Linebacker usage

Ru-baby

All-Conference
Aug 11, 2001
6,825
3,307
66
This has been one of the most puzzling areas of this team. Who is used and why others aren't.

Just considering what we have and what we have seen through the games so far there are bona fide issues and it does not appear many have been asked at press conferences or focused on. To start the season, Allison 41 and Morris 10 were thought by the D staff to be the best to put out there. Week 1 was disastrous and a review shows 41 completely pushed out of plays opening holes, missing tackles and being either ineffective or causing harm. 10 was slow and ineffective. Pop Watson's success resulted in large part from this duo.

First half of BC more of the same. In the second half, 41 largely sits and the D improves. Walker is inserted and has an effect. Since then Wright has come back from injury and played, and 10 has showed some improvement, but still slow for B10 level and largely ineffective. Inexplicably, we still see 41 out there getting lost in piles of larger players. At a loss to understand what Johansen sees there and why he is in any rotation other than special teams.

What we have---2 highly rated recruits in McClary and Archie who have hardly seen the filed. They have both been in the program a number of years. By not using them when the lbs have struggled so much is that not indicating no future with the program? Just on the raw athleticism alone that garnered these two 4 star ratings, wouldnt they make some plays, especially ones 10 and 41 could not? Again, this non usage is a head scratcher. Appears to signal that this staff believes it is portal or bust next year for lbs given the years of those getting snaps.

Just a little bit better lb play could have turned the tide in the first two games and perhaps SC, and definitely going forward. Not sure we would get it but would love to hear if there is too much deference to TJ by GS, whether GS feels 41 is playable and why near no snaps for the two highly rated lbs who have been in the program a few years.
 
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LotusAggressor_rivals

All-American
Oct 11, 2003
16,814
8,741
113
This has been one of the most puzzling areas of this team. Who is used and why others aren't.

Just considering what we have and what we have seen through the games so far there are bona fide issues and it does not appear many have been asked at press conferences or focused on. To start the season, Allison 41 and Morris 10 were thought by the D staff to be the best to put out there. Week 1 was disastrous and a review shows 41 completely pushed out of plays opening holes, missing tackles and being either ineffective or causing harm. 10 was slow and ineffective. Pop Watson's success resulted in large part from this duo.

First half of BC more of the same. In the second half, 41 largely sits and the D improves. Walker is inserted and has an effect. Since then Wright has come back from injury and played, and 10 has showed some improvement, but still slow for B10 level and largely ineffective. Inexplicably, we still see 41 out there getting lost in piles of larger players. At a loss to understand what Johansen sees there and why he is in any rotation other than special teams.

What we have---2 highly rated recruits in McClary and Archie who have hardly seen the filed. They have both been in the program a number of years. By not using them when the lbs have struggled so much is that not indicating no future with the program? Just on the raw athleticism alone that garnered these two 4 star ratings, wouldnt they make some plays, especially ones 10 and 41 could not? Again, this non usage is a head scratcher. Appears to signal that this staff believes it is portal or bust next year for lbs given the years of those getting snaps.

Just a little bit better lb play could have turned the tide in the first two games and perhaps SC, and definitely going forward. Not sure we would get it but would love to hear if there is too much deference to TJ by GS, whether GS feels 41 is playable and why near no snaps for the two highly rated lbs who have been in the program a few years.
The only reason I can think of is that the coaches don't think that the highly rated LBs are ready to play, which is an indictment of the coaching if they've been in the program for a few years. I can't imagine that they could possibly be any worse than what we've seen.
 

RutgersAl

All-Conference
Nov 13, 2021
760
1,478
88
This has been one of the most puzzling areas of this team. Who is used and why others aren't.

Just considering what we have and what we have seen through the games so far there are bona fide issues and it does not appear many have been asked at press conferences or focused on. To start the season, Allison 41 and Morris 10 were thought by the D staff to be the best to put out there. Week 1 was disastrous and a review shows 41 completely pushed out of plays opening holes, missing tackles and being either ineffective or causing harm. 10 was slow and ineffective. Pop Watson's success resulted in large part from this duo.

First half of BC more of the same. In the second half, 41 largely sits and the D improves. Walker is inserted and has an effect. Since then Wright has come back from injury and played, and 10 has showed some improvement, but still slow for B10 level and largely ineffective. Inexplicably, we still see 41 out there getting lost in piles of larger players. At a loss to understand what Johansen sees there and why he is in any rotation other than special teams.

What we have---2 highly rated recruits in McClary and Archie who have hardly seen the filed. They have both been in the program a number of years. By not using them when the lbs have struggled so much is that not indicating no future with the program? Just on the raw athleticism alone that garnered these two 4 star ratings, wouldnt they make some plays, especially ones 10 and 41 could not? Again, this non usage is a head scratcher. Appears to signal that this staff believes it is portal or bust next year for lbs given the years of those getting snaps.

Just a little bit better lb play could have turned the tide in the first two games and perhaps SC, and definitely going forward. Not sure we would get it but would love to hear if there is too much deference to TJ by GS, whether GS feels 41 is playable and why near no snaps for the two highly rated lbs who have been in the program a few years.
To start on a coach Schiano team, you have to know the playbook cold, and you have to be able to demonstrate high football IQ in practice. Devraun Thompson was a day 1 impact player. Moses Walker took time. Everyone has different rates of learning.
 

Ru-baby

All-Conference
Aug 11, 2001
6,825
3,307
66
I can't imagine that they could possibly be any worse than what we've seen.
That was my thought re not being worse AND the better athleticism could lead to some plays being made that 41 and 10 just cannot. A few series appears worth a try and perhaps not together but one with Wright each time.
 

RUChet

All-Conference
Apr 8, 2023
3,216
3,977
113
Deloach in same class as Archie and McClary and rated about the same. That’s 3 guys.

Let’s face it, on the whole, GS2.0 LB room has been a mess and we arguably were better under Ash at that position.

LB is one of the performing groups under GS2.0. TE has been bad too.
 

RU#1fan

Heisman
Mar 7, 2003
24,261
12,896
113
Keep the slow poor tackling #41 off the field.
When Walker is in the D is much better. Wright should be starting too. McClary needs to get on the field.
Johansen appears clueless and plays his favorites.
 

PSAL_Hoops

Heisman
Feb 18, 2008
14,419
13,770
78
Why?
Considering how late he was hired, maybe there was nobody else to fill the roster spots. That's on Greg, not Johansen.
Absolutely - however, it does also seem like Munn and 41 are getting more playing time than they deserve relative to the guys who are currently on our roster as alternatives.
 

-RUFAN4LIFE-

Heisman
Feb 28, 2015
35,527
55,159
113
This has been one of the most puzzling areas of this team. Who is used and why others aren't.

Just considering what we have and what we have seen through the games so far there are bona fide issues and it does not appear many have been asked at press conferences or focused on. To start the season, Allison 41 and Morris 10 were thought by the D staff to be the best to put out there. Week 1 was disastrous and a review shows 41 completely pushed out of plays opening holes, missing tackles and being either ineffective or causing harm. 10 was slow and ineffective. Pop Watson's success resulted in large part from this duo.

First half of BC more of the same. In the second half, 41 largely sits and the D improves. Walker is inserted and has an effect. Since then Wright has come back from injury and played, and 10 has showed some improvement, but still slow for B10 level and largely ineffective. Inexplicably, we still see 41 out there getting lost in piles of larger players. At a loss to understand what Johansen sees there and why he is in any rotation other than special teams.

What we have---2 highly rated recruits in McClary and Archie who have hardly seen the filed. They have both been in the program a number of years. By not using them when the lbs have struggled so much is that not indicating no future with the program? Just on the raw athleticism alone that garnered these two 4 star ratings, wouldnt they make some plays, especially ones 10 and 41 could not? Again, this non usage is a head scratcher. Appears to signal that this staff believes it is portal or bust next year for lbs given the years of those getting snaps.

Just a little bit better lb play could have turned the tide in the first two games and perhaps SC, and definitely going forward. Not sure we would get it but would love to hear if there is too much deference to TJ by GS, whether GS feels 41 is playable and why near no snaps for the two highly rated lbs who have been in the program a few years.
The whole defense is bad; better LB play isn't going to win those games by itself.

McClary and Archie are in their 2nd year; they have not been in the program a number of years...lmao. What makes you think they should be ready already? A useless unscientific HS ranking.

How about letting them develop so they hit the field and succeed? Fairly certain, if they were rushed into action and didn't perform well that you would immediately say they stink.
 
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-RUFAN4LIFE-

Heisman
Feb 28, 2015
35,527
55,159
113
The only reason I can think of is that the coaches don't think that the highly rated LBs are ready to play, which is an indictment of the coaching if they've been in the program for a few years. I can't imagine that they could possibly be any worse than what we've seen.
They are in their 2nd year, don't you people even know the roster?
 

Ru-baby

All-Conference
Aug 11, 2001
6,825
3,307
66
2 spring and 2 fall camps are not enough time to be ready to get some snaps on THIS d? Some? Need to suffer the transfers rather than letting players develop and perhaps be better-

What one can be fairly certain of is that such a post is well …wrong
 
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RU#1fan

Heisman
Mar 7, 2003
24,261
12,896
113
Absolutely - however, it does also seem like Munn and 41 are getting more playing time than they deserve relative to the guys who are currently on our roster as alternatives.
This . Absolutely.
And those that are stating the LB’s recruits are not ready look around our Conference. Sophomore Linebackers are starting at Iowa,Michigan, Washington,Penn St., Oregon, etc. All I know is that #41 and the LB transfer from Rice are getting destroyed at LB at this level. Give our 4 star LB recruits some playing time. At the very least Walker and Wright should be out there before those 2.
 
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Ru-baby

All-Conference
Aug 11, 2001
6,825
3,307
66
Just wow as to 41 usage all game. Missed tackles, pushed around, defending air – please don’t talk to me about stats. The piling on tackle stats are beyond meaningless.

I am at a loss to understand the usage.
 
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RU#1fan

Heisman
Mar 7, 2003
24,261
12,896
113
Just wow as to 41 usage all game. Missed tackles, pushed around, defending air – please don’t talk to me about stats. The piling on tackle stats are beyond meaningless.

I am at a loss to understand the usage.
Our new DC has no idea on evaluating LB talent.
#41 should not be on the field.
Schiano picks another winner.
 

RU on Manns Planet

All-Conference
Mar 23, 2025
3,362
3,711
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Our new DC has no idea on evaluating LB talent.
#41 should not be on the field.
Schiano picks another winner.
Schiano nor any head coach is giving coordinators 100% autonomy.

So Johannson has no idea what he’s doing but somehow his own program had a strong D? And yes, I’m aware this is a higher level of play but Schiano recruited almost the entire D before Johannson got here.
 
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RUChet

All-Conference
Apr 8, 2023
3,216
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Schiano nor any head coach is giving coordinators 100% autonomy.

So Johannson has no idea what he’s doing but somehow his own program had a strong D? And yes, I’m aware this is a higher level of play but Schiano recruited almost the entire D before Johannson got here.
But most say Smith was the worst DC in the country yet our D still sucks under Johansen. This is 2 steps up for him as it’s FCS to G6 then to P4 basically.

Clearly we don’t have good talent but I’m not sure we have good coaching either. We just stink
 

RU#1fan

Heisman
Mar 7, 2003
24,261
12,896
113
Schiano nor any head coach is giving coordinators 100% autonomy.

So Johannson has no idea what he’s doing but somehow his own program had a strong D? And yes, I’m aware this is a higher level of play but Schiano recruited almost the entire D before Johannson got here.
Pick the “winner” was reference in picking the DC. That winner can’t recognize LB talent that should be starting on the field at RU.
 

RU on Manns Planet

All-Conference
Mar 23, 2025
3,362
3,711
108
But most say Smith was the worst DC in the country yet our D still sucks under Johansen. This is 2 steps up for him as it’s FCS to G6 then to P4 basically.

Clearly we don’t have good talent but I’m not sure we have good coaching either. We just stink
I think it’s likely the #1 reason for the D the last two seasons isn’t the DCs. While Johansson COULD be the weakest DC in the Big Ten, I don’t think a guy who has ‘no idea what he’s doing’ would be that successful at a FCS program.

But let’s say we have bottom 1/3 talent on D and Johansson is bottom 1/3 as a Big Ten DC, that’s a bad combination.
 
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