With Motu and Sean Huelskamp graduating soon, and no word on Tavante Beckett, it looks like either Dax, or Keshon Artis will be the starter next year (crossing fingers for Dax). If we don't get Dax does anyone think Rivers might play Mike while Artis gets some experience, or would Artis start right away? Is there anyone else on the roster with experience that could pop up? Could Rivers' future be Mike if we can't get Dax? I really don't know that much about Rayshard Ashby, Jaylen Griffin or Rico Kearney, but I think at least two of them play on the outside. I get them mixed up a lot and I haven't heard a lot of buzz around them like I have Rivers.
Whatever the case these could be the LBs for next year
Dax Hollifield?
Keshon Artis?
Dylan Rivers
Rico Kearney
Jaylen Griffin
Rayshard Ashby
Zack Treser
Tremaine Edmunds
Daniel Griffith
Jovantae Jean-Baptiste?
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You're assuming a starter and neither have committed.
Based on Keshon's CBs and top 3, I am assuming he would commit might be starter
This is a dangerous game and we're all better if none of us play it lol
There lies madness, friendo.
The question itself is a good one. But when your first two proposed solutions to the problem are high school players who haven't even verbaled to the team they're meant to help?
EDIT: also, we have options on the roster. I like Ashby, and I think Rico is gonna be a sleeper beast.
Clap never assume a true freshman will start Clap Clap Clap. Just be pleasantly surprised if it happens.
See Lawson, Dwayne
Jake Johnson was a can't miss LB recruit, who actually played 2 seasons, but simply didn't cut it as a starter on D. Bud tried to convert him to a DE, but he wanted to be a LB (possibly because he struggled to make it as a DE) and transffered after his Soph season
Actually looks like Johnson was a 3* ranked around 50 at MLB and in the 15-30 range in VA. Rivers was a 4* in the top 15 at OLB, top 10 in VA, and top 250 players. Hollifield is a high 4*, top 5 MLB, and top 100 player. So as a recruit Dax is considered to be on a whole different level than Johnson was.
I know some of these words....
Ashby seems like the next man up if Beckett doesn't come back. Dax would fill a MAJOR need for us and Artis is solid too, hard to see them as full-time starters as true Freshman but if anyone could do it, it seems like Dax could. Being a former LB, I think MLB is crucial to our run at the CFP and hopefully we can convince Dax and Keshon to hope on the hype train!
So, here are a couple of observations on mike linebacker:
1) Dylan Rivers is a backer all the way and is the heir apparent to Tremaine Edmunds.
2) Other sites have reported repeatedly that if 2018 season started tomorrow, Rayshard Ashby will be the next mike. I liked Ashby's tackling and he has looked good on coverage teams. From an upside standpoint, I think Rico Kearney may be more athletic, but he is behind after missing the spring with an injury.
3) I am less worried about linebacker depth than I have been since 2007. I am much more worried about Motu and Edmunds busting coverages when a running back leaks out of the backfield (happened twice against UNC, once was Walker's TD fumble recovery. FILM REVIEW SPOILER.)
Agree that depth at LB isn't a concern. It looks like we have at least 6 LBs that are capable of playing which is amazing, however we likely lose 4 after this year. That has to be at least a little concerning.
Am i the only one that wondered why we are worried about Major League Baseball depth? Hahahaha
I thought the same thing and was like "Welp, not wasting my time with anything about baseball as it is football season."
Took awhile it get the mike lb. I was thinking baseball at first also. But we talk about US men's soccer, Premier League, Fishing Reports, Nascar, UEFA, High School football, and just about anything else, so why not think baseball on Opening Day of the World Series?
We also talk about this:
Lets keep this PG-13.
Seem to recall Jaylen Griffin putting up some serious S&C #'s at 6-1 235.
Backer- isn't a mike.
I also came here thinking this thread was baseball related.
Same. Dodgers up 1-0 in WS!
Look out for El Oso Blanco
I didn't know Hideki Matsuyama took up baseball.
Reggie Floyd gaining 10lbs and becoming an LB next year is a real possibility from my perspective. Doesn't have the top-end speed and cover skills to be the clear leader at Safety long term, and Deablo and Hunter seem to be the future there with some talent like Ladler and prospects providing depth. Bud likes getting the best talent on the field.