Gators Football Preview: A look at the linebackers
Wednesday, July 20, 2011 | Football, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – When a new coaching staff takes over, there are always changes.
If first-year Gators coach Will Muschamp has said it once, he has said it 100 times.
“Change is inevitable; growth is optional,'' is a favorite motto of Muschamp's.
One position the Gators will need growth from is at linebacker, a unit that loses regulars A.J. Jones, Brandon Hicks and hybrid defensive end/linebacker Duke Lemmens from a year ago.
At the top of linebacker coach D.J. Durkin's growth chart are redshirt sophomore Jelani Jenkins (6-0, 230) and junior Jon Bostic (6-1, 240). Both have added weight and muscle since the end of last season to prepare for their roles as tackling machines.
Jenkins is the team's top returning tackler, recording 76 stops in his first season as a regular starter in 2010. Bostic finished with 57 tackles, tied for third on the team a year ago and second behind Jenkins among returning players.
Bostic is expected to start in the middle and will team with Jenkins to anchor the defense and provide leadership in a unit that lacks significant experience behind them.
With defensive coordinator Dan Quinn planning to use 3-4 and 4-3 fronts, several players are expected to take snaps on the defensive line and at linebacker in 3-4 formations.
Sophomore Ronald Powell (6-4, 254) worked on the outside as a pass-rush specialist in the spring, a role Quinn calls the “buck” position similar to the one Jason Taylor or Charles Haley played in the NFL. Redshirt sophomore Kedric Johnson (6-4, 225) is also in the mix at the buck position.
"It's really a unique position, a guy who can stand up and drop into coverage, rush, cover a tight end," Quinn said. "It's a fun position to play. We are going to cross-train the guys at a lot of spots. Some of the linebackers are also going to play defensive end and we'll find the best way to use the guys.”
At the strong-side linebacker spot, redshirt junior Lerentee McCray (6-2, 241) and redshirt freshman Gideon Ajagbe (6-2, 230) have emerged to contend for a starting role. McCray arrived at UF as a linebacker in 2009 but worked primarily at defensive end last season. Ajagbe has added about 20 pounds and is recovered from the torn rotator cuff that he suffered in camp a year ago.
If there is a concern at the position it's the lack of proven depth.
Junior Dee Finley (6-2, 220) missed the final seven games last season due to a broken collarbone. A former safety, Finley is vying for increased playing time in fall camp.
The group of young players who can move up the depth chart in the fall includes true freshman Clay Burton (6-4, 254), a hybrid DE/LB, freshman Graham Stewart (6-1, 216), sophomore Darrin Kitchens (6-2, 230) and redshirt freshman Michael Taylor (5-11, 220).
Fullback/tight end Gerald Christian worked some at linebacker in the spring but his role is likely to be more on offense entering fall camp.
Sophomore Neiron Ball (6-2, 222), a regular contributor on special teams a year ago, has an uncertain future on the field. Ball suffered from a congenital vascular condition during offseason workouts that forced him to put his career on hold.
Editor's note: GatorZone.com senior writer Scott Carter will preview each unit on the Gators football team leading up to the start of fall camp.
