| FTBL First team L-backers : day 1

[TerryP]

...from left to right, Chavis Williams (which would be the hybrid linebacker/end Jack position), Jimmy Johns, Rolando McClain and Cory Reamer. The second unit was Charlie Kirschman, Jennings Hester, Charlie Higgenbotham, and Eryk Anders.

 

[Bama Los]

I'm going to say this right now, I really like this LB starting line up.

 

[Bama Los]

Just following my post, I'm just thinking of putting in Jerell Harris in that mix. I love it!!

 

[BamaFan615]

Just following my post, I'm just thinking of putting in Jerell Harris in that mix. I love it!!

I'm guessing that you could probably go ahead and put Hightower's name in that mix once the incoming freshmen can get on campus. Not much experience at all...I'm not positive on this but, other than Rolando McClain I don't think that any of them has played a down at the LB position.

 

[BamaFan615]

I am very interested to see how quickly Jimmy Johns can pick up this defense, I know it's a complex defense, that's for sure.

 

[TerryP]

Just following my post, I'm just thinking of putting in Jerell Harris in that mix. I love it!!

I'm guessing that you could probably go ahead and put Hightower's name in that mix once the incoming freshmen can get on campus. Not much experience at all...I'm not positive on this but, other than Rolando McClain I don't think that any of them has played a down at the LB position.

I woudn't be too quick to discount Chavis...I think we'll see Donte and Jerrell...it's going to be interesting seeing it play out.

 

[Guest]

If JJ can learn the defense quickly, I've got high hopes for him. With his speed, quickness, and willingness to hit I think he could be an All-SEC or All American type LB.

 

[Guest]

Come fall Harris, Hightower, Upshaw and Jordan will be pushing for LB positions.

I love Reamer at the OLB position, he's been through a lot in his career and is a great tackler.

 

[musso]

what about alex watkins? anyone know his status?

 

[BamaFan615]

what about alex watkins? anyone know his status?

I think he's probably working the Jack behind Chavis...does anyone have heights and weights for Chavis Williams and Alex Watkins? I was thinking that they need to put some weight on in order to play the Jack position.

 

[mongo4bama]

some of these freshman will get playing time for sure.

 

[reger60]

I am very interested to see how quickly Jimmy Johns can pick up this defense, I know it's a complex defense, that's for sure.

That will be interesting to watch. I hope he figures it out. Bo's right, with JJ's physical tools, he could be very good at LB..

 

[crimsontradition14]

In about another year we are going to be seriously solid on LB.

 

[TerryP]

what about alex watkins? anyone know his status?

3rd team now...

 

[reger60]

In about another year we are going to be seriously solid on LB.

Just like it should be...

 

[Guest]

In about another year we are going to be seriously solid on LB.

Just like it should be...

Amen

 

[Guest]

If JJ can learn the defense quickly, I've got high hopes for him. With his speed, quickness, and willingness to hit I think he could be an All-SEC or All American type LB.

I doubt that seriously. Too small, no experience. At least he won't have to worry about holding on to the football. Anyway, I hope someone better comes along because I'd hate to think we've got to use washed up QB's at linebacker.

 

[reger60]

If JJ can learn the defense quickly, I've got high hopes for him. With his speed, quickness, and willingness to hit I think he could be an All-SEC or All American type LB.

I doubt that seriously. Too small, no experience. At least he won't have to worry about holding on to the football. Anyway, I hope someone better comes along because I'd hate to think we've got to use washed up QB's at linebacker.

Thanks coach. :roll:

 

[Guest]

If JJ can learn the defense quickly, I've got high hopes for him. With his speed, quickness, and willingness to hit I think he could be an All-SEC or All American type LB.

I doubt that seriously. Too small, no experience. At least he won't have to worry about holding on to the football. Anyway, I hope someone better comes along because I'd hate to think we've got to use washed up QB's at linebacker.

To small....you have never heard of Sam Mills,and the many other "too small" players that crushed people in the pros and college....to small lol rofl

LB is desire to get to the ball, knowing your assignments and the angles you take...size mean nothing. If he can tackle, shed blocks and knock the crap out of people, then his size will mean nothing. Only concern with height is having to guard TE's....

 

[BamaFan615]

I think Jimmy Johns' biggest problem has been that he gets a hot head, and in the heat of the moment he reacts, instead of thinking his way through it. I seriously think that if he can learn this defense he can be a serious contributor...All-American might be stretching it, but I do think he can be a heck of a player if he can keep his head on straight, and stay focused on what he needs to do to help this team get better.

I think a lot of times people forget about how "bad" our LB situation was last year around this time. We had a converted WR (Zeke), a backup DE trying to convert to LB (Saunders), a true freshman (McClain) and a former walk on from MTSU (Mustain).

With this being said, I think that our coaching staff did a GREAT job of molding them in to a unit, and I think we are in better shape as of right now, than we were at this time last year. Especially when you think about the freshman that we are about to bring in.