Missouri Tigers Spring Football Position Previews: Linebackers

The Black & Gold scrimmage is now less than three weeks away, and Gary Pinkel and his staff will be looking for leaders among the team. One position that has both experience and stability is the linebackers, as we continue to preview the Tiger defense with the men in the middle.

Sep 20, 2014; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers linebacker Kentrell Brothers (10) attempts to tackle Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Nate Sudfeld (7) during the first half at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Going into 2014, linebacker was a big question mark on defense. Kentrell Brothers was the only one with true experience after starting in 2013, but Michael Scherer and Donavin Newsom were total mysteries.

It turns out, linebacker was a huge stability for a strong Tiger defense in 2014 and will be one of the few on the 2015 team. All three starters are returning and new defensive coordinator and position coach Barry Odom has a stable of backups that could earn some playing time this fall.

Brothers and Scherer formed a dynamic duo in the middle of the field in 2014, totaling 122 and 114 tackles, respectively. Saturday Down South came out with a list of the top ten returning linebackers in the SEC and had Scherer ranked 9th and Brothers at 4th.

The 4th ranked linebacker considered entering the NFL Draft after last year, but ultimately Brothers decided to return for his senior campaign. The Oklahoma native had five tackles for loss, a sack, and three forced fumbles in 2014, and one of those fumbles was the one that fell into Markus Golden’s hands against Arkansas, clinching the East division.

At 6-foot-1 235 pounds, Brothers began spring practice as the No.1 weakside linebacker and will rush off the edge as well as lineup as the middle. This will be his fifth year in the program, and given his experience he may be the defensive captain, which belonged to recent graduate and NFL hopeful Braylon Webb.

Scherer was inserted into the middle linebacker spot, taking over from former All-SEC backer Andrew Wilson. Unlike Brothers, the redshirt junior didn’t play much in 2013 so there was a question if he could fill the hole Wilson left behind. Scherer did not disappoint as he had several double-digit tackle games.

Sep 13, 2014; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers linebacker Michael Scherer (30) celebrates after recovering a fumble during the second half against the UCF Knights at Faurot Field. The Tigers won 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

His best game came against Central Florida when he recovered a fumble and had more than 10 tackles. At 6-foot-3 230 pounds, Scherer is one of the most athletic linebackers returning in the conference. Given what he did as a first-year starter, he likely will improve upon his 2014 numbers and may eventually wind up playing on Sundays.

Donavin Newsom was a part-time starter at the SAM linebacker last year with Clarence Green. Former defensive coordinator and current Missouri State head coach Dave Steckel started the season with Green as the starter, but Newsom eventually surpassed him on the depth chart.

Jan 1, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Missouri Tigers linebacker Donavin Newsom (25) tackles Minnesota Golden Gophers running back David Cobb (27) as the Missouri Tigers beat the Minnesota Golden Gophers 33-17 in the 2015 Citrus Bowl at Florida Citrus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

Newsom appeared in all but one game and totaled 24 tackles, three-and-a-half for loss, and two forced fumbles in his redshirt sophomore campaign. Green had 18 total tackles in 13 total games.

It really comes down to what Barry Odom wants from this position, if he wants his SAM linebacker to run up and stuff the run, Newsom is his man. If he’d rather have that linebacker drop into coverage, Green fits that bill. As of right now, Newsom has the slight edge on for the job.

Backing up Brothers and Scherer are a pair of redshirt sophomores in Joey Burkett and Eric Beisel respectively.

Burkett is very quick and will probably be best ultilized rushing off the edge, he only totaled one tackle on special teams against Florida. Beisel was actually apart of a rotation behind Scherer last year and recorded 19 tackles in very limited snaps.

Redshirt freshmen Brandon Lee and Grant Jones are the backups to both Newsom and Green, but it wouldn’t be surprising if one of these two wind up playing in 2015.

Lee was a hard hitter in high school and has put on more weight during his redshirt season and is my pick-to-click on special teams, eventually cracking the linebacker rotation.

Jones is the son of the Tigers’ running backs coach Brian Jones. He played locally at Hickman High School and was listed as an “athlete” coming into the school. With the athletic ability to play either tight end, defensive end, or linebacker, Jones can develop into a solid special teams player this year, and eventually a full time starter.

Brothers and Scherer will be counted on to be the stability of the defense, given the inexperience at the d-line and in the secondary. If they can somehow improve on their terrific seasons, the Mizzou defense will be just as nasty in 2015.