Position Breakdown: Linebackers
The next positional breakdown belongs to the linebackers for the Blue Raiders. A unit that was very productive in 2021, helped the Middle Tennessee defense to become one of the most efficient groups the in C-USA. This position helped the Blue Raiders defense maintain a very solid run defense, which ranked 38th in the FBS a season ago. Though there were lots of optimism surrounding this group last season, there are several huge pieces that departed from last years squad and those roles will need to be filled in 2022 for another successful campaign throughout the linebacker room. This all begins with former LB standout, D.Q. Thomas, who began his professional career this offseason with the New York Jets. The Blue Raiders also lost, Jurriente Davis, who was a mainstay at Linebacker a season ago putting up solid numbers. On a positive note, Middle Tennessee returns their most experienced linebacker from last season, senior Johnathan Butler, looks to lead this unit in 2022 and will most certainly start at the middle linebacker position during the upcoming campaign. Raquon Hartley is another guy who could really breakout this season. Still a young sophomore who has a very high ceiling and very well could find himself starting at outside linebacker this year. For the most part, though, this group of linebackers in 2022 seems to be coming from the transfer portal as newcomers. Understanding schemes and gaining continuity between the other guys in the room will be a big key to lookout for throughout fall camp. In fact, some of the offseason additions in the transfer include, redshirt senior Christian Dixon, who was a standout player in his previous years at Towson. Additionally, Timar Rogers, who transferred over from Mississippi State this offseason, is a young guy who redshirted a season ago; however, has all the tools that the Blue Raiders could use this season. These a just a few of the big acquisitions Middle Tennessee landed for the 2022 campaign. Who are the others and will they contribute this season?
Returners:
Senior Johnathan Butler:
Entering his third season with the program, Butler played in 10 games, eight of which were starts. As stated above, is the most productive member returning from this group last season will seemingly start at the middle linebacker position. Pivotal leader and will have a huge influence on the defense as a whole.
Redshirt Sophomore Raquon Hartley:
As a freshman, played in all 13 games where he earned two starts throughout 2021. Had a strong rookie campaign despite experienced depth being higher up on the depth chart. Younger guy who could really break into form this season for the Blue Raiders.
Redshirt Sophomore Andrew Leak:
Entering his fourth season with the program, Leak played in all 13 games in 2021. Had very little production over time where he finished with just three total tackles. Mainly a special teams guy and should expect the same this upcoming season.
Redshirt Freshman Jalen Davis:
Played in all 13 games mainly serving as a depth piece a season ago. 2022 will be his third campaign with Middle Tennessee as he looks to increase his role in the defense. Talented player who still has his better years ahead of him.
Redshirt Freshman Devyn Curtis:
Played in just four games in a season ago while preserving his redshirt. The Nashville, Tennessee native played at Brentwood Academy in high school where he was pretty highly rated. Look for increased time here as he looks to build off his freshman campaign.
Sophomore Drew Francis:
Played in 12 games a season ago where he registered just three tackles. Mainly an asset on special teams rather than the linebacking core in 2021. Look for the same duty this season barring multiple injuries early in the season.
Newcomers:
Redshirt Senior Christian Dixon:
Entering his first season with the Blue Raiders, Diixon spent five seasons at Towson where he was a standout playmaker as a linebacker. Arguably Middle Tennessee’s most impressive transfer from the group this offseason. Strong shot to land a starting role this season wherever he lands in the scheme.
Redshirt Junior Jalen Rayam:
Spent four seasons with UAB before transferring over to Middle Tennessee this offseason. Did not see much action at all during his time with the Blazers. Veteran guy who could find himself in the mix; however, don’t expect anything eye-popping here.
Junior Jacob Jackson:
Transferred over from Sewanee where he spent the previous two seasons. For the Tigers, tallied 81 total tackles while playing in nine games a season ago. The Smyrna, Tennessee resident played at Franklin Road Academy. Could see Jackson enter the rotation as a versatile linebacker depending on a strong camp.
Redshirt Freshman Timar Rogers:
The very highly talented high school recruit enrolled at Mississippi State last season where he did not see any action. Was rated a 3-star recruit coming out of high school and has all the necessary tools to make an immediate impact this season. Expect to see plenty of action here this season.
Sophomore James Douglas:
Spent the previous two seasons at Cisco College where played nine games in 2021. The Texas product comes to campus a bit undersized, although has the experience under his belt. Could push for playing time barring a poor fall camp.
Freshman Nash Stidham:
Played at South Gipson County High School in Medina, Tennessee. The in-state recruit comes to campus highly undersized at 5-foot-9 194 pounds. Look for a redshirt year here as Stidham will not appear in more than four contests this season.
Freshman Muazz Byard:
Comes to Murfreesboro from York, Pennsylvania where he played at Dematha Catholic High School. Has a solid frame for a first year camper sitting at 6-foot even 240 pounds. Still would expect sitting a year out here as well.
Freshman Dylan King:
Impressive two-sport athlete in High School where he played at Bishop in Lake Mary, Florida. Athletic kid who could use a full year in the weight room before taking on the scars of playing the linebacker position. High leverage player who has potential.