We finally got to a position group that has some solid depth and good returning players! In this piece, I won’t be focusing on the EDGE player (a DE/LB hybrid), since Akshay took care of that. Instead, I’ll be focusing on the middle and strongside linebackers (also referred to as the Mike and Sam linebackers). Like defensive tackle, there’s also a couple guys who could play either positions.

Mike Linebacker

Already on the Roster

Defensive Coordinator (and linebackers coach) Andrew Thacker will have a couple guys to play with at the Mike. The likely starter, though, is David Curry, a senior who started in Nate Woody’s defense last season. He finished the season with 47 tackles and an interception.

Joining Curry inside are Bruce Jordan-Swilling and Quez Jackson. Jordan-Swilling came in very hyped, but has been hurt a lot due to circumstance. He spent the majority of his time playing running back in high school, but wanted to play at linebacker at the next level. He then proceeded to play for three different defenses in three different years (with this being the third coach). He’s shown some flashes, but hasn’t quite put it together yet. Jackson played as a true freshman last season and showed a lot of promise.

Sam Linebacker

Already on the Roster

At outside linebacker, Charlie Thomas is going to be the main guy here. After coming to the Flats originally as a safety, Thomas moved down to linebacker and was a pleasant surprise for Tech last season. He finished the season with 48 tackles with three tackles for loss after taking the starting job.

Another guy I think you could see here is Quez Jackson. I think he’s a little bit more fluid in coverage than Jordan-Swilling is, so those skills would translate better here. In a pinch, Curry could slide over as well

Newcomers

The one non-EDGE linebacker joining the team is Cornelius Evans from Lawrenceville. Evans brings some great length, and could very well end up at any linebacker spot, but I slotted him here mostly because there isn’t a ton of depth here, and his skill set could be useful here.

Projected Depth

Mike Linebacker

1. David Curry
2. Quez Jackson

LINE

• Bruce Jordan-Swilling

Sam Linebacker

1. Charlie Thomas
2. Quez Jackson

LINE

• David Curry
• Cornelius Evans