2007 Outlook: Linebackers

Arguably the strength of the defense lies in its linebacker corps. Recent success has shown Shippensburg could lay claim to the Division II version of Linebacker U.

Since 2002, at least one Red Raider linebacker has earned All-PSAC Western Division honors, including one first-team selection each of the last five years. Last year, Frank Duffy and red-shirt senior Jaron Nalewak helped extend that streak to six straight years with at least one selection as Nalewak earned first-team honors and Duffy second team.

While Duffy has moved on, Nalewak returns at "Will" linebacker to lead one of the best groups in the PSAC along with red-shirt junior Bill Morrison at "Mike" linebacker.

Nalewak had one of the best defensive seasons in school history, finishing with 23 tackles for loss, one short of the single-season record. He was also just 2.5 sacks short of the single-season record of 10. He led the team in tackles and ended the year ranked third in the PSAC in tackles for loss and fourth in sacks. He was also 15th in Division II in tackles for loss.

After missing the 2005 season, Morrison won the starting middle linebacker job in spring practice and started all 11 games last year. He finished second on the team in tackles behind Nalewak with 72 tackles, including 11 for a loss and 2.0 sacks. Morrison, who was selected by the players as the team’s lone captain this season, had three fumble recoveries.

Despite having to go back to a reserve roll last season after finishing third on the team with 79 tackles, including a team-high 12 for loss in nine starts in 2005, red-shirt junior Josh Oswalt made the most of his opportunities a year ago as he totaled 17 tackles, primarily on special teams. He also added one tackle for loss, one sack, and one fumble recovery.

With Oswalt listed as the back-up behind Morrison at middle linebacker, competition for the other outside linebacker position, or "Sam," is expected to be filled by red-shirt sophomores Andy Casale or Joel Petersheim. Both were reserves last season and appeared primarily on special teams. Petersheim appeared in 10 games and totaled seven tackles, and Casale made seven appearances with four tackles.

"We expect big things from the linebacker position with the return of Morrison, Nalewak and Oswalt," said Rees. "In addition to the battle at Sam, we can also move Oswalt outside if necessary."

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