ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
With training camp opeining , argonauts.ca will be preparing fans for the new season by breaking down the competition at each position. Today we look the men in the middle at the linebacker position.
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TORONTO – Unlike last year, there will be some semblance of continuity in linebacking personnel heading into Argos’ 2011 training camp. Prior to last season, the team mixed and matched before finally deciding to move veteran Jordan Younger from the secondary to the SAM linebacker position. Younger replaced Willie Pile, who became an all-star safety. Non-import Jason Pottinger was named the starting middle linebacker, a spot that had previously been filled by former Argo Zeke Moreno and Mike O’Shea before him. Both Younger and Pottinger joined mainstay Kevin Eiben as the second line of defence, making a formidable trio that would prove to be one of the bright spots of the team’s 2010 season.
Eiben continued to perform at a very high level in his tenth season. He finished second in the league in tackles with 101 and became the first non-import Argonauts player to have at least 100 defensive tackles in three different seasons. He was named the club’s Outstanding Canadian for the sixth time and was honoured as an East Division All-Star for the fifth time in his career. Even at the age of 31, Eiben remains one of the true leaders of the team’s defence.
| Biggest Strength |
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| The Argos do not lack experience with 363 total games played between the three starting linebackers alone. | ||
| Biggest Question Mark |
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| Can the Argos continue to develop young talent at that position with the current starters getting up in age? | ||
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| Departures | ||||
| Tang Bacheyie | ||||
| Returning Veterans | ||||
| Tristan Black, Kevin Eiben, Ejiro Kuale, Jason Pottinger, Grant Shaw, Jeremy Unertl, Jordan Younger | ||||
After being a backup in 2009, the coaching staff tabbed Pottinger as the starting MLB for 2010. Pottinger responded with a very steady season at one of the most important positions on the football field. He had 71 defensive tackles and continued to improve as the season wore on. Another year under his belt at the position should only help Pottinger develop his instincts and make him a contender for all-star status.
The decision to move Younger to the SAM position out of training camp proved positive. Younger gave the Argos another athletic, hard-hitting presence that complimented the ability of Eiben and Pottinger. Younger earned all-star accolades at cornerback and his versatility could earn him the award this position too.
Eiben, Pottinger and Younger are the front-runners for the starting linebacker positions, but – as always – there will be other players vying for a roster spot during this year’s training camp. If not in a starting position, this group of players will be looking to lock down the fourth linebacker position, used when the team employs the 3-4 defence against the pass, as well as the other backup spots. Former defensive end and fullback, Ejiro Kuale, played in 15 games for the Argos last year. This year, he will compete at linebacker, a position he hasn’t played since college.
There is no shortage of depth when it comes to the Argos’ linebacking corps. But last season’s performance by Eiben, Pottinger and Younger may make it hard for the coaching staff to change up a unit that has already established themselves as leaders of the team’s defence.