Bruce Taylor is gone, and with his departure there are two big questions at linebacker: how good is the depth, and is Tariq Edwards healthy enough to get back to his 2011 form?  Spring practice starts on Wednesday, and we should have a better idea in a few weeks.

Note that we will include the whips with the defensive backs in Wednesday’s secondary preview.  The whip spot is more of a defensive back position these days, depending on alignment.  If we include that position with the defensive backs, then we can also discuss the nickel package in the same article.

There are four scholarship players in the mix at mike and backer, and one young r-freshman who will likely make his biggest contributions on special teams.  Also, walk-ons Josh Trimble (5-11, 200, r-So.) and Derek DiNardo (6-0, 210, r-Jr.) have been moved from backer to whip to make up for a lack of depth at that position.

Mike

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