Breaking Down the Frogs: The Linebackers
8/7/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 7, 2003
Gary Patterson: "At the linebacker position we're missing LaMarcus McDonald. That's a big loss as far as making big plays. But the guy who's played that position in the past has always led us in tackles. That role will go to Martin Patterson. A healthy Josh Goolsby would really help and we'll need a great senior season from Devon Davis. The key is to find the fourth and fifth linebackers, with Ryan Schlenger, Shawn Brooks or one of the young guys stepping up."
On paper, the shoes to fill are enormous. LaMarcus McDonald seemed to be everywhere on the field. He was not only the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year, but was a second team all-America selection by the Associated Press. But the cupboard is far from empty.
Junior Martin Patterson figures to move into the "Sam" role vacated by McDonald. Patterson takes on more leadership responsibilities with that role. Gaining maturity as a player and very physical at the point of attack, he hopes to build on what may have been his break out game in the bowl win over Colorado State.
Seniors Josh Goolsby and Devon Davis are keys to the TCU defense this fall. Goolsby knows the techniques and schemes better than anyone on the squad and is very good against the run, but needs to stay healthy, which has been an issue throughout his career. Davis has shown solid improvement and figures to be the third linebacker in the rotation.
The Frogs are looking for a fourth and fifth linebacker who can be counted on to work into the rotation. Sophomore Shawn Brooks and redshirt freshman Ryan Schlenger stepped to the front of the line this spring. Brooks is a little undersized, but may be the fastest member of the linebacking corps. Schlenger, a walk-on, showed some promise, but is still learning the position after making the conversion from safety in the spring.
Junior college transfer Logo Tevaseu lacks size, but not heart. Look for him to make a push for playing time not only at linebacker, but certainly on special teams.
Josh Jones, Brad Talbert, DeJuan Williams and Brad Veale are a quartet of walk-ons who have been in the program and are role players.
The Frogs inked three linebackers from the preps in David Hawthorne, Chase Ortiz and William Jackson. The common denominator with the trio is speed.
