly.
I am unsure about Bates, although he made many more big plays from the DB than I can recall from LB.
Thanks for the comments,
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Doesn't Neiko make you nuts? You see glimpses of greatness here and there -
and boy, can he hit – I keep thinking that his breakout game is coming. I’m still looking.
J White
He was injured. It never really got out because the coaches don’t have to disclose that kind of information. I’d expect him to be full strength in the spring.
Thanks..
I had heard all kinds of rumors like he wasn’t with the team anymore and such. I am really happy that he is better and still a Tiger.
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Well...
I’m thrilled to hear that as well. Everything I’ve seen says the kid had serious neck injury and he may never be back again. Then again, Zac Ethridge had a similar issue and he was one hell of a story. I’d love to see Jawara White make a meaningful contribution. I sure hope you’re right Jonesy. I’d love to see that kid come back from that.
It's Auburn against the world. Good luck world.
Do we have any idea who will coach the Line?
Love this topic! A lot to think about—but all of it is good. We are lucky to have a lot of talent.
by Tiger on the mountain on Feb 25, 2011 8:49 AM CST reply actions
i was very disappointed about losing Rocker.
his unique connection to Auburn brought an important piece to the staff and was immeasurable.
a good staff has its links of player/coach and the impact of that is felt way beyond the specific position their coaching efforts are assigned to.
a guy fron Louisville was offered the job, but has declined. i am not up to date where AU is headed though i think there is a piece on AU undercover regarding this…
you do it and you wipe it up.
The guy next in line supposedly is Tim Cross....
He was at Minnessota with Roof, and that’s all I know of him. If Roof has reccommended him, then I’ll say that’s a good thing.
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I'll add some highlights from UofM site about Cross...
- The Gopher defensive line recovered six fumbles in 2008, helping Minnesota to a +.92 turnover margin, which ranked No. 2 in the Big Ten and No. 16 in the nation.
- Named one of the Top 25 recruiters in the nation by Rivals.
Also named Big Ten Recruiter of the Year by Rivals.
Cross At A Glance
Born: June 13, 1965
Hometown: Clarksville, Tenn.
High School: Gateway (Aurora, Colo.)
Alma Mater: Northern Colorado, 1990
Coaching Experience
2008-present: Minnesota Associate Head Coach/Defensive Line
2007: Minnesota Defensive Line
2005-06: Syracuse Defensive Line
2001-04: Texas Assistant Strength & Conditioning
1997-2000: Thomas Jefferson H.S. (Colo.) Head Coach
1996: Thomas Jefferson H.S. (Colo.) Defensive Coordinator
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Thanks for the info.
I am surprised that we haven’t named a replacement yet. But I would imagine that hiring a new guy into such a well integrated staff is probably a tall task.
by Tiger on the mountain on Feb 25, 2011 11:58 AM CST up reply actions
Have a little patience momma...
Getting the right fit here is more important than most people realize. The big plus is, Chizik knows what he’s looking for, ans that’s All In!
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Patience
is not always one of my strong suits, but you probably know that from reading some of my tweets :)
by Tiger on the mountain on Feb 25, 2011 12:38 PM CST up reply actions
lol...
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by KoolBell777 on Feb 25, 2011 12:40 PM CST up reply actions
All right...
I know this will shock you guys and you’ll scream I’m an idiot (what else is new? ;-) picking) what about Thorpe as an outside linebacker? I know he is a bit small, but really think about it. Is it that dumb?
It's Auburn against the world. Good luck world.
Not too sure about that...
We could load him up a bit. Get him on a regiment to gain some weight. He is 6’2 closer to 6’3. If he just bulked up a bit, he could actually pretty good at that position. I mean he could be a good cover man as a linebacker and he’s already good at stopping the run.
It's Auburn against the world. Good luck world.
He is probably as big now as the TCU linebacker, Tank something or other
I just hope they erect the Saban statue/altar/shrine before he leaves
I'm trying to think of a place to put Neiko...
Fact is, I don’t think he’ll play too much at corner this season. I can’t help that, but he might could play linebacker if he bulked up some. He’s super skinny right now, but Yox could certainly put some muscle on him. Look, if he can get O-Mac 15lbs heavier, he can put twenty to twenty five pounds on Neiko and keep him from losing speed.
It's Auburn against the world. Good luck world.
???
defense at its most basic principles are 1. Find the football and 2. Tackle the guy with the ball.
IMO Neiko isn’t doing well at either of those right now so it really doesn’t matter where on the field he is if he can’t do both of those…or at least be really good at just one of them. I hate to see guys that have been starters get replaced (it hasn’t happened yet but we all see it coming), but when someone pushes you for your position you have to step up. Here’s hoping neiko steps it up this offseason.
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass...and I'm all out of bubblegum."
by tigertracker on Feb 26, 2011 2:33 PM CST up reply actions
via twitter....
On Friday 25th February 2011, @darrenrovell said:
Ever wonder what’s in the Under Armour goody bag given to all NFL combine participants? Here’s the list: 2 Charged Cotton Graphic T’s, “Protect This House” large duffle sackpack, UA Prevail or Power Sunglasses, UA Winter Beanie, UA Cap, Armour Fleece Hoody, UA Chase Running Shoes, UA Mercenary Slides. Fleece and travel bottoms, 2 loose shorts, compression shorts, socks, leggings, UA football cleats, UA combine shoes, football gloves. Personalized items: 4 shirts, UA Fleece performance top, Travel Suit Jacket, UA Coreshort
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