Linebackers limited, but loaded with potential

The linebacker corp for the Camden Fairview Cardinals don't play multiple linebackers at the same time, but their presence on the field is just as vital. In the Cardinals' base front, the Cardinals utilize a 4-2-5 defensive scheme where there are four defensive linemen, two linebackers and five defensive backs. With a limited number of linebackers on the field for the Cardinals, those two players will need to play smart, mistake-free football.

"We've repped quite a few guys," head coach Nick Vaughn said of the linebacker, "and they're still a little bit of rotation and honestly, game plan will dictate who plays more."

The Cardinals will return one of their two starters at linebacker with junior DeJuan Wesley returning after a stellar sophomore season. Wesley accounted for 72 total tackles, 23 solo tackles, two tackles for loss, four quarterback pressures and two interceptions. He played well as a weakside linebacker, who provided solid support in defending against the passing game.

Camden Fairview will have to replace its leading tackler from last season in Michal Griffith, who accounted for 110 total tackles. Senior Caleb Tate is the player prime and ready to take over as the second linebacker.

"He brings an intelligence," Vaughn said of Tate, "he has super, super high, football-IQ, picks up stuff very quickly and is a great communicator. What he lacks in ability; his brain makes up for by putting himself in the right position."

Tate is also a key player on the offensive side of the ball as he plays fullback/tight end as one of the key blockers from the backfield. There could be times when Tate will be on the sidelines after playing a critical and long offensive series. One of the biggest goals for the Cardinals regarding this position group was building depth and multiple ready impact players.

One of the first linebacker coming off the bench is junior Jerome Williams.

Williams is one of the most improved players this offseason considering he didn't get a lot last season at the junior varsity level. He has had a stellar and growth this offseason, but Vaughn mentioned his greatest development was in Fall Camp. One young player that play early is sophomore Tyreion Torrence as he has been practicing with the second group.

Junior Maliq Musa-Dennis is among the players who is moving to another position based on depth and production. He is moving from safety to sam linebacker to match certain schemes, according to Vaughn. Sophomore JyMari Utsey is a player that adds surprising agility, ability to read the backfield and power in his hits to the Cardinals' linebacker core. There will be a lot of young linebacker that will get experience on special teams.

Print Headline: Linebackers limited, but loaded with potential

This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Camden News. Please read our Terms of Use or contact us.

Material from the Associated Press is Copyright © 2023, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. All rights reserved.