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This is the fourth of the multi part series taking a look at the UNI football depth chart, and analyzing needs that might be taken care of via recruiting. This fourth part we will take a look at the linebackers.
Linebacker:
OLB:
Projected Starters: Brannon Carter (Sr.), Will Lewis (Jr.)
2nd String: Josh Mahoney (So.), Araf Evans-Sykes (Sr.)
Backup: Osayi Ehigiamusoe (So.), Jamar Thompson (RFr.)
MLB:
Projected Starter: Justin Kirk (Jr.)
2nd String: Josh Davis (RFr.)
Backup: Tyler Epstein (RFr.)
The one area that seemed to have the least consistency in playing time this year came from the linebacker position. It somewhat seems odd that the position the head coach played in college would be the one position that tends to be the most inconsistent in recent years. Some of the rationale could be due to injuries, graduation, change in defensive schemes/formation, inexperience, and a lack of ideal athletes to compete at the LB position in-state, but regardless, the linebacker group is one that needs the most improvement in the off-season.
UNI returns Brannon Carter, Will Lewis, and Justin Kirk, three athletes that have some starting experience, although not extensive (outside of Carter). One injury recovery to keep an eye on is Araf Evans-Sykes. If he is able to fully return to his 2006 form, look for Araf to challenge for a starting spot as well. The one thing with this squad is that you can’t really point to one guy and say that he is the guy that makes the defense go. The one thing that brings excitement to this group is the fact that there is some significant depth at the outside linebacker position, and in addition some fantastic athleticism. Josh Mahoney, South Dakota’s Gatorade Player of the Year 2 years ago looks to get more snaps than this year…although he is a possible candidate to move to middle linebacker. Also, Osayi Ehigiamusoe is one of my personal favorites. Osayi hasn’t played much more than special teams, but you can see talent showing through on kickoffs. Jamar Thompson, Josh Davis, and Tyler Epstein are all redshirt freshmen that didn’t play this past year, but are heralded coming out of high school. How quickly those three redshirt freshmen establish themselves in the rotation will probably go a long way to telling how deep this group is.
Forecast:
With two seniors on the current roster, and two more juniors, look for UNI to establish some depth. Thus far, UNI has two linebacker commits, but look for at least one, possibly two, more commits. With the two commitments being preps, look for UNI to make a run at a Juco or FBS transfer.
UNI Linebacker Commitments:
Shawn Gerard 6’3”/195lbs Eldridge, Iowa (North Scott HS)
Jordan Smith 6’2”/210lbs Humboldt, Iowa (Humboldt HS)
Next update: Defensive Backs
Linebacker:
OLB:
Projected Starters: Brannon Carter (Sr.), Will Lewis (Jr.)
2nd String: Josh Mahoney (So.), Araf Evans-Sykes (Sr.)
Backup: Osayi Ehigiamusoe (So.), Jamar Thompson (RFr.)
MLB:
Projected Starter: Justin Kirk (Jr.)
2nd String: Josh Davis (RFr.)
Backup: Tyler Epstein (RFr.)
The one area that seemed to have the least consistency in playing time this year came from the linebacker position. It somewhat seems odd that the position the head coach played in college would be the one position that tends to be the most inconsistent in recent years. Some of the rationale could be due to injuries, graduation, change in defensive schemes/formation, inexperience, and a lack of ideal athletes to compete at the LB position in-state, but regardless, the linebacker group is one that needs the most improvement in the off-season.
UNI returns Brannon Carter, Will Lewis, and Justin Kirk, three athletes that have some starting experience, although not extensive (outside of Carter). One injury recovery to keep an eye on is Araf Evans-Sykes. If he is able to fully return to his 2006 form, look for Araf to challenge for a starting spot as well. The one thing with this squad is that you can’t really point to one guy and say that he is the guy that makes the defense go. The one thing that brings excitement to this group is the fact that there is some significant depth at the outside linebacker position, and in addition some fantastic athleticism. Josh Mahoney, South Dakota’s Gatorade Player of the Year 2 years ago looks to get more snaps than this year…although he is a possible candidate to move to middle linebacker. Also, Osayi Ehigiamusoe is one of my personal favorites. Osayi hasn’t played much more than special teams, but you can see talent showing through on kickoffs. Jamar Thompson, Josh Davis, and Tyler Epstein are all redshirt freshmen that didn’t play this past year, but are heralded coming out of high school. How quickly those three redshirt freshmen establish themselves in the rotation will probably go a long way to telling how deep this group is.
Forecast:
With two seniors on the current roster, and two more juniors, look for UNI to establish some depth. Thus far, UNI has two linebacker commits, but look for at least one, possibly two, more commits. With the two commitments being preps, look for UNI to make a run at a Juco or FBS transfer.
UNI Linebacker Commitments:
Shawn Gerard 6’3”/195lbs Eldridge, Iowa (North Scott HS)
Jordan Smith 6’2”/210lbs Humboldt, Iowa (Humboldt HS)
Next update: Defensive Backs
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