WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (April 13, 2016) – Today's William & Mary football spring practice update features a look at the Tribe's depth chart at linebacker.

Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach Trevor Andrews
"We have some big shoes to fill with the loss of three quality players from last season's unit. However, we return a talented group that includes two players with significant game experience. The opportunity exits for new players to emerge into key roles, and they are embracing that chance and developing into leaders. This is a unit that is playing with a chip on their shoulder and is looking to prove something."
  
 

Linebackers

WLB

#32 Josh Dulaney, So. (6-2, 224) Will compete for starting spot this fall after appearing in seven games and earning two starts last season … Missed the final five games in 2015 due to injury … Athletic and plays well in space … Versatile linebacker who can also play SLB … Focused on being more physical and has made great strides this spring … Former Scout Team Defensive Player of the Year (2014).

#54 Brandon Louth, Jr. (6-2, 240) Reserve who appeared in nine games last season, mostly on special teams … One of the unit's most improved players … Posted a good spring thus far and shown flashes of playmaking ability.

#33 Stephen Lubnow, Sr. (6-0, 220) Will miss the spring as he recovers from injury … Expected to be healthy by the start of preseason practices … Will vie for a starting role … Appeared in all 13 games last fall and earned five starts … Ranked fifth on the team in tackles (52) in 2015 … Steady, reliable player with good instincts … Maximizes talent and abilities … Plays well in space … Versatile and can play multiple spots on the field.

#48 Griffin Davis, RFr. (6-1, 235) Reserve linebacker who will provide depth … Working hard to gain experience and will benefit from increased reps … Redshirted as a true freshman last season.

MLB

#52 Matt Vlissides, Sr. (6-0, 225) Earned the majority of No. 1 reps this spring and will compete for a starting spot in the fall … Emerging as a leader … Reserve linebacker last season who appeared in all 13 games, primarily on special teams … Improved tremendously during the spring and benefited from increased reps … Tough, physical player who possesses quickness … Good tackler who works hard.

#42 Nate Atkins, RFr. (6-1, 230) Talented young player who will vie for starting role this fall … Has a high ceiling and possesses ability to develop into a significant contributor … Smart player who is a quick learner … Physical linebacker and a good tackler.

MLB

#29 Marcus Harvey, Sr. (6-2, 210) Tremendously talented linebacker who possesses the talent to be an all-conference candidate ... Limited by injuries during his career and earned 10 starts during the past two seasons … Focused on durability and physicality during the offseason and has improved in both areas … Competed at a high level this spring … One of team's most explosive playmakers … Long and athletic with outstanding speed and good ball skills … Emerging as a leader.

#30 Mike Demonte, RFr. (6-2, 195) Transitioned from cornerback to linebacker this spring … Redshirted last season … Possesses skill set to be successful at new position … Benefiting from significant reps this spring and has continued to show progress.