FAU linebacker David Hinds led the Owls with 110 tackles last season. (Photo Courtesy of Ralph Notaro/ Owl Pix)
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2012 Position Preview: LBs
Led by senior David Hinds and junior Randell Johnson, FAU's linebacker unit appears to be one of the team's strengths this season.
Originally published on
7/26/2012
by
Marcus Nelson
BOCA RATON – There are plenty of positions which will be going under a major rebuilding project at Florida Atlantic this season.
Linebacker is not one of those units
Led by junior Randell Johnson and senior David Hinds, the Owls have plenty of talented returning linebackers.
“I'm excited about the returners,” said Owls coach Jovan Dewitt. “We've got guys that have seen some significant snaps and we've got a good corps of guys.”
The Owls are transitioning to a three-linebacker set, but the move went well in the spring since players like Johnson and Hinds played in a similar scheme before the Owls' one season using a four-linebacker base in 2011.
Dewitt liked what he saw in the spring and is hoping the unit will be a strength in 2012.
“They have the potential to be a real dominating group of guys,” Dewitt said.
Owl Access Projected Depth Chart
SLB
Martin Wright (6-4, 250 Sr.)
Also played some defensive end during spring as well
Adarius Glanton (6-1, 215 Jr.)
JUCO transfer could be ready to battle for playing time
MLB
David Hinds (6-2, 234 Sr.)
His 9.2 tackles per game in 2011 were second most in Sun Belt Conference
Toney Moore (6-2, 210 R-Jr.)
Started last season's season-opener, but was injured vs. the Gators
WLB
Randell Johnson (6-4, 230 Jr.)
Named to Phil Steele's All-Sun Belt Conference team
Andrae Kirk (6-2, 225 So.)
Cracked starting lineup last season as true freshman
Key Losses
Derek King, Diondre Lewis
Key reserves
Blake Nehls: Played in six games and had eight tackles
Michael Copeland: Saw action in seven games in 2011