In 2008, just as in every other year during Al Groh’s tenure at Virginia, the linebackers will be a focal point of the defense. That became even more true after some offseason attrition left the defensive line and defensive backfield with holes in need of filling. But while there are few questions – really, only one – about who will start at linebacker in 2008, that does not mean that there are not questions that the unit must answer as a whole, particularly in terms of how the linebackers will fit with the rest of the defense. Put another way, the parts looks good at linebacker, but what will the sum of those parts be?

The Starters

Entering the fall, three of the four starting linebacker slots essentially are set in stone, with fourth years Clint Sintim , Antonio Appleby , and Jon Copper all returning for another year.

Jon Copper led last year’s defense in total tackles, solo tackles, and assists.

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