Something a bit scary crossed my mind when I was having a detailed look at the depth chart while writing today's story in the JI. What happens if Scott Lutrus or Lawrence Wilson go down? What happens if Greg Lloyd needs a rest or a pick-up?
Where are all the linebackers?
I love Lutrus and Wilson, and I am sure Lloyd is a talent, but the dearth of depth at linebacker truly astounds me. I must say, I didn't see this one coming. C.J. Marck has a big rep but hasn't played a down. Aaron Bryant is a walk-on and Greg Robinson is limited. It's so shallow that Kijuan Dabney was moved from safety (which has its own depth problems, but at least has answers on the roster.).
On the offensive and defensive lines there is depth. Quarterback has depth, running back is loaded and when healthy, the secondary has depth. But, linebacker has some major top talent, but a very shallow underbelly.
Here is a note: Matt Ashmead is the only scholarship linebacker that is a junior or older (I think he has earned a schollie? Right?). It's a stunning lack of depth considering defensive linemen are tougher to find and they have depth there (at least at defensive end).
It just goes to show you, this team for all its returning starters is still very young.
Two days until the season opener.
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