Linebackers are arguably the most important position on the field for a defense. They have to interact with both the D-line and the secondary, be strong enough to stop the run, and agile enough to drop back into pass coverage. They are asked to stay back and spy the quarterback, or go full steam and attack them on a blitz.
The Huskies have always been strong at linebacker since the transition to FBS in the early 2000s. A big part of UConn's solid defense last season was the linebacking core. With everybody but Jefferson Ashiru returning, it should once again be a strength for the team.