Easily the most interesting position battle because if the OL isn't Adams, Boren, Brewster, Cordle, and Shugarts we'll all probably be dissapointed.
On to the candidates, height/weight from
Rivals:
Austin Spilter 6'3/220, 5th year senior, primary reserve MLB in 07 and 08
Ross Homan 6'0/229, 4th year junior, staring WLB in 08
Tyler Moeller 6'0/216 4th year junior, reserve OLB and Star in 08
Brian Rolle 5'11/221 junior, reserve OLB in 08
Etienne Sabino 6'3/232 sophomore, reserve MLB in 08
Andrew Sweat 6'2/220 sophomore
Freshman aren't included because it's not even signing day and Freshman don't typically start at LB outside of injury at Ohio State.
The only obvious starter for 09 is the only returning starter, Ross Homan, but where? Homan started at WILL last year and has the speed and athletic versitality to play any of the 3 linebacker positions, but moves to MLB don't usually happen this late in the career of a Buckeye. Movement from weakside to strongside, however has recent history when last year the most experienced outside linebacker, Marcus Freeman, moved from WILL to SAM after Larry Grant graduated. SAM requires more responsibility and knowledge than the WILL in Jim Heacock's defense, making Ross the likely strongside starter.
The 2 most likely candidates for the other OLB, most likely WLB are Tyler Moeller and Brian Rolle. Moeller saw plenty of action in 08 at the star position during Jer'male Hines injury as well as back up linebacker primarily on passing downs where he is a deadly blitzer and solid in coverage. Rolle is human missile waiting to detonate ball carriers that come across his path. Rolle was not memorable last year for his play in coverage. This could actually end up being a time-share with Rolle playing on likely run downs and Moeller in on passing downs. Moeller could still see plenty of time at the star position as well next year. Andrew Sweat will likely factor in the 2 deep at one of the OLB positions.
Middle linebacker will be probably be the most interesting battle on the team. The only 2 candidates with MIKE experience at the college level are Austin Spitler and Etienne Sabino. 5th year senior vs true sophomore. Old vs new. Spitler has been All American James Laurinaitis' primary back-up for 2 years and has seen plenty of snaps with the 2nd team defense, but rarely came on the field when the outcome was still in doubt. When on the field Spitler has been both solid against the run and the pass while not performing spectacilurly. Spilter is said to know the system but questions arise as to whether he is atletically able to meet the demands of being a Buckeye linebacker after not forcing a spot on the field on the outside. Sabino on the other hand might be the most athletically gifted linebacker on the team after signing on in 2008 as part of the highly decorated "Brew Crew" recruiting class. Sabino was rated highly by all the recruiting services. Sabino saw some action as a freshman, but didn't get many snaps at LB. Utlimately though Spitler should win the starting job with Sabino seening plenty of action as well.
Likely 2-Deep
WLB Rolle/ Moeller
MLB Spitler, Sabino
SLB Homan, Sweat