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Grizzly linebackers have big shoes to fill
By FRITZ NEIGHBOR of the Missoulian


It might be unsettling to see your top three tacklers head off to “the real world,” but there are plenty of players ready to step in for the University of Montana Grizzlies.

During a Wednesday practice that turned rainy, Tyler Corwin, Shawn Lebsock and Brandon Fisher were again with the No. 1 defense as the Grizzlies entered 7-on-7 and 11-and-11 drills.

Fisher, a 200-pound junior, made the switch from safety this past spring. Lebsock, a junior, and Corwin, a senior, took turns being the backup middle linebacker (“Mike”) - and being hurt. Lebsock missed last season with a shoulder injury; Corwin missed the first six games of 2006.

http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2008 ... orts03.txt

I totally agree that they have some big shoes to fill. But on the other hand, when some people put on the school colors they just do what is necessary to win, no one can explain it, the desire is just so great that even though they are undersized or have less experience they just go out and get it done.

grizzaholic wrote:I totally agree that they have some big shoes to fill. But on the other hand, when some people put on the school colors they just do what is necessary to win, no one can explain it, the desire is just so great that even though they are undersized or have less experience they just go out and get it done.

We have over the past 7-8 yrs. been moving to quicker, more athletic defensive guys in the middle and deep part of the defense. It's kind of a necessity for the way many offenses are evolving. Teams built like JMU with the offensive line and bruisers for running backs that can wear us down will be a real problem come playoff time if we haven't developed a lot of depth through platooning by then if we can make it in this year.