The Front Row

We must fill two spots – one outside and one inside. I think that must be taken in account. Shazier is too much of a game changer on the outside. You don’t move Roby to safety cause we’re weak there. The coaching staff didn’t give us any inkling that it was possible last year. It won’t happen this year.

We need a middle linebacker for our defense to work. All of our success on the defense side of the ball over the course of the last 15 years have featured a middle linebacker. There is nothing that tells me that will change.

I came to my answer predominately by using the two factors below.

#1. SPEED. While Boren proved me wrong last year, the future of this team defense is speed. It is important in the middle as well. We have recruited this very way. We want to get to the ball with explosion.
The past two recruiting classes have been very strong, with 6 guys rated over 94 on 247. They are speed guys, with the only noted MLB (Mitchell) being a sub 4.4. All of these guys have the size to play the position effectively (within the 10 lbs that MM could add if needed).

#2. LEARNING CURVE. If you look at our successful MLB in past – Laurinitis, Hawk, Homan, Wilhelm – it was in their 2nd or 3rd year that they showed effectiveness on the field. This is the nature of the beast at LB. It is a complicated position, especially transitioning from high school to college. There are always outliers, but I am basing analysis on history.

Here are candidates I am eliminating from contention:

Luke Roberts – 6’1, 225
-#1
Mike Mitchell – 6’4, 220
-#2
Trey Johnson – 6’2, 220
-#2
Jamal Marcus – 6’2 , 225
-He was an end in high school. I believe he is an edge guy – outside all the way.
Curtis Grant – 6’3, 235
-While I hope I’m wrong, don’t think the lightbulb is going on.

So here’s who we are left with:
Cam Williams – 6’1, 225
-Son of an NFL Player, so he has the pedigree. Had 120 tackles senior year in high school. National Honor Society.
Josh Perry – 6’4, 240
-Played exclusively on the outside last year when he got in. Recorded 70 tackles his senior year. Extremely athletic – long jump, hurdles, 400.
David Perkins – 6’2, 220
-Another extremely athletic guy. Running back in high school. Had a 103 tackles – Senior year (22 for loss).

My money is on Cam Williams in the middle, with the others-Perry, Perkins and Marcus, battling for outside job.

Perhaps Grant didn't actually "lose" the job. After all, Klein was a senior - and Boren was another.... We all know how Tressel and staff (see Fickell) loved them some seniors. If such was the case, Grant may be a very angry man.

Perkins is to small to play in the middle and Perry is an OLB all the way.

Grant will get first crack at it. In all essence the job is his to lose first.....no doubt. TJ and Mitchell will both get a crack, but Grant will get the most reps with the 1's this spring...

Senior over freshman at quarterback is what I meant. Grant was the starter before Klein was suspended. Meyer and Fickell both said that in order for the defense to be what they want they needed Grant to be the starter.

If Grant doesn't turn the corner, I would give the edge to Luke Roberts. The staff was impressed with his instincts last year in practices and he'll have one full year on any of the incoming freshman.