When the Virginia defense is discussed, usually the first thing talked about is its alignment. The 3-4 has become quite popular in the NFL and that popularity has begun trickling down to the college ranks. The crux of the scheme is the linebackers, yet many don’t know why this is other than that there is one more of them than in the normal 4-3 defense. Having played a little linebacker (very little, admittedly, as a walk-on for the Cavaliers), I’ll try to provide some insight into exactly what each linebacker does in the 3-4 and why they are so important.

Will, Sam, Mike and Jack. This collection of bad boys sounds more like guys from the office next door than the names assigned to linebackers in the 3-4. The Will and Sam are outside linebackers, and Mike and Jack are the two inside linebackers. Thankfully, the ‘Hoos have some pretty scary guys to play these parts – Darryl, Dennis, Ahmad and Kai. Let’s take a look at what these individual positions are responsible for, and what makes the UVa ‘backers such a respected group.

Outside Linebackers

Darryl Blackstock

Alignment: The outside linebacker spots, Sam and Will, are occupied by Darryl Blackstock and Dennis Haley. These positions are basically interchangeable in the UVa defense due to the versatility of both players. In fact, the ‘Hoos sometimes just run right and left side for the outside linebackers, and it depends on the offensive formation whether Blackstock or Haley is at Sam or Will.

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