Pre Fall Linebacker Outlook

Much like the defensive line, the linebacker corps at Iowa will consist of a lot of new names and faces this fall. Last season saw the linebackers decimated by injury, the plus side with so many injuries to upper classmen was that a lot of young players saw significant playing time. Much like the other units on the defensive side of the ball, linebacker has been a position that Iowa has been able to replenish year after year without losing too much, production wise.
Middle Linebacker-
James Morris (6-2, 215) returns for his sophomore season after producing more as a freshman than anyone not names Morris thought he would. Morris stepped in to the starting role after injuries left the Iowa coaches with little option but to burn his redshirt. To say that he made the best of his opportunity is an understatement. In the short time as the starter, Morris proved to have a knack for finding the ball and making plays when he got there. Behind Morris will be Senior Bruce Davis (6-0, 232), a player that has been in the Iowa system for four years and hasn’t seemed to be able to avoid the injury bug in his time on campus.

Weakside linebacker-
Gone will be three year starter Jeremiah Hunter and in his place will be a trio of sophomores vying for the starting role. Christian Kirksey (6-2, 215), Anthony Hitchens (6-1, 215), and Shane DiBona (6-2, 230) look to be the front runners to replace Hunter. Kirksey is a player who learned the ropes as a special teams player last year, Hitchens is a converted defensive back and DiBona saw action last year at linebacker when Hunter was injured. Whoever comes out of this pre-season battle will have to be on their game as the two that don’t start will be looking to earn playing time all season. This could be a position that sees a rotation based on what type of offense they are playing, DiBona seems to be a little stronger against the run while the other two seem to be better in pass coverage.

Strongside linebacker-
Returning from a broken neck will be senior Tyler Nielsen (6-4, 235), who is looking to turn in a solid senior season. While the starting job is essentially his to lose, sophomore Dakota Getz (6-4, 235) will be nipping at his heels to find his way to the field.

The best thing about this unit is their versatility, both weakside and strongside linebackers can be interchanged. With the young depth that this unit has, don’t be surprised if you see more 3-4 defense this season.