Predict the LB Core for 2019

[bnoro]

With the preseason depth chart now released, we can finally start to zero in on where our biggest positional battles will be for this season. Our second biggest question mark is the LB Core. We obviously can see the 4-2-5 formation, but what does it look like with a SLB on the field rather than a nickelback?

1st Team:
Armstrong, Williams
2nd Team:
M. Jones, Wallace
Unlisted:
Kpogba, Cantin-Arku, Trotter, Richards

Personally, I think Richards would be on the depth chart if we listed an SLB. Him and Trotter would both bring a serious pass rushing option to the rotation.

While the OL battle seems to have more defined roles, this is a position where I think everyone (except maybe GCA) is in a position to push for at least a rotation spot in 2019.

I think we'll be seeing a lot of Juan Wallace mixed in with Army & Lakiem once the season kicks off.

My prediction for Liberty:
Armstrong, Williams, Wallace (rotating in 4-2-5, starting in 4-3)

Thoughts?

 

[Trueblue25]

Armstrong, Wallace, Richards for Liberty.

Williams backing up richard, Jones backing up Wallace and Trotter backing up Armstrong.

 

[bnoro]

Armstrong, Wallace, Richards for Liberty.

Williams backing up richard, Jones backing up Wallace and Trotter backing up Armstrong.

I don't think we'll see position for position backups at LB, I think the 4th best guy may be crosstrained to play a few of those spots.

 

[Trueblue25]

I don't think we'll see position for position backups at LB, I think the 4th best guy may be crosstrained to play a few of those spots.

That changes a few things for me then..

Armstrong, Wallace, Williams starting with Richards earning PT from the MLB and WLB

 

[bnoro]

That changes a few things for me then..

Armstrong, Wallace, Williams starting with Richards earning PT from the MLB and WLB

My guess would be something like this:
WLB: Armstrong, Richards
MLB: Williams, Wallace
SLB: Wallace, Richards

 

[LeMoyneCuse]

Last year, Richards was a gunner on specials, a zone coverage guy on third down, and was the fourth defensive end. He'll get 50 snaps a game regardless of position.

 

[orangeinohio]

Does a strong DL (and super-strong DE's) enable the more-frequent use of 4-2-5 formation?
Any connection?
Just curious.

 

[Trueblue25]

Juan Wallace will be a name remembered on the hill. My prediction.

 

[shu 49]

I can’t see a world where Richards isn’t playing a lot somewhere. He is too big and fast and long to be sitting. Bnoro why do U think Williams would be ahead of him except for being a Sr. In my mind if they are equal u should play the sophomore cause by the time he graduates look out.

 

[tep624]

I'm thinking Armstrong & Wallace at the 2 consistent positions and the rotational will be the best man available. Also think that depth at DE could impact this some as well depending on who stays healthy, redshirts, etc.