Perhaps the most intriguing position battle in USC's fall camp has been the weak-side or "Wolf" linebacker position coached by assistant coach Dave Wommack. The Wolf linebacker is responsible for covering the open side of the field, usually opposite the tight end, and must be able to place in space. This is primarily a speed position.
Today, Cockfather Illustrated takes an in-depth look at the players competing for the starting position, including a new "wild card" that has been thrown into the mix less that 10 days before the season opener versus Mississippi State. Each of the players battling for the starting position brings something different to the table, and are of all sizes and shapes.
Dakoda Walker 6'4 235 Sophomore - Walker played defensive end as a true freshman in 2005, and tied for the team lead in sacks with 3.5, despite missing USC's first three games with an injury. For the season, the former rivals 3 star prospect was credited with 13 tackles, and was involved in several key plays in USC's five game SEC win streak. Defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix made the decision to move Walker back to linebacker after spring practice, to take advantage of the Mays Landing, NJ native's speed, athleticism, and ability to play in space. Walker has alternated with the Cody Wells with the first team throughout most of fall camp, and the winner of this position battle may not be known until kick-off.
Cockfather Illustrated believes Walker will be a valuable player at weak-side linebacker. He should be a factor pressuring the passer coming off the edge in passing situations. If he becomes more physical, Walker should have a big season.
Cody Wells 5'11 212 Junior(R) - The red-shirt junior has been primarily a reserve and special teams performer during his career. That has changed the year as it appears the Bellview, FL native will log significant snaps from the "Wolf" linebacker spot. Wells made two starts in 2005 and logged 31 tackles with 3.5 tackles for loss and a pair of sacks for the season. He brings a toughness and true football mentality to the position. Wells is considered one of the hardest hitters on the team, and has a knack for being around the ball. As a converted safety, Wells also has experience playing in space.
Cockfather Illustrated believes Wells will begin the year as the starter, but be overtaken by Walker after he becomes more comfortable at WLB. Wells will also be involved when USC goes to their "Gator" package, which is similar to USC's old 3-3-5 defense.
Gerrod Sinclair 6'0 219 Freshman(R) - Sinclair was one of the top prospects signed in Steve Spurrier's first signing class. The Jacksonville, FL native gained almost 20 pounds during his red-shirt season and had an impressive spring. The Super Prep All-American came out of spring practice listed as the starting "Wolf" linebacker. Sinclair was named to the Jacksonville Times Union Super 11, and was a first team 6A all-state selection as a senior after making 107 tackles, 8 sacks and 7 interceptions.
An injury early in fall camp caused Sinclair to miss some valuable practice time, and may have taken him out of the race as a starter.
Cockfather Illustrated believes that once Sinclair's knee is 100percent, he will be tough to keep off the field. He is a converted safety with excellent speed and ball skills, who has a bright future ahead of him in a Gamecock uniform.
The "wild card" that has recently entered the mix is safety Emmanuel Cook. The 5'10 209 pound freshman has been working at both safety and weak-side linebacker this week. According to a source close to the program, Cook was working with the first team in yesterday's practice. This would be an intriguing move, and will be interesting to follow leading up to the Mississippi State game. Moving Cook to linebacker would upgrade the speed at that position, as the West Palm Beach native runs a sub 4.5 40 yard dash.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
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8 comments:
I like moving Cook to WSLB. I think that is a great move.
Thanks!
wow. major curveball there. wasn't cook STARTING at safety these past few practices?
Nix just siad the starting LB's would be Paulk, J. Brinkley, and E Cook...amazing 3 newcomers, 2 true freshmen.
What a shocker! Hope the competition makes everyone better,
Hwy, I always say to put the best 11 on the field. Thankfully, he is a player that can play multiple positions. I just hope he "leans" the positions.
I hope our young guys learn quickly.
I think we'll have to wait and see what happens. The last scrimmage and the last one or two 11-on-11 drills seem to have been concentrating on the youngest guys by design. I wouldn't be surprised to see this lineup change once or twice more by the 31st. I think the crrent approach by the staff is, "We have only a couple of seniors and their positions are pretty secure--but it's a new year, with new faces, and everybody's going to get a long look, so you'll have to earn it."
wow - on one hand, it's a credit to your recruiting that the starting linebackers are all new -- but on the other hand, not exactly an vote of confidence to who you had in there before they arrived.
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