What Happened in 2008?

This group was depleted and relied, for the most part, on overachieving upperclassmen that, in the end, didn’t make enough game changing plays. Veterans like Glenn Cook and Romeo Davis started out well but were invisible by the year’s end. We did see the emergence of the next great UM linebacker: Sean Spence. He has an extremely high football IQ and was able to be at the right place at the right time, making plays.

What to Expect in 2009?

We should see Spence leading this unit comprised of some veterans and some youngsters. Don’t be surprised if Arthur Brown makes an appearance and becomes a stud. There is nice veteran leadership in Colin McCarthy (if he can stay healthy) and Darryl Sharpton. They should be a good second line of defense after the D-Linemen.

Superlatives

MVP: Sean Spence – He is a natural leader, he was in high school and will be in college. He is very smart, he has sound tackling technique, and he can make game changing plays.

Mr. Consistency: Colin McCarthy – Whether he is blowing someone up on a kick return, or snagging fumbles and returning them for touchdowns, his presence will always be known. He can be counted on the make the right plays when needed…..if he can stay healthy.

You’ll know him by October: Arthur Brown – You probably already know him by his high school hype or his brothers recruiting fiasco, but on the field, he will introduce himself very quickly. He has moved to what I think is his more natural position at middle linebacker and I believe he will overtake Darryl Sharpton as the starter by mid-October. He just has that much natural talent. He just needed a year to shore up his technique.

Make sure you have your degree when you leave: Kylan Robinson – He redshirted his freshman year, and two years after that, he hasn’t made an appearance, or at least one I have noticed. Either injuries or lack of skill has led to his not being a producing linebacker.

Next Up: Defensive Backs

Related posts:

1. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Impact Players
2. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Defensive Backs
3. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Defensive Line
4. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Key Arrivals
5. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Running/Full Backs