Hoo Preview ’09: Linebackers

New linebackers coach Bob Trott brings plenty of experience to the table.

It’s often said that the 3-4 defense allows linebackers to be the playmakers of the defense. At Virginia, that’s certainly been true. Whether it’s been team-leading tacklers like Jon Copper and Kai Parham or sackmasters like Darryl Blackstock and Clint Sintim , Al Groh’s LBs have made plenty of plays in orange and blue.

Entering 2009, however, few players suiting up at linebacker have proven to be consistent producers for UVa thanks to the success of the recently departed trio of Jon Copper, Antonio Appleby and Sintim. Yet, three projected starters for Virginia are seniors. Will the familiarity with the scheme and leadership qualities of Aaron Clark , Denzel Burrell and Darren Childs be enough to carry an otherwise young and unproven group of linebackers?

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