Moving to the second-line of defense, the linebacking corps, overall, is inexperienced. Starting at middle linebacker is Stephen Johnson, who was a member of the scout team for most of last season. Do I expect him to be the biggest contributor out of the three middle linebackers? No, but he will see some time.
Senior Elijah Joseph is the hands down top middle linebacker on the team. Why he's stuck behind Johnson is unknown, but similar to Bernard Pierce's case, it's most likely a motivational ploy and to reward Johnson for his hard work during the offseason. Joseph was named a first-team All-MAC honoree in 2009, and finished fourth on the team in tackles with 63. However, his 11 starts came from the outside linebacker position, but hopefully he can carry that success into the middle.
Backing up Johnson and Joseph is sophomore Marcus Green. He played in 10 games last season, averaging around one tackle per showing, including two tackles against Miami (OH). He won't see too much time in the middle (unless an injury strikes), but he will continue to be used on the special teams unit, just as he did last season as a member of the punt return unit.
The Owls will be without Alex Joseph and John Haley, both due to graduation, which will open up two spots for the taking. Junior Tahir Whitehead is the expected starter at one side, and deservingly so. He finished the 2009 season with 30 tackles in 13 games, and was just one of six freshman to start in every single game in 2008. The experience and talent is there for Whitehead, now he will just have to bring it all together in his new starting gig.
Behind Whitehead is Quinten White. The junior linebacker played in 10 games in 2009, with no starts, but had a good showing against Akron, finishing with three tackles. He will be competing for time with red-shirt freshman Blaze Caponegro. Now if an individuals name could earn them a starting spot, then Blaze would automatically be starting, but unfortunately it doesn't work that way. He was an All-State linebacker coming out of high school, and will most likely see most of his playing time from the special teams side.
Starting opposite Whitehead is Amara Kamara, who formerly was a defensive linemen. He was a third team All-MAC honoree in 2009, with nine starts on the season (two starts as a outside linebacker, and seven as a defensive end). He record 44 tackles and two sacks, and now that he is expected to be a starter as an outside linebacker, his numbers should improve with more opportunities.
Behind Kamara are two freshman, Alaniyi Adewole and Wyatt Benson. Both enjoyed success during their senior seasons, but playing time will come sparingly for them... or at least for one of them. Adewole has a bigger frame, which could give him an edge in Temple's defense, but I'm sure these two will find a spot on the special teams.
Next up in 12 Positions in 12 Days: Secondary!
That is a bullshit move by the coaches! They need to learn from their mistake with Brian Sanford! Elijah Joseph (Peanut) should not be 2nd string. He is by far the most talented LB Temple has. That's nice this other kid worked hard...but so has Peanut. I feel Golden is making some poor decisions with his personnel and he either hasn't a clue how he is F'g kids up, or he knows what he is doing and is psychologically abusing some of his former and current players...enough is enough!
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