USC Will Debut Inexperienced But Talented Linebacker Corps in 2006

The 2006 version of the Gamecock defense will feature a completely new linebacker corps, one short on SEC experience, but not talent and speed. USC defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix will oversee the inside linebackers this season after tutoring the defensive line is 2005. In his four seasons as defensive coordinator at Southern Miss, Nix not only built his reputation as one of the premiere defensive coordinators in the nation, but also as an outstanding developer of linebacker talent.

This season, USC's linebacker corps will be required to have a strong learning curve, as the the projected starters have one career start between them. Today, Cockfather Illustrated presents its in-depth preview of the inside linebacker position.

MLB- Jasper Brinkley 6'2 258 Junior - The Georgia Military College transfer immediately moved into the starting position during spring practice after arriving at USC in January of 2006. The Thomson, GA native has all the tools to excel in the SEC as a middle linebacker. Brinkley has excellent football instincts, is extremely physical, and has a nose for the football. Head Coach Steve Spurrier commented during spring practice that he had to "call Jasper off" so no one would be injured during the 7 on 7 inside drill. Selected as a second team JC All-American, Brinkley has been all coach Tyrone Nix expected and more, and will be counted on to be a play maker from his "mike" linebacker position this fall.

Cockfather Illustrated believes Brinkley will be the mainstay of the USC defense this fall. He is a definite upgrade to both Ricardo Hurley and Dustin Lindsey. If the season goes as planned, Brinkley will lead USC's defense in tackles.

MLB Curtis Rice 6'1 242 Junior(R) - Rice proved to be a valuable asset last season as a back-up and 3rd down situational player. The former Union High School product was considered a throw-in to get ALL-American OL Eric Young in 2003. However, Young had a last minute change of heart, and USC was left with the unheralded Rice. After spending his first two seasons on the scout squad, Rice was promoted mid-way through the 2005 season, and has responded nicely. He was in on several key plays in USC's upset wins over Tennessee and Florida, and overall saw action in 10 of USC's 12 games, with most of his action at linebacker coming in the second half of the 2005 season.

Cockfather Illustrated believes Rice will thrive as the back-up to Jasper Brinkley, and provide quality depth at MLB.

MLB Yvan Banag 5'9 215 Sophomore - Banag played mostly in USC's "Gator" package last season, which is similar to the old "Spur" position from the 3-3-5 defense used during the Outback Bowl seasons. The former Buford, GA star was also a stalwart on special teams, as head coach Steve Spurrier referred to Banag as "a kick covering son-of-a-gun". Banag spent spring practice at the "stinger" linebacker spot, but was moved shortly after fall camp began due to the emergence of true freshmen Rodney Paulk.

Cockfather Illustrated believes Banag will again be one of USC's top special team players, and could be featured in USC's "gator" package as a pass rusher coming off the edge. He could push Curtis Rice for playing time behind Jasper Brinkley.

SLB Rodney Paulk 6'0 212 Freshman - Paulk was USC's first commitment in the 2006 recruiting class, making his decision early last summer. Paulk then went out and led his Richland Northeast squad to the Class 4A division II state Championship game versus Byrnes High School. The Shrine Bowl selection and lead his team in tackles with an amazing 174 total tackles and 12 sacks and 22 tackles for loss. A finalist for the SC Mr. Football Award, Paulk chose USC over offers from Virginia Tech, and North Carolina.

As a player, the 9th rated prospect in South Carolina last season has impressed USC coaches with his speed and relentless nature in which he plays the game. In USC's first scrimmage, Paulk made perhaps the best defensive play of the day, as he blitzed in untouched, knocked the ball out of QB Cade Thompson's hand, scooped it up and raced 21 yards to the end zone for a touchdown. It has been plays like that and his consistent effort that have pushed him ahead of Sophomore Marvin Sapp in the race to become the starter at the "Stinger" linebacker position.

Cockfather Illustrated believes Paulk will be one of the surprises on this year's USC defense. While he may struggle initially in pass coverage, his speed, effort and desire to be a player will make him special for years to come.

Marivn Sapp 5'11 215 Sophomore - Sapp received the Joe Morrison award as the outstanding defensive player at the conclusion of spring practice, along with being named most outstanding linebacker. As a true freshman in 2005, Sapp took off his red-shirt in week four and made his only start of the season versus Troy. for the season, the former Sandalwood High School product was credited with 23 tackles, 8 coming against Auburn.

The former 3 star prospect and Jacksonville, FL Super 11 pick began fall camp as the starter at the "stinger" linebacker spot, but has been challenged by incoming freshman Rodney Paulk. The winner of this position battle may not be known until USC takes the field on August 31st against Mississippi State. Sapp is one of the strongest players on the team, and brings a physical presence with him to the field. The former Super Prep All-American is also well respected by both players and coaches for his outstanding character and work ethic.

Cockfather Illustrated believes Sapp will be a valuable member of USC's linebacker corps whether he is a starter or a reserve.

Vandaral Shackleford 6'1 222 Freshman - Shackleford was one of the steals of USC's 2006 recruiting class. He was named the Metro Atlanta Defensive Player of the Year, and 1st team 5A All-State as a senior, and led his Riverdale High School team to an 8-3 record by recording 120 tackles with 20 tackles for loss. Shackleford is an honor roll student who chose USC over Georgia, Duke, and Vanderbilt.

Cockfather Illustrated believes Shackleford will definitely red-shirt this fall. He has been injured some in fall camp, so a true evaluation will be made in the spring.