linebacker

Defensively, the Chargers rely on a linebacking corps that returns four starters -- Gallant, Leone, Shaw and Pimenta.

The 6-foot-2, 250-pounder, who started for three seasons at defensive end, was asked to filled the middle linebacker spot vacated by Jerry Franklin and to bring some size and depth to the linebacking corps.

If, for example, he is not blessed with a lot of defensive linemen, but has a good linebacking core, a 3-4 defense would be the answer.

The Warriors lost nearly all of their linebacking corps to graduation and injury.

The defensive line is weak despite all the off-season hype about "bigger and stronger." The linebacking is a joke and the defensive backs are as well.

The Crusaders return a strong linebacking corps led by Dawson, Orlando and Peck, while the line is a veteran unit with seniors Fei, Femia and Kendall returning.

WHY THEY WON'T: Linebacking is the big concern, while the offensive line is the red flag in determining whether an offense clicks or sputters.

We attacked the opposing Wing-T with many of the basic rules of the 4-3 front with quarters coverage that we detailed in our book, Attacking Football's Wing-T Offense, and my article on "Linebacking the Wing-T Red Motion Threat" in this space last August.

A third-year starter, Damico will be the focal part of the linebacking corps positioned in the middle.

Barbosa is the lone returning starter on defense and will lead Holy Name's linebacking corps.

The Ducks have had the same starters at 17 of 22 positions through six games, including the entire offensive line, linebacking and secondary units.