2003 Football Preview: Linebackers
Aug 03, 2003 | Football
August 03, 2003
 Senior Jared Morris is the lone starter returning in the linebacker corps. |
Linebackers have long been the staple for the famed Wrecking Crew defense at Texas A&M.
Despite losing three of the four starters from a year ago, the Aggies have a solid stable of linebackers ready to fill the vacancies.
Coach Dennis Franchione and defensive coordinator Carl Torbush have ushered in a change in defensive formation for the Aggies.
After several years utilizing a 3-4 sceme, the Wrecking Crew will now attack from the 4-3 formation. Franchione said the formation change will not alter the traditional blitzing the Wrecking Crew is known for, in fact Franchione noted Torbush's blitzing desire.
"The one thing I can tell you about Carl Torbush is that he won't blitz until he gets off the bus," Franchione said.
Senior from Brownwood High School, is the lone returning starter at linebacker and is looking to hold down the middle linebacker position.
"Jared Morris is our lone returning starter and he is solid," Torbush said. "We have some young players who will mature and grow. Some will have to grow up quicker than others. What we're looking for in our linebackers, are athletic players who can stunt, blitz and play some man coverage. We feel like the recruiting class coming in has some ability and they may have to play some. We're a multiple defense, we'll be in a lot of fronts."
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A couple of second-year players who were high school teammates, and from Bay City High School will figure in the linebacker rotation on the edges. McDaniel lettered last season as a true freshman and recorded 26 stops. Manning did not see action last season.
Other lettermen who return include senior from Dominguez High School in Compton, California. Smith has played in the secondary and at the linebacker position during his career. He possesses a good mix of strength and speed. Smith posted 34 stops last season and was an outstanding special teams player as well.
Two other linebacker candidates have earned letters more from their special teams play. Walkon players from Northwest High School in Trophy Club, Texas, and from Willis High School.
The Aggies will welcome three stellar linebacker candidates from the recruiting class as from Dayton High School, from Garland High School and from Lee High School in Tyler, will come to Aggieland with an eye to contribute early in their careers.
STATISTICAL LEADERS - LINEBACKERS - LAST 10 YEARS
Tackles Solo Tackles QB Sacks Tackles/Loss Passes Broken Up 2002 B. Gamble 82 Gamble,Webb 44 J. Penright 9.5 J. Penright 14.5 B. Gamble 6 2001 J. Morris 73 Morris,Gamble 36 J. Penright 10.5 J. Penright 19 Rodriguez,Smith 1 2000 B. Gamble 110 B. Gamble 57 J. Glenn 5 J. Glenn 16 J. Glenn 15 1999 C. Anthony 86 C. Anthony 50 R. Bradley 7 R. Bradley 16 Gamble,Glenn 5 1998 D. Nguyen 147 D. Nguyen 102 R. Bradley 9 D. Nguyen 20 W. Holdman 8 1997 D. Nguyen 130 D. Nguyen 82 C. Thierry 6 P. Meyers 15 T. Driver 5 1996 D. Nguyen 146 D. Nguyen 98 K. Mitchell 14.5 K. Mitchell 24.5 Nguyen,Holdman 3 1995 D. Nguyen 94 Nguyen,Brown 65 K. Mitchell 13 K. Mitchell 18 Mitchell,Nguyen 4 1994 R. Graham 101 R. Graham 67 A. Armstrong 9.5 A. Armstrong 27.5 Graham,Armstrong 3 1993 A. Armstrong 78 A. Armstrong 54 A. Armstrong 8.5 A. Armstrong 12.5 L. Jackson 2
2003 Football Preview:
