LB
This group was very young last year after graduating three very good tough LBs from the previous year. This is a talented group that has good athletes. The problem is that they turned in the worst season by a LB corpse that I've ever seen in my life. They couldn't tackle anything this year. They weren't tough enough and they didn't play fast enough. When a RB was bottled up in the backfield they would wiff or try to tackle too high or not wrap up and what should have been a 7 yard loss turns into a 25 yard back breaking gain. As maligned as the secondary has been for the past few years this group has more to prove than they do. With the tradition of excellence at LB and UND these players were as big of a failure as any position group on the team. If this group does not man up and improve by leaps and bounds next season the defense will be almost as bad as this years was.
Key Losses: Dignity and pride.
Key Returners: Everyone......
Dominique Bennett (Sr. 6-1 234lbs) moves like a safety. He was a player that was supposed to be a star this year. He disappointed to say the least. Other than his strip sack against SUU he didn't stand out much this year which is a problem for a guy that's supposed to be a playmaking linebacker. He needs to find some heart and maybe step up and be a leader next year. He also needs to get much stronger this winter.
Cordero Finley (Sr. 6-1 225lbs) has had a pretty underwhelming career. He has alot of physical tools and could be a very good LB, he just doens't make enough plays. He needs to get much stronger this winter and learn how to be a playmaker.
Derrick Goard (Sr. 6-1 235lbs) can bring the wood. He was the lone LB this year that routinely put big hits on opponents. Unfortunately the dude is fat, his belly hangs over his belt like a NT. He needs to get into shape this winter and get faster. If his work ethic and dedication were what they are supposed to be he would not be fat. He needs to dedicate himself this time around. He could be a nice LB if he gets it together for next season.
Garrison Goodman (Sr. 6-2 213 lbs) was the only LB who seemed to play with passion every snap. He needs to be 'the man' on this defense and turn into a vocal leader. He needs to get stronger and bigger this winter to compliment his passion and nose for the football. Hopefully he can blossom into a Dan Hendrickson type of player. He needs to take on a leadership role in the locker room this winter and get his teammates to play with his level of passion.
Myles Jablonski (Jr. 6-2 223 lbs) has the perfect name for a linebacker. Now he needs to look and play like he has a linebackers name. Although he is young he has made some big plays in a reserve role and has noticeable talent. His body does not look like he dedicates himself in the offseason. He needs to bulk up big time and become the player he can be. He has demonstrated a nose for the QB when he is in and needs to become a valuable member of a resurgent UND defense.
Ben Peters (Jr 6-2 243 lbs) is built like a fire hydrant. Unfortunately he moves like one. Wether it is being slow or playing slow he needs to be faster. A guy of his build needs to be a dead end to RBs. This was his first year with considerable playing time and it showed. He needs to be more consistent and be a run stopper. This winter he needs to get leaner and quicker. He is plenty big and squats the house, now he needs to hit like it.
Will Ratelle (So 5-11 232 lbs) is a very promising young LB. He looked like a FR this year. He has great physical tools with his speed and thumping hitting ability. He needs to get comfortable in the scheme and slow the game down. Next year I expect him to make the impact that I thought he would make this year. He needs to continue to develop and be a stud in the future.
JD Allen (Fr 6-1 193 lbs) is a very interesting prospect at LB. He is very skinny still at not even 200 lbs but his production in high school speaks for itself. He needs to gain alot of quality weight this winter and earn a spot on special teams to contribute next year. It will be very interesting to see how good he is once he develops a college LB body. Once he's up around 220 lbs we will see what kind of player he is.
Brian Labat (Fr 6-2 205 lbs)is the other guy from Detroit Lakes. I have heard nothing but great things about this young LB. He is listed as 6-2 205 but looks every bit 6-3 and has defiantly put on some serious weight this year. He is big dude already and just looks like a LB. Look for him to be a big time player sooner than later. He needs to get quicker and stronger this winter and continue to develop into a monster. In a class that has alot of good LBs I would not be the least bit surprised to see him develop into the best of the bunch.
Taj Rich (Fr 6-2 215 lbs) was a highly recruited player coming out of high school. He isn't built like many freshman. He already has a strong base that looks like a veteran. He needs to develop his upper body this winter and become another great OLB in UND history. He's a young man with loads of potential. It's up to him to become a great player.
Jared Tuilagi (Fr 6-2 220 lbs) looks the part. He is a big young man already but looks to have the frame to easily play at 250 lbs and not be slowed down. He has immense potential to become a first off the bus kind of guy. Like most freshman he needs to hit the weights hard this winter and develop his potential.
Next season rides on these guys to improve a great deal.
NextDBs