As Butler prepares for the 2015 season, we take a position-by-position look at the Bulldogs, including some thoughts from the coaching staff. We spent time with the coaches after a recent practice as they took a quick break from game-planning in their office. Defensive coordinator Tim Cooper discusses the linebackers.
On the defensive side of the ball, Butler's linebackers corps is the most experienced personnel group. Defensive coordinator Tim Cooper also serves as linebackers coach and he'll have play-making options to choose from as he puts together the depth chart each week.
Butler's top five tacklers at the linebacker position return from a season ago. Headlining that group is redshirt junior Sean Horan. The Kings Mills, Ohio product recorded 80 tackles a season ago, including nine tackles for loss.
Ethan Brunhofer had 68 tackles in his freshman campaign for the Bulldogs. He added an interception. Redshirt senior
Jordan Massey returns after posting 61 tackles, 1.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss a season ago.
Junior David Starkey and senior Kyle Payne round out the linebackers who bring back significant snaps. Starkey had two interceptions and two sacks along with his 54 tackles. His 7.5 tackles for loss ranked third a season ago. Payne saw action in seven contests in 2014, making 28 stops.
The newcomers feature one transfer and six true freshmen. Dylan Banks arrives from Terre Haute, Ind., by way of Indiana University.
Butler's defense will rely heavily on this experienced group in 2015. They've shown in the past that they are ready to answer the call.
