Utah State football position preview: linebackers


Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

The Aggies have a history of developing linebackers. From Kyle Gallagher and Bobby Wagner to Jake Doughty and, most recently, Zach Vigil, the Aggies have produced great linebackers. This year is no different.

Not only are Kyler Fackrell and LT Filiaga returning from injuries, the younger Vigil brother, Nick, returns. The five additional seniors make this one of the Aggies' deepest and most experienced groups ever.

Nick Vigil is one of the returning anchors of Utah State's great 2014 defense. In 2014, Vigil was named to the First Team All-Mountain West Conference after he recorded 123 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, five forced fumbles and one interception. Vigil once again will be counted on to be a big producer on the defense. Vigil's natural instincts and ability to read where the ball is going to be put him in position to make plays on every snap.

Filiaga amassed 61 tackles, four and a half tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and a sack while starting in nine games in 2014. Filiaga tore his Achilles tendon in early November, causing him to miss the remainder of the season.

While his health could be an issue, Achilles tears can take 12 months to recover from, if he is healthy Filiaga is a lock to start. Filiaga is a hard-hitting linebacker who plays downhill. If Filiaga is not fully healthy, expect a couple of seniors in La'Bradford Harold and Jarom Baldomero to compete to start.

Baldomero recorded 13 tackles and one and a half tackles for loss while playing in all 14 games last year. Baldomero played with the starters during spring football, though the four projected starters were held out during this time. Baldomero is a versatile linebacker who has a great ability to fight across blocks and make big tackles.

Harold contributed in seven games in 2014, mostly on special teams. He spent most of the spring running with the second team defense. He is an excellent coverage linebacker. Harold uses his great field vision and ability to read offenses to put himself in position to make plays on the ball.

One spot on the outside is already locked up by Fackrell, the preseason Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Despite missing nearly the entire 2014 season, Fackrell has been named to numerous national award watch lists.

It's easy to understand why when looking at his 2013 stats: 82 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. Fackrell is a freak athlete who has instincts to match.

Alex Huerta has shown great promise, but none of that has made it to the field just yet. Huerta was the starting outside linebacker opposite Fackrell going into fall camp last year; however he sustained a season-ending shoulder injury during the opening week of fall camp. Huerta is an extremely hard worker with great lateral quickness and the ability to make tackles in open space.

Torrey Green, who filled in last year when injuries took down Fackrell and Filiaga, could also push for a starting spot. Green saw action in 12 games, seven of those as a starter, and racked up 35 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks, a forced fumble and an interception. Green has the length and speed to come off the edge and be very disruptive in both the pass and run games.

Senior Michael Okonkwo rounds out the senior-heavy group fighting for playing time. Okonkwo only had 14 tackles across 14 games, including one start, during the 2014 season. Okonkwo has shown great ball skills and has the length to be very disruptive in coverage.

Almost all of the linebackers on Utah State have been coached by new defensive coordinator Kevin Clune. Clune coached the linebackers at Utah State for five years before spending last season as Hawaii's defensive coordinator. Barring injury, this group of linebackers will be led by a coach they trust in a system they know could be the best Aggie fans have seen.

Projected starters: Kyler Fackrell (OLB), LT Filiaga (ILB), Nick Vigil (ILB), Alex Huerta (OLB)

Second string: Michael Okonkwo (OLB), La'Bradford Harold (ILB), Jarom Baldomero (ILB), Torrey Green (OLB)

Up next: defensive line 8/10 Parker Robertson is a graduate of Utah State University, a freelance contributor and an avid fan of sports. Follow him on Twitter @ParkerRob78 Email: ParkerRobertson18@gmail.com

Most recent Sports stories

Related topics

SportsUtah State Aggies

ARE YOU GAME?

From first downs to buzzer beaters, get KSL.com’s top sports stories delivered to your inbox weekly.
By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

KSL Weather Forecast