Depth Chart Watch 2012 (Mike Linebacker)

For the next 8 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. Will Compton is the most consistent linebacker the Huskers have on their roster right now, and he appears to be the only linebacker on the Blackshirts defense that is guaranteed a starting position.

The Front Runner

Will Compton is Nebraska’s best linebacker. The second half of the season was huge for Compton, who transcended from a serviceable starter to a defensive threat. Compton adopted some of fellow-linebacker Lavonte David’s ball-hawking tendencies and started appearing in seemingly every play. The Blackshirts will need someone to step up and be a force in the front seven in 2012, and Compton has the tools to be that guy.

The Number One Contender 

Trevor Roach is a No. 2 guy this year, make no mistake about it. Roach showed a few strong flashes early in the season against mediocre competition, but he’ still a year away from starting. Compton will be a mentor for Roach, and while Roach will prove to be more than a serviceable backup, he’s not ready to start this season. Bo Pelini mentioned Roach as an up-and-comer, but make no mistake about it, Compton is the guy.

Incoming Freshman 

Michael Rose is ready to go. Rose committed to Nebraska extremely early and became essentially a secondary recruiting coordinator, as he contacted nearly every significant target for the Huskers and tried to persuade them to come to Nebraska. Rose has shown that he’s mature in how he handles his success and how he plans to contribute right away, and coaches hold him in high regard. Rose continued to get better each game throughout 2011 and blew up in the U.S. Army All-American game. He will likely bypass a redshirt and play right away. Look for Rose to take over the No. 2 spot on the depth chart by the end of the season.

Depth Chart Prediction

1. Will Compton

2. Trevor Roach

3. Michael Rose

By Chris Peters

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

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