Rutgers 2012 Season Preview: Linebackers

Linebacker has been a solid, if unspectacular unit for the Scarlet Knights over the years. They've had some nice players and moments, but they've also had some trouble stopping spread offenses. Last off season, Greg Schiano and his coaching staff tried to change things up a little bit by bringing more speed to the position, and this proved to be an ingenious move, as linebacker was probably Rutgers' biggest strength a year ago. They were able to stop most opposing offenses, including the once problematic spread offenses that Pitt, South Florida, Cincinnati and Iowa State featured, finishing 12th nationally in total defense, while the players earned some post season accolades. Rutgers returns a very seasoned group of linebackers that only lost one player to graduation last year, while also adding a couple of true freshman who will see playing time right away. Their biggest strength from 2011 will only be stronger in 2012.

Khaseem Greene returns at weak side linebacker after recording 140 tackles and being named the Big East defensive player of the year last season. Greene's speed and versatility make him one of the best linebackers in the country, and he is on the preseason watch list for the various post season defensive awards. His versatility comes in handy, especially against no huddle offenses, as he can make plays in space, in traffic, and cover tightends and slot receivers. He has a chance to be an All American this year. Backing him up is true freshman Steve Longa, another fast, explosive athlete who should be good in space. Look for him to get some experience this year in hopes of starting in 2013. Hopefully he pays attention to Greene.

Middle linebacker Steve Beauharnais is a very intelligent, instinctual player who acts as the quarterback of the defense, making sure everyone knows what to do and where to line up. He is able to utilize his strength and speed to be an effective defender against the run (77 tackles), the pass (3 interceptions), and as a pass rusher (5 sacks). He and Greene are the rocks and leaders of this defense. Freshman Quanzell Lambert will back him up once he returns from his ankle injury, and he is a big, strong tackler on the inside. Like Longa, he should pay attention to what Beauharnais does with an eye on starting next year.

Jamal Merrell and Kevin Snyder are still vying for the starting spot at strong side linebacker. Merrell, the incumbent, is a speedy, athletic player who was solid a year ago. Snyder was able to make an impact as a true freshman, and he displayed a lot of talent. He has all the tools you look for in a linebacker; strength, speed, size, toughness. I personally think Snyder should start, but regardless of who the coaches pick, both players will get plenty of playing time. Both of these players are very good, don't overlook them.

Quinton Gause somewhat surprisingly did not crack the two deep, but he provides valuable depth at the position. Nick DePaola is listed as the back up at middle linebacker for the Tulane game, but he'll be more of a depth guy than a back up once Lambert gets healthy.

Dave Cohn will coach this unit, and likely try to keep the speed at the position that made it so successful last year. In the particular defensive scheme Rutgers runs, linebackers often blitz, but they are also sometimes responsible for playing man coverage against the backs, tightends, and slot receivers.The ability to play in space is also a must, so the speed really helps.

Linebacker should be one of Rutgers two biggest strengths this year. Greene and Beauharnais are great players who will take on a leadership role with this team. The position is very deep, with Snyder and Merrell both capable starters and the youngsters Longa and Lambert fighting for playing time right away. This unit is probably the backbone of the team, both on the field and off. Expect great play out of them.