Linebacker Position Preview

The Cajun linebackers are not the largest group, but in the new defense speed is a must. The question remains, can this group improve and function in the new defense? The Cajun Red Zone previews the 2007 group of linebackers.

Projected Starters: SLB Mark Risher, MLB Brenton Burkhalter, WLB Antwyne Zanders



Brenton Burkhalter 6-0, 225 Junior- Burkhalter is the leader of the linebacker unit. Brenton is neither big nor fast, but he plays extremely hard. Burkhalter is more at home in the old scheme that focused more on stopping the run, and not covering backs or receivers in space. But Burkhalter brings mores experience and to the field, then any other MLB on the roster. Brenton started 11 games in 2006 and led the team with 61 total tackles.

Mark Risher 6-1, 225 Senior- Risher has battled injuries the past few years, never playing more then 19 snaps in 2006. There has never been a question concerning Risher’s ability, but his durability is a question going into the 2007 season. In 2005, Risher showed he had the ability finishing second on the team with 59 tackles, starting in all 11 games. But once again, Mark Risher’s snaps on the field will be limited in the first two games due to his shoulder that has been slow to heal.


Antwyne Zanders 6-0, 220 Junior- Zanders played in all 12 games in 2006, recording 43 tackles and earning top defensive newcomer of the year on the Cajun squad. Zander presents the Cajun staff with the speed and athleticism that is needed in the new system. The problem is that Zanders isn’t always in the right position and over pursues. There is no questioning his ability and Cajun fans should remember this is really his second year in the program. Zanders sat out his first year to become eligible.

Grant Fleming 6-3, 210 Freshman- Fleming is one of the Cajuns top recruits from the 2007 class. Fleming was moved from the safety position partly because of the emergence of Maurice Rolle and Daylon McCoy, which would have limited his snaps on the field. Fleming adds athletic ability and speed to the linebacker position. He is the prototype linebacker for the new Cajun defensive scheme and will only get better with game experience.


Jezreel Washington 5-10, 200 Sophomore- Washington saw time in 10 games of the 2006 season as a reserve and on special teams. Jezreel isn’t a large linebacker, but he does bring speed to the position. He will rotate with Zanders at the WLB position and continue to help on special teams.

Tre Green 6-0, 228 Senior- Green is another athlete at the linebacker position that has suffered from injuries during the 2006 season. Green missed four games in 2006 with an ankle injury, and finished with season with 13 total tackles. The senior linebacker will play limited snaps during the first few games due to continued injury and provide depth to the linebacker position.


Jonathan Vance 6-1, 218 Junior- Vance played in eight games as a reserve and on special teams in 2006. He missed four games last season due to a knee injury. Vance has good athletic ability and speed, ideal for the defensive scheme. The problem for Vance is he doesn’t seem to make a lot of plays on the field. The Cajun staff hopes he can step up this year in a reserve role, after having a good spring and fall.


Fred Davis 6-2, 255 Freshman (RS)- The Cajun staff signed Davis after playing only one year of high school football. Clearly his has the physical makeup of a Div1A MLB, but lacks experience and instinct at the position. There is no question the Davis is getting better, as he learns how to play in the system and compete at the college level. The Cajun staff thinks Davis will be a solid reserve behind Burkhalter and will only get better with experience.


Other Linebackers of note: Richard Brooks 6-1, 205 Fr., Nate Douglass 6-3, 235 Fr., Trae Fitzgerald 6-0, 220 Fr. (RS), Renaldo DelCambre 5-11, 226 Jr., Matt LaFeaux 6-0, 212 Fr.