Redshirt Freshmen Linebackers Look to Make Strong Impact for Huskers

After the recruiting class of last season, Nebraska linebackers Coach Mike Ekeler took a look at the depth chart and one thing was apparent. The talent at the position was fairly strong.  The problem, the players with the greatest athletic ability and potential were all Freshmen.

Head Coach Bo Pelini and Ekeler  Decided to bite the bullet for the 2008 season and piece it together at the position.  As a result of this decision,  the position now has four redshirt Freshmen looking to make a huge impact on this years squad.

The best of which appears to be Sean Fisher, the projected starter at the Buck position.  Fisher is said to be a student of the game, the fastest learner and a natural leader. The coaches are highly impressed with what they have seen in spring practice.

Playing behind Fisher at the Buck position is redshirt freshman Micah Kreikemeier.
Forced to redshirt after missing last season with a knee injury, Kreikemeier has had a strong showing during spring ball.

Another redshirt Freshman with a high probability of getting the starting nod is Will Compton at the mike position.  Compton will be competing with Colton Koehler, a walk on Senior who played in seven games last season and got his first start in the Gator Bowl.  While Koehler has more experience, Compton is faster and more physically gifted.  I look for Compton to take over as the starter and play the majority of the snaps.

The fourth and final redshirt Freshmen slated to make an impact at linebacker is Alonzo Whaley.  Whaley is said to have the ability to play at all three spots and could see playing time if a defensive formation calls for a fourth linebacker.

The Will linebacker position is the only one that doesn't have a redshirt Freshmen projected in the top two spots on the depth chart.  Returning will be Junior Blake Lawrence.  Lawrence excelled as one of the top linebackers on the team last season, but three concussions in the last 12 months leave questions about his health and potential contributions for the 2009 season. Lawrence has already missed the latter part of spring practices.

Sophomore Mathew May who moved over from safety the final three games of last season could start in Lawrence's spot.  May moved over to the Will spot from Mike five practices into spring.

At this point, many Nebraska fans may be asking, "Where's Phillip Dillard?". Dillard, a senior who has played in 33 career games was said to be at the bottom of the depth chart at the Mike position.  Dillard was said to be in the dog house of the coaches for not listening and not giving full effort on the field or toward learning the defensive system.

Recently, Dillard appears to have turned things around and have a new outlook for his Senior season.  Whether he can continue this and get back into the good graces of the coaches remains to be seen.

Overall the position looks strong, there may be a few growing pains this season, but the Husker line backing core looks poised to become a strength of the team in the near future.

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