Spring break checkup: The linebackers

MORE: Spring Football Central

This hasn’t been a position of strength for years.

When did the program last have a first-team All-Big Ten linebacker? You have to go back to 2002, when Niko Koutouvides earned the honor. The last second-team All-Big Ten linebacker? Gilbert Gardner in 2003. Stupefying, isn’t it? Still, the linebackers appear to be trending up. And like most positions, the talent level is increasing at this spot. It also is nice to have not lost any key personnel to graduation.

Any discussion of linebackers must begin with senior Markus Bailey, a captain last year who is respected by his peers. He will be an anchor on the outside. There also are junior Cornel Jones, redshirt freshman Jack Smith, sophomore Jaylan Alexander and junior Derrick Barnes, who plays the on-the-line “LEO” spot. And this summer, Western Kentucky grad transfer Ben Holt--son of Purdue DC Nick Holt--will arrive to bolster the unit. But this spring, the unit is perilously thin.

Bailey (hip) and Jones (foot) are out all spring recovering from surgery. Alexander was helped off the field last Wednesday with what looked like an ankle injury. He had been running with the first team, along with Smith.

Bailey doesn’t need the work. He’s the bellwether who thought about turning pro but opted to return. Good thing. He needs to be the anchor of this defense.

Jones was productive last season, but he still lacks discipline. And he could have used the reps he’s missing this spring. It’s hoped the improved depth will cause Jones to play with a sharper focus knowing he can be pulled from the lineup if he plays recklessly. We shall see. For now, he figures to play a key role inside. The guy does make plays.

THE SKINNY: This unit is coached by one of the best in Nick Holt, who doubles as defensive coordinator. Holt has his work cut out for him. If this unit stays healthy, it could be solid.

This spring, Alexander and Smith have gotten ample work. Alexander was one of just three freshmen to burn their redshirt last season. The 6-1, 240-pound Alexander has potential inside. He is a thumper. The 6-2, 220-pound Smith runs well, which makes him a nice fit on the outside. Even sophomore walk-on Jonah Williams—a West Lafayette High School product—has gotten quality time. He could be a valuable special teams contributor.

Barnes hasn’t suited up yet this spring. He is over offseason thumb surgery but has been sidelined with a hamstring issue. Barnes is expected back soon. He doesn’t need much work this spring.

Holt has been working redshirt freshman defensive end Jack Cravaack at linebacker a bit this spring, along with redshirt freshman safety Elijah Ball. The idea is to have a heavy (6-5, 245-pound Cravaack) and light (6-1, 210-pound Bell) option to use vs. various offensive schemes and styles. Cravaack could bash vs. physical teams like Wisconsin and Iowa, while Ball could work in space vs. teams like Nebraska and Illinois.

Talked to incoming freshman Jacob Wahlberg and his father during a spring practice. Wahlberg is a very impressive physical specimen. He looks much taller than the 6-3 he is listed at by rivals. You wonder if he could grow into being a defensive end. For now, the 215-pound Wahlberg told me he is a middle linebacker. So, there is that. Maybe he gets on the field this fall. Khali Saunders, 6-4, 210, is another freshman linebacker to watch. Crishawn Long (6-2, 190) would figure to redshirt to bulk up.

Gonna be interesting to watch Nick Holt mold this crew.

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