I know we are so thin linebacker due to injuries its scary. So i was curious as to how we got here. I did some research into our linebacker recruiting during Butch's tenure, here is what we have.
2013
Jalen Reeves Maybin - 4 star, has exceeded expectations, will miss this year after playing in 2.5 games.
Corey Vereen - 3 star, Moved to DE.
2014
Jakob Johnson - 3 star, moved to TE
Dillon Bates - 4 star, has only seen playing time due to injuries. Highly touted, but just hasn't put it together.
Gavin Bryant - 3 star, hasn't seen any playing time that I can remember.
Chris Weatherd - 4 star, played a hybrid role of linebacker/rush end. graduated.
2015
Quarte Sapp - 4 star, would probably be starting right now if not for injury.
Darren Kirkland - 4 star, exceeded expectations, however has only played in 1.5 games this year due to injury.
Austin Smith - 3 star, moved to DE. Injured.
2016 -
Jauquan Blakely - 4 star, haven't heard any news on his progress, however he is a true freshman.
Daniel Bituli - 4 star, early in the season/offseason, rumors swirled that he would be moved to DE. Due to injuries, that hasn't happened. However I think based on past experience, this staff will probably move him there at some point.
In 2015 we really only signed one linebacker, since vereen was moved to DE. That means your senior class has one linebacker at the position, and he is hurt.
In 2014, we signed 4 linebackers, however one of those was moved to TE, and the other 3 just haven't panned out, with the exception of weatherd, who graduated.
In 2015, all players from that class, are injured. Although we did move smith to DE.
2016 we only signed two backers, so its early. However one will be moved to DE if history repeats itself.
Thoughts?
2013
Jalen Reeves Maybin - 4 star, has exceeded expectations, will miss this year after playing in 2.5 games.
Corey Vereen - 3 star, Moved to DE.
2014
Jakob Johnson - 3 star, moved to TE
Dillon Bates - 4 star, has only seen playing time due to injuries. Highly touted, but just hasn't put it together.
Gavin Bryant - 3 star, hasn't seen any playing time that I can remember.
Chris Weatherd - 4 star, played a hybrid role of linebacker/rush end. graduated.
2015
Quarte Sapp - 4 star, would probably be starting right now if not for injury.
Darren Kirkland - 4 star, exceeded expectations, however has only played in 1.5 games this year due to injury.
Austin Smith - 3 star, moved to DE. Injured.
2016 -
Jauquan Blakely - 4 star, haven't heard any news on his progress, however he is a true freshman.
Daniel Bituli - 4 star, early in the season/offseason, rumors swirled that he would be moved to DE. Due to injuries, that hasn't happened. However I think based on past experience, this staff will probably move him there at some point.
In 2015 we really only signed one linebacker, since vereen was moved to DE. That means your senior class has one linebacker at the position, and he is hurt.
In 2014, we signed 4 linebackers, however one of those was moved to TE, and the other 3 just haven't panned out, with the exception of weatherd, who graduated.
In 2015, all players from that class, are injured. Although we did move smith to DE.
2016 we only signed two backers, so its early. However one will be moved to DE if history repeats itself.
Thoughts?
