Looking Ahead to 2013: Outside Linebacker

Over the past two weeks, I have written articles for Ducks Sports Authority which are working to bring a glimpse of the recruiting needs for the 2013 class. Today's article gets us halfway to looking at the need for every position on the field. Each article looks at who leaves after 2012, who just signed with the 2012 class and who will be returning in 2013.

While we cannot project attrition and early entries for the NFL draft, we can certainly look forward anticipating needs. Last week we looked at the middle linebacker position. As with several positions for the Ducks, there are some players who may switch positions over time. It was mentioned that there might be some outside linebacker prospects that could move inside. In this article we will look at the "Will" and "Sam" linebacker positions collectively as outside linebackers.

There are some more highly touted linebackers who have yet to play that I  find it difficult to expect any contributions from this season. This seasons OLB signee, Brett Bafaro, is one that I do not see making an immediate contribution. He is a very good athlete, but he definitely needs a lot of work to play OLB at a Pac-12 level. Time will tell just where we are at this position.

We are in good shape for 2012 with Clay and Lokombo on the outside and I think or two-deep at the MLB position is very solid... but our OLB, beyond the starters will have many questions that need answering in Spring ball and fall camp.


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