2009 Opponent Position Preview: Defensive Backs | by Kevin

Now up: Defensive Backs. Now that Game Week is upon us, portions of this preview may be leaner than were those covering quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive lines, defensive lines, and linebackers. Be sure to check back later today for the summary of all positions and where we think ND fits.

Do know this: these secondaries will not dictate the success or failure of Notre Dame's passing attack in 2009. If ND's receivers have made a few subtle but important improvements -- coming off the line cleaner, better blocking, running deeper, crisper intermediate routes -- they'll be impossible to stop and difficult to contain.

NEVADA

CB: Antoine Thompson. Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 Stats: 36 tackles, 1 INT, 8 breakups.
CB: Isaiah Frey. Sophomore. Returning Starter.
2008 Stats: 23 tackles, 3 breakups.
FS: Jonathan Amaya. Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 Stats: 68 tackles, 4 INTs, 6 breakups, 2.5 sacks.
SS: Mo Harvey. Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 Stats: 22 tackles, 3 INTs, 4 breakups.

Nevada had the 91st-rated pass defense in the country last year, but all four starters return. Or should that second clause be "and all four starters return"? That's up to these four, all of whom accumulated surprisingly decent statistics on a team that surrendered more than 240 passing yards per game. Amaya and Harvey are a fairly dangerous duo, successfully defending 17 passes between them. Elsewhere on the depth chart are Senior free safety Cameron Bayne, true Freshman strong safety Duke Williams, Junior corner Doyle Miller and redshirt Freshman corners Thaddeus Brown and Khalid Wooten.

MICHIGAN

CB: Donovan Warren (#8). Junior. Returning Starter.
2008 Stats: 52 tackles, 1 INT, 5 breakups.
CB: Boubacar Cissoko. Sophomore. New Starter.
2008 Stats: 15 tackles (all well below the waist).
FS: Mike Williams. RS Sophomore. New Starter.
2008 Stats: 18 tackles, 1 sack.
SS: Troy Woolfolk. Junior. New Starter.
2008 Stats: 15 tackles.

If the 2009 Michigan-Notre Dame game drills a pit into your gut, you're not alone. Both programs have everything to prove and everything to lose. Both have suffered through recent 3-9 seasons, both need to build confidence among players and fans, and both need to sustain essential recruiting momentum. Last but not least, both head coaches' jobs may be on the line. Michigan's youth and depth in the secondary should do little to calm nerves in Ann Arbor. Behind Warren are two Freshmen, J.T. Turner and walk-on Teric Jones. Backing up Woolfolk is someone named Jared Van Slyke, a walk-on transfer from Southeast Missouri State. Freshman Vladimir Emilien is the #2 free safety, and peering over Cissoko's head from the backup right corner spot is on J.T. Floyd. To summarize, Freshmen and walk-ons figure prominently in the Wolverine depth chart. If God listened to Michigan fans, I'd recommend they pray for the protection of the starters in the Western Michigan game.

MICHIGAN STATE

CB: Chris Rucker (#49). RS Sophomore. Returning Starter.
2008 Stats: 45 tackles, 2 INTs, 4 breakups.
CB: Jeremy Ware. RS Senior. New Starter.
2008 Stats: 31 tackles, 1 INT, 6 breakups.
FS: Dan Fortener. RS Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 Stats: 69 tackles, 2 INTs, 7 breakups.
SS: Marcus Hyde. RS Junior. New Starter.
2008 Stats: 31 tackles, 1 INT.

Behind Greg Jones -- should they choose to field the other ten defensive players -- is an experienced Spartan secondary. Rucker and Fortener are the big names, but the group is pretty deep. Ross Weaver is listed as neck-and-neck with fellow fifth-year Senior Ware, Sophomore Johnny Adams will spell Rucker, and fifth-year Senior Kendall Davis-Clark, returning after a shoulder injury in 2008, will see considerable time at safety -- he has played both the free and strong spots in the past. Sophomore Trenton Robinson is listed at #2 behind Fortener at the FS spot. A roster full of veterans and talented young guys is a good formula for success, and the State defense should help compensate as a young QB and RB fights their way through the learning curve.

PURDUE

CB: Brandon King. RS Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 Stats: 48 tackles, 1 INT, 9 breakups.
CB: David Pender. Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 Stats: 32 tackles, 1 INT, 12 breakups.
FS: Torri Williams (#32). 6th Year Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 Stats: 83 tackles, 2 INTs, 6 breakups.
SS: Dwight McLean. Senior. New Starter.
2008 Stats: 36 tackles, 2 INTs, 3 breakups.


No Irv Smith pictures here: the Purdue secondary is to be taken seriously. The starting unit had an impressive 36 passes defended last season. Given McLean's considerable 2008 playing time, this unit essentially returns four starters. Both corners are risky bets for opposing quarterbacks, and both safeties are versatile defenders. They're not the #1 overall unit because they're a touch green further down the depth chart. Holding the #2 corner spots are Sophomore Charlton Williams and Freshman Josh Johnson. Backing up Williams at free safety is Sophomore Albert Evans, and behind McLean is Junior Josh McKinley.

WASHINGTON

CB: Quinton Richardson (#23). RS Sophomore. Returning Starter.
2008 Stats: 32 tackles, 1 INT, 6 breakups.
CB: Justin Glenn. RS Freshman. New Starter.
2008 Stats: N/A
FS: Greg Walker. RS Freshman. New Starter.
2008 Stats: N/A
SS: Nate Williams. Junior. Returning Starter.
2008 Stats: 76 tackles, 1 INT, 4 breakups.

Not since Lane Kiffin reported for work in Oakland has a former Southern Cal co-offensive coordinator stepped into a deeper crater of organizational rot. Nick Holt has his hands full with this secondary. Two players who have never played a snap in college football will man a corner spot and centerfield. For depth, UW may call on Senior corner Matt Mosley, who started three games last season, Redshirt Freshman corner Adam Long, Junior strong safety Victor Aiyewa, and talented Sophomore Johri Fogerson, whose promising Freshman campaign last year was cut short by injury.

SOUTHERN CAL

CB: T.J. Bryant. Sophomore. New Starter.
2008 Stats: 7 tackles, 3 breakups.
CB: Kevin Thomas (#31). RS Senior. New Starter.
2008 Stats: 15 tackles, 10 breakups.
FS: Taylor Mays (#1). Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 Stats: 52 tackles, 9 breakups.
SS: Josh Pinkard. 6th Year Senior. New Starter.
2008 Stats: 39 tackles, 1 INT, 3 breakups.

Injuries are beginning to take an early toll on the Trojans, with receiver Ronald Johnson out for 6-8 weeks and quarterback candidate Aaron Corp hampered throughout fall practice. On top of that, bad grades have sidelines Shareece Wright, who would have started at corner for SC. What grade does one have to get to become academically ineligible at USC? An M? Anyway, Wright's out and highly recruited T.J. Bryant steps in. Such is life in Southern California -- a blue-chipper is always a bullpen call away. Bryant will get his chances -- opposing teams may not be too eager to throw at Kevin Thomas. Depth is aplenty: Brian Boucham, Marshall Jones, Daniel Harper at corner; Drew McAllister, Will Harris (Steele's #23 strong safety), and Shane Horton at safeties. Also keep in mind incoming Freshman Jawanza Starling. You may remember Starling from this past recruiting season, as he was rumored to be seriously considering Notre Dame before signing with the Trojans. Starling is the head-hunting type of safety Pete Carroll and USC love, and I would not be surprised to see him fight his way into playing time.

BOSTON COLLEGE

CB: DeLeon Gause. Junior. Returning Starter.
2008 Stats: 22 tackles, 1 INT, 1 breakup.
CB: Roderick Rollins. Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 Stats: 43 tackles, 2 INTs, 1 breakup.
FS: Wes Davis. Junior. Returning Starter.
2008 Stats: 60 tackles, 2 INTs, 6 breakups.
SS: Marcellus Bowman. RS Senior. New Starter.
2008 Stats: 31 tackles, 3 INTs, 1 sack.

This is a strong group, which should help make up for the unfortunate absence of linebacker Mark Herzlich. The veteran starters do stand between the Eagles and a young second team, which features true Freshman strong safety Jim Noel, redshirt Freshman free safety Okechukwu Okoroha, and a pair of Sophomore corners, Donnie Fletcher and Isaac Johnson.

WASHINGTON STATE

CB: Brandon Jones. RS Junior. New Starter.
2008 Stats: N/A
CB: Daniel Simmons. RS Freshman. New Starter.
2008 Stats: N/A
FS: Xavier Hicks. RS Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 Stats: 78 tackles, 2 INTs, 5 breakups.
SS: Chima Nwachukwu (#19). Junior. Returning Starter.
2008 Stats: 57 tackles, 1 INT, 2 breakups.

The starting safeties are pretty good. Otherwise, few defensive backfields in the country are less experienced than this group. Hicks alone prevents the Wazzu secondary from standing out as the soft spot of this team. His seven total pass interruptions stand out, given that Washington State largely took their blowout beatings on the ground. Hicks and Nwachukwu (Chima's brother Uzoma considered the Irish before picking Texas A&M) will both hold their own, but they better be in good shape. The Cougar depth chart is littered with inexperience: Freshman corner Terrance Hayward, Sophomore corner Aire Justin (great name), Freshman FS LeAndre Daniels, and Sophomore strong safety Tyree Toomer.

NAVY

CB: Blake Carter. Senior. New Starter.
2008 Stats: 16 tackles, 1 INT, 1 breakup.
CB: Kevin Edwards. Junior. New Starter.
2008 Stats: Injured.
Rover: Wyatt Middleton. Junior. Returning Starter.
2008 Stats: 80 tackles, 1 INTs, 5 breakups.
FS: Emmett Merchant. Junior. New Starter.
2008 Stats: 41 tackles, 2 INTs.

"Gritty," "fiery," "determined," "disciplined": all components of the Random Navy Preview Generator. Add this one in describing the Midshipmen DBs: athletic. Led by Middleton and Edwards, these guys can get to the ball and the ballcarrier. While not as deep as the Pitts, BCs, and Purdues, Navy has some starpower in Middleton, who enters his third year as a starter. After 2009, Middleton will have started more than 35 games dating back to his Freshman year, in a career marked with highlights: two forced fumbles against Wake Forest in 2008; 14 tackles in the historic win against Notre Dame in 2007 (but not The Sack: that was Ram Vela); and 11 solo tackles in beating Rutgers last year. Navy uses Middleton as a "Rover," a position that typically looks like a hybrid between a middle linebacker and a strong safety. Penn State used a Rover in the Middle Period of the Paterno reign, roughly 30 years ago, and Notre Dame experimented an "Apache" when Rick Minter ran the defense. Middleton has shown the strength and speed to take on both tight ends, running backs, and receivers. At 6'2 and barely 210 pounds, that's quite a feat. I cannot stand the way sportswriters and fans often speak of Navy, Army, and Air Force, as if these teams were full of plucky charity cases instead of Division I athletes and future guardians of national security. Keep Wyatt Middleton in mind when you read such comments -- that he chose to play football at a service academy does not make him any less of a player. Nor is his desire to beat Notre Dame any less than Taylor Mays's or Aaron Berry's. He's a good player, and ND should respect him the only way football players can: by trying to stomp him and his teammates on November 7th.

PITT

CB: Aaron Berry (#65). Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 Stats: 41 tackles, 3 INTs, 10 breakups.
CB: Jovani Chappel. Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 Stats: 45 tackles, 1 INT, 2 breakups.
FS: Andrew Taglianetti. Sophomore. New Starter.
2008 Stats: 9 tackles.
SS: Dom DiCicco (#33). Junior. Returning Starter.
2008 Stats: 56 tackles, 4 INTs, 7 breakups.

Behind the top-rated defensive line on the schedule stand the top-rated defensive backfield. Aaron Berry and Dom DiCicco are elite players, guys who will challenge the ND run game and command perfection from ND's receivers. They did lose free safety Eric Thatcher from last year's 16-interception team, but the rest of that squad is back. Coach Wannstedt has done an excellent job recruiting and developing defensive talent at Pitt. Though the Peter Principle has thus far cast its shadow upon Wannstedt the Head Coach, he is a well-respected defensive mind. I expect this to be another tough game for the Irish. Depthwise, the Panthers are a little thin at corner, with Sophomore Antwuan Reed and Redshirt Freshman Ricky Gary. Blue-chip Redshirt Freshman Jarred Holley should work his way into the mix at safety, as will Junior Elijah Fields (Steele's 44th-ranked draft-eligible free safety).

CONNECTICUT

CB: Robert McClain.Senior. New Starter.
2008 Stats: 30 tackles, 3 INTs, 5 breakups.
CB: Jasper Howard (#64). Junior. Returning Starter.
2008 Stats: 60 tackles, 4 INTs, 9 breakups.
FS: Robert Vaughn (#16). Senior. New Starter.
2008 Stats: 67 tackles, 2 INTs, 3 breakups.
SS: Jerome Junior. RS Freshman. New Starter.
2008 Stats: N/A

UConn has not fared particularly well in some of these position previews. You may recall, for example, that Demetrius Jones's former backup is now their starting quarterback. He may be throwing to a Canadian tight end. The Huskies aren't nearly as weak in the defensive backfield. Jasper Howard is one of the stars of the team, and Robert Vaughn is no slouch himself. They are a man down at strong safety, following the indefinite suspension of Sophomore Aaron Bagsby. Injuries have taken a general toll on the Huskies and have specifically hit the DBs, knocking out Harris Agbor for four to five weeks and John Yurek for the season. They will need to lean on Junior safety Kijuan Dabney and a couple of Redshirt Freshmen, Blidi Wreh-Wilson and Dwyane Gratz.

STANFORD

CB: Richard Sherman (#62). Senior. New Starter.
2008 Stats: Played as a wide receiver.
CB: Corey Gatewood. Junior. New Starter.
2008 Stats: 4 tackles.
FS: Bo McNally (#5). RS Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 Stats: 76 tackles, 4 INTs, 1 breakups, 2 sacks.
SS: Delano Howell. Sophomore. New Starter.
2008 Stats: Played two games as a wide receiver.

Notre Dame fans have seen this approach before: with a lineup providing few clear answers, a coach moves players from offense to defense in hopes of fielding his most athletic team. Harbaugh was planning to do even more of this, using Hudsonville, Michigan, linebacker Alex Debniak as an occasional fullback before Debniak was injured during fall practice. Fortunately for Stanford, free safety Bo McNally is the leader of this patchwork crew. McNally is one of the better safeties ND will see this year. Depthwise, Stanford will call on Senior corner Kris Evans, Redshirt Freshman corner Quinn Evans, and Junior safeties Taylor Skaufel and Austin Yancy. Yancy in particular will push for playing time; also a former wide receiver, he played well at strong safety in 2007, with 49 tackles and five breakups, before missing 2008 with an injury.

2009 Opponent Defensive Backs Analysis and Rankings

Another preview, another illustration of how Notre Dame matches up favorably to the opposition. While Pat handled the most critical previews -- defensive and offensive lines -- and ND has some big question marks in those areas, I have been very encouraged by the passing game previews I've handled. ND will face some talented receivers and tight ends this year, and they'll see some good individual defensive backs. But no opponent, from this vantage point, appears complete or particularly deep. Such is the case with the defensive backfields. Even USC may have a couple holes -- enough that they're not ranked #1 below. Taylor Mays, who may be the best opposing player ND will see this year, will likely be a problem. But with Shareece Wright taking a seat for bad grades, and a new strong safety opposite Mays, the Trojan DBs should not overwhelm the Irish receivers.

While this is one preview in which Purdue stands out, I do not expect either of their corners to provide insurmountable challenges to Floyd and Tate, and I doubt their safeties will emerge unscathed against the Kyle Rudolph matchup nightmare. Nevada has everyone back, but that's also the bad news for a Wolfpack team that was among the worst in the country in pass defense last season. Pitt will be very tough, while Washington and Washington State may be in for more of the same.

Back to Notre Dame for a second. I will be surprised if Michael Floyd does not conclude his college career as best Notre Dame wide receiver since Tim Brown. He is already the most technically sound receiver on the team, he is built like a (tall) linebacker, and he is plenty fast. Considering he enters 2009 as only the second most-heralded Irish receiver, I like ND's pass/catch chances against each opponent. This is not a team or a season free of concerns, and 2008 was far from a successful year, but I don't feel irresponsible embracing an optimistic outlook.

1. Pitt - I think they're going to be an excellent defensive team this year.
2.Purdue - This hurts me more than it hurts you.
3. Michigan State - Even with Otis Wiley gone, I still expect a very tough Spartan defense this season.
4. Southern Cal - After another late injury, a few (talented) question marks fill out the Trojan backfield.
5. UConn - Likely the Huskies' best unit.
6. Boston College- Another experienced Eagle group. ND should win anyway.
7. Michigan - I heard these guys worked really hard in the off-season.
8. Navy - A very athletic, experienced Midshipmen group.
9. Stanford - Bo McNally is a proven talent; the converted wide receivers are a question mark.
10. Nevada - These veteran leaders will not allow repeated Notre Dame touchdowns to ruin their day.
11. Washington State - Decent safeties, but two newbies at corner.
12. Washington - Shockingly, they have talent and experience issues

2009 Opponent Position Preview: Linebacker | by Pat

We're moving fast and furious with actual college football games starting tonight and ND on tap for Saturday. Make sure to check back later today for the defensive backs preview and, sometime later tonight/early Friday, the wrapup summary post, along with where ND would fit into these position rankings.

If you're just catching up to speed, here are the links for quarterback, running back, wide receiver, offensive line, tight end, and defensive line. Standard disclaimers apply. The number in parenthesis is where Phil Steele ranked a player at that position. He only ranked NFL Draft eligible players, so no freshman or sophomores are listed. For the stat lines, TFL=tackles for loss, FF=fumbles forced, and FR=fumbles recovered.

NEVADA

SLB - James-Michael Johnson. RS Sophomore. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 48 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 12.5 TFL, 1 INT, 1 FF.
MLB - Mike Bethea. Senior. New Starter.
2008 stats: 29 tackles, 1.0 sacks, 4.5 TFL, 1 FR.
WLB - Brandon Marshall. RS Sophomore. New Starter.
2008 stats: 33 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 8.5 TFL, 1 INT, 1 FR.

Redshirt soph James-Michael Johnson was an instant hit, starting 10 games as a redshirt sophomore. His 12.5 TFL were good for 3rd on the team. Senior Mike Bethea started three games in his first season at Nevada after transferring in from junior college. Foot injury cost him the rest of the season but he is now healthy and at 6'3" 245 pounds has ideal size for a middle linebacker. He played outside last year, but the team leader has moved to the middle to help anchor the Wolfpack defense. At Nevada, WLB stands for Wolf Linebacker, which this season is redshirt sophomore Brandon Marshall. He did start 6 games last year and picked up a decent amount of tackles for loss during his time on the field. Depth: Marshall's backup is redshirt junior Kevin Grimes, who is a converted defensive back, is a bit light at 215 pounds, but undoubtedly is quick. Redshirt junior Adam Lirazno played in every game last year and will likely see plenty of time again as a backup middle linebacker.

MICHIGAN

OLB - Stevie Brown. Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 64 tackles, 1.0 sacks, 1.5 TFL, 2 INT, 1 FR, 2 FF.
MLB - Obi Ezeh. (#9) RS Junior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 98 tackles, 1.0 sacks, 7.0 TFL, 1 INT, 1 FR.
WLB - Jonas Mouton. (#20) RS Junior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 76 tackles, 1.0 sacks, 6.5 TFL ,1 FF.
Quick - Brandon Herron. RS Sophomore. New Starter.
2008 stats: 7 tackles.

Michigan's defense will feature four linebackers in 2009, with one of them being a hybrid 'backer/defensive end called the "Quick". The concern for UM fans should be the lack of overall depth at the position. The starter at the Quick this year is redshirt sophomore Brandon Herron. It will be interesting to see how he's used because at 6'2" 220 pounds, he's not that big for a linebacker, let alone hybrid defensive end. The top man for the Wolverines will be mike 'baker Obi Ezeh. He led the team in tackles last season and will likely do so again. Redshirt junior Jonas Mouton is back after starting nearly every game at the weakside 'backer spot last year. His responsibilities might be a bit different this season, but he should still be effective. Senior Stevie Brown was a starting safety last year and had his share of mistakes, but is still in the starting lineup. What has changed is that he is now playing a hybrid linebacker/safety spot. Depth: Like at DL, Michigan is young and thin at linebacker. Freshman Craig Roh is the backup at the Quick spot and may even be a better long-term fit than Herron. Both backups at weakside linebacker behind Mouton are also true freshmen in 203 pound Mike Jones and 190 pound Floyd Simmons. The backup middle linebacker is sophomore J.B. Fitzgerald.

MICHIGAN STATE

SLB - Eric Gordon. (#23) RS Junior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 85 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 7.5 TFL.
MLB - Greg Jones. (#8) Junior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 127 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 14.0 TFL.
WLB - Brandon Denson. RS Senior. New Starter.
2008 stats: 31 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1.5 TFL.

A very good linebacking corp features one of the best linebackers in the country. Junior Greg Jones is the preseason Big10 Defensive Player of the Year and has led the Spartans in tackles his first two years on campus. He played outside linebacker last season but is set to man the middle for 2009. Redshirt junior Eric Gordon has 23 career starts with two years of eligibility left. Last season he was second only to Jones in total tackles. Strong against the run and pass, Gordon is a very good linebacker paired up next to an excellent one. Brandon Denson is the lone new starter after two seasons of primarily starring on special teams. Teams will likely run his way and away from Jones and Gordon. Depth: Redshirt senior Adam Decker is the backup to Jones, but started eight games last year at middle linebacker while Jones was on the outside. Decker finished fifth on the team in total tackles. Freshman Chris Norman is the backup strongside linebacker behind Gordon while 207 pound junior John Misch is the backup behind Denson.

PURDUE

SLB - Jason Werner. RS Senior. New Starter.
2008 stats: N/A
MLB - Chris Carlino. Sophomore. New Starter.
2008 stats: 36 tackles, 0.5 TFL, 1 FR.
WLB - Joe Holland. RS Sophomore. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 76 tackles, 1.0 sack, 2.0 TFL.

As the Big10 moves to more and more spread offenses, the linebackers are getting lighter. Nowhere is this more evident than at Purdue where 221 pound redshirt senior Jason Werner is the biggest starting linebacker. Werner has battled back injuries his whole career and missed the 2006 and 2008 season because of them. Now he's healthy and will need to shake off the rust and be a veteran leader of a young linebacker corp. Sophomore Chris Carlino played in every game his freshman year and even started five. He should be better after an off-season of weight training, but he's still extremely light for a middle linebacker at 215 pounds. 220 pound Joe Holland is the only returning starter at linebacker after starting every game last year at the weakside position. Depth: Purdue joins other teams on the schedule with multiple freshman manning backup spots at linebacker. Freshman Dwanye Beckford is the second string middle linebacker while big 6'3" 248 pound freshman Antwon Higgs is the backup strongside linebacker. Both Beckford and Higgs did enroll early so they at least have spring practice under their belt.

WASHINGTON

SLB - Mason Foster. (#64) Junior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 105 tackles, 1.0 sack, 12.0 TFL.
MLB - Donald Butler. (#46) Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 69 tackles, 2 sacks, 7.0 TFL.
WLB - E.J. Savannah. (#66) RS Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: N/A

The Huskies return two linebackers who led the team in tackles. Junior Mason Foster had 105 to top the team last season while redshirt senior E.J. Savannah had 111 in 2007. Savannah was suspended for the 2008 season but was reinstated and should pick up where he left off in 2007. Foster meanwhile will probably see a slight reduction in his tackle total with Savannah on the field, but after leading the Pac-10 in tackles per game last season, he'll still be a very dependable linebacker. Senior Donald Butler started at both outside and inside linebacker last season during his 11 starts, but will settle into the middle spot. At 6'1" 235 pounds, Butler isn't the biggest inside linebacker, but his quickness helps him avoid blocks from offensive lineman. Depth: 6th year senior Trenton Tuiasosopo has started 15 games in his career, so the 241 pounder will provide some solid veteran experience coming off the bench at middle linebacker. Redshirt Josh Gage started four games last year and has played extensively as a backup the past two seasons as an outside linebacker.

SOUTHERN CAL

SLB - Michael Morgan. (#34) RS Junior. New Starter.
2008 stats: 24 tackles, 1.0 sack, 5.0 TFL, 1 FR.
MLB - Chris Gallipo. (#10) RS Sophomore. New Starter.
2008 stats: 12 tackles, 2.0 TFL, 1 INT.
WLB - Malcolm Smith. (#40) Junior. New Starter.
2008 stats: 18 tackles, 0.5 TFL.

Most news about SC's 2009 defense starts with the wholesale replacement of last year's All-American linebackers. The book on the new trio is that while they lack experience and will likely make a few mistakes here and there, they are overall a faster unit than last year's group. Redshirt sophomore Chris Gallipo was a star recruit and finally gets his chance to start after battling through two back surgeries his first two years on campus. 220 pound Michael Morgan has spent the last two seasons playing in nearly every game off the bench, so the transition to starter shouldn't be too much of a jump for him. Junior Malcolm Smith was rather impressive in relief duty last season. He's extremely fast and active, which contribues to the idea of this corp of 'backers being a faster set than last year's. Depth: The Trojans are young at linebacker with two freshmen, Jarvis Jones and Kevin Greene, as backups behind Morgan. The depth took somewhat of a hit when former star recruit Luthor Brown (#20) was declared academically ineligble. The lack of depth forced 210 pound redshirt sophomore Shane Horton to convert from safety to linebacker, where he is now the backup weakside 'backer.

BOSTON COLLEGE

SLB - Dominick LeGrande. Sophomore. New Starter.
2008 stats: 9 tackles.
MLB - Luke Kuechly. Freshman. New Starter.
2008 stats: N/A
WLB - Alexander DiSanzo. RS Freshman. New Starter.
2008 stats: N/A

A stretch of bad news hit the BC team with the loss of star linebacker Mark Herzlich (#5), who was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma in the spring. Then veteran middle linebacker Mike McLaughlin (#69) injured his Achilles. He may be back later in the year, but for now is still rehabbing. Starting in his place is true freshman Luke Kuechly. The 6'3" 225 pound Kuechly earned strong reviews for his play in fall camp, but will still be a freshman taking on upperclassmen offensive lineman at a very physical position. Redshirt freshman Alexander DiSanzo is the second BC 'backer who will be a starter without the benefit of having played in a college game yet. The one starter who has played is starter Dominick LeGrande. However, it was mop up duty at safety. Now the 218 pounder is the starting strongside linebacker. The former high school quarterback should have the speed to keep up with tight ends running down the field, but will be at a size disadvantage against the run. Depth: The normally veteran-laden Eagles are very young at linebacker with no seniors in the two deep and only one junior, 219 pound middle linebacker Mike Morrissey.

WASHINGTON STATE

SLB - Andy Mattingly. (#32) Senior. Returning Starter
2008 stats: 44 tackles, 1.0 sack, 4.0 TFL, 1 INT, 1 FF.
MLB - Alex Hoffman-Ellis. RS Sophomore. New Starter.
2008 stats: N/A
WLB - Jason Stripling. RS Senior. New Starter.
2008 stats: N/A

Senior Andy Mattingly is back at linebacker after a failed experiment at defensive end last season saw his stats drop from 91 tackles and 8 sacks in 2007 to 44 tackles and 1 sack in 2008. One of the team leaders, the 6'4" 255 pound Mattingly should be more productive at his more natural position. The new man in the middle is JUCO transfer Alex Hoffman-Ellis. He sat out last season so he'll have to shake off the rust in a hurry as the man in the middle of the Cougar defense. Redshirt senior Jason Stripling played in 10 games as a freshman in 2005 and then through a combination of academic trouble and a 2008 shoulder injury has only played in 3 games in the past three seasons. Now he's a starter, so he'll have to re-acclimate in a hurry. Depth: Sophomore Louis Bland was one of the few bright spots last year, cracking the starting lineup early and winding up fifth on the team in total tackles. Undersized at 5'10" 202 pounds, Bland was still effective, picking up nine tackles for loss. Once he recovers from a knee injury that has slowed him during fall camp ,he will likely get right back into the starting lineup. For now he's listed as the backup at both WLB and SLB. Continuing the theme of young backups, true freshman Darren Markle is the backup middle linebacker at 224 pounds.

NAVY

OLB - Ram Vela. Senior. Returning Starter
2008 stats: 33 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 3.0 TFL, 2 INT, 1 FF, 1 FR.
ILB - Ross Pospisil. Senior. Returning Starter
2008 stats: 109 tackles, 3.0 TFL, 2 INT, 3 FF, 2 FR.
ILB - Tony Haberer. Senior. New Starter.
2008 stats: 41 tackles, 1.0 sack, 1.0 TFL.
OLB - Clint Sovie. Senior. Returning Starter
2008 stats: 60 tackles, 4.0 TFL, 1 FR.

Navy's 3-4 defense will feature four veteran linebackers where all starters and the top reserve are all seniors. ND fans certainly remember senior Ram Vela flying through the air to sack Evan Sharpley on 4th down in 2007. With 17 career starts, Vela has developed into more than a situational pass rusher off the edge. Navy's leading tackler last season, senior Ross Pospisill is a team captain and defensive leader. Aggressive and bigger than some of the other middle linebackers on this list at 227 pounds, Pospisill will lead the experienced 'backer group. The only senior who could be considered a new starter is Tony Haberer. He still started five games last year so he's played plenty. Clint Sovie has started 19 games for Navy and it would have been even more had he not been lost for nearly the entire 2007 season due to injury. In his final go-round, one of the strongest players on the team will move from the inside to the outside to add even more veteran presence to an experienced group of linebackers. Depth: Senior Craig Schaefer was a starting linebacker coming out of spring, but will start the year coming off the bench. He started two games last year and will rotate in frequently at outside linebacker to keep the other players fresh.

PITTSBURGH

SLB - Greg Williams. RS Sophomore. Returning Starter
2008 stats: 47 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 6.5 TFL, 2 INT.
MLB - Adam Gunn. 6th Year Senior. Returning Starter
2008 stats: N/A
WLB - Max Gruder. RS Sophomore. New Starter.
2008 stats: 5 tackles.

Redshirt senior Adam Gunn started every game at the strongside spot in 2007, but a neck injury knocked him out for effectively the entire 2008 season. He also missed spring ball while healing, but will have plenty of time to shake off the rust before facing ND. He will move to the middle after playing on the outside the past five seasons, but the transistion shouldn't be much for such a veteran player. Redshirt sophomore Max Gruder played in every game last year, mainly on special teams, but only picked up five tackles. Coaches are high on his potential, but he'll have to up his production now that he's starting. Injury to the starter bumped redshirt sophomore Greg Williams into the starting lineup and he didn't dissapoint over the his 12 starts. At 6'3" 240 pounds he's a big strongside linebacker and, as a recruited running back, has enough speed to do just fine in coverage. Depth: Redshirt senior Shane Murray started every game in 2007 at the weakside spot, but, similar to Gunn, a knee injury in the first game cost him the rest of the season. As he gets more comfortable with his rehab, he could move back into the starting lineup and give Pitt a boost in experience. Pitt's backup middle linebacker is 225 pound true freshman Dan Mason.

CONNECTICUT

SLB - Scott Lutrus. (#12) RS Junior. Retutning Starter
2008 stats: 106 tackles, 9.0 TFL, 1 INT.
MLB - Greg Lloyd. (#37) Junior. Returning Starter
2008 stats: 56 tackles, 1.0 sack, 7.0 TFL.
WLB - Lawrence Wilson. (#29) RS Junior. Returning Starter
2008 stats: 73 tackles, 1.0 sack, 6.0 TFL, 3 INT, 1 FR.

Three starters return to a Husky defense that was 16th in the nation against the run last season. With a revamped defensive line, that number might slip in 2009, but the linebackers will still be very tough to beat. Big 244 pound redshirt junior Scott Lutrus has started every game the past two seaons and is one of the best linebackers in the Big East. He led the team in tackles last year and is a safe bet to do so again. His competition will be redshirt junior Lawrence Wilson, who was second on the team in tackles last season. His three interceptions are a big clue that he excels dropping into pass coverage. Another stout Husky 'backer, 245 pound middle linebacker Greg Lloyd, will hold down the center of the field and pick up any tackles that Lutrus and Wilson leave. Depth: There is a definite dropoff in size at the strongside spot where 211 pound redshirt freshman Jory Johnson backs up the stellar Lutrus. There is equal inexperience at the other outside spot in 219 pound redshirt frosh Sio Moore.

STANFORD

SLB - Will Powers. RS Senior. New Starter.
2008 stats: 10 tackles.
MLB - Clinton Synder. (#8 OLB) RS Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 58 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 6.5 TFL, 1 FR, 3 FF.
WLB - Chike Amajoyi. Junior. New Starter.
2008 stats: 51 tackles, 2.0 TFL.

6'4" 240 pound redshirt senior Clinton Synder might be the most experienced linebacker in this preview with 34 career starts to his name. He is moving inside this year, but has plenty of size to continue to be an effective 'backer. Redshirt senior Will Powers has been largely a career backup to this point, but he did pick up his first two starts last season. At 6'4" 240 pounds, he's a big 'backer like Synder, which suits the strongside spot. Junior Chike Amajoyi did start five games last year while playing as a backup so it shouldn't be too much of a jump for him to take over the starting weakside spot. At 235 pounds, he joins Powers and Synder to give Stanford the biggest linebacker corp that ND will face. Depth: It gets young in a hurry on the Cardinal depth chart. True freshman Shane Skov is the backup middle linebacker, where the top recruit will likely be a mainstay in years to come. 215 pound true freshman Jarek Lancaster gives up plenty of size at the strongside spot compared to Powers, so his first action in a rotation might be on obvious passing downs.

2009 Opponent Linebacker Analysis and Ranking

There don't really appear to be any superstar linebackers, save Greg Jones on the list this season. That's good new for the Irish offense. The bad news is that there are still plenty of veterans who will be more than capable against the Irish. Overall though, you get the sense that a lot of the teams are rebuilding their linebacker corps.

As many of these corp are being rebuilt, it's obvious that the spread offenses are having huge impact on the size of linebackers. There are more 220-225 'backers on this list than I can remember seeing before. It seems that teams always used to have a big "thumper" type in the middle who was built to battle the fullback and offensive guards all game long. Now the middle 'backer might be a converted outside guy who has the speed to cover sideline to sideline, not to mention back in pass coverage.

The obvious thought is that, yes, ND should focus on running the ball repeatedly to wear down the faster, smaller linebackers. They will probably be more effective against runs to the outside, not to mention screens, but if James Aldridge is going to be effective blocking up the middle as ND's new fullback, at least he gets the luxury of not facing too many middle linebackers who are all that much bigger than him.

With all the talk about ND's frosh celeb 'backer Manti Te'o, it was sort of surprising to see just how many other programs had freshman already establishing themselves in the two-deep. Nevada, Washington, Navy, and UConn are the only opponents in 2009 who don't list a freshman on the official depth charts for opening day. Add in redshirt freshmen and UConn falls from the list as well. That's a lot of inexperience in the depth chart.

Let's take a look at the rankings. As usual, the middle is pretty murky with arguments to be made that multiple teams deserve higher, or lower, rankings .

1. Michigan State - Jones leads a talented and veteran unit.
2. Washington - Plenty of experience aided by the return of the talented Savannah.
3. UConn - Perhaps one of the sleeper linebacker units in the country.
4. Southern Cal - Not much proven production thusfar, but some extremely talented athletes.
5. Michigan - Look better on paper than they did last year. The Brown experiment at LB is interesting.
6. Stanford - Some tough vets, competent replacement starters, and promising frosh.
7. Navy - A veteran Navy corp with plenty of speed and athleticism.
8. Pitt - If Murray and Gunn are 100% healthy, this unit deserves to move up the rankings.
9. Nevada - New starters will need to keep up the strong run D while improving poor pass D.
10. Purdue - A young corp with not much depth that needs a healthy Werner.
11. Washington State - A long way to go, but a healthy Bland will help.
12. Boston College - Little to no experience now, but will get a big boost when McLaughlin returns.

2009 Opponent Position Preview: Defensive Line | by Pat

Time to move on to the defense. If you haven't seen the offense yet, here are the links for quarterback, running back, wide receiver, offensive line, and tight end.

With the question marks surrounding the ND offensive line, I know I was interested to see who they would line up against. As always, the number in parenthesis is where Phil Steele ranked a player at that position. He only ranked NFL Draft eligible players, so no freshman or sophomores are listed. For the stat lines, TFL=tackles for loss, FF=fumbles forced, and FR=fumbles recovered.

NEVADA

DE - Kevin Basped. RS Junior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 50 tackles, 10.0 sacks, 18.5 TFL, 3 FF.
DT - Nate Agaiava. RS Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 10 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 FR.
DT - Zach Madonick. Sophomore. New Starter.
2008 stats: 3 tackles, 1.0 sack, 1.0 TFL.
DE - Dontay Moch. RS Junior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 50 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 17.5 TFL, 4 FF.

The strength of the Wolfpack line clearly lies in their defensive ends. Redshirt juniors Kevin Basped (right) and Dontay Moch might be the second best DE tandem that ND will face all season long. Definitely they were one of the most productive last season, with both ends finishing in the Top 20 in the nation in both sacks and tackles for loss. It is worth noting however that against unranked teams the duo picked up 20.5 sacks while in their 3 games against ranked teams they were held to only 1.5 sacks. The interior of the Nevada line is slightly undersized with Nate Agaiava and new starter sophomore Zach Madonick both checking in at 285 pounds. They have the speed to plug running holes quickly and Agaiava has proven he's stout against the run, but will be at a 30-50 pound disadvantage when going against ND's interior OL. Depth: Senior Chris Slack was beaten out at the end of fall camp by Madonick for the new tackle spot. He will probably rotate in with the largely untested sophomore.

MICHIGAN

DE - Brandon Graham. (#7) Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 69 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 7.0 TFL, 2 FR, 1 FF.
NT - Mike Martin. Sophomore. New Starter.
2008 stats: 20 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 4.5 TFL.
DT - Ryan Van Bergen. (#50 DE) RS Sophomore. New Starter.
2008 stats: 13 tackles.

Playing more of a 3-4 defense, Michigan will place two new starters alongside one of the best players on the team with overall DL depth being a big concern. Brandon Graham (left), the team's MVP from last season, is back at defensive end and will be one of the best that ND faces. Stout against the run and pass, Graham will be double-teamed all season long. The new man in the middle is sophomore Mike Martin. He had an impressive debut as a true freshmen last year and is poised for three years of starter duties. At 6'2" 285 pounds, he's lighter than most nose tackles, but is extremely fast and strong for his size. Redshirt sophomore Ryan Van Bergen is perhaps the biggest question mark on the line. He did start one game last year and play in 12, but only picked up 13 tackles in that time. At 6'6" 270 he's more of a run stopping DE than pass rusher. Depth: Michigan is hurting is depth on the defensive line. The backup nose tackle is junior Renaldo Sagesse, but he only picked up 3 tackles last season in 9 games and is even lighter than Martin at 279 pounds. Adding size is freshman star recruit Will Campbell at 6'5" 318 pounds. He'll probably play against ND this season, but will be more of a pain in future seasons. The backups at end are rarely used redshirt junior Greg Banks and redshirt sophomore walk-on Will Heniger.

MICHIGAN STATE

DE - Trevor Anderson. RS Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 30 tackles, 8.0 sacks, 10.0 TFL, 1 FF.
DT - Oren Wilson. Junior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 15 tackles, 0.0 sacks, 1.5 TFL.
DT - Kevin Pickleman. RS Sophomore. New Starter.
2008 stats: 5 tackles.
DE - Colin Neely. RS Junior. New Starter.
2008 stats: 14 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 2 TFL

The Spartans have to replace two starters, but are probably in better overall shape than last season with much greater depth. It's also a faster line than in years past, favoring athleticism over bulk in the starting lineup. Redshirt senior Trevor Anderson (right) is the big name of the line after an All-Big Ten honorable mention 2008 season. Nose tackle Oren Wilson had double digit starts last season and is the biggest starter on the line at 6"3" 294 pounds. Bouncing back from a leg injury, redshirt junior Kevin Pickelman grabbed a hold of a starting tackle spot despite only checking in at 263 pounds. Likewise for redshirt junior Colin Neely at end. At 6'1" 248 he's not a terribly big defensive end, giving a hint that the Spartans are looking for a faster line. Depth: Pushing Neely is sophomore David Rolf who was an instant contributor on special teams as a freshman. Listed at 6'4" 228 pounds, the converted linebacker is definitely going to be a pass-rusher first, run-stopper second. A strong spring has 292 pound redshirt freshman Jerel Worthy listed with the first string at tackle, but he fell behind Pickelman in the fall. Still, he should see plenty of action. And the depth just continues with 6'7" 260 pound end Tyler Hoover, and the massive 6'5" 338 pound Antonio Jeremiah.

PURDUE

DE -Ryan Kerrigan. Junior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 56 tackles, 7.0 sacks, 11.5 TFL, 2 FF.
DT - Mike Neal. RS Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 33 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 10.0 TFL.
DT - Kawann Short. RS Freshman. New Starter.
2008 stats: N/A
DE -Gerald Gooden. RS Sophomore. New Starter.
2008 stats: 14 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 4.0 TFL.

End Ryan Kerrigan (left) was All-Big Ten honorable mention last season and is one of the better players on the Purdue roster. Listed at 6'4" 263 pounds he's not a undersized pass rusher but still tallied 7 sacks last season. Redshirt senior 300 pound Mike Neal is a tough veteran who also had an impressive 5.5 sacks from his defensive tackle. Two new starters who still are in fall camp battles to hold on to their starting spots. Redshirt sophomore Gerald Gooden is built like a pass rushing specialist at 6'3" 235 pounds. Although he played in 12 games last season and started two, he only picked up 14 tackles. Redshirt freshman Kawann Short will be making his collegiate debut this season and should be a tough obstacle to move at 310 pounds. Depth: Pushing Short up until the end of fall camp was redshirt sophomore Nick Mondek who at 6'5" 283 pounds is a more experienced but less bulky option than Short. Right behind Golden is redshirt sophomore Nickcaro Golding. A linebacker/end mix at 6'5" 225 pounds, Nickcaro did start one game last year, but will be coming off the bench, perhaps in 3rd and long situations, in 2009.

WASHINGTON

DE - Daniel Te'o-Nesheim. (#25) RS Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 65 tackles, 8.0 sacks, 11.5 TFL. 1 FF.
DT - Alameda Ta'amu. Sophomore. New Starter.
2008 stats: 21 tackles.
DT - Cameron Elisara. Junior. New Starter.
2008 stats: 24 tackles.
DE -Darrion Jones. RS Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 17 tackles, 1.5 TFL.

The star of the Husky line is redshirt senior Daniel Te'o-Nesheim (right). One of the better ends in the Pac-10, Te'o-Nesheim will once again be the focus of opposing offensive lines. Lining up next to him will be one of the biggest defensive tackles that Notre Dame will face in 6'3" 348 pound sophomore Alameda Ta'amu. Starting five games as a freshman last season, Ta'amu should be much improved now that he had an off-season to better learn the position. Being nearly 350 pounds helps too. Junior Cameron Elisara is listed as a new starter, but he did start seven games last season, including the first four. At 275 pounds, he's the quicker tackle next to the massive Ta'amu. Darrion Jones started nine games last season, but wasn't terribly productive with only 17 tackles. Depth: One of the more promising young players is sophomore defensive end Everette Thompson. Slowed by ankle injuries in the off-season, he started three games as a freshman last year and the 6'6" 262 pound end is a speedy pass rusher with a bright future.

SOUTHERN CAL

DE - Everson Griffen. (#5) Junior. New Starter.
2008 stats: 18 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 6.0 TFL
NT - Christian Tupou. Junior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 12 tackles, 3.0 TFL.
DT - Jurrell Casey. Sophomore. New Starter.
2008 stats: 12 tackles, 2.0 TFL, 1 FF.
DE - Armond Armstead. Sophomore. New Starter.
2008 stats: 10 tackles, 1.0 sacks, 3.0 TFL.

While most attention is on their new linebackers, Southern Cal is going to break in three new starters along the defensive line. Junior Everson Griffen (left) was supposed to crack the starting lineup last season, but lost his starting job to Clay Matthews. Now back in the starting lineup, the former star recruit could have the breakout year many expect. At 280 pounds, Griffen is fast and one of the bigger ends ND will face in 2009. SC's nose tackle Christian Tupou is the lone returning starter from last year. He cracked the starting lineup in the third game and the 295 pound tackle will again add quickness to the SC line. Next to him new starting tackle Jurrell Casey who beat out talented upperclassmen to earn a starting job. Last year's SC Scout Team Defensive Player of the Year, Casey could be a pain for the next few seasons. Sophomore Armond Armstead is currently injured, but should be back in time for the Notre Dame game. If he's 100% back, he will be a load off the edge as ND won't face a bigger defensive end than the 6'5" 295 pound Armstead. Depth: If Armstead isn't back, the postion gets a lot younger with two redshirt freshmen, Nick Perry and Wes Horton, fighting sophomore Malik Johnson for playing time. The other end position is similarly young with true freshman 5-star recruit Devon Kennard backing up Griffen. In the middle, the Trojans got an influx of size in 6'2" 330 pound JUCO transfer Hebron Fangupo. He's not as quick as the starters, but when they need to bulk up against the run, look for Fangupo to anchor the middle. Redshirt senior Averell Spicer (#48) can't keep a hold on the starting tackle job, but should play frequently in a rotation with Jurrel Casey.

BOSTON COLLEGE

DE -Jim Ramella. RS Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 35 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 9.0 TFL, 1 FR, 2 FF.
DT - Damik Scafe. RS Junior. New Starter.
2008 stats: 13 tackles, 1.0 TFL, 1 FR.
DT -Austin Giles. (#49 DE) RS Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 25 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 6.5 TFL
DE - Alex Albright. (#30) RS Junior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: N/A

The big news for the Eagle line is the need to replace last year's huge tackles B.J. Raji and Ron Brace. The replacements so far are redshirt junior Damik Scafe and redshirt senior Austin Giles. Neither are as big as the Raji/Brace duo, so the 295 pound Scafe and 278 pound Giles, who started at defensive end last season, will have big shoes to fill. Scafe has two years of backup playing time to his credit so he's not completely untested. The vet on the line is returning starter Jim Ramella (right) at defensive end. The redshirt senior has started 17 games in his career and will be one of the leaders of the BC defense. Opposite him will be redshirt junior Alex Albright. An All-ACC honorable mention selection in 2007, Albright was lost for nearly all of 2008 with a neck injury. Now that Albright is back, Giles will slide back to the inside. Depth: Sophomore Kaleb Ramsey was pushing for one of the two open defensive tackle spots, but for now will have to wait behind Giles.

WASHINGTON STATE

DE - Kevin Kooyman. Senior. New Starter.
2008 stats: 31 tackles, 1.0 sacks, 4.0 TFL.
DT - Toby Turpin. RS Junior. New Starter.
2008 stats: 20 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 3.5 TFL.
DT - Bernard Wolfgramm. RS Junior. New Starter.
2008 stats: redshirted
DE -Travis Long. Freshman. New Starter.
2008 stats: N/A

Washington State is effectively looking to replace the entire defensive line depth chart from the one that finished last in the nation in rush defense last season. Senior Kevin Kooyman (left) did start 6 games last year while fighting through some ankle injuries so he is the most experienced returning player. Of the 9 other players on the DL depth chart, redshirt junior and starting tackle Toby Turpin is the only other player who saw any game action last season. The 284 pound junior started four games for the Cougs. Redshirt junior Bernard Wolfgramm sat out last year after transferring in from a junior college in 2007. He has potential to be a solid tackle at 288 pounds, but a back injury limited him in the spring and could affect his 2009 season. 6'4" 247 pound true freshman Travis Long was one of the surprises of fall camp, beating out the rest of the competition to earn a starting spot at end. Depth: Redshirt senior Jesse Feagin is also a JUCO transfer who sat out last season. He played in 10 of 12 games in 2007, but sat out last year. Listed around 266 pounds, he's a DE built to stop the run rather than rush the passer. 6'3" 239 pound Casey Hamlett, a transfer from Western Washington, is pushing for playing time and will probably replace Kooyman on passing downs. Redshirt junior Josh Luaop is a JUCO transfer who is new to the team and adds some heft to the depth chart at 321 pounds. The other tackle backups is 260 pound redshirt freshmen Dan Spitz. Backup end Adam Coeper is also a redshirt freshmen looking for his first collegiate snap.

NAVY

DE - Jabaree Tuani. Sophomore. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 42 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 9.0 TFL, 1 FR, 3 FF.
NT - Jordan Stephens. Senior. New Starter.
2008 stats: 3 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 0.5 TFL.
DE -Matt Nechak. Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 39 tackles, 4.o sacks, 8.5 TFL, 1 FR.

Navy's defense took a big hit when 6'3" 292 pound nose guard Nate Frazier was kicked off the team. With 26 straight starts he was one of the best players on the team and a vital cog in Navy's 3-4 defense. The tall task of replacing him falls to senior Jordan Stephens. Stephens has played in 20 games over his career, but at 6'4" 256 pounds will take a pounding as the centerpiece of Navy's 3-4 defense. The situation at end is better with returning starter Matt Nechak and the very promising Jabaree Tuani (right) starting. Nechak did miss the spring due to a knee injury, but started 12 games last season and has plenty of experience. Tuani is the rare Navy freshman who cracked the starting lineup in his first season. A 6'1" 265 pound end, Tuani won't give up size to anyone and has the potential to be one of the best Navy defensive linemen in a long time. Depth: Junior Chase Burge is listed as a co-starter at nose guard along with Stephens. Slightly bigger than Stephens at 270 pounds, the duo will likely rotate frequently to stay fresh. Senior Michael Walsh is back after a toe injury forced him to miss most of last season and all of spring practice. With 17 career starts under his belt, he will be a tough and dependable veteran to split time with the promising Tuani assuming he is fully back from his injury.

PITTSBURGH

DE - Greg Romeus. (#15) RS Junior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 51 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 15.5 TFL, 1 FR, 1 FF.
NT - Gus Mustakas. RS Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 14 tackles, 1.0 sacks, 2.0 TFL, 1 FR.
DT - Mick Williams. RS Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 25 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 8.5 TFL
DE - Jabaal Sheaard. Junior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 45 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 10.5 TFL, 1 FR, 1 FF.

In 2009, Pitt will field one of the best defensive end tandems in the nation. The star is redshirt junior Greg Romeus (left). The 6'6" 270 pound end is big enough to hold up against the run, but as his 15.5 tackles for loss show, can get into the backfield in a hurry. He could be the best DE that ND faces in 2009. His tag-team partner is junior Jabaal Sheard. The 260 pounder was similary effective at making tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Both Romeus and Sheard started every game last season. Defensive tackle Mick Williams has started 16 games over the past two seasons while missing a few games due to injury. His 8.5 tackles for loss are an impressive total for a tackle and are evidence that the 280 pounder can do damage in the backfield coming from the interior of the line. Nose tackle Gus Mustakas is techincally a returning starter with 17 career starts, but 12 of those came in 2006. An ACL injury took away his 2007 season and has slowed him down since then. The 6'3" 285 pound Mustakas will likely be part of a rotation, but at the very least has the experience to be an effective tackle on such a veteran line. Depth: Redshirt sophomore Myles Caragein is the backup to Mustakas and will see time after playing in 12 games last year as a reserve. Former star recruit Shanyle Hale sat out his freshman year last season and will operate in 2009 as Greg Romeus's backup and likely heir apparent.

CONNECTICUT

DE - Lindsey Witten. Senior. New Starter.
2008 stats: 19 tackles, 5.0 sacks, 6.0 TFL, 1 FR.
DT -Twyon Martin. RS Sophomore. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 22 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 3.5 TFL
DT - Kendall Reyes. RS Sophomore. New Starter.
2008 stats: 20 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 3.0 TFL, 1 FF.
DE - Jesse Joseph. Freshman. New Starter.
2008 stats: N/A

Marcus Campbell ruled ineligible.The Huskies will need to rebuild the line after losing three starters from last year's defensive line. Defensive end Lindsey Witten (right) has played in nearly every game since he came to campus, but so far has only started two. He still picked up 5 sacks last season and could improve on that number in '09 if the rest of the line is able to keep offenses from focusing on him. Marcus Campbell was expected to be the star of the defensive line at end, but he was kicked off the team in the off-season. In his place will be true freshman Jesse Joseph. The 6'3" 238 pound end enrolled early so he has the benefit of spring practice, but will still face an uphill battle fighting against collegiate upperclassmen all season long. The lone returning starter is redshirt sophomore Tywon Martin. The 271 pound tackle took over the starting job over the final 8 games of the season in 2008 and should be even more comfortable now that he's a returning vet. His classmate Kendall Reyes picked up four starts last year while playing in a rotation as a 286 pound tackle backup. Depth: There isn't too much depth on the DL with another freshman in Trevardo Williams backing up the freshman Joseph. The biggest lineman on the team, 6'3" 292 pound redshirt senior Brandon Dillon will back up Martin in the middle.

STANFORD

DE - Erik Lorig. RS Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 39 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 6.0 TFL, 3 FR, 1 FF.
DT - Ekom Udofia. (#10) RS Senior. Returning Starter.
2008 stats: 30 tackles, 2.0 TFL.
DT - Matt Masifilo. RS Sophomore. New Starter.
2008 stats: 22 tackles, 0.5 TFL.
DE -Thomas Keiser. RS Sophomore. New Starter.
2008 stats: 24 tackles, 6.0 sacks, 7.0 TFL

The graybeard for the Cardinal DL is redshirt senior Erik Lorig. With 20 career starts, Lorig has been a mainstay the past few seasons. Up at 270 pounds, Lorig is equally capable defending the run or rushing the passer. Classmate Ekom Udofia (left) has been around forever as well. His 24 career starts give him plenty of experience and another veteran presence on the line. At 315 pounds, he provides a big presence. Redshirt sophomore Matt Masifilo played valuable minutes as a backup last season and even cracked the starting lineup for four games. He's the quicker 285 pound tackle to Udofia's run-stuffer. Last season was redshirt sophomore Thomas Keiser's first college action and he made the most of it. His lone start was against ND and he played well enough the rest of the year to be named to multiple freshman All-America teams. Like Lorig, Keiser is a big end at 6'5" 257 pounds and sounds like a player with plenty of potential. Depth: Senior Brian Bulcke has started at least one game each of his three years on campus, giving him 9 total career starts. Coming off the bench, he'll give Stanford even more depth and experience at defensive tackle. 305 pound junior Sione Fua is back from his LDS mission and will be another big body Stanford can use in the middle of the DL. Redshirt senior Tom McAndrew has only started one game in a career that has seen him play linebacker, tight end, and defensive end, but he has plenty of experience as a reserve and will make a deep Stanford DL even deeper.

2009 Opponent Defensive Line Ranking and Analysis

The play of Notre Dame's offense line will be under the microscope all season long, especially when it comes to run blocking. That's why one of the things that struck me while writing this post was the size, or lack thereof, of the defensive lines that will face ND in this rapidly approaching 2009 season.

Last season, there was a laundry list of talented and experienced defensive tackles that tipped the scales at over 300 pounds: SC's Fili Moala, Michigan's Terrance Taylor, BC's Raji and Brace, UNC's Marvin Austin and Cam Thomas, Purdue's Alex Magee, and Stanford's Ekom Udofia. All of the graduated players from that list were all picked in the first 4 rounds of the NFL Draft this past spring. That size and pro potential certainly showed against Notre Dame as 290 pound center Dan Wenger had trouble throughout the year holding his ground against the bull rushes from the larger and more powerful tackles.

This year is a study in contrast as only three starters out of the 24 opposing defensive tackles are listed over 300 pounds: Stanford's Udofia, Purdue Kawann Short, and Washington's Alameda Ta'amu. Udofia is the only one of the lot who isn't a new starter. Put another way, there were 9 defensive tackles ranked by Phil Steele on last year's list. This year there is only 1: Udofia. ND meanwhile made a switch at center and will start the 305 pound Eric Olsen.

What will it mean? Well, any excuse about size is completely out the window as ND enjoys a healthy size advantage along the interior of the line, especially when you add in 330 pound Chris Stewart. If there is ever a year to pound the ball and try to wear undersized defensive lines down, this is it. On the flip side, lighter tackles mean quicker tackles. Robinson, Olsen, and Stewart will really need to play as a well-rehearsed unit to stop the faster tackles from penetrating double teams and slicing into the backfield for tackles, ala ND's line from a few years ago of Derek Landri and Trevor Laws.

Where there is some potential concern is at the defensive end spot. Go down the list and notice that the best player on nearly every team is the returning starter at defensive end. Only SC, UConn, and WSU lack a veteran starter at end, and SC's Griffen is perhaps the most physically talented end that ND will face. In other words, Paul Duncan and Sam Young have their work cut out for them this season. It's good that ND has such veteran players out on the edges to handle these ends, but I wonder what the impact will be on ND's passing game. To be honest, it's all the more reason to run the ball early and often so that the ends can't just pin their ears back and take off after Clausen as soon as the ball is kicked off. Still, there are some solid run-stopping ends on the list as well, so I am interested to see how effective the stretch play and screen game are. It will also be paramount that the blocking from ND's tight ends is a big improvement over last season. A stronger Rudolph and healthy Ragone don't worry me too much, but they still need to show it on the field. The stout blocking Bobby Burger might be a more important player this season than the causal fan might think.

Let's take a look at the rankings. I think Pitt is a clear #1. The next three are probably clustered together on the second tier. Then BC through Purdue, possibily Navy, are probably pretty close to one another. The bottom rung of UConn and Washington State could struggle most of the season against the run.

1. Pitt - A tough, veteran line with an excellent pair of defensive ends.
2. Stanford - No flashy all-stars, but an experienced, big, and deep collection of players.
3. Southern Cal - A world of potential, but still plenty of new starters to break in.
4. Michigan - Some real talent in Graham and Martin, but not much depth.
5. Boston College - Veterans ends, but the replacements in the middle are question marks.
6. Nevada - Speedy ends, but could be overpowered by bigger opponents.
7. Michigan State - A decent collection of depth that could be underrated at this spot.
8. Purdue - Kerrigan and Neal are a solid combo, the other side of the line will need to produce.
9. Navy - Quality on the edges, but losing Frazier in the middle hurts.
10. Washington - Still a bit of a one man show with Te'o-Nesheim.
11. UConn - When you have to start a true freshman on the DL, talent and/or depth is a concern.
12. Washington State - See UConn. Add in nation's worst rush defense from last year.