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By Brandon CavanaughOff to pursue a career in the NFL, Lavonte David leaves tremendously large shoes to fill. A sense of worry among Husker fans regarding David’s departure mirrors the concern of when Ndamukong Suh left to join the elite.
It's the chilling realization that an All-American can’t simply be replaced, but that a staff can only try to break down what made him great and do their best to replicate it. Copying David’s abilities will require no less than seamless teamwork.
In 2010, he was responsible for a single-season record 152 tackles (84 solo), 15 tackles for loss, six sacks, 10 pass breakups and seven quarterback hurries. The next most prolific linebacker was Eric Martin with 26 tackles (11 solo). 12 players posted better numbers than Martin, who now earns his scholarship as a defensive end.
Last season, David tallied 133 tackles (65 solo), 13 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two interceptions, two pass breakups, three quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Nebraska’s new Big Ten opposition tried to keep No. 4 out of the picture as best it could, and was occasionally successful. However, he made plays when it mattered most such as his potentially season-saving strip of Ohio State’s Braxton Miller that fueled Nebraska’s biggest comeback in school history.
Will Compton, Nebraska’s returning veteran MIKE linebacker, placed second in defensive numbers with 82 tackles (39 solo), seven tackles for loss, an assisted sack, three quarterback hurries and one fumble recovery.
While Compton’s runner-up status to David may seem reassuring, keep in mind how often Big Ten offenses were able to penetrate the front four and get to the defense’s second level last season.
Compton also didn’t have the “creative license” of David as his job was to clamp down and contain the middle of the field. He also presented a fraction of the danger that No. 4 did in coverage.
Construction of a corps that could help soften the blow of David’s loss begins at the BUCK position. Candidates for this position include seniors Sean Fisher, Graham Stoddard and Alonzo Whaley.
The BUCK, or strongside linebacker, was eventually put on milk cartons for a good portion of the 2011 season as the Huskers shifted back into familiar Nickel or Peso packages.
This allowed for two of Nebraska’s best defensive players to be on the field while minimizing a potential linebacker liability due to inexperience caused by lack of playing time and running a traditional 4-3 set.
Husker fans will find a familiar face at MIKE in Compton. After rebounding from injury in 2011, he ended the season with performances worthy of his recruiting hype.
Trevor Roach was serviceable playing the role of backup, but incoming recruit Michael Rose will likely get every opportunity to unseat him. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Rose work his way into rotation thanks to the severe lack at depth across all three linebacker spots.
The WILL, or weakside linebacker, is arguably one of the most important positions in Bo Pelini’s schemes. These athletes are asked to do the most while subbing in at other positions, and occasionally being used in unique ways.
The cornerstone of rebuilding David’s impact will be set here. Look for JUCO transfer Zaire Anderson to lock down the starting spot between now and next season’s first kickoff.
Behind him, redshirt freshman David Santos should provide an excellent backup thanks to his combination of speed and acceleration. Incoming recruit Jared Afalava should get a chance to show what he can do, but it’s likely that he’ll spend a redshirt year on the scout team learning the ropes and adjusting to the speed of FBS football.
These names mean nothing without one essential component – chemistry.
While an unenviable task, linebackers coach Ross Els might consider teaching his charges to think as a unit, perhaps by learning assignments of all three spots.
Holding down the fort at MIKE won’t mean much if the two outside linebackers are confused if Wisconsin’s Montee Ball comes crashing through the front four with a head of steam.
There’s ample talent among the linebacker corps, but much of it's young and depth is paper-thin. Coach Els will have a few more gray hairs on his head every week as he works to cobble together a unit that can resemble Lavonte David in both efficiency and athleticism.
An entire unit must be used in an attempt to cover the departure of Nebraska’s premiere defensive playmaker which seems like an advantage at first.
Unlike Jared Crick’s increased responsibilities when stepping out of Ndamukong Suh’s shadow, David’s abilities allowed him to break assignment and make plays.
Even when in sync, there’s legitimate concern about whether or not Nebraska’s linebackers will be able to do this in 2012 or if they should even attempt to.
The Huskers’ staff can no more “replace” Lavonte David than they could Suh. However, if they can work in harmony, their first trip through a Big Ten conference slate without David could ultimately aid in developing the next great Husker linebacker thanks to baptism by fire.
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