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By Sam Saig, August 15, 2009 2:48 pm

It’s the end of an era for the Men of Troy. USC must replace some of the greatest linebackers in the history of the program, and that is saying a lot when you consider the LB alumni for the Trojans (McGinest, Seau, Del Rio, Tatupu, and Rivers to name a few).

The superstar trio of Rey Maualuga (38th overall pick of NFL Draft, Bengals), Brian Cushing (15th overall pick of NFL Draft, Texans), and Kaluka Maiava (4th round pick, Browns) will now carry on the rich tradition of SC linebackers in the NFL. If you remove technicalities, the Trojans actually lost four superstars at the position, as DE/LB super-hybrid Clay Matthews will now become a full-time LB in the NFL (26th overall pick, Packers).

For most programs, losing that kind of talent would be devastating. For the Trojans, it’s business as usual. No program in America can reload faster, and this year should be no different. While it won’t be easy to replace legends, head coach Pete Carroll and LB coach Ken Norton Jr. have assembled a promising collection of blue-chippers who are ready to start a new era of their own.

The new man in the middle will be heralded sophomore Chris Galippo. Galippo has the daunting task of replacing Maualuga at inside linebacker, but those close to the program have high expectations for him. Last season, he played in 10 games as a reserve, totaling 12 tackles, two tackles for loss, and an interception.

Chris Galippo earns MVP trophy in Army All-American Game

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By Sam Saig, August 14, 2009 8:34 am

The Oregon Ducks had a strange season on defense in 2008. Rarely could a team finish 5th nationally in tackles for loss (104.5), 8th nationally in sacks (38), and 11th nationally in turnovers gained (31) but still manage to end the year ranked 82nd in total defense (including 111th against the pass).

Part of the blame for the strange stat line can be placed on the explosive Oregon offense, which overwhelmed opponents early and often. Because of that, many opposing offenses had to throw the ball more frequently than normal just to stay in the game. The quick-burst scoring also led to a low time of possession, which meant the defense was spending most of the game on the field.

Although the Ducks are quite comfortable playing any team in a shootout, the D will need to tighten up a bit for Oregon to reach it’s true potential as a championship level football team.

Defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti has a very talented group returning in 2009, with all-conference caliber playmakers at all three levels. The most exciting unit may be at the second level, where an extremely athletic group of linebackers should wreak havoc all season long. Many believe this could be the program’s best group of LBs in years, led by two outstanding juniors.

Spencer Paysinger tries to strip the ball while making the tackle

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By Sam Saig, August 13, 2009 9:38 am

Eight starters return to a talented Cal defense that was exceptional in almost every statistical category during 2008, including total defense (26th in nation), rushing defense (25th in nation), pass efficiency defense (6th in nation), scoring defense (23rd in nation), and turnovers gained (4th in nation) just to name a few.

Defensive Coordinator Bob Gregory successfully installed his 3-4 scheme last season, as the Bears managed to hold offensive juggernaut Oregon to just 16 points (and USC to 17 albeit in a loss).

But while the defensive line and secondary are loaded with all-conference performers this season, the linebacking corps must replace three starters that were pivotal to this program’s success over the last four years.

The insanely productive trio of Zack Follett, Worrell Williams, and Anthony Felder will be a hard act to follow, but that doesn’t mean the linebacking cupboard is empty in Berkeley. Gregory may not have as much dynamite to work with this season, but the new group is more than capable of holding it’s own in 2009.

The only remaining starter from last year’s explosive LB unit will lead the unit this season.

Mike Mohamed makes one of many tackles

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By Sam Saig, August 12, 2009 8:47 am

Oregon State has lost eight starters from a defense that ranked 23rd in the nation last season (2nd in Pac-10). Ordinarily, a program decimated by that kind of attrition would experience a big drop-off the next year, but this is OSU we are talking about.

Other than USC, is there a program in the Pac-10 that can reload faster than the Beavers? The statistics suggest that the answer is no considering Oregon State has won it’s last five bowl games (longest streak in Pac-10) to go along with three straight top 25 finishes (2nd in Pac-10).

While the Beaver defense must break in an entirely new secondary and three new starters along the defensive line, the linebacking corps is in good shape. Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Mark Banker and LB coach Greg Newhouse, the linebackers at Oregon State have been outstanding for many years and this unit will be no exception.

In fact, this may be one of the stronger groups that Newhouse has had in a while, led by a spectacular senior who is one of the best defensive players in the Pac-10 conference.

Keaton Kristick deals out a brutal hit

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By Sam Saig, August 11, 2009 9:35 am

Here are the brutally demoralizing facts from 2008: Washington State had one of the worst defenses in the history of Division I football. The Cougars allowed an FBS record 570 points, which translates to 43.8 points per game.

Numbers like those make it hard to believe that WSU was the last team to represent the Pac-10 in the Rose Bowl before USC’s streak. Essentially, a perfect storm of poor play, untimely injuries, and a complete loss of confidence hit the program hard last season; but at least they beat the Huskies.

Now, head coach Paul Wulff and co-defensive coordinators Chris Ball and Jody Sears must find a way to get better results out of a defense that will be replacing six starters.

If a silver lining is to be found, the linebacking corps may be the right place to look. LB Coach Travis Niekamp has a few promising players to work with, including an exciting sophomore who has a bright future on the Palouse.

Louis Bland wraps up Toby Gerhart

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By Sam Saig, August 10, 2009 9:26 am

Although Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian has only been on the job for eight months, he has already given Husky fans plenty of reasons to be excited about the future.

Sarkisian’s recruiting efforts quickly paid off (see: Nick Montana), and his offensive philosophy seems to be clicking with Jake Locker (see: a fantastic spring). But perhaps his best accomplishment in Seattle so far was persuading defensive coordinator Nick Holt to bolt from USC and help rebuild the worst Husky defense in school history (38.6 points per game, 451.8 yards allowed).

Holt is one of the finest defensive minds in the Pac-10, and he brings a proven record to Washington, capped off by the dominance of last season’s Trojans D. For the 46-year old DC to have success in 2009, he will have to rely on the services of a linebacking corps that is the strength of the defense.

The LB unit received a massive boost when Sarkisian decided to reinstate senior E.J. Savannah.

E.J. Savannah will get a second chance

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By Sam Saig, August 9, 2009 10:10 am

Arizona State has not had back-to back losing seasons since 1946-47. Dennis Erickson has not had back-to-back losing seasons in his 21 years of coaching college football. If the Sun Devils are going to keep those streaks intact, the defense will have to be as good as advertised.

There is no denying the impressive talent that Erickson and defensive coordinator Craig Bray have assembled on the defensive side of the ball, especially at the linebacker position.

With an intriguing mix of accomplished veterans and explosive underclassmen, the linebacking corps at ASU has a chance to be one of the best units in the Pac-10.

Ultra-productive senior Mike Nixon will lead the LB group in 2009. Nixon had a tremendous 2008 season, totaling 90 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and five interceptions (tied for most in Pac-10). He was an Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 selection as well as a First Team All-Academic selection, and he will be returning to the weakside spot again this season.

Mike Nixon makes a big hit

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By Sam Saig, August 8, 2009 11:37 am

Ask anyone involved with the Arizona football program about the linebackers for 2009 and you will hear the same word: speed. Head coach Mike Stoops has assembled one of the fastest defenses in the conference (if not the country) at all three levels, and the philosophy in Tucson will be predicated on swarming to the football. That’s right Tucsonans, the “Desert Swarm” defense that defined the ‘Cats in the mid-90’s looks like it may be back.

While the Wildcats LB’s are fast, the group is one of the smallest in the Pac-10 with most of the major contributors measuring below six-feet tall. In order for all of that speed to work, the unit will have to gang-tackle and rally (or swarm) to the ball carrier as a group. Depth is also a concern at the position, so it is crucial that the starters stay healthy.

The Wildcats must replace middle linebacker Ronnie Palmer (graduation), who was their defensive MVP from last season with 85 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. While it won’t be easy, Palmer’s successor at MLB has displayed exciting ability in the off-season and could emerge as a breakout player in 2009.

Senior Vuna Tuihalamaka seems poised and ready to take control of the middle linebacker spot this season. He is the eldest of three Tuihalamaka’s on the Arizona defense, and he will be counted on to solidify the inside position at LB.

Vuna Tuihalamaka wraps up the ball carrier

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By Sam Saig, August 7, 2009 11:05 am

Since the arrival of head coach Jim Harbaugh in December of 2006, Stanford has improved its talent in virtually every area; linebacker is no exception.

The Cardinal are faster and stronger than they have been in years at the position, and more importantly, coach Harbaugh’s tremendous recruiting effort has allowed for quality depth to surface within the unit. This may not be the Pac-10’s best group of linebackers, but it is a technically sound unit that is full of potential.

Replacing productive three-year starter Pat Maynor (graduated) will not be easy, as he was a mainstay at linebacker over the course of his career (257 total tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 10 sacks). Fortunately, the Cardinal have a proven senior leader in the middle of the defense who will guide the rest of the Stanford LBs in 2009.

Fifth-year senior Clinton Snyder enters his final season in Palo Alto having started in 34 of the past 36 games. Snyder is the undisputed anchor of the unit, and one of the most productive linebackers in the conference. He is a punishing run-stopper, but will also act as one of the team’s best blitz options.

Clinton Snyder waits for the snap

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By Sam Saig, August 6, 2009 10:17 am

With an offense that is young and developing, UCLA will need its sturdy defense to play with a mean streak throughout 2009. The Bruins have relied heavily on the defensive side of the ball over the last few years, and the unit is more than capable of carrying the load again this season. While it will be hard to replace outstanding defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker (now head coach of New Mexico State), the defense is familiar with his replacement.

Chuck Bullough will be entering his fourth season with UCLA, and his first as the defensive coordinator. Bullough has been the linebackers coach for the last three seasons, and he will continue to coach the unit in addition to serving as DC.

This season, Bullough will have all-conference talent to work with throughout the defense, but his linebacking corps seems especially lethal. The group features some of the most physical athletes in the Pac-10, including an All-American candidate looking to finish off his tremendous career in style.

Senior Reggie Carter enters his final season in Westwood as a team captain and one of the best defensive players in the country. Last season, he led the Bruins with 83 tackles on his way to garnering second team All-Pac-10 honors.

Reggie Carter in pursuit

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