MOORHEAD, Minn. (8/28/08)-- One of the most dynamic positions on the football field is linebacker. Linebackers have the ability to completely shut down a potent running attack and are a vital part of helping a team stop the new spread offenses that are popping up like mosquitoes on a damp July night. The position will also hold the key to the Cobber defensive fortunes in 2008.

The problem for the Cobber defense this season will be to find two new starting outside linebackers. CC will have to replace a pair of stars in Dave Moll and Brennen Lewis. Both were All-Conference selections in 2007 and both had the ability to take over a game at any moment. Lewis led the team in tackles in 2007 and had a school record 21 tackles against Bethel in the triple overtime classic.

The one known quality for the linebacking corps will be in the middle where Isaac Berling and Grant Aakre return for a second tour of duty. Both players saw extensive playing time and Berling was the team’s starting middle linebacker for much of the season and finished third on the squad in tackles with 50. Aakre was also a force in the middle and had a pair of six tackles games during the year.

Finding the right mix of outside linebackers will be the key. Four players are penciled in to fight for the starting two spots. On one side there will be Jed LaPlante and Brett Abrahamson while the other side will feature Jay Thoreson and Jake Uphus. All four saw quality time in 2007 and all four had at least 10 tackles on the year. Of the four, Thoreson had the best year with 15 total tackles and one fumble recovery.

Horan Says: “We have good football players at the position who work very hard. We also have some guys that we are very excited about that could have breakout years.”