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Daily Debate: Who will start at Middle Linebacker in 2025?

I honestly thought Wes, Chase Smith, Bobby Washington. Popo, Aguirre, Hayes were incredible takes. I was shocked at how ineffectual they all played relative to their HS film. One or two guys not making the transition to college play, sure. But none have met expectations at this point. So while I agree we “should” find an MLB on roster to lead us to the playoffs, you hope for the best and plan for the worst. If someone isn’t absolutely crushing skulls and housing picks in Spring ball, we need to hit the portal. Can’t afford to have a gap there.
 

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Kellen Sr said:
Wiley Jr will start Not sure exactly who else but can pencil Wiley in all season long. That kid has done it at a high level on every level. He Will Lead That defense on and off the field.
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Shaq emerged as a starter very quickly back in 2016 based on his Spring camp. Hoping your boy can do the same starting Monday.

Respectfully, I felt we needed a more seasoned leader back then, and feel the same now. I want a playoff-caliber 1-year portaler, because IMO, top-P4 experience and S&C matter. Shaq the Junior was 5x Shaq the True Freshman.

But I'm looking forward to being proven wrong.
 
grover said:
Shaq emerged as a starter very quickly back in 2016 based on his Spring camp. Hoping your boy can do the same starting Monday.

Respectfully, I felt we needed a more seasoned leader back then, and feel the same now. I want a playoff-caliber 1-year portaler, because IMO, top-P4 experience and S&C matter. Shaq the Junior was 5x Shaq the True Freshman.

But I'm looking forward to being proven wrong.
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And you r entitled to your opinion. but he won't take a back seat to Noone in the country. Physically he will be unmatched . big fast aggressive . Mentally he knows and studies the game. These types don't come around often and yes by year 3 we talking the best linebacker in the country and more than likely the 1st LB drafted after that 27-28 season. remember I told u first
 
DTP said:
If they take another portal linebacker that means whoever has been evaluating and recruiting linebackers needs to be fired. We’ve got like 5 second and third year guys who weren’t exactly considered project recruits. Especially considering we play with two linebackers a majority of the time.
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Well that would have been D Nic and he is no longer here so...
 
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Kellen Sr said:
And you r entitled to your opinion. but he won't take a back seat to Noone in the country. Physically he will be unmatched . big fast aggressive . Mentally he knows and studies the game. These types don't come around often and yes by year 3 we talking the best linebacker in the country and more than likely the 1st LB drafted after that 27-28 season. remember I told u first
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@Kellen Sr hanging onto those receipts. Just like when this entire board thought Wiley Jr. was Texas-bound. Would love for you to be spot on, as there were several instances last season where the LB position looked dreadful. Between Wiley Jr., Pruitt, Hayes, etc., we need to unlock the talent and take a big step forward.
 
Kellen Sr said:
And you r entitled to your opinion. but he won't take a back seat to Noone in the country. Physically he will be unmatched . big fast aggressive . Mentally he knows and studies the game. These types don't come around often and yes by year 3 we talking the best linebacker in the country and more than likely the 1st LB drafted after that 27-28 season. remember I told u first
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I surely hope you are right for your son and our program. A game changing MLB can change an entire defense for the good. The good ones get everyone lined up properly which we haven't had in a while.
 
Kellen Sr said:
And you r entitled to your opinion. but he won't take a back seat to Noone in the country. Physically he will be unmatched . big fast aggressive . Mentally he knows and studies the game. These types don't come around often and yes by year 3 we talking the best linebacker in the country and more than likely the 1st LB drafted after that 27-28 season. remember I told u first
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Feels like Deja voo. We said the same thing about PoPo…etc
I’m learning that it’s not that bad here on the couch watching this thing develop and play out!
I use to get excited about a prospect and then they get here….
Can’t remember the last recent instant impact guy. Maybe the OT and Fletcher… Bain
 
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grover said:
Shaq emerged as a starter very quickly back in 2016 based on his Spring camp. Hoping your boy can do the same starting Monday.

Respectfully, I felt we needed a more seasoned leader back then, and feel the same now. I want a playoff-caliber 1-year portaler, because IMO, top-P4 experience and S&C matter. Shaq the Junior was 5x Shaq the True Freshman.

But I'm looking forward to being proven wrong.
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not sure if I ever want a player that would be on shaq's level.

where is he now?

if we want to win we need lb's that will be playing on Sundays. Period.

that said, will Wesley show us something different this year? from what I've seen so far, I don't see it happening.

POPO hasn't had enough playing time for all the criticism he's getting here. let the young guys play
 
Kellen Sr said:
Wiley Jr will start Not sure exactly who else but can pencil Wiley in all season long. That kid has done it at a high level on every level. He Will Lead That defense on and off the field.
Click to expand...
I have him starting too . The days of lb hugging air or being on skates is coming to the end . I’m not impressed with juniors and above . So unless they make a dramatic change which is possible with new coaches teaching proper technique . Not **** like continue to go head up on a rb that’s bigger than you ( Rutgers ) bowl game . Just dragging you up and down the field bs
 
TouchMoney26 said:
not sure if I ever want a player that would be on shaq's level.

where is he now?

if we want to win we need lb's that will be playing on Sundays. Period.

that said, will Wesley show us something different this year? from what I've seen so far, I don't see it happening.

POPO hasn't had enough playing time for all the criticism he's getting here. let the young guys play
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I understand what you're saying. But to be fair to Shaq, he's been in the league on a roster for 5 straight years and played in a lot of games, even if mostly as second string. But that's not what we aspire for our MLBs, we aspire for them to be All Pros.
 
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Kellen Wiley Jr will have a huge impact on the defense because he is able to play down hill or in space. he is also really dominant coming off edge or up the middle blitz. Just watch I preparing you for it now. I don't wanna here nothing bout what u didn't know about him or didn't think he could do. y? bc I've been saying it since signed and enrolled in class. actually way b4 that. He doesnt only look the part he is the part.
 
Kellen Sr said:
Kellen Wiley Jr will have a huge impact on the defense because he is able to play down hill or in space. he is also really dominant coming off edge or up the middle blitz. Just watch I preparing you for it now. I don't wanna here nothing bout what u didn't know about him or didn't think he could do. y? bc I've been saying it since signed and enrolled in class. actually way b4 that. He doesnt only look the part he is the part.
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This is who he should model his game after from the college game, this guy checks all the boxes for a modern LB



 
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Kellen Sr said:
he will. he is in coaches office daily after class sharpening his tool set. . he wants to be that guy. I'm not just blowing smoke bc he is my son.
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As the Dad of a former D1 athlete, gotta love the confidence you have in your kid. My experience is that your confidence and positivity breeds that into your kid. Great athletes don’t just happen, they’re built, physically, mentally and emotionally. Most important measurement is the 6 inches between your ears, feed that, nurture that, love that, ya got a winner. 🙌🏽
 
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