Soul position breakdown: linebacker
February 9, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
This season is going to see some different kinds of combinations at the linebacker positions with the rule changes, yet some of the same faces will still be seen. One rule that has not changed is the institution of the "jack" and "mack" linebacker positions. According to the AFL rules, the "jack" linebacker is regulated to an invisible 4X4 foot box while the "mac" linebacker is allowed to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
"JACK" LINEBACKER:
When rookie Larry Brackins (6'4", 221, Pearl River CC) comes to training camp he will be learning a position he has never played before to go along with getting use to playing wide receiver in the indoor game. He will at least have the luxury of learning his role from two players who have had the chance to play it before. Brackins will soon realize his 6'4" frame and large wingspan will become a benefit in the invisible box.
Last season was tough for J.J. McKelvey (6'4", 225, Clemson) since he entered the League as a rookie and had never played at the "jack" position. He came to Philadelphia as someone that would be learning on the job. Once he starting to enjoy playing on both sides of the ball, he was asked to play the offensive specialist position. He had two games under his belt and suffering an ankle injury that forced him to miss the next four games. While on defense, he recorded 21 total tackles, one fumble recovery and one pass break up. During the off-season, he prepared himself to play both sides once again and is looking forward to learning more from teammate Sean Scott.
After playing three years in the AFL, Sean Scott (6'2", 200, Millersville) has become one of the most recognized players at the "jack" linebacker position. During the past two off-seasons, he has worked on improving by studying film on former Los Angeles Avenger two-way performer Greg Hopkins. With Hopkins retirement from the game, Scott will be known as one of the premier players at the position. He will also be looked at by his teammates to make them better. Last season, Scott ranked fourth on the team in tackles with 44.5 to go along with four tackles for losses, one sack, five pass break ups and two fumble recoveries.
"MACK" LINEBACKER:
As one of the first orders of business for Coach Munsey during the off-season, he immediately went to his home town of Orlando, FL to bring in former Predator Idris Price (6'2", 240, New Haven). Price comes to the City of Brotherly Love to solidify a push up the middle on defense. He joins the Soul after playing in Epcot the past three seasons while playing under the tutelage of Coach Munsey for two seasons from 2003-2005. Last year, he was among the best linebackers in the League and recorded 25 total tackles with one interception.
Returning for his second season with the Soul, Raheem Orr (6'3", 260, Rutgers) will be looking to improve on a stellar rookie campaign. Last season, he posted numbers that were among the best when it came to rookie lineman. He tallied 23 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for losses, 3.5 sacks, one pass break up, one forced fumble and one interception returned for a touchdown. This season, he will be focusing on just the defensive side of the ball just like what he did in college at Rutgers and during his stint with the New York Giants.
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