State of the Irish: Notre Dame Linebackers

State of the Irish will be a nine-piece miniseries analyzing Notre Dame football from top to bottom, also predicting what's ahead for the team.

Starting Linebackers 

No. 58 Brian Smith, Junior (6'3", 240 pounds)

The lone returning starter of the 2008 linebackers, Smith serves as the voice of the defense for this year's team.

Although not technically a captain thus far in his career, he can be heard all over the practice field supporting and leading his defense. Ranking fifth on the team with 54 tackles, Smith had a productive year after starting nine of 11 games in 2008 at the Mike position.

Another valuable aspect of his game that he brings to the table is his versatility. He can play any three of the linebacker spots, which may change during the season depending on the younger, yet talented, newcomers.

A breakout year may be on the horizon in 2009 for Smith.

No. 45 Darius Fleming, Sophomore (6'1", 240 pounds)

The recently named starter at the Sam, Fleming is ready to make a major impact this year if he receives consistent minutes.

After playing in every game during his freshman season, he totaled 24 tackles while also contributing 2.5 sacks. He played with his hand down last year, but expect an easy transition to linebacker, his natural position.

Possessing a combination of speed and strength, he looks ready to put consistent pressure on quarterbacks this season while also stopping the rushing attack.

Even after missing the spring after recovering from injury, Fleming still won the starting spot over senior Scott Smith and his close friend, sophomore Steve Filer.

Fleming should have an instant impact this year on the outside.

No. 49 Toryan Smith, Senior (6'1", 244 pounds)

After serving his time as an underclassmen and waiting in line, it is now Smith's turn to man the middle of the Irish defense.

Some fans doubted him because of his belly last year, but he earned praise this preseason from the staff for his performance on the practice field. While some may call for an underclassmen or Brian Smith to be fielded here, Toryan is giving them reasons to think otherwise.

Totaling only 41 tackles over 30 career games at Notre Dame, Smith will have to significantly increase his production this year. After all, there is plenty of talent sitting behind him, drooling from the mouth at the thought of seeing the field.

Reserve Linebackers

No. 5 Manti Te'o, Freshman (6'2", 244 pounds)

I have a lot of praise for Te'o, but I will leave it short and sweet.

He is going to be special—simple as that.

While there is no doubt in my mind that he will leave Notre Dame with eye-popping statistics and a national championship, Te'o will also make a major impact off the field. This is just a great kid with perfect wiring.

If Te'o impresses early enough to start, he would most likely man the Will spot, with Brian Smith sliding to the middle.

Expect Te'o to find the field right away and to seal a starting linebacker spot by the USC game.

Also, expect me to buy a No. 5 jersey before the Michigan game.

No. 46 Steve Filer, Sophomore (6'3", 236 pounds)

Another linebacker from the Chicago area, Filer is another one who has made an impression in fall camp.

Serving as a solid special teams contributer in 2008, he saw action in 11 games but saw limited time in the linebacking corps.

While labeled a linebacker, Filer will probably be more used on the defensive line this season. He has been impressing off the edge so far, and don't be suprised if this is where you see No. 46 making the biggest impact. Look for him to compete with Kerry Neal for that end spot. 

However, don't be suprised when you see him at linebacker, either. Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis recently said he wouldn't be suprised to see him on the field 75 percent of the game.

No. 41 Scott Smith, Senior (6'3", 245)

Every team has one—the senior that serves a bigger role off the field than on.

At least, that is what Scott Smith is being viewed as in the eyes of most Irish fans.

However, some forget that he can actually play some football, too. As probably one of the most intelligent players on the team, Smith is looking to make an impact in his fifth and final year in the program.

Only totaling 32 tackles in 33 career games, he was beat out by Fleming for the starting role. He will be used in mostly short-yardage situations this year.

Expectations for him remain low, but Smith may have a bigger impact as a mentor to the underclassmen (see: Sharpley, Evan).

No. 36 David Posluszny, Redshirt Sophomore, (6'0", 225 pounds)

Remember him? Some fans, including myself, seem to forget about "Little Poz".

After choosing a different path by attending Notre Dame instead of Linebacker-U like his brother, Posluszny is trying to make a name for himself.

He spent his first year as a redshirt, but he is now ready to contribute. Although relatively quiet so far in his career, he finds himself sitting behind Toryan Smith as the backup at the Mike.

Expect him to supply quality backup minutes and make a push for a starting role in 2010.

No. 44 Carlo Calabrese, Freshman (6'1", 235 pounds)

I was fortunate enough to see Calabrese not only on the football field last year, but also on the court. Someone call Mike Brey, because he could have been the next Dennis Rodman.

Coming out of Verona, N.J., Jon Tenuta and Calabrese are perfect for each other. They are both as intense as anyone and will rarely give a smile after success.

Expecting him to see the field early on is not too far-fetched, but he will likely spend a lot of time on special teams in 2009. But he is a diamond in the rough in terms of rush defense.

Next State of the Irish: Defensive Backfield

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