New faces highlight Tech's linebackers headed into 2016
The 2016 linebacker group was easily one of the biggest question marks on the team heading into the spring.
The departure of 2015 seniors Nick Thomason, Beau Fitte, and C.J. Cleveland left a huge hole in the second level of the Tech defense. That trio accounted for 246 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 4 interceptions, and 4 forced fumbles last season.
The spring game brought few answers as the Tech offense racked up over 200 yards rushing, averaging 4.3 yards per attempt. No sacks, interceptions, or forced fumbles were produced by the linebacker position. It became clear some outside help was going to need to be injected prior to the start of the season in order for this group to have success.
In May, Texas linebacker Dalton Santos announced his intention to transfer to Tech for his senior season. Santos, who played sparingly in 2014 and missed the 2015 season due to injury, finished fourth on Longhorns’ defense in 2013 in tackles (74) and tackles for loss (10). He also displayed an ability to defend the pass, finishing third on the team with 5 pass breakups. If he can remain healthy, Santos (6-4, 257) will fit right in the middle of the Tech defense. He will likely be backed up by Russell Farris (JR) who has recorded 47 tackles in a reserve role during his first two seasons at Tech.
Last month, linebacker Jordan Harris announced he, too, would transfer to Tech for his senior season. Harris started at middle linebacker for Iowa State last season and was one of only two defenders to play all 12 games for the Cyclones. He finished the season third on the team in tackles (70) and fifth in tackles for loss (5).
Prior to his time at Iowa State, Harris was a JUCO All-American, leading the nation with 13.8 tackles per game at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson, Mississippi. Harris is expected to step in and start immediately at middle linebacker for the Bulldogs this season, allowing Brandon Durman (S0) and Collin Scott (RS-FR) additional time to develop rather than being thrust into the starting lineup.
Where Harris and Santos line up exactly is still a bit of a mystery since they both played middle linebacker in their previous systems. Santos ability to cover leads us to believe he will play more outside linebacker and Harris' nose for the football would say he will play more in the middle.
Though he’s listed as a safety, senior Lloyd Grogan will likely play hybrid role that often requires him to line up as a linebacker to defend against the run. Donald Freeman (RS-FR) had some bright moments during the spring and could be the guy who backs up Grogan. James Jackson (RS-FR) is expected to see some time in that role this season as well. Additionally, we will likely see safeties Xavier Woods (SR) and Secdrick Cooper (JR) playing close to the line of scrimmage at times this season.
Frasier Hogan (SO) is another player with a good chance to earn reps in a reserve role this season. Dante Williams (RS-FR) needs to add weight but is probably Tech's fastest linebacker. Junior Michael Mims is still recovering from the ACL injury he suffered last October. Eric Kendzior (La Porte, Texas) and Devin Hamilton (Lake Charles, La) are true freshmen who are expected to redshirt this season.
Overall, the addition of the two transfer linebackers with Big XII starting experience may have just transformed a huge weakness into a potential strength of the 2016 Tech defense—as long as they can stay healthy.