LB Moeller Likely Out For Season, Opens LB Options For Ohio State In '09

It's becoming more clear and clear, Ohio State Junior Outside Linebacker Tyler Moeller sustained a head injury in a Cincinnati brawl in July.

While he is O.K. condition, he is now expected to miss all of the '09 season for the buckeyes.

I have two things to ask here;

1. Why was Moeller in a position to get involved in a fight?

2. What now for the Strong Side Linebacker position for the buckeyes?

Well, I can't tell you number one, and that wasn't the purpose of this article. The purpose of this article is because I wanted to write a real quick article about the options that this gives Jim Tressel and the buckeyes for the linebacker spot in '09.

While it is unfortunate to have a talented young man's season wasted like this, it isn't necessarily a bad thing as far as talent wise for the buckeyes.

Moeller possessed great speed for the linebacker position which will be missed if he is to miss all of '09.

But the person I'd like to highlight here to replace Moeller is a Freshman.

Dorian Bell out of Gateway SHS in Pennsylvania is the name.

While both are undersized for the linebacker position at 6'0 ft. 220-ish each, they both possess speed and athleticism for the linebacker position.

Moeller and Bell seem to play the same way if what I've read about Bell proves true. He likes to hit, blitz, and gets to the quarter back quickly when he does.

Similar to the way Moeller plays, kind of like a strong safety, but at the linebacker position instead.

Another player that could see more playing time if Moeller is not to play is Sophomore linebacker Tony Jackson. 

Jackson has not seen any real playing time as a buckeye, but has proved a legitimate player on the scout team, challenging the stars of the team. 

This unfortunate injury to Moeller could possibly give Jackson the opportunity of a lifetime, we'll see if he gets it.

While it is unfortunate and not good by any means that Moeller sustained this head injury, it is not necessarily all bad for the buckeyes, and could possibly end up presenting better things to come for the buckeyes.

Make sure and keep a close eye on that linebacker position for the buckeyes in '09.

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