For the first time in more than a decade the linebacker position is not a desolate void of castoffs, converted players, walk-ons, and generally full of guys who are not Big Ten caliber linebackers! The last time Purdue was this loaded at linebacker was in 2003 with the likes of Niko Koutouvides and Landon Johnson. Since then, we have been unable to put three solid, capable linebackers on the field at the same time. Sure, there have been some good guys that have tried hard, but we have been light years behind the rest of the conference.
Fortunately, Marcus Freeman is doing a fantastic job with the unit and is earning his paycheck.