Three Experienced Linebackers Make it Easier for Coach Els

Ross Els is the new linebackers coach at Nebraska. He is a Lincoln native, whose father coached at Northeast High School before Ross started on his own career in coaching. Els may be new to the staff at Nebraska, but he has a veteran group of linebackers that will be ready to step up and lead the defense in 2011.

The star of the group is Lavonte David (6-foot-1, 225 pounds, Senior). David is all over the football field. His speed and explosiveness led him to set the single season record for tackles at Nebraska in 2010. He is one of the elite linebackers in the entire country. David has the physical tools to be a star, not only in the college game, but even in the professional ranks in 2012. David is a small linebacker that will use his athleticism to prove he can play at any level.

Partnering with David is Will Compton (6-2, 230, Jr.). Compton has seen a solid amount of action in his Husker career. Compton is a physical player that is more comfortable stopping the running game rather than in pass coverage. Will needs to be a strong presence for the defense to play at the level of excellence that the coaching staff expects going into Big 10 Conference play. The linebacker on the other side will be Sean Fisher (6-6, 235, Jr.). Fisher is a solid athlete as well. His speed allows Fisher to cover backs out of the backfield. Coming off a broken leg that sidelined him for all of 2010, Fisher is chomping at the bit to get back on the field in 2011.

Alonzo Whaley (6-1, 235, Jr.) was a role player in 2010 that will likely see more action against the physical offenses of the Big 10 this season. Freshman David Santos (6-0, 205) is a player that the coaches have been excited about that may surprise some people and find some game action.

This is a solid group. The linebackers will be on the field more than in the last couple of seasons of Big 12 play. Teams like Missouri and Oklahoma spread defenses out, while new opponents like Wisconsin and Iowa will try and play more smash-mouth football than the Huskers have faced recently. The starters have ability but depth is a question. If these players gain confidence, the sky is the limit. There will be a few ups and downs, but overall the linebackers will rise to the occasion in 2011.