The "Will" backer position is widely considered in most professional defensive schemes to be the primary linebacker position. When looking for a Will backer, size can be compromised, but not quickness, range, instincts and or athletic ability. His ability to play on his feet in traffic, get from point A to point B and contribute in coverage are all essential qualities for success at the position. I am not of the opinion that a Will has to be a punishing tackler, but he has to be a sure tackler (particularly in space). Will backers are very much the playmakers of the defensive unit.
Jared Brock of West Texas A&M, Vincent Landis of Southern University, and Marshall's Maurice Kitchens are three I would pay special attention to in 2008. I like Tyrell Sales of Penn State - he has a great deal of athletic ability and should have a big senior season.
Ward Dobbs of Wyoming has been a consistent playmaker for his entire playing career. He's not flashy, but I think he can and will be a productive player at the next level.Mississippi State’s Dominic Douglas was an absolute freak at the junior college level, making virtually every tackle at Hinds JC and continuing on the same road after transferring to Mississippi State in 2007.
| Grade |
Last |
First |
School |
2007 Stats
Solo - Assist - Total - Sack - TFL |
| D |
Williams |
Doug |
Akron U |
40-24-64-2-6-0 |
| D |
Henderson |
Joe |
Alabama-Birmingham |
47-62-109-5-9.5-0 |
| D |
Johnson |
Merrill |
Auburn U |
10-9-19-0-0 |
| D |
Akins |
Kevin |
Boston College |
26-6-32-4-5-2 |
| D |
Cotton |
Quentin |
East Carolina U |
35-31-66-1.5-11-1 |
| D |
Johnson |
Geno |
Indiana U |
38-28-66-4-10-0 |
| D |
Moore |
Antwon |
Kansas St |
4-1-5-2-2-0 |
| D |
Kitchens |
Maurice |
Marshall |
37-53-90-4-7.5-1 |
| D |
Douglas |
Dominic |
Mississippi St |
38-40-78-1-8-0 |
| D |
Humber |
Ramon |
No Dakota St |
41-31-72-3-5-1 |
| D |
Terry |
Curtis |
Ohio St |
No 2007 production |
| D |
Sales |
Tyrell |
Penn St |
19-35-54-3-5.5-0 |
| D |
Gunn |
Adam |
Pittsburgh U |
31-28-59-1.5-6-0 |
| D |
Malast |
Kevin |
Rutgers U |
38-54-92-2.5-7.5- |
| D |
Mompremier |
Brouce |
So Florida U |
47-28-75-1-5-0 |
| D |
Lands |
Vincent |
Southern U |
32-28-60-9-22-0 |
| D |
Maiava |
Kaluka |
USC |
26-18-44-2-4.5-0 |
| D |
Brock |
Jared |
West Texas A&M |
47-53-100-3-14-2 |
| D |
Dobbs |
Ward |
Wyoming U |
38-60-98-2-6-1 |