Depth Chart Watch 2012 (Buck Linebacker)

For the next 9 days HuskerCorner.com will be bringing you an in-depth look at each position for the 2012 season. We will break down  who we think is the front runner for the starting position, the player on the front runner’s heels  for the starting spot and a freshman who could make a splash.

Nebraska’s linebacker depth has taken a hit these last few years. The departure of Lavonte David doesn’t help things. However, the 2012 recruiting class brings in a slew of young talent who could step up and contribute right away. Buck linebacker is one of the most unpredictable positions at Nebraska right now. Any number of players could wind up starting for the Huskers

The Front Runner

It’s hard to name a frontrunner when there are six or more players that could justifiably earn the starting buck linebacker job. However, Alonzo Whaley was gaining a lot of steam at the end of last season. Though Sean Fisher started more games at buck linebacker last season, Whaley saw the field more and more, with Fisher seeing less and less, to close out the season. Whaley may be running out of chances with the coaching staff, though, as he has failed to lock down the position in two years’ time.

The Number One Contender 

Sean Fisher will be right on Whaley’s heels in what could be considered a 50-50 race between the two. Fisher’s experience will come in handy as he fights for the top spot. Two years ago, Fisher held a tight grip on the starting buck role. A broken leg forced Fisher to sit out the entire 2010 season, and he hasn’t been quite the same since. While Fisher has a higher ceiling than Whaley, ongoing recovery from injury may continue to hold him back.

Incoming Freshman 

David Santos was one of the biggest recruits Bo Pelini and company landed in 2011. After redshirting in 2011, Santos will be ready to go in 2012. Pelini mentioned his name a few times in a Feb. 1 press conference, and from the sounds of things, Santos could see the field quite a bit in 2012. He left high school ranked among the top 15 outside linebackers in the 2011 class. Santos will be the starting buck linebacker for Nebraska, but his chance will more than likely come in 2013.

Depth Chart Prediction

1. Alonzo Whaley

2. Sean Fisher

3. David Santos

By Chris Peters

Contact the writer at ChrisHuskerCorner@gmail.com or on Twitter @_ChrisPeters

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