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Ranking the ACC Units: Linebackers

Jeffrey Fann

Correspondent Written on June 26, 2009

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CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 22: Matt Merletti #25 of the North Carolina Tar Heels carries the American Flag as he leads his team before the start of their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Kenan Stadium on November 22, 2008 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

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The Jackets have depth and experience at the linebacker, even if they lack a true superstar going into the season. Senior Sedric Griffen and Junior Brad Jefferson in particular had solid springs.

Kyle Jackson is likely the third starter, and may be the most versatile of the bunch. Top 50 national linebackers Steven Sylvestor and Malcolm Monore from 2008 will add depth.

Tech will have a "Wolf" position a hybrid safety/linebacker. Ball-hawking Sophomore Cooper Taylor will probably man this position.

9. Virginia Cavaliers

The Cavaliers for years have employed the 3-4 defense. They lose 3 starters off last year's team, so there will be plenty of experience to replace. Senior Denzel Burrell is only returning starter.

Aaron Clark, a fifth-year senior, may finally get a chance to start. Senior Darren Childs looks like the starter on the inside. Steve Greer may start at the other inside position. Cam Johnson is a promising young player is one of the top backups.

10. Duke Blue Devils

The Blue Devils possess one of the better linebackers in the ACC in senior Vincent Rey. Rey had 109 tackles last season, and will be looked upon to lead the Blue Devils Linebackers after Mike Tauiliili's departure last season.

His replacement will be Damian Thornton, who only had five tackles last season. Thornton doesn't have much experience. Junior Abraham Kromah (6-1, 215 pounds) also lacks experience. Right now, this is a one-man show with Rey.

11. Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Wake Forest loses all three starters off last year's team including first-round draft choice Aaron Curry.

Juniors Hunter Haynes and Matt Woodlief had only 46 total tackles between them last year. The other likely starter is athletic RS-freshman Joey Ehrmann.

RS-freshman Scott Betros and Riley Haynes will also compete for playing time.

12. Boston College Eagles

I can't think of one unit on either side of the ball that has had more bad luck than the BC linebacker's unit. Senior middle linebacker Mike McLaughlin tore his Achilles in spring practice.

There was the Herzlich's cancer diagnosis, and suddenly a solid group is looking for answers. Red Shirt Freshman Nick Clancy has ability, but lacks experience.

Two sophomores may take the other LB positions. Dominick LeGrande and Will Thompson will have to step up if they replace McLaughlin and Herzlich. There are just too many question marks with this group right now to rank them any higher.

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written on June 26, 2009 Rankings/List