September 3rd is right around the corner, but before we get to the first game of the year, we need to take a dive into the linebacker group. If you have been paying attention you know that Darrian Beavers now is playing with the New York Giants and Joel Dublanko is playing for the New Orleans Saints. These two mainstays provided a lot of stability to a team that made the College Football Playoff. With these two pros out the fold who will pick up the pieces?
Note: With Camp Higher Ground about to start next week this isn’t a depth chart.
Deshawn Pace, junior
Pace who played in every game, but didn’t always start was the third leading tackler on the team with 94 tackles and first on the team with four interceptions. He has great instincts in the passing game as well as the running game. He will take on more of a role and during the preseason has been placed on multiple Watch List: Nagurski and Butkus.
Ty Van Fossen, senior
Van Fossen who split time with Pace last season made plays as well finishing fifth on the team in tackles with 70. The senior has improved every year and is on pace to make a big jump in his senior season.
