A Look at the 2010 Linebackers
9/1/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 1, 2010
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Lumberjacks return one of the most talented groups of linebackers in the country. SFA will benefit from having all three starters back from last year's championships squad. It is the return of this imposing group that helped make SFA a unanimous selection to repeat as conference champions in the preseason polls, and a national preseason top 10 selection.
All three return from a season that saw them garner all-conference attention, including two who earned All-America honors. Senior Jabara Williams headlines the trio that recorded 335 tackles, including 26.5 for losses and 4.5 sacks. A preseason All-America selection by several publications, Williams has already been named to the 2010-Buck Buchanan Award Watch List, an award given annually to FCS' top defensive player.
After being forced to the sideline with an injury during the spring of 2008, Ducote returned to action last season and made up for lost time. He was a second-team all-conference selection who led the league, and was second in the nation, with 137 tackles. Ducote wrapped up the year by being named to the College Sporting News Fabulous 50 All-America squad.
Choice might be the least talked about of the three, but he would be the star on any other team in the country. Choice was among the league leaders, and finished fourth on the team with 85 tackles, including 6.5 for losses. In just two seasons he has recorded 183 tackles, and 17 TFLs.
"I feel real blessed to have all three starters returning," said defensive coordinator David Gibbs. "This is their third year in the defense, and you can just see the confidence in these guys when they are on the field. Devin is as smart as they come on the field, what can be said about Jabara that hasn't already been said and no one closes on a play faster than Derrick."
The Lumberjacks will turn to a junior and two sophomores to spell their starting three. The second team linebackers consist of sophomores Justin Isadore and Ryan Epperson, and junior Romeo Robinson. Isadore transferred to SFA from TCU. After a slow start to fall camp, Isadore has been making positive strides.
"Justin has really been playing well over the last week or so," said Gibbs. "I'm really happy with his improvement. Justin has come on and solidified the backup spot at will linebacker. He is similar to Choice in terms of having tons of athletic ability, he just needs to learn how to use it."
Robinson has the ability to play all three positions on the field. He may be a bit undersized at 5-9, 210 pounds, but what he lacks in size he makes up with in determination.
"Romeo is really an all-purpose guy," said Gibbs. "He can play anyone of the three positions on the field. He is an excellent guy to have on your side."
Epperson returns for his second season as the backup at middle linebacker. Epperson played in all 13 games during his rookie season, recording 42 tackles, including 16 solo stops.
"This will be Ryan's second year behind Jabara," said Gibbs. "We are very pleased with him. He is the type of guy who goes out and makes plays. Ryan has a bright future ahead of him."
SFA first test of the season will be against the Texas A&M Aggies. The game against the Aggies is slated to begin Saturday at 6 p.m. from Kyle Field.
-SFA-
