Question: 2009 Linebacker signees may cause a shift?

[NATidefan]

Hey, this is somewhat recruiting related, and kinda not. But I wanted to post it here cause I respect BET, CS, Airborn, RTO, and etc opinions.

I just read this article about some linebackers shifting, which seemed to hint at Hightower going to the Jack and maybe Nico Johnson (or Jerrel Harris or Upshaw IMO) stepping up to take the inside position. I know it's way early, but just wonder where ya'll think everyone will end up in linebacker's spots. Here's the article BTW.

Linebacker shift may be on at Bama | NBC13.com

Last year we had Reamer at the Sam, Hightower at the Will, Mclain at Mike, and Fanney at Jack. Fanney hasn't done well at Jack, and according to Saban's presser the other day he seems to like Hightower at the Jack. If that move happens, where do ya'll think Reamer ends up and who steps in to fill the Will?

Man, we are so stacked at LB, I can't freaking wait.

 

[Airborne Tider]

Hey, this is somewhat recruiting related, and kinda not. But I wanted to post it here cause I respect BET, CS, Airborn, RTO, and etc opinions.

I just read this article about some linebackers shifting, which seemed to hint at Hightower going to the Jack and maybe Nico Johnson (or Jerrel Harris or Upshaw IMO) stepping up to take the inside position. I know it's way early, but just wonder where ya'll think everyone will end up in linebacker's spots. Here's the article BTW.

Linebacker shift may be on at Bama | NBC13.com

Last year we had Reamer at the Sam, Hightower at the Will, Mclain at Mike, and Fanney at Jack. Fanney hasn't done well at Jack, and according to Saban's presser the other day he seems to like Hightower at the Jack. If that move happens, where do ya'll think Reamer ends up and who steps in to fill the Will?

Man, we are so stacked at LB, I can't freaking wait.

I have liked the thought of Hightower moving outside. He gets a pretty good rush from the Jack position. Although I believe Stinson could do that as well. Nico could definitely step up and play right away at Hightower's position if need be. If Jerrel Harris puts it altogether this spring I could see him take Reamer's spot at Sam. The fact of the matter is we have a ton of talent at the LB position right now and Coach Saban, Coach Smart, Coach Willis, and Coach Sunseri will most definitely have the luxury to try a lot of different combinations, because of our versatile linebacking corps, and find the best possible package for every situation.

 

[NATidefan]

I have liked the thought of Hightower moving outside. He gets a pretty good rush from the Jack position. Although I believe Stinson could do that as well. Nico could definitely step up and play right away at Hightower's position if need be. If Jerrel Harris puts it altogether this spring I could see him take Reamer's spot at Sam. The fact of the matter is we have a ton of talent at the LB position right now and Coach Saban, Coach Smart, Coach Willis, and Coach Sunseri will most definitely have the luxury to try a lot of different combinations, because of our versatile linebacking corps, and find the best possible package for every situation.

From everything I've read about Nico and his performance in the all-star game, it doesn't seem like it would be that surprising for him to end up on the field. Be nice to see him out there getting some experience since it is most likely Ro's last year.

 

[BAMAHD]

Linebacker is one area Shula ignored for the better part of four years, Saban has came in and rebuilt with some of the best talent i've seen a long time. And it's going to be fun watching this group of linebackers the next few years.

 

[Bamaball2001]

Linebacker is one area Shula ignored for the better part of four years, Saban has came in and rebuilt with some of the best talent i've seen a long time. And it's going to be fun watching this group of linebackers the next few years.

Yes this is one heck of a group. The competition on the practice field will be just as intense, if not more intense, than the games.

McClain and Hightower had better be ready to bring it in practice, this group could turn out to be something special.

:BigA: RTR!

 

[bamar]

yes we have as fine a group of young linebackers in the sec. however, the staff will have to place these young studs where they can do the most good. linebacker is not a easy assignment, especially for freshmen. we only need to look at the games against the two best teams we played in fla and utah. they did really well against our young studs passing underneath and just behind the backers. the biggest job the first year backers will have is adjusting to pass coverage. they did very little of this in high school. it will be interesting to see what changes will be made.

 

[Airborne Tider]

As bamar said our biggest problem last year was the little plays right over the middle. It has been pointed out repeatedly that Rolando McClain is as good at stopping the run as anyone in the country but when it comes to pass defense he leaves a little to be desired. I think our LB's will get better with the new coaches but some of these young players coming in, like Nico Johnson, are much more suited to cover passes and chase plays sideline to sideline. Nico ran down the opposing RB, I believe it was Bryce Brown, from behind in the AA game. Nico is big and extremely quick and agile. He has all the tools to be once in an era type LB like Derrick Thomas, Cornelius Bennet, or Lee Roy Jordan. Now I am not comparing him to these guys because he has yet to step on the field but he has the tools and I hope he puts it altogether and lives up to his potential. RTR.:BigA:

 

[derek4tide]

Petey Smith is a pure Mike LB. Does he stay at Mike or maybe move to Will? Please chime in mods and those in the know.

 

[Airborne Tider]

Petey Smith is a pure Mike LB. Does he stay at Mike or maybe move to Will? Please chime in mods and those in the know.

I think Petey redshirts, or maybe even greyshirts if we need him to for numbers, and after that he could play Will or Mike IMO. He is very similar to Prince Hall except a good bit more talented. Petey is another one of those linebackers that will be a stellar runstopper but will need a little help in coverage. If Petey could learn to cover at a high level, he has All-American potential.

 

[tortfeasor]

As bamar said our biggest problem last year was the little plays right over the middle. It has been pointed out repeatedly that Rolando McClain is as good at stopping the run as anyone in the country but when it comes to pass defense he leaves a little to be desired. I think our LB's will get better with the new coaches but some of these young players coming in, like Nico Johnson, are much more suited to cover passes and chase plays sideline to sideline. Nico ran down the opposing RB, I believe it was Bryce Brown, from behind in the AA game. Nico is big and extremely quick and agile. He has all the tools to be once in an era type LB like Derrick Thomas, Cornelius Bennet, or Lee Roy Jordan. Now I am not comparing him to these guys because he has yet to step on the field but he has the tools and I hope he puts it altogether and lives up to his potential. RTR.:BigA:

Yes, I love Ro but his pass defense was exposed at times.

 

[rolltide0692]

This could be a stellar LB group. I really like Jerrell Harris, hopefully he steps up and takes the Sam position. If Hightower moves to Jack, then Nico could be the favorite to take over the Will. I dont see how anybody could take the Mike from Ro. And Hightower at Jack, with Stinson maybe coming in key pass-rushing situations.

That is one incredible group.

 

[THE BAMA IRISHMAN]

This will produce offensive opponent problems and provide additional sacks for the defense. Hightower bull rushing along with the speed of the entire defense. I hope to see some of this in the spring game!

I see our Spring #1 and #2 offense working their butts off. :BigA:

 

[M2J]

I think Petey redshirts, or maybe even greyshirts if we need him to for numbers, and after that he could play Will or Mike IMO. He is very similar to Prince Hall except a good bit more talented. Petey is another one of those linebackers that will be a stellar runstopper but will need a little help in coverage. If Petey could learn to cover at a high level, he has All-American potential.

For sure

This truly is a stellar LB class and it is very versatile and will provide a lot of versatility to our overall corp. Guys that don't get all the publicity in Smith and Atchison are very talented guys that are capable of being stars at their positions one day on the inside and outside respectively and as you stated Petey could play either inside spot.

Then you have the bluechip guys. Stinson looks like he's going to be a star as a pass rusher from the Jack position. Nico is such a stud he could probably play any 4 of the positions if need be and be great, and certainly Sam/Mike/Will. And Tana could be a star at either Jack or Sam very early on. These guys along with the versatility that is already on the unit is the makings of a great corp.

I'd say our problems rushing the passer off the edge are near over. If Jerrell is ready, he's a dynamo off one edge, and there seems to be of guys that will improve our Jack spot.

 

[Roll_Tide_Gal]

I guess everybody has already forgotten Courtney Upshaw........

 

[chris]

to think where we've come from a mere 2 seasons ago at this position.........a freshman starter,an mtsu transfer,and to be honest the others couldn't have started at most if not all s.e.c. schools! way to go CNS!:BigA:

 

[bamabryan]

I guess everybody has already forgotten Courtney Upshaw........

I haven't. :wink:

I think Upshaw is going to be an All-SEC/All-American caliber LB.

 

[M2J]

I haven't forgotten Courtney either. I think he could be strong at the Jack position or move in

 

[ROLLTIDEFANATIC]

Someone else yall may have forgotten about is Eryk Anders...Everytime that kid was in the game last year he was in the backfield getting pressure. I look for him to be a big asset to this years defense!

 

[bamafloyd]

:BigA: Not only has the talent level jumped up, but with these numbers the coaches will be able to do a lot of substituting and in the 4th Quarter our defense will be dominant. :biggrin:

 

[Airborne Tider]

I guess everybody has already forgotten Courtney Upshaw........

I most certainly have not. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Upshaw started at Jack this year. Granted Fanney was solid last year he was not spectacular. Upshaw with more experience and added weight could be a monstrous playmaker at the Jack.

Someone else yall may have forgotten about is Eryk Anders...Everytime that kid was in the game last year he was in the backfield getting pressure. I look for him to be a big asset to this years defense!

Anders will continue to get spot work but with Stinson coming on he imay say lessened time. If Stinson proves to be the pass rusher extraordinaire we are looking for then he will probably see a lot of time in obvious pass situations and blitz packages. Stinson is a great athlete and could blossom into a beast at the Jack. I wouldn't rule out bltiz packages with Anders and Stinson in the game either.