2009 Linebacker Discussion

[OregonBuckeye]

I'm pretty pumped to see Storm Klein in the spring game. He reminds me a little of Brian Cushing and he really attacks the line of scrimmage, something our LB's haven't done very well since '05.

[Oneshot]

I'm pulling for Brian Rolle! Guy is a BEAST!

[southcampus]

I like Austin Spitler. Love the way he hits and attacks the ball carrier. I've been saying it since last season, he will get the nod at MLB and prove to be another OSU LB that turns heads by knocking heads!
I like Sabino and Homan on the edges with Rolle, Moeller, and some of the younger guys getting in there every now and then too. Out of the younger guys we have, Jordan Whiting is most ready to see the field IMHO.

[Buckeye86]

Originally Posted by southcampus

Out of the younger guys we have, Jordan Whiting is most ready to see the field IMHO.

Dorian Bell?

[bukIpower]

I won't lie I also think Whiting is most Physically ready to play at the college level also. He's just got more muscle/weight to him than some of the others. Spare me the actual numbers, but Bell/Klein look like they're a little thin (as most freshman do).

I can still see Bell getting reps as well, but for some reason I see Klein will either redshirt or be a special teamer the first year.

[OregonBuckeye]

Originally Posted by bukIpower

I won't lie I also think Whiting is most Physically ready to play at the college level also. He's just got more muscle/weight to him than some of the others. Spare me the actual numbers, but Bell/Klein look like they're a little thin (as most freshman do).

I can still see Bell getting reps as well, but for some reason I see Klein will either redshirt or be a special teamer the first year.

Whiting and Bell aren't coming in until the summer. Klein enrolled in January. Big advantage for him.

[Sportsbuck28]

Originally Posted by OregonBuckeye

I'm pretty pumped to see Storm Klein in the spring game. He reminds me a little of Brian Cushing and he really attacks the line of scrimmage, something our LB's haven't done very well since '05.

Klein is my favorite player in this recruiting class, can't wait to see him on the field.

[brutus2002]

Whiting deadlifted 565 LBS as a sophomore/junior in H.S.!!!!! He is the most underated defensive recruit we signed this year. Thats kid is gonna smash OSU lifting records. Mike Collins deadlifted 560 twice!!!!! This kids is gonna be a monster.

[TheIronColonel]

Eh, I dunno. I deadlifted 550 lbs as a 215 pound wussy freshmen in HS (and I'm not terribly athletic). The deadlift is a surprisingly easy lift, if your grip is good enough. If he was, say, clean and jerking 300+ at that age...well, I'd be really goddamn impressed.

That being said, Whiting definitely looks like he's got the most college-ready physique of the incoming linebackers. I think Klein's early admission will give him a leg up, though, not just from a conditioning perspective but because he'll also get a chance to go through spring practice. I think that will be huge in determining play-time.

[southcampus]

Jordan looks like an absolute monster! I love all of our 09 linebackers and thing all 20 of them are animals lol. Jordan just looks the part, he is very intelligent, hard working and will turn some heads. He may not be the 5 star like Dorian, but there was a reason he was the 1st or second offer. I think Storm was the other.
Anyways, I ran into Etienne Sabino and Travis Howard the other day in marketplace. Sabino said he's for sure going back to number 6 and will be playing outside and inside this year.
I still stand by my prediction of Sabino, Spitler, and Homan as our primary linebackers.

[brutus2002]

With that deadlift you are definately an AA H.S. powerlifter. My nephew Ross holds the Florida State record for 14 years old boys at his weight class(400 LBS) Your combined has to be around 1350-1450 which would all-world as a freshmen in H.S. Kid you are stronger than half the OSU football team. I was a better deadlifter than any LB'er or DB at OSU. Incredible...especially if you are not using a suit.

[TheIronColonel]

Really? I thought it was super easy. Hell, my bench was never over 200 lbs, but I could deadlift that much. I guess I shouldn't assume that it's easy.

Anyway, I think the point is valid: Klein's time on campus will be a huge help, and possibly get him on the field sooner.

[brutus2002]

I am not as big as you nor Whiting. I played safety at 190lbs . I deadlifted over 500 and squated over 500...competition lift. My bench absolutely sucked at 300. It was my achilles heal in powerlifting. This talk aside Whiting is a beast and I would not give up on him playing FB. He could play FB in a heartbeat. They may put him at MLB first. Whiting is the suprise recruit on defense IMO. He will be a beast.

BTW thats a great lift IronColonel...AA.

[generaladm]

Originally Posted by Oneshot

I'm pulling for Brian Rolle! Guy is a BEAST!

+1

I think Homan has a spot locked up, and I'd like to see Spitler get a starting role, but after that, I think Rolle is the guy who needs to be in the game. I remember in 07, I went to the Akron game, and sat at the 20 on the south end. In the 4th, when we were playing subs liberally, and we kicked off from the south after a score, so I couldn't see much of the action at the other end. I just remember hearing the PA announcements: "Tackle by Brian Rolle", "Tackle by Brian Rolle". I belive he actually made four straight tackles (kickoff, plus three from scrimmage) to force the 3 and punt. Granted, it was Akron, and the game was all but over, but that doensn't happen by accident. Rolle in 07 was better than Sabino in 08. The year of experience that Rolle has over Sabino makes me think that he will see the field more than Sabino, even though they are both tremendous talents. LB at OSU is one of the most competitive positions in all of colege football. I'm thinking Homan-Spitler-Rolle, although Sabino may have a chance to usurp Spitler, but I hope Spitler has earned his chance. Whoever starts, we will have depth that any team would be envious of.

[brutus2002]

I say open up the competition. Tell these guys there are three open spots and let them fight for it. Don't go with Spitler just because hes a senior or Homan because he started last year...play the best. Moeller, Hines, Rolle, and Sabino all look great whenver they were in at LB'er or Star. Let the competition begin and may the men win.

A Michigan buddy of mine was running his mouth about how much we lost at linebacker. I laughed in his face. I told him that this year starters may not be as good but they will be no slouches and may actually be more athletic.