In defensive coordinator Brian Ward’s scheme, linebackers aren’t on the field nearly as much as the defensive line or secondary, but that doesn’t mean they’re not important. Arizona State frequently uses just two true linebackers, but the position plays right in the middle, needing to be adept against both the run and the pass.
Last year, Ward used a healthy rotation between four guys. Caleb McCullough and Keyshaun Elliott led the way in snaps, but Jordan Crook and Zyrus Fiaseu saw plenty of action in sub packages as well. McCullough is no longer with the team, graduating after last season, but the other three return.