From Underdog Dynasty...full article at the link...
Linebacker took a step back last year in the AAC, but there were also a ton of young players. That should mean we see some stars emerge in 2019. Most teams in this conference struggled up front, meaning their defenses were stuck on the field for a long time. Despite the shortcomings, there’s a lot to be excited about in this group. Tulsa had one of the worst defense in the conference, but they have two exciting linebackers to watch. UCF has potential outside of Nate Evans, but the talent is unproven. Will the trend of struggling defenses continue? Probably, but there’s potential for success too.
Room for Improvement: Your team can definitely get better. Even if your team has a returning starter, there’s still plenty of room for growth.
Wait and See: Most likely, your team is going through a transition to a new starter. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, it just means the new face has to prove themselves.
Second Tier: Good not great. The position isn’t elite yet, but may be right on the doorstep.
Elite: The best of the best. Most likely competing for an All-Conference spot. Also helps to have depth at the position.
Elite: The best of the best. Most likely competing for an All-Conference spot. Also helps to have depth at the position.
Elite
1. Temple: The Owls return by far the most experienced linebacking corps in the AAC with the top five returnees all being upperclassmen. Shaun Bradley, a first-team All-AAC selection last season, mans the middle of the defense, with Sam Franklin, Chapelle Russell, Isaiah Graham-Mobley and William Kwenkeu all getting significant playing time last season. It wouldn’t be a surprise if several of these guys garner all-conference honors by season’s end.
2. Tulsa: The Golden Hurricane defense wasn’t great, but they have two stars at linebacker. Cooper Edmiston returns 237 career tackles, including 9.5 for loss. He also picked off four passes last year, forced three fumbles, and also recovered three fumbles. Joining him will be Zaven Collins, who produced 85 tackles, 9.5 for loss, and 1.5 sacks. It’s tough to find two more talented players in the conference.
Linebacker took a step back last year in the AAC, but there were also a ton of young players. That should mean we see some stars emerge in 2019. Most teams in this conference struggled up front, meaning their defenses were stuck on the field for a long time. Despite the shortcomings, there’s a lot to be excited about in this group. Tulsa had one of the worst defense in the conference, but they have two exciting linebackers to watch. UCF has potential outside of Nate Evans, but the talent is unproven. Will the trend of struggling defenses continue? Probably, but there’s potential for success too.
Room for Improvement: Your team can definitely get better. Even if your team has a returning starter, there’s still plenty of room for growth.
Wait and See: Most likely, your team is going through a transition to a new starter. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, it just means the new face has to prove themselves.
Second Tier: Good not great. The position isn’t elite yet, but may be right on the doorstep.
Elite: The best of the best. Most likely competing for an All-Conference spot. Also helps to have depth at the position.
Elite: The best of the best. Most likely competing for an All-Conference spot. Also helps to have depth at the position.
Elite
1. Temple: The Owls return by far the most experienced linebacking corps in the AAC with the top five returnees all being upperclassmen. Shaun Bradley, a first-team All-AAC selection last season, mans the middle of the defense, with Sam Franklin, Chapelle Russell, Isaiah Graham-Mobley and William Kwenkeu all getting significant playing time last season. It wouldn’t be a surprise if several of these guys garner all-conference honors by season’s end.
2. Tulsa: The Golden Hurricane defense wasn’t great, but they have two stars at linebacker. Cooper Edmiston returns 237 career tackles, including 9.5 for loss. He also picked off four passes last year, forced three fumbles, and also recovered three fumbles. Joining him will be Zaven Collins, who produced 85 tackles, 9.5 for loss, and 1.5 sacks. It’s tough to find two more talented players in the conference.
