With spring practice underway at many Pac-12 destinations, it's time to do our annual position-by-position breakdown.
We've gone through all the defensive position groups and wrap up with linebackers in the South.
Arizona: You may have heard a little something about Scooby Wright III. All he did as a sophomore was have one of the most productive seasons in college football history (163 tackles) on his way to just about every major accolade out there. On the rare occasion Wright didn’t make a tackle, Arizona’s most productive linebacker was Cody Ippolito. He shared time with Derrick Turituri (they were both listed atop the depth chart) and Jake Matthews started on the opposite side. With several other key areas to replace on the defense, the ‘Cats are in good shape here.
Arizona State: The Sun Devils list no fewer than 24 linebackers on their official roster, so expect some shuffling throughout the spring. Their top two returners are Laiu Moeakiola (72 tackles) and Salamo Fiso (83 tackles), both of whom figure to remain key pieces in 2015. Same with D.J. Calhoun, who started the opener last year as a true freshman and was named a freshman All-American by the Football Writers Association of America. Davon Durant, the nation’s top-rated junior college linebacker in the country, was expected to earn a substantial role, but his status remains in question -- he’s suspended indefinitely -- after he was arrested on allegations of aggravated assault and domestic violence.
Colorado: Above all, the health of Addison Gillam will be essential if Colorado expects to compete in the South. He lost nearly 30 pounds last year due to a combination of injuries and being sick, and it significantly impacted his production. If he’s back up to around 230, he and Kenneth Olugbode give the Buffs a pair of experienced, reliable players in the linebacker corps. New defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt also will coach the linebackers, which is the position group he coached with the San Francisco 49ers the last four seasons. One interesting player to watch is Jaleel Awini, who made the switch from quarterback.
UCLA: Has there been a program in the country with as much star power at linebacker as the Bruins over the past couple of years? If there is, it doesn’t come to mind immediately. Replacing Butkus Award winner Eric Kendricks (insert snarky second-team All-Pac-12 comment here) is obviously a difficult task, but Kenny Young drew rave reviews from the coaching staff last year and could be in line for a more significant role. We all know about Myles Jack, but the Bruins need (and will expect) more from Deon Hollins.
USC: Hayes Pullard (95 tackles) was one of the more underappreciated linebackers in the Pac-12 over the past few years and his departure will be sorely missed. Same goes for J.R. Tavai, who was tied for the team lead with seven sacks last year. However, with Su’a Cravens (68 tackles) and Anthony Sarao (74 tackles) returning, the Trojans still are in good shape. Scott Felix started five games last year as the pass-rushing outside linebacker and is in line for more playing time. Lamar Dawson started games over three seasons before sitting out last year due to injury. He’s back and is expected to compete with Michael Hutchins (backed up Pullard and had one start last year) and early enrollee Cameron Smith, the nation’s No. 8-ranked ILB from the Class of 2015.
Utah: As Utah transitions to new defensive coordinator John Pease from the departed Kalani Sitake, linebacker figures to be a position of strength. Three players -- Jared Norris, Gionni Paul and Jason Whittingham -- have combined for 376 career tackles in their careers, and Jason Fanaika (55 tackles in 2014) started at outside linebacker in the Utes’ Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl win. Looking for a reason to go with Utah in the South? This position group is a good place to start.