ODUSports.com will preview spring football the next few weeks and do a position-by-position breakdown of the Monarchs' roster. Today we preview the Monarch linebackers.
Linebackers (8)
Anthony Wilson
Marvin Branch
Richard Thomas
Isaiah Worthy
Derek Wilder
Shadow Williams
TJ Ricks
A.J. Oneal
2016 Signees
Lawrence Garner
Zach Lackman
Brent Priester
Jordan Young
Demetrius Stitmon
Linebacker Preview: TJ Ricks returns after leading Conference USA in tackles last season with 123 while fellow senior to be, Shadow Williams, returns after making 44 tackles and starting five games last season.
The graduation of Martez Simpson leaves an opening at one starting position, which will have plenty of candidates.
Marvin Branch recorded 30 tackles and two fumble recoveries last season as a redshirt freshman while Anthony Wilson totaled 22 tackles playing defense and appearing on most special teams.
Richard Thomas, a junior college transfer from Pearl River, played in 11 games last season, seeing action mostly on special teams. Isaiah Worthy redshirted in 2015 following a productive true freshman campaign in 2014 when he registered 21 tackles and two fumble recoveries.
Derek Wilder and A.J. Oneal redshirted in their first season with the program.