1. South Carolina: Even with stud weak-side linebacker Eric Norwood gone, the Gamecocks’ exotic 4-2-5 defense will be formidable. Shaq Wilson, last year’s starter at middle linebacker, moves to Norwood’s vacated position.
2. Georgia: The linebackers were solid last year, but a disappointing overall defense prompted the hiring of a new defensive coordinator – Todd Grantham – and a switch to the 3-4 defense. Defensive end Justin Houston transitions to linebacker in this pass-rush heavy scheme.
3. Auburn: The Tigers had a hard time stopping the run last year, giving up a league-high 25 touchdowns on the ground. Josh Byrnes, the top MLB in the Southeastern Conference, and the linebacker corps return all three starters, and hope to vindicate the Tiger’s run defense.
4. LSU: The Birmingham News lists MLB Kelvin Sheppard, who led the Tigers in tackles in 2009, as the second-best interior linebacker in the SEC. There will be two firstyear starters alongside Sheppard, and WLB Ryan Baker and strongside linebacker Stefoin Francois have the inside track on those jobs
5. Ole Miss: Senior SLB Allen Walker was coveted during the recruiting process by former Ole Miss coach Ed Orgeron, but off-the-field problems slammed the brakes on early success. Walker has matured, and along with fellow senior, MLB Jonathan Cornell, mentors two rising stars – WLB Joel Kight and backup MLB D.T. Shackelford.
6. Florida: Who cares if MLB Brandon Spikes and WLB Ryan Stamper are gone – there are plenty of blue-chip prep stars in coach Urban Meyer’s cupboard. Jelani Jenkins, the No. 1 prep talent at WLB in the 2009 class, should make a seamless transition to full-time starter.
7. Alabama: Three linebackers, including MLB Rolando McClain – who the Raiders selected No. 8 overall in April’s NFL Draft— are gone from a 3-4 defense that allowed only 2.8 yards per rush in 2009. WLB Nico Johnson is the only returning starter, but MLB Dont’a Hightower is ready to headhunt again after sitting out most of last year with a knee injury.
8. Vanderbilt: The academic-minded Commodores have a distinct disadvantage in the cut-throat world of SEC football recruiting, but coach Bobby Johnson continues to find diamonds in the rough.
MLB Chris Marve is another fine example of this, but Vandy finished last in the SEC in rush defense in 2009, and Marve is the only returning starter at linebacker.
9. Mississippi State: SLB K.J. Wright arrived in Starkville weighing 200 lbs. as a true freshman, but has since added 45 lbs. to his frame.
Wright needs all that extra weight with the added pressure of leading a linebacker corps without MLB Jamar Chaney, a four-year starter for the Bulldogs.
10. Arkansas: The Razorbacks ranked in the bottom third of the SEC in rush defense last year, but that must improve for Arkansas to live up to lofty preseason expectations. Jerry Franklin, who was No. 1 in tackles for the Razorbacks in 2009, moves from the outside to MLB.
11. Tennessee: SLB Lamarcus Thompson was the only of Tennesee’s returning starters at linebacker to go through spring practice, with former walk-on turned starter MLB Nick Reveiz recovering from a knee injury. Somebody has to step up to help improve a linebacker corps that had a part in allowing 4.2 yards per carry (3rd worst in the SEC) last year.
12. Kentucky: It was a two-way battle this spring between redshirt freshman Qua Huzzie and Ronnie Sneed, who are both vying to replace MLB Micah Johnson. Thankfully for Kentucky, WLB Danny Trevathan, who was No. 2 on the team in tackles in 2009, will be there to help Huzzi and Sneed along.