BTN: Big Ten West linebacker unit rankings (#5. Minnesota)

[BleedGopher]

per BTN:

5. Minnesota.

This could be the strongest position on Minnesota’s defense, even with the loss of De’Vondre Campbell. The Gophers are set at two spots with junior Cody Poock and senior Jack Lynn. Poock is a tackling machine who led the squad with 99 stops in 2015. Lynn paced the team with 11 TFLs. Junior Jonathan Celestin is tabbed to take Campbell’s outside spot. His nickname is “Thumper.” That’s all you need to know. Senior Nick Rallis is a savvy backup. Sophomore Julian Huff will help, too.

http://btn.com/2016/07/05/dienhart-big-ten-west-linebacker-unit-rankings/

Go Gophers!!

 

[short ornery norwegian]

That's a little disconcerting to hear that the "best position on the Gopher Defense" ranks 5th out of 7 teams in the division.

Having said that, you never know for sure what's going to happen over the course of the season. Some teams will have injuries; some veteran players may not be as good as expected; some younger players may emerge as viable options.

And - stating the obvious - regardless of how good - or bad - one position group may be - it's still a team game. you can have the best LB's in the world, but if the D-Line can't tie up the blockers, or the d-backs can't support the run or cover the receivers, you're not going to have a strong overall defense. you need all three units playing together.

 

[LakerFan]

That's a little disconcerting to hear that the "best position on the Gopher Defense" ranks 5th out of 7 teams in the division.

Last year DB's were the strength of the defense. I think the general expectation is that this year there will be improved play at DL and LB and some drop off at DB's. Even with some drop off at DB's that could still be the strength of this defense given our recent track record at turning guys into NFL ready corners.

 

[Lordshawesome]

That's a little disconcerting to hear that the "best position on the Gopher Defense" ranks 5th out of 7 teams in the division.

Having said that, you never know for sure what's going to happen over the course of the season. Some teams will have injuries; some veteran players may not be as good as expected; some younger players may emerge as viable options.

And - stating the obvious - regardless of how good - or bad - one position group may be - it's still a team game. you can have the best LB's in the world, but if the D-Line can't tie up the blockers, or the d-backs can't support the run or cover the receivers, you're not going to have a strong overall defense. you need all three units playing together.

I'd say it's a compliment, to the quality of linebackers in the division.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[WorkingMyTailOff]

This does seem to be a unit of strength in the West. I was surprised to see Nebraska ranked so high.

 

[ncgo4]

More bulletin board material. I cannot see any way this unit is #5 in the West. But like the man said, depends on injuries...and depth. Go Gophs!