Linebackers Loom Large for Flames in 2008
8/10/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Countdown to Kickoff Central
Coach's Corner Interview with Robert Wimberly
For the second-straight season, LibertyFlames.com's Countdown to Kickoff coverage will feature the Coach's Corner, an in-depth position-by-position breakdown for each of the Flames' player units.
The coaching vignettes will include an article on the position, that position's preseason depth chart and an audio interview with the spotlighted unit's position coach. The 10-part series continues today with a look into Liberty's linebacker position, a key position in the Flames' 3-4 defensive scheme.
Linebackers
The graduation of over 20 seniors from last year's squad had the most notable impact on two positions. On the offensive side of the ball, it was the offensive line with the loss of Marshal Ausberry, Stephen Sene and Eddie Pinigis.
On the defensive side, the linebacking corps lost leading tackler Stevie Ray Lloyd, NFL-bound outside linebacker Vince Redd and three-year starter Brandon Duke.
Lloyd led the Flames in tackling both his years at Liberty, including last year when he finished with 95 tackles.
Redd signed a free agent contract with the New England Patriots after he finished fifth on Liberty's squad with 63 tackles, including a Big South-best 6.5 sacks and a team-high 13.5 tackles for a loss.
Duke finished his career with 177 tackles, second only to Steven Ackley for most tackles by an active defender.
"When you look at the linebacker position, the loss of Vince Redd, Stevie Ray Lloyd and Brandon Duke would lead you to believe that this is going to be a light position or not as talented," stated Rocco. "And that might be a true statement, but we have plenty of guys here who can play at a very high level."
"Nick Hursky is the leader of that group and is a rising senior who had an outstanding year last year," continued Rocco. "He runs the defense as the MIKE linebacker in this 3-4 defense. He has gotten plenty of experience now and understands the calls. He is the heart and soul of our defense, and we really expect great things from him."
Despite missing two games due to injury, Hursky ranked second on the squad with 78 tackles, thanks in part to four-straight double-figure tackle games before his injury.
Ian Childress is left with the task of trying to fill Vince Redd's shoes at SAM linebacker. Last year, he finished with 17 tackles, three quarterback hurries and two interceptions.
"Ian has been one of those guys who has worked hard, matured and patiently waited his turn," commented Rocco. "Now that he has his turn and his opportunity, I see nothing but great things from him in terms of his work ethic and his commitment."
On the other side of the defensive field will be Kyle O'Donnell at JACK linebacker and Patrick Bannon at WILL linebacker, both entering their sophomore seasons.
O'Donnell is a redshirt sophomore, who recorded 14 tackles last year, while Bannon broke out for 23 tackles, including three sacks, during his true freshman season.
"Patrick Bannon is a big, physical linebacker," commented Rocco. "We played him on the inside and then moved him to outside, which is a big challenge. But I know he is up to the task this year."
Youth dominates the remainder of the position in reserve roles. Pierre Tinsley leads those challenging for playing time, as the redshirt sophomore finished last year with 18 tackles, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble.
"Behind our starting four, we have a number of guys we are excited about and Pierre is certainly at the top of that group," commented Rocco. "He has played enough football here to know what is expected of him and he goes out and does it."
Doncel Bolt and Mike Connolly could also vie for playing time right away, while Derek Lisko returns to the program after a year off to bolster the linebacking corp.
"Derek is a young man who is back in the program," stated Rocco. "He had a solid spring and I would envision him getting some playing time this year."
The names of the likes of Chad Brown and Jamal Giddens have also been thrown around for consideration at linebacker. "Chad has really come on and he is one of those guys we have high hopes for, but it took us a year to get him in the right spot," concluded Rocco. "After moving him around a bit, he is finally starting to find a home and he could really start to help us this year."
Linebackers at a Glance
Front Runners
SLB - Ian Childress (Sr., 6-4, 225)
MLB - Nick Hursky (Sr., 6-1, 235)
JLB - Kyle O'Donnell (R-So., 6-2, 230)
WLB - Patrick Bannon (So., 6-4, 230)
Contenders
Doncel Bolt (So., 6-2, 245)
Mike Connolly (R-Fr., 6-2, 235)
Derek Lisko (R-Jr., 6-0, 225)
Pierre Tinsley (R-So., 6-0, 235)
Up-and-Comers
Mamadou Balde (R-Jr., 6-1, 230)
Chad Brown (R-So., 6-2, 240)
Jamal Giddens (Fr., 6-2, 210)
Cameron Gillespie (R-Jr., 5-10, 245)
James Pelzer So. 6-1 195
To catch previous installments of the Coach's Corner or to take a look at future position segments, below is a complete Coach's Corner training camp schedule:
Links to Previous Installments
Coach's Corner Preview (Aug. 1)
Coach's Corner No. 1 – Defensive Backs (Aug. 2)
Coach's Corner No. 2 – Offensive Line (Aug. 5)
Coach's Corner No. 3 – Tight Ends and Fullbacks (Aug. 6)
Schedule of Future Features
Coach's Corner No. 5 – Wide Receivers (Aug. 13)
Coach's Corner No. 6 – Defensive Line (Aug. 18)
Coach's Corner No. 7 – Special Teams (Aug. 20)
Coach's Corner No. 8 – Defensive Coordinator (Aug. 23)
Coach's Corner No. 9 – Running Backs (Aug. 24)
Coach's Corner No. 10 – Quarterbacks (Aug. 26)
Countdown to Kickoff coverage will return to the practice field on Monday to report from practice No. 13 of the Flames August training camp. The two-and-half-hour session begins at 2:20 on the turf at Williams Stadium.
Coach's Corner Interview with Robert Wimberly
For the second-straight season, LibertyFlames.com's Countdown to Kickoff coverage will feature the Coach's Corner, an in-depth position-by-position breakdown for each of the Flames' player units.
The coaching vignettes will include an article on the position, that position's preseason depth chart and an audio interview with the spotlighted unit's position coach. The 10-part series continues today with a look into Liberty's linebacker position, a key position in the Flames' 3-4 defensive scheme.
Linebackers
The graduation of over 20 seniors from last year's squad had the most notable impact on two positions. On the offensive side of the ball, it was the offensive line with the loss of Marshal Ausberry, Stephen Sene and Eddie Pinigis.
On the defensive side, the linebacking corps lost leading tackler Stevie Ray Lloyd, NFL-bound outside linebacker Vince Redd and three-year starter Brandon Duke.
Lloyd led the Flames in tackling both his years at Liberty, including last year when he finished with 95 tackles.
Redd signed a free agent contract with the New England Patriots after he finished fifth on Liberty's squad with 63 tackles, including a Big South-best 6.5 sacks and a team-high 13.5 tackles for a loss.
Duke finished his career with 177 tackles, second only to Steven Ackley for most tackles by an active defender.
"When you look at the linebacker position, the loss of Vince Redd, Stevie Ray Lloyd and Brandon Duke would lead you to believe that this is going to be a light position or not as talented," stated Rocco. "And that might be a true statement, but we have plenty of guys here who can play at a very high level."
"Nick Hursky is the leader of that group and is a rising senior who had an outstanding year last year," continued Rocco. "He runs the defense as the MIKE linebacker in this 3-4 defense. He has gotten plenty of experience now and understands the calls. He is the heart and soul of our defense, and we really expect great things from him."
Despite missing two games due to injury, Hursky ranked second on the squad with 78 tackles, thanks in part to four-straight double-figure tackle games before his injury.
Ian Childress is left with the task of trying to fill Vince Redd's shoes at SAM linebacker. Last year, he finished with 17 tackles, three quarterback hurries and two interceptions.
"Ian has been one of those guys who has worked hard, matured and patiently waited his turn," commented Rocco. "Now that he has his turn and his opportunity, I see nothing but great things from him in terms of his work ethic and his commitment."
On the other side of the defensive field will be Kyle O'Donnell at JACK linebacker and Patrick Bannon at WILL linebacker, both entering their sophomore seasons.
O'Donnell is a redshirt sophomore, who recorded 14 tackles last year, while Bannon broke out for 23 tackles, including three sacks, during his true freshman season.
"Patrick Bannon is a big, physical linebacker," commented Rocco. "We played him on the inside and then moved him to outside, which is a big challenge. But I know he is up to the task this year."
Youth dominates the remainder of the position in reserve roles. Pierre Tinsley leads those challenging for playing time, as the redshirt sophomore finished last year with 18 tackles, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble.
"Behind our starting four, we have a number of guys we are excited about and Pierre is certainly at the top of that group," commented Rocco. "He has played enough football here to know what is expected of him and he goes out and does it."
Doncel Bolt and Mike Connolly could also vie for playing time right away, while Derek Lisko returns to the program after a year off to bolster the linebacking corp.
"Derek is a young man who is back in the program," stated Rocco. "He had a solid spring and I would envision him getting some playing time this year."
The names of the likes of Chad Brown and Jamal Giddens have also been thrown around for consideration at linebacker. "Chad has really come on and he is one of those guys we have high hopes for, but it took us a year to get him in the right spot," concluded Rocco. "After moving him around a bit, he is finally starting to find a home and he could really start to help us this year."
Linebackers at a Glance
Front Runners
SLB - Ian Childress (Sr., 6-4, 225)
MLB - Nick Hursky (Sr., 6-1, 235)
JLB - Kyle O'Donnell (R-So., 6-2, 230)
WLB - Patrick Bannon (So., 6-4, 230)
Contenders
Doncel Bolt (So., 6-2, 245)
Mike Connolly (R-Fr., 6-2, 235)
Derek Lisko (R-Jr., 6-0, 225)
Pierre Tinsley (R-So., 6-0, 235)
Up-and-Comers
Mamadou Balde (R-Jr., 6-1, 230)
Chad Brown (R-So., 6-2, 240)
Jamal Giddens (Fr., 6-2, 210)
Cameron Gillespie (R-Jr., 5-10, 245)
James Pelzer So. 6-1 195
To catch previous installments of the Coach's Corner or to take a look at future position segments, below is a complete Coach's Corner training camp schedule:
Links to Previous Installments
Coach's Corner Preview (Aug. 1)
Coach's Corner No. 1 – Defensive Backs (Aug. 2)
Coach's Corner No. 2 – Offensive Line (Aug. 5)
Coach's Corner No. 3 – Tight Ends and Fullbacks (Aug. 6)
Schedule of Future Features
Coach's Corner No. 5 – Wide Receivers (Aug. 13)
Coach's Corner No. 6 – Defensive Line (Aug. 18)
Coach's Corner No. 7 – Special Teams (Aug. 20)
Coach's Corner No. 8 – Defensive Coordinator (Aug. 23)
Coach's Corner No. 9 – Running Backs (Aug. 24)
Coach's Corner No. 10 – Quarterbacks (Aug. 26)
Countdown to Kickoff coverage will return to the practice field on Monday to report from practice No. 13 of the Flames August training camp. The two-and-half-hour session begins at 2:20 on the turf at Williams Stadium.
Wednesday, May 13
Thursday, May 07
Thursday, April 30
Friday, April 24