The middle linebacker is considered the quarterback of the defense, so the battle for the starting spot between junior Chris Galippo and sophomore Devon Kennard is paramount to the success of the defense.
"We're looking for a guy that can run the show out there," said linebackers coach Joe Barry.
Without pads and contact, it's hard to judge who has the early upper hand.
"Linebackers have to make plays," said Barry.
Until they start hitting, they can best distinguish themselves in coverage. Yesterday, both Galippo and Kennard batted down balls.
Galippo has the experience edge since Kennard came out of high school as a defensive end, but coach Barry is not grading the youngster on a curve.
"Devon has the personality that he does not want me to. He's picked it up very well. There's still a few intricacies to the position and every day is a new learning experience. He's still learning the subtle nuances of the position."
Besides the middle spot, Michael Morgan and Malcolm Smith are firmly entrenched as contributors on the outside.
Coach Barry hopes to break camp feeling comfortable about eight linebackers, but he only has full confidence in four at the moment with Shane Horton battling a hip injury.
"We've got to find a 6th, 7th, 8th guy," Barry declared. "It's time for the guys like Marquis Simmons and Ross Cumming and guys like that to step up and start playing."
Barry's unit has received a slight boost for newcomer Hayes Pullard.
"I like him. I really do. You can tell a lot in that first 30 minutes of practice when you're with a kid whether he's going to bite or not. He's definitely a kid that will come out and bite."
"We're looking for a guy that can run the show out there," said linebackers coach Joe Barry.
Without pads and contact, it's hard to judge who has the early upper hand.
"Linebackers have to make plays," said Barry.
Until they start hitting, they can best distinguish themselves in coverage. Yesterday, both Galippo and Kennard batted down balls.
Galippo has the experience edge since Kennard came out of high school as a defensive end, but coach Barry is not grading the youngster on a curve.
"Devon has the personality that he does not want me to. He's picked it up very well. There's still a few intricacies to the position and every day is a new learning experience. He's still learning the subtle nuances of the position."
Besides the middle spot, Michael Morgan and Malcolm Smith are firmly entrenched as contributors on the outside.
Coach Barry hopes to break camp feeling comfortable about eight linebackers, but he only has full confidence in four at the moment with Shane Horton battling a hip injury.
"We've got to find a 6th, 7th, 8th guy," Barry declared. "It's time for the guys like Marquis Simmons and Ross Cumming and guys like that to step up and start playing."
Barry's unit has received a slight boost for newcomer Hayes Pullard.
"I like him. I really do. You can tell a lot in that first 30 minutes of practice when you're with a kid whether he's going to bite or not. He's definitely a kid that will come out and bite."
Galippo (left) is being pushed by Kennard (right).
What ever happened with Todd Marinovich? I loved when he QBed for usc.