Auburn Tigers Football Burning Questions: The Linebackers

Last time in "Burning Questions", we began our look at the Auburn Tiger defense for the upcoming 2010 football season. 

The secondary was the topic, and if a few breaks go the Tigers' way (getting some key veterans back from injury), it looks to be much improved and may actually be a strong point for the D.

Now we are on to the linebacker position.  It is hard to tell where to begin with these guys.  Besieged by injuries in the pre-season, the linebacker corps never recovered, but may have been the most over-achieving bunch on the field.

When you look at what Defensive Coordinator Ted Roof and the other defensive coaches were working with, it is hard to lay blame on anyone.  At the end of the day, it is painfully obvious that the cupboard was bare.

A team can never assume that players will not get injured, but when it goes into its final two regular season games dressing out four scholarship linebackers, it has to be easy to feel a little snake bit.

It is imperative that the Tigers re-stock, or should I say stock up , on linebackers in this recruiting class, if not the next few as well.

Linebacker

The linebacker position was by far the thinnest, least experienced position on Auburn's team in 2009. 

Seniors Craig Stevens  and Josh Bynes  were the only linebackers that had seen significant playing time coming in to the 2009 season. 

The long-awaited arrival of highly decorated LB Eltoro Freeman  was met with difficulty, as he struggled to play up to his potential.  After Coach Gene Chizik did not let Freeman travel with the team against SEC foe Arkansas, he came back and showed signs of meeting expectations, only to go down to injury and not play in the final two games of the year.

That said, the Tigers will return all three starters in 2010.  But with the exception of incoming help, next season could look similar numbers-wise for the LB spot. Excluding Spencer Pybus and possibly Adam Herring, the injured linebackers this season had seen little, if any, playing time coming into the year. 

With Pybus, Herring, and Harris Gaston already out with injuries, sophomore Jonathon Evans  (true freshman in 2009) was thrown into the fire and showed great promise against bitter rivals Georgia and Alabama. 

Still, finishing out the season dressing four scholarship linebackers is far from ideal for any program, much less one trying to compete in the SEC.

On a brighter note, Gene Chizik and staff seemed to have addressed this deficiency on the recruiting trail, having a host of highly-touted LBs pledging their verbal commitments:

LaDarius Owens - ESPN, Rivals.com, Scout.com Four-Star

Owens has also played defensive end in high school, but the 6'2", 225 lbs athlete will most definitely play at linebacker for defensive coordinator Ted Roof.  With good mobility and power, look for Owens to get immediate playing time in 2010.

Jawara White - ESPN Four-Star, Rivals.com & Scout.com Three-Star

The 6'2", 217 lbs outside linebacker has tremendous upside.  One of the Tiger's earliest commits, White is also a very athletic, rangy player that could prove to be a gem in this class.  With the natural tools he already possesses, White may see the field much earlier than many expect.  Becoming consistent and knowing his role will be imperative to
White's early success.

Jake Holland - ESPN, Rivals.com, Scout.com Three-Star

At 6'1", 228 lbs Holland may be the hardest working, solid linebacker the Tigers will sign.  Known for his consistency, Holland is fundamentally sound and very instinctive once the ball is snapped.  Though not the flashiest of AU's commits, he could see playing time in 2010 at linebacker, but he has a better chance on special teams.

Jessel Curry - ESPN Two-Star, Rivals.com & Scout.com Three-Star

An early signee, Curry was a star fullback in high school, but Auburn fans will not see him in a three-point stance on Saturdays the next few years.  Not in Gus Malzhan's offense.  The 6'2", 215 lbs pounder runs a 4.5 forty yard dash, and is a great open field tackler with great instincts.  Coming in early will do nothing but help Curry, and should definitely see playing time on special teams right away.

Shaun Kitchens 

Kitchens is listed as an "athlete" by many recruiting services, but he projects best at the linebacker spot.  At 6'3", 217 lbs, Kitchens athleticism excites college coaches and could potentially play a number of positions, including receiver on offense.  Whatever position he ends up at, Kitchens will be a difference maker and should have an immediate impact.

Possible commit...

Victor Beasley  

Beasley, at a towering 6'4", is a spectacular athlete.  A Clemson commit, Beasley is listed as a "soft verbal" to the Tigers (from South Carolina) and has always listed Auburn as high on his list.  Beasley is somewhat raw, but with his frame and athletic ability, could be molded into a great player with the help of a big-time college regimen.

With three linebackers already giving their verbal pledge and one already signed, it may be hard to find room for a possible late pledge from Beasley.

In retrospect, it is hard to find fault with the play of the  linebacking corps, considering the amount of time they had to spend on the field.  The 2010 recruiting class should bring well-needed back-up, but it may take another good recruiting class to get the linebacker position where the Tigers want it.

Look to see the same names on the field the majority of next year, but the incoming class will add long-awaited depth and provide rest for the starters.  After 2009, the returning linebackers may not know what to do with any idle time on their hands, but there is no doubt it will be welcomed.