linebackers

[StateOfMiamiU]

is anyyone else really happy with the inebacking crew. all i've heard is about how good their playing and it's not just 3 it's like 5. i think MLB will be good for denzel. he's probably our best defensive player and it makes me feal good that he's at maybe the most important posistion. also other then Ramon who I believe is injured they will probably all will be returning unless soeone leaves early. i think if we can reel in a couple of stud linebackers we are set.

 

[AllbouttheU]

I think it's heading in the right direction, I like who we have on the team and I like who are incoming. The depth is getting there, one more class of Linebacker recruits and I think the staff will be happy.

 

[datcaneguy]

we look pretty solid at linebacker right now and I like what im hearing about their development, just hope it transition into the season

 

[crossover22[]_[]]

Im actually really happy with the linebackers going into this year. That doesnt mean I think the depth is where it needs to be but I think the LB play could even be better this year then last year even after losing spence. I really like perryman to mlb. Hopefully we can get perryman and kirby on the fiwld at the same time some this season. I want witt to play because he plays with a mean streak but I actually hope the staff redshirts him so he can put on weight.

I dont think it will translate to a ton more wins this season but the defense could be improved even with being young.

 

[VinnDogg]

As far as run stuffing and being able to diagnose the play, yes we have some quallity players. The true test will come when we see of they can handle the TE on crossing routes and pick plays by slot WR's. The kind of dink and dunk stuff that has killed us for years.

From what I saw at the scrimmage, these aren't read and react dudes. They are head hunters. Perryman and Paul come at ya as if you stole their little sisters lunch money. If they too overly aggressive, play action and bootleg's could be troubling. Having that instinct of sniffing out the play before it happens will be the key.

 

[SebastianTheIbis]

I disagree, I'm worried about our whole defense and LB is no exception. Perryman and Buchanan are the only LBs I trust, I have not been impressed with anyone else. Paul, Gaines and Cain are the only other LBs with significant experience and it looks like Cain is going to be used more as a DE/LB rusher. Paul and Gaines looked awful last year to me, hopefully they've gotten better, but I'm going to remain skeptical until I see otherwise. Kirby sounds like the real deal, but he is still a freshman without any college experience, so I'm going to wait and see on him. Hopefully someone steps up to be a solid 3rd LB, but if Perryman goes down or Buchanan can't bounce back from his injury, I think we're in trouble there.The only good thing I see at LB is we're finally getting some depth there, something we've been lacking for a long time.

 

[Staybon]

Im actually really happy with the linebackers going into this year. That doesnt mean I think the depth is where it needs to be but I think the LB play could even be better this year then last year even after losing spence. I really like perryman to mlb. Hopefully we can get perryman and kirby on the fiwld at the same time some this season. I want witt to play because he plays with a mean streak but I actually hope the staff redshirts him so he can put on weight.

I dont think it will translate to a ton more wins this season but the defense could be improved even with being young.

me too. I think Perryman will excel in the middle and Gaines will excel outside. Between Cornelius and Johnson I think the 3rd LB spot will be all good. I don't think Buchanon sees the field if its about who gives us the best chance to win. He's fast. I'll leave it there.

 

[Bigtip]

Buchanon will play a lot if he's healthy I would imagine. he brings elite athleticism to the LB spot

 

[PGCountySoulCane]

IMHO the only steady performer at LB is Perryman for right now. Buck will be a solid factor if he can get back healthy. I think Kirby will make a huge impact on ST's and will eventually play a role like Perryman did last year. THAT IS THE POSITIVE! Cain is unproven, and with Shayon's inability to stay healthy, it sounds as though Cain will be used more like Robinson was used last year because of the DE depth issue, so he won't get that many reps as a true LB that he should even though I think he could turn out to be a great SAM if they keep him there. E-Rob, and Paul, are also unproven, but if what we have been hearing is accurate, either one or both could be where Perryman is now later in the season. Ok, now the negative. I'm sorry ya'll, but Jimmy Gaines may very well be a hardworker, and may have had a great UTOUGH, but he comes off soft to me. Was absolutely getting blown up as our Mike last year. The holes were gaping like a pornstar. Spence moved to MIKE and did better with a lot smaller frame, which I still don't get. I hope I'm wrong about this guy, but he has played enough football now to where that should no longer be a factor.

 

[canecountry3]

I've never been high on Gaines. He made no impact plays last year... did he even have a tackle for loss? He just seemed to be out there. I think Perryman in the middle changes the dynamic of the team. Perryman is a tackling machine, he will probably be close to 100 tackles as a Soph in the middle. However, I read something about one of the offensive players saying someone and Gaines bring it the hardest on D. I'd like to see Gaines delevop. Between Perryman, Paul, Johnson, Cain.... Miami has a lot of strong, fast, aggressive kids. Gaines is solid but unspectacular in every way, Buchanon can at least be a solid back up if Paul, Johnson, or Kirby play their way onto 1st team.

I really don't understand why some people think the D is going to be rough this year. I don't think it will be any worse than last year... not world beaters but far more stout and disciplined than in years past.

 

[Canesfan1899]

Buchanon will play a lot if he's healthy I would imagine. he brings elite athleticism to the LB spot

But ca he put it all together and be a LB and not just a good athlete? Don't get me wrong I've seen glimpses from this kid and felt like he was ready to take off last season before he was injured, but I've never witnesed him play with the instincts of a LB for an entire game.

 

[Bigtip]

Buchanon will play a lot if he's healthy I would imagine. he brings elite athleticism to the LB spot

But ca he put it all together and be a LB and not just a good athlete? Don't get me wrong I've seen glimpses from this kid and felt like he was ready to take off last season before he was injured, but I've never witnesed him play with the instincts of a LB for an entire game.

who else is gonna play over him? Gaines? Cornelius? pfff. a healthy Buch is much better than anything we have right now except for probably Perryman

 

[gcane44]

Buchanon will play a lot if he's healthy I would imagine. he brings elite athleticism to the LB spot

But ca he put it all together and be a LB and not just a good athlete? Don't get me wrong I've seen glimpses from this kid and felt like he was ready to take off last season before he was injured, but I've never witnesed him play with the instincts of a LB for an entire game.

who else is gonna play over him? Gaines? Cornelius? pfff. a healthy Buch is much better than anything we have right now except for probably Perryman

I don't know what Buchanon you've been watching play. I'll give this to you, wherever it is Buchanon is headed on a play, he usually gets there fast.... the problem is he is usually headed in the wrong direction. He simply doesn't have the instincts or great technique/discipline for LB.

I actually hope Buchanon doesn't play too much (Like a Graig Cooper after coming back from ACL type of situation). He has had a lot of opportunity and has only proven that he is a great athlete, not a good football player. I'd rather have Gaines out there, who is not as explosive, but is athletic enough, still growing as a player, and will be disciplined within the scheme. Gaines wasn't a great fit at MLB. I think he will do much better with another year of experience and now playing on the outside (where he is better suited).

Plus, I'd much rather guys like Cain, Gaines, and the younger talented players like Kirby, Paul, and Johnson to get reps over Buchanon (who we know what he offers - not enough - and won't be here past this season)

 

[jevoasis]

We have a ways to go both in physical stregnth and football IQ to be comfortable at LB, but clearly its headed that way.

 

[Bigtip]

personally I'd rather see a healthy Buchanon than Cain or Gaines.

 

[cane33]

All of a sudden Buchanon is not a good football player. Lol @ our fans. He's the best LB on our roster right now and has the most experience.


The move outside should help Gaines out a lot. He was just lost at Mike

 

[John77]

Nope.Buchanon is still the best and most experienced LB here. Perryman has the opportunity to do a lot more as a U.M football player, but Buchanon is unquestionably the best right now.

 

[ScubaCane]

All of a sudden Buchanon is not a good football player. Lol @ our fans. He's the best LB on our roster right now and has the most experience.


The move outside should help Gaines out a lot. He was just lost at Mike

I think you meant Denzel Perryman. In half a season he made more plays than Buchanon has in 3 years.

This. Buchanan has never done anything significant in his time here, maybe that will change this year

 

[JHallCanes]

Wow. I must have been watching a different Buchanon. Let's forget that he was a highly touted recruit for a minute and face facts, he hasnt done a thing since he has been here.

He has experience but thats it. Perryman made more of an impact last season than all of Buchanon's time here combined.

 

[bigpurk45]

If Buck comes back and plays with a chip on his shoulder he will show everyone and the whole fan base he is worthy. He is our best LB, perryman is a beast yes but Buck's experience will trump all. watch the man play before he got hurt, he was on just as much plays as Spence, and covered the TE well... Even dropped back into coverage good. nothing wrong with his game. Cant wait to see #45 back on the field.