Is one recruit enough in 2022 at LB?

[instaGATOR]

Why do some in the media think that the Gator LB position is in question for 2022?

From an S.I. Article: "For the Gators, there's perhaps no more uncertain position group heading into the 2022 season than the linebacker corp."
iG - WTF???

Projected LB Roster for 2022
Who plays where is yet to be determined - MLB - OLB - DE - SS

MLB Ventrell Miller 6-1 226 rsSr+1
MLB Amari Burnie 6-2 239 Sr+1 (Pro or stay?)
MLB Ty'Ron Hopper 6-2 228 rsJr
MLB Derek Wingo 6-1 224 Jr
MLB Antwaun Powell 6-2 255 rsSo

OLB/SS Diwun Black 6-3 228 Sr
OLB/SS David Reese 6-2 230 rsJr
OLB/DE Noah Keeter 6-5 225 rsJr
OLB/DE Lloyd Summerall III 6-5 247 rsJr
OLB/DE Chief Borders 6-4 241 rsFr (3 Gms)
MLB/OLB Jeremiah 'Scooby' Williams 6-2 230 rsFr (3 Gms)

OLB Coach Mike Peterson -- The iG is very happy with that hire....

Recruits: (247)
#7 LB Shemar James 6-2 212 **** Natl. 64 - Mobile, AL - signed

Note: And please move TE Keon Zipperer 6-3 242 Sr to H-Back/FB/RB.

 

[PacoGator19]

We are recruiting other LBs in the 2022 class but with that being said these days it is very rare that you ever have more than 2 LBs on the field at the same time. A lot of 4-2-5 defense for sure is played these days.

 

[ocalaman]

Ventrell Miller, if healthy, will be a huge plus for the defense. Hopper showed potential down the stretch. The other guys have to prove themselves, but there appears to be a lot of options. And Paco is right - most of the time we only have 2 linebackers on the field with the nickel being played more often than not.

 

[Countygator1]

Miller will be one of the top LBs in the sec, Hopper was coming on strong, Burnie will be solid, I think we are actually ok at Linebacker.

 

[PacoGator19]

I think Burney was a senior wasn’t he? I don’t think he will be back.

 

[Countygator1]

Covid year?

I think Burney was a senior wasn’t he? I don’t think he will be back.

 

[ocalaman]

I think Burney was a senior wasn’t he? I don’t think he will be back.

He was/is a senior, but think he can come back for another year if he chooses - like Trey Dean.

 

[PacoGator19]

Covid year?

Yes but as far as I know he wasn’t coming back. Could be wrong I guess. We will see. Honestly I’m not a big fan of his playing style at all.

 

[PacoGator19]

Covid year?

Yes but as far as I know he wasn’t coming back. Could be wrong I guess. We will see. Honestly I’m not a big fan of his playing style at all.

 

[instaGATOR]

MLB Amari Burnie 6-2 239 Sr+1 (Pro or stay?)
Might get better under the new defensive system/coaching?

2021 As a backup MLB behind Miller/Hopper
13 Gms, S-Tks 24, A-Tkls 20 (T-44), TFL 1, PBU 3, QBH 1.

1. Does he already have his UF degree?
If not, that's a reason to stay for his +1 year.
2. He has no Combine offer yet that I'm aware of. Draft status?
So he might come back to improve his chances at being drafted.
3. Other reasons to stay or go?

 

[ocalaman]

Yes but as far as I know he wasn’t coming back. Could be wrong I guess. We will see. Honestly I’m not a big fan of his playing style at all.

Yeah, he was one of those "athlete" recruits that never seemed to find a position for him to excel. Some of these safety/LB types we had were too small to play solid run defense and too slow in pass coverage.

 

[Nicktheslick]

Yes but as far as I know he wasn’t coming back. Could be wrong I guess. We will see. Honestly I’m not a big fan of his playing style at all.

True but he is a versatile athlete with experience. With better coaching who knows?

 

[instaGATOR]

Yeah, he was one of those "athlete" recruits that never seemed to find a position for him to excel. Some of these safety/LB types we had were too small to play solid run defense and too slow in pass coverage.

MLB Amari Burnie 6-2 239 Sr+1 (Pro or stay?)
13 Gms, S-Tks 24, A-Tkls 20 (T-44), TFL 1, PBU 3, QBH 1.

Amari doen't seem (size and coverage wise) to fit that mold ocala....

 

[Gator Fever]

We need Miller and Hopper to stay healthy in 22.

 

[j22201]

James is a f animal! Jealous