With the release of the post-spring depth chart, we will be breaking down each position over the coming days of what to expect from Liberty’s 2016 depth chart. We have already discussed the secondary, and today we move on to the linebackers.
Linebacker analysis:
The linebacker position is one that has taken on a completely different makeup over the past 2 seasons under Coach Gill compared to his predecessor, Danny Rocco. Under Rocco, the Flames employed a 3-4 base defense, and the roster makeup was full of linebacker types. Since Gill has now had time to completely build the roster to his liking, the Flames now go with more of a 4-2-5 base defense. Most of the players Gill and staff have recruited that end up at linebacker, typically come into the program as a safety and are later moved to LB.
This year’s linebacker corps consists of very experienced starters with talented, but very inexperienced depth.
MLB
1. Nick Newman (Sr., 6-4, 210)
It’s hard to believe Newman is a senior, but he has quickly built a very impressive resume during his first 3 seasons at Liberty. While banged up off and on during the spring, Newman was still able to be placed atop the depth chart at the Mike. He’s played in 35 career games and led the Flames in tackles in 2015. Gill is very high on Newman this year, “He’s a guy that can run, that can hit. He understands how to play the game. He’s played a lot of different positions for us. He’s played in the back-end, safety, we moved him to linebacker. I think that’s the best position for him. We anticipate him to be a very dynamic player for us, a standout player.”
2. Jaylyn McKinney (R-Fr., 6-0, 215)
McKinney redshirted last season, and came into the program a very highly rated recruit. As a senior at Victory Christian Academy in Florida, he led his team to a state championship, where he defeated current Liberty teammate Damian King and Indian Rocks Christian. McKinney entered the spring listed as starter ahead of Newman. At the time, Coach Gill said it was “just competition.”
OR David King (R-So., 6-1, 210)
In somewhat of a surprise, walk-on David King has been listed 2nd on the depth chart, alongside McKinney, as Newman’s backup. King is from Stuarts Draft, Virginia where he attended Riverheads High School.
4. Prince Asonye
Jaylyn McKinney
WLB
1. Dexter Robbins (Sr., 5-11, 220)
Spending his entire career behind Nick Sigmon and Jimmy O’Grady, Robbins has seen playing time in 37 career games but has 0 career starts. Robbins has amassed 84 career tackles and was voted as a team captain for his senior season.
2. Lucas Irons (So., 6-0, 205)
Irons is in his 3rd year with the program, but hasn’t seen much playing time. That’s sure to change in 2016. He played in 9 games as a redshirt-freshman last season and recorded 1 tackle.
