2009 Linebacker Discussion

[TheGrayArcher]

Homan will not be the best LB in the big ten. If this was the cas he would have not gotten ran over by P.J. Hill in the WISC.

The arguement that Spitler could start at a lot of school is not a valid point. We are not talking about most schools. We are discussing the ohio state university.

Spitler will suffice in the Big Ten but we are trying to build a NC team.


Homan, Rolle, Sabino- should be the line up

Russell needs to be replaced, ASAP.

How did it get to the point that you don't even have to justify calling the Big Ten second rate in a buckeye forum? I have to admit, ESPN's reach is impressive.

 

[buck2006]

Homan will not be the best LB in the big ten. If this was the cas he would have not gotten ran over by P.J. Hill in the WISC.

The arguement that Spitler could start at a lot of school is not a valid point. We are not talking about most schools. We are discussing the ohio state university.

Spitler will suffice in the Big Ten but we are trying to build a NC team.


Homan, Rolle, Sabino- should be the line up

Russell needs to be replaced, ASAP.

Why Homan may not be the best LB in the big ten next year, Every LB at one time or another has had a RB get the best of him. When a LB is only a yard or so off the line (goal line) and the RB get a 5 or 6 yard start to get a good head of steam going the LB will lose that battle most the time. That said Homan will be the best LB on the field for OSU next year. I look for him to lead the team in tackles.

Spitler will get his chance to prove himself, Sabino will back him up. As time goes on this may change.

I look for Moeller to start at SLB, Spitler to start at MLB, and Homan to start at WLB. Sabino, Rolle, Sweat, and Bell will see time also.

And Russle will be a starter!!!

 

[Buckskin86]

Ohio State offers many candidates, few certainties in linebacker competition
by Doug Lesmerises/Plain Dealer Reporter
Tuesday April 21, 2009

Marvin Fong/The Plain Dealer
Ross Homan (51) and Brian Rolle (36) are competing for starting roles in a new-look linebacking corps for Ohio State next fall.

COLUMBUS -- Ohio State's starting linebackers against Navy on Sept. 5 could be Etienne Sabino in the middle, Austin Spitler on the strongside and Ross Homan on the weakside. Or Spitler in the middle with Tyler Moeller on the strongside. Or Brian Rolle could see time in the middle and on the weakside.
Former mainstays James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman will find new homes during the NFL draft this weekend, and it might take Ohio State four or five linebackers to replace them.

Linebackers coach Luke Fickell doesn't mind.

"Last year we probably should have done a lot more rotating," Fickell said, believing his stars would have been fresher late in games and late in the season. "It's hard to do when you have someone like James that you don't want off the field. This year it will be a little more evident.

"I think in the long run it will happen with this group and it'll give a lot more people opportunities."

One guy who shouldn't move much is junior Ross Homan, the third starter a year ago. But that hasn't happened this month. Homan took part in scrimmage situations on Tuesday for the first time since a hamstring pull sent him to the sidelines on the first day of spring practice.

"From the sidelines, you really can't take a leadership role," Homan said, "so it's been frustrating."

Ohio State offers many candidates, few certainties in linebacker competition - Ohio State Buckeyes Football & Basketball News - cleveland.com

 

[Buckskin86]

Position breakdown
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
By Tim May
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Dispatch beat reporters Tim May and Ken Gordon analyze each position group on the Ohio State football team through spring practice.

TODAY: LINEBACKERS
? Key losses: James Laurinaitis, Marcus Freeman

? Key returnees: Ross Homan

(returning starter), Etienne Sabino, Brian Rolle, Tyler Moeller

? Time to step up: Moeller, Sabino, Rolle, Austin Spitler, Andrew Sweat, Storm Klein. Even Homan needs to assert himself, but he has been hampered by a slight hamstring pull that has kept him out of contact. Five-star recruit Dorian Bell will arrive in the summer and get an immediate look, as will Jordan Whiting.

? What it was: The heart of the defense in 2008, with All-American Laurinaitis and Freeman roaming the middle of the field. Homan was the third starter, but he didn't play when the Buckeyes used five defensive backs.

? What it might be: Athletic, for starters. And hungry -- Spitler has been waiting three years to get his chance, playing behind Laurinaitis. Rolle might be the most improved player on defense, delivering hits every which way. Moeller will press for time, as will Sabino. Sweat and early freshman enrollee Klein have had their moments, too.

? What they're saying: Unlike last year, co-defensive coordinator Luke Fickell has been working with players who aren't household names to fans. But he said "the competitiveness and the fire and the energy which they're bringing, it's an exciting group."

BuckeyeXtra - The Columbus Dispatch : Position breakdown

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K94lPFZlZgY"]YouTube - Ross Homan, Austin Spitler, Tyler Moeller, Luke Fickell interviewed[/ame]

 

[pnuts34]

Its looking close to Sabino at MLB, Homan and Spitler on the outside, but I like Rolle a little more than Spitler. Sure Spitler has the experience but Rolle just seems more athletic and plays faster, imo. Spitler would play a lot in rotation, but I'd start Rolle.

 

[Poe McKnoe]

Its looking close to Sabino at MLB, Homan and Spitler on the outside, but I like Rolle a little more than Spitler. Sure Spitler has the experience but Rolle just seems more athletic and plays faster, imo. Spitler would play a lot in rotation, but I'd start Rolle.

I haven't seen either play the LB position so it's hard to say one plays faster than the other. I'm glad Rolle is getting closer to the field, but so far he's only been a special teams star. Plus, 4 years of learning the defense should probably help Spitler on reads. Maybe we'll find out Saturday.

 

[martinss01]

All I'm saying is open the competition up. Yes I am saying that Homan's spot should be open to competition. Yes I am saying that Spitler should not get preferntial treatment because he is a senior. If Homan and and Spitler are the best then start them. If Rolle, Sabino, Moeller, or Hines is better start them. I really don't care about the names on the back of the jersey but I definately care about the one on the front.

why is it you feel the competition hasn't been "opened up" to this point? do you feel the coaching staff is evaluating the players unfairly? if so, why do you feel this way?

^I agree and thats why assuming Homan and Spitler will start is a mistake.

its wrong to assume guys who have been with the program for 3+ years, some of whom have earned said starting positions in the past are likely to start? guys who very likely have a better understanding of the scheme and can read/react rather than think? don't forget that raw talent is only 1 part of the equation.

Homan will not be the best LB in the big ten. If this was the cas he would have not gotten ran over by P.J. Hill in the WISC.

only linebacker i have ever seen take on beanie one on one and come away with anything resembling a draw was deon hightower out of minnesota. that would make him the best lb in the nation in your eyes correct?

Spitler will suffice in the Big Ten but we are trying to build a NC team.

and to build a nc team we need players that are more capable than what can be found in the big 10?

Homan, Rolle, Sabino- should be the line up

a distinct possibility though i would lean more in the direction of:
homan
spitler
sabino

i like rolle alot. but i think others are a tad more ready at this point.

Russell needs to be replaced, ASAP.

any particular reason why?

 

[Buckskin86]

Candidates Abound for OSU Linebacking Jobs
By John Porentas

From the outside looking in it looks like the Buckeyes lost most their linebacking at the end of last season. From the inside looking in it looks a lot different.

OSU starting linebackers James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman accounted for over 200 tackles last season. This season they will by plying their trade in the NFL, not Ohio Stadium. Usually that kind of loss leaves a team fretting over the position.

There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of fretting going on over the OSU linebacking this spring however, that is unless you are one of the candidates to replace Freeman and Laurinaitis. That situation is kind of like the overall job market in the good old U.S. of A these days, more qualified candidates than positions.

Fifth-year senior Austin Spitler will finally get his chance this year after spending the first four years of his career watching three-time All-American James Laurinaitis play ahead of him. At 6-3, 235 Spitler is a big, rugged, physical player who linebackers coach Luke Fickell says is probably more naturally strong than Laurinaitis.

Who the other linebackers will be remains an open question which probably won't be fully answered until next fall.

The-Ozone, Ohio State Football, Wrestling, Softball, Basketball, Hockey, Baseball and More

 

[bukIpower]

Rolle as the first linebacker off the board in the draft yesterday... Do you believe this is an indication of things to come??

I know Brian has been having a MONSTER year so far this spring, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a lot of #36

 

[Best Buckeye]

Rolle as the first linebacker off the board in the draft yesterday... Do you believe this is an indication of things to come??

I know Brian has been having a MONSTER year so far this spring, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a lot of #36

Not a surprise to me as he was drafted highly and he is meeting his expectations , I hope he continues to improve .

 

[flybuckeye]

Rolle as the first linebacker off the board in the draft yesterday... Do you believe this is an indication of things to come??

This could be way off base, but I think the Grey team had first pick of the lb's and since the scarlet already has Spitler that they would want OLB's which means they should take the best available OLB because Sabino would stay on the board for a little while. Since Homan is coming off the injury, Rolle is the best available OLB, hence being picked first. Scarlet then took Moeller as the next best OLB.
I'm basing this all on my interpretation of Fickell's comments on sabino not being able to pick up the duties of both the mike and sam postions so they're keeping him soley at mike now.

 

[Buckskin86]

Article published April 29, 2009
OSU's linebacker roles up for grabs
By MATT MARKEY
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

COLUMBUS - If you play tight end or safety at Ohio State there are certain performance expectations, but not everyone always remembers your name.

Play linebacker for the Buckeyes and the expectations increase tenfold, and there's no anonymity to be found.

Chris Spielman, A.J. Hawk, Randy Gradishar, Tom Cousineau, Steve Tovar, Pepper Johnson and Andy Katzenmoyer have all worn the armor and patrolled the heart of the field for Ohio State. Those legendary Buckeyes still cast long shadows around Ohio Stadium.

James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman recently were added to that distinguished fraternity of OSU's former standout linebackers, and now that they have moved on to the professional ranks the Buckeyes are trying to identify the next individuals who will hold those prestigious positions.

"That happens a lot at a place like Ohio State - great players build a legacy and then leave, and somebody has to step in and fill that role," said senior Austin Spitler (6-3, 234), who looks like the front-runner to man the middle where Laurinaitis was a highly decorated fixture the past three seasons.

"You just have to be confident in your ability, and go out and make plays. Everybody knows all the names and the history here - the All-Americans who played the linebacker position - but you can't try to be them, you can't try to be somebody else. You just do everything you can to help the team win."
The recently concluded month of spring practice has accelerated the sorting-out process at linebacker. Freeman played 52 games in his career, Laurinaitis played 51. Ohio State linebackers coach Luke Fickell said the downside to relying so heavily on certain players like Laurinaitis and Freeman for several seasons is the obvious shortage of experience once they are gone.


"Looking back, we probably should have done more of a rotation last year," Fickell said. "I think it would have helped. But this year we plan on having more of a rotation. In the long run, I think that's what's going to happen with this group. There's going to be a lot more opportunities for a lot of people."

toledoblade.com --

 

[BB73]

Dave Biddle breaks down the LBs.

BN.free

 

[Taosman]

No talk of Storm Klein who some think is an amazing talent? Wonder if the coaches would trust him enough for him to play over...say..Sabino, who many love also. (I'm a Sabino fan)
Wonder if Spit is athletic enough to hold off Sabino?
We won't be lacking for talent and competition at all the LB positions!

 

[MililaniBuckeye]

No talk of Storm Klein who some think is an amazing talent? Wonder if the coaches would trust him enough for him to play over...say..Sabino, who many love also. (I'm a Sabino fan)
Wonder if Spit is athletic enough to hold off Sabino?
We won't be lacking for talent and competition at all the LB positions!

It may have been in the Klein thread, but there was talk about Sabino not fully catching on to the schemes yet and relying solely on his athleticism, which in high school he could get away with but not at college level. That right there could hurt his chances.