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2012 tOSU Linebacker (LB) discussion

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MaxBuck

MaxBuck

SoCal, Baby!
2012 Linebackers Discussion

I see linebacker as a critical position for improvement in the 2012 season. Shazier looks like a star in the making, but who else will be a key contributor?
 
MaxBuck;2048475; said:
I see linebacker as a critical position for improvement in the 2012 season. Shazier looks like a star in the making, but who else will be a key contributor?
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The best thing about a new coaching hire is that there will be new blood. With new blood comes no spots guaranteed. If Sabino/Klein want to keep their spots in the rotation, they'll have to step their games up much higher (well, hopefully, at least).
 
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Besides Shazier i'm concerned for the other two who saw a lot of PT this year. Klien/Sabino have been around and they struggle really badly at times.

Maybe Grant will step up? We just need one more solid linebacker because I bet Shazier comes up large next year, love his speed.
 
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bukIpower;2048489; said:
Besides Shazier i'm concerned for the other two who saw a lot of PT this year. Klien/Sabino have been around and they struggle really badly at times.

Maybe Grant will step up? We just need one more solid linebacker because I bet Shazier comes up large next year, love his speed.
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Hopefully, Sabino will have his hand in the dirt next year.
 
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It's been a while since I've read something like this about OSU linebacker corps. The drop off of 2011 was startling, especially in the Michigan game when Shazier had to play despite limping, and this doesn't sound as if there is anything in the tank or the pipeline that's going to change the situation.

What a run from Ike Kelly, to Gradishar, to Cousineau, Spielman, Tovar, Johnson, Diggs, Katzenmoyer, Wilhelm, Hawk, to Laurenitus, to Rolle. (and that's listing only those named AA) I guess the odds had to catch up sometime.
 
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MaxBuck;2090065; said:
My greatest concern with our linebackers overall is that, other than Shazier, they're not very fast. Lack of speed at LB hurt us in 2011.
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I am not sure the linebacker play was totally related to lack of speed. I think Sabino and Klein were out there thinking too much and weren't comfortable. They missed a lot of tackles this year and were constantly overpursuing. When you aren't playing freely, you tend to look slow. I liked what I saw in Sabino in the Gator Bowl so I am hoping he has turned the corner, but we definitely need to see Klein pick it up a notch.
 
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I am curious (outside of Shazier) to see who plays from the incoming class. I think the only guys currently on the roster with the potential to play serious minutes are Sabino (who I think will keep his starting spot/play a lot) and to some extent Klein (who, unless he steps it up big time, I see incoming freshman supplanting his time). I personally would have my money on Perkins (Shazier-like athleticism) and Williams (sound fundamentally, smart enough to pick up the defense, and talent) will play extensive minutes. I could also see Marcus (should he come) earning minutes either on 3rd downs in coverage, or in blitz packages. It is also hard to count out Perry after seeing his senior film but I think he will need some time to pick up the defense after playing extensively at RB in HS, and there is always a possibility UFM will want him at H-Back (fine by me if he does, great athlete with a great frame).

Edit: Definetely haven't counted out Grant, major oversight. I still think he will be a big time stud here
 
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Folks, we're not going to allow speculation about whether or not specific players should transfer or leave the program. It's not fair to the players. There are other sites where those comments are allowed if you really feel the need to talk about it.
 
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