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Two college football linebackers (MLB and LOLB) backing up their defensive line while the ROLB (front, upright) threatens to blitz

A linebacker (LB) is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan.^[1] Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards (4 m) behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen. Linebackers generally align themselves before the ball is snapped by standing upright in a "two point stance" (as opposed to the defensive linemen, who put one or two hands on the ground for a "three point stance" or "four point stance" before the ball is snapped).

Types[link]

Middle linebacker[link]

The middle or inside linebacker (MLB), sometimes called "Mike," is often referred to as the "quarterback of the defense". Often it is the middle linebacker who receives the defensive play calls from the sideline and relays that play to the rest of the team–and in the NFL he is usually the defensive player with the electronic sideline communicator. A jack-of-all-trades, the middle linebacker can be asked to blitz (though they often blitz less than the outside linebacker), cover, spy the quarterback, or even have a deep middle-of-the-field responsibility in the Tampa 2 defense. In standard defenses, middle linebackers commonly lead the team in tackles. The terms middle and inside linebacker are often used interchangeably;^[2] they are also used to distinguish between a single middle linebacker playing in a 4–3 defense, and two inside linebackers playing in a 3-4 defense.^[3]

Outside linebacker[link]

The outside linebacker (OLB) is usually responsible for outside containment. This includes the strongside and weakside designations below.

Strongside linebacker[link]

The strongside linebacker (SLB) is often nicknamed "Sam" for purposes of calling a blitz. Since the strong side of the offensive team is the side on which the tight end lines up, or whichever side contains the most personnel, the strongside linebacker usually lines up across from the tight end. Often the strongside linebacker will be called upon to tackle the running back on a play, because the back will be following the tight end's block. He is most often the strongest linebacker; at the least he possesses the ability to withstand, shed, and fight off blocks from a tight end or fullback blocking the backside of a pass play. The linebacker should also have strong safety abilities in pass situation to cover the tight end in man on man situations. He should also have considerable quickness to read and get into coverage in zone situations. The strongside linebacker is also commonly known as the right outside linebacker (ROLB).

Weakside linebacker[link]

The weakside linebacker, or the "Will", must be the fastest of the three, because he is often the one called into pass coverage. He is also usually chasing the play from the backside, so the ability to maneuver through traffic is a necessity for the Will. The Will usually aligns off the line of scrimmage at the same depth as Mike. Because of his position on the weakside, the Will does not often have to face large interior linemen one on one unless one is pulling. In coverage, the Will often covers the back that attacks his side of the field first in man coverage, while covering the weak flat or hook/curl areas in zone coverage. In a 3-4 defense the "Will" Linebacker plays on the "weakside" of the two middle Linebacker positions and a 4th Linebacker comes in to play the weakside. Known as a "Rush", "Rover", "Jack" and/or "Buck" Linebacker, their responsibility is more pass rush based but often is called into run stop (gap control) and pass coverage. The weakside linebacker is also known as the left outside linebacker (LOLB).

Formations[link]

The number of linebackers is dependent upon the formation called for in the play; formations can call for as few as none, or as many as seven. Most defensive schemes call for three or four, and they are named for the number of linemen, followed by the number of linebackers. For example, the 4-3 defense has four defensive linemen and three linebackers; conversely, the 3-4 defense has three linemen and four linebackers.

4-3 defense[link]

In the 4-3 defense there are four down linemen and three linebackers. The middle linebacker is designated "Mike" and two outside linebackers are designated "Sam" and "Will" according to how they line up against the offensive formation. If there is a strong call, the linebacker on the strongside is called "Sam", while the linebacker on the weakside is called "Will". The outside linebacker's job is to cover the end to make sure a run doesn't escape, and to watch the pass and protect from it. The middle linebacker's job is to stop runs between the tackles and watch the entire field to see the play develop. On pass plays, the linebackers' responsibilities vary based upon whether a man or zone coverage is called. In a zone coverage, the linebackers will generally drop into hook zones across the middle of the field. However, some zones will send the outside linebackers into the flats (area directly to the left and right of the hash marks, extending 4-5 yards downfield). In a man-to-man call, the "Sam" will often cover the tight end with help from a safety over the top, while at other times, the "Sam" and "Will" will be responsible for the first man out of the backfield on their side of the center, with the "Mike" covering if a second man exits on that side of the field.

In the "Tampa 2" zone defense the middle linebacker is required to drop quickly into a deep middle zone pass coverage thus requiring a quick player at this position.

3-4 defense[link]

In the 3-4 Defense there are three lineman playing the line of scrimmage with four linebackers backing them up, typically two outside linebackers and two inside linebackers. The weak side inside linebacker is typically called the "Will," while the strong side or middle inside linebacker is called the "Mike". "Sam" is a common designation for strong outside linebacker, while the other position is usually called "Jack" and is often a hybrid DE/LB. Usually, teams that run a 3-4 defense look for college defensive ends that are too small to play the position in the pros and not quite fluid enough to play outside linebacker in a 4-3 defense as their "Jack" linebacker.

The idea behind the 3-4 defense is to disguise where the fourth rusher will come from. Instead of the standard four down-linemen in the 4-3, only 3 players are clearly attacking on nearly every play. A key for running this defense successfully is having a defensive front of three large defensive linemen who command constant double teams. In particular, the nose tackle, who plays over the offensive center, must be able to hold ground and to occupy several offensive blockers in order to allow the linebackers to make plays. The focus of the 3-4 defensive line is to occupy offensive linemen thus freeing the linebackers to tackle the running back or to rush the passer or otherwise drop into pass coverage.

Generally, both outside linebackers can rush the passer and play the run. Outside linebackers in the 3-4 defense tend to be larger in comparison to linebackers in a base 4-3 defense. They are also often players who would play DE in a 4-3 defense as situational pass rushing specialists but who otherwise may not fit the expected role of a DE being somewhat smaller in size. Outside linebackers should be able to drop into pass coverage, rush the passer or read and react. When it comes to the inside linebackers, one is generally a run stuffing player who is better able to handle offensive linemen and stop running backs when the offense features a running play, while the other is often a smaller, faster player who excels in pass coverage. However, the smaller or cover LB should also be able to scrape and plug running lanes decently.

The design concept of the 3-4 defense is to confuse the offensive line in their blocking assignments, particularly in pass blocking, and to create a more complex read for the quarterback. Many 3-4 defenses have the ability to quickly hybrid into a 4-3 on the field.

46 defense[link]

In the 46 defense there are four linemen, three linebackers and a safety who is moved up behind the line of scrimmage. Thus it appears as if there are 4 linebackers, but it is really 3 linebackers with one safety playing up with the other linebackers.

Three of the defensive linemen are over both of the offensive guards and the center, thereby making it difficult to double team any one of the three interior defensive linemen. This can also take away the ability of the offense to pull the guards on a running play, because this would leave one of the defenders unblocked, or, at best, give another lineman a very difficult block to make on one of the defenders. The safety, like the linebacker, can blitz, play man-on-man, play zone, or drop back into deep coverage like a normal safety would do. The 46 is used in heavy run situations to stop the run, when a team wants to bring lots of pressure, or merely to confuse the quarterback and offensive line.

In the 46 both outside linebackers play on the strong side (the side with the tight end). One of the linebackers plays in front of the tight end, while the other linebacker plays on the outside of him. The middle linebacker plays as a traditional linebacker approximately 5 yards off the line of scrimmage, with the strong safety next to him. Buddy Ryan is generally regarded as the originator of this defense, developing it and using it with great success with the 1985 Chicago Bears. It was named in honor of Chicago Bears safety, Doug Plank who wore the number 46. Today this defense is rarely used as a base defense due to the increased use of spread offenses and multiple receiver sets, but it may be used occasionally to confuse the offense.

4-4 defense[link]

This defense is effective at run-stopping but is weaker than a 4-3 defense at pass coverage because it uses only three defensive backs. One of the outside linebackers is usually called into either blitz or pass coverage in order to make up for the missing DB. In the NFL and college, this alignment is used mainly in short yardage situations or near the goal line. It is commonly used in high school football.

References[link]

Notes[link]

Bibliography[link]

• Complete Book of Linebacker Play, Joe Giampalmi, Parker Pub. Co., 1984, ISBN 0-13-157511-2

Casey Christopher Matthews (born January 16, 1989) is an American football linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Eagles in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon.

Early years[link]

Matthews was born in the Los Angeles district of Northridge to parents Clay and Leslie Matthews. He attended Oaks Christian High School in Westlake Village, California. During his junior year he recorded 132 tackles and four quarterback sacks. As a senior he recorded 158 tackles, ten sacks, and two interceptions. The Oak Christian Lions posted a 15-0 record as the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Division III state champions and finished as the sixth-ranked team in the USA Today national rankings. That season he was named a Long Beach Press-Telegram "Best in the West" honorable mention player. As both a junior and senior, Matthews was named an all-Tri Valley League player, defensive player of the year, and all-county player. SuperPrep ranked him among the top-ten linebackers in the state of California and Scout.com ranked him in the top-25 in the nation.^[1]

Matthews was rated a three-star prospect by Scout.com and Rivals.com. He received scholarship offers from Oregon, Arizona State, California, Clemson, Colorado, Georgia Tech, Tennessee,^[2] San Diego State, Utah and Mississippi.^[3]

College career[link]

Matthews attended the University of Oregon where he studied economics.^[1] As a true freshman in 2007, Matthews saw action in the first 11 games including one start against Arizona. He recorded 18 tackles including 11 solo. After suffering a shoulder injury late in the season, he did not play in the game against Oregon State or in the 2007 Sun Bowl.^[1]

In 2008 he played in all 13 games and recorded 67 tackles, including 13 tackles for loss and two sacks.^[4] Matthews compiled a career-high of nine tackles three times, against California, Stanford, and Oklahoma State. He finished as the team's sixth-leading tackler and third in terms of tackles for loss, with 13.0 for 44 yards.^[1] College Football News included him among their "120 Players To Know" and wrote that he is "fundamentally sound, he diagnoses plays well and has a knack for filling the proper lane, a couple of keys to being a successful inside linebacker."^[4] Matthews participated in the 2011 BCS National Championship Game, where Oregon lost to Auburn, 22–19. Matthews recorded a forced fumble against Heisman Trophy winner, Cam Newton, which led to a game-tying score late in the fourth quarter.^[5]

Matthews finished his college career at the University of Oregon with 50 games played, 245 tackles, nine sacks, and four interceptions.

Professional career[link]

Pre-draft[link]

Matthews was projected to be drafted in the third or fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft.^[6]

Philadelphia Eagles[link]

Matthews was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round (116th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft. He was signed to a four-year contract on July 27, 2011. He opened the 2011 NFL season as the Eagles' starting middle linebacker. After two games he was swapped to starting weak-side linebacker and after just one game more he was benched. He became the Eagles starting nickel-linebacker before Eagles Week 14 game at Miami. He recorded his first career sack in that same game.

Personal[link]

Matthews' father, Clay Matthews, Jr., played football as an All-American at USC and had a 19-year professional football career in the National Football League.^[1] His grandfather, Clay Matthews, Sr., and uncle, Bruce Matthews, both played in the NFL as well, and his brother, Clay, was selected in the 2009 NFL Draft.^[4] His brother Kyle was also a walk-on at USC. His cousin, Kevin Matthews, is a center for the Tennessee Titans. His cousin Jake plays Tackle for Texas A&M.

On June 27, 2011, Matthews proposed to his girlfriend, Alyssa Grillo, in Hawaii.

References[link]

External links[link]

• Casey Matthews on Twitter
• Philadelphia Eagles bio
• Oregon Ducks bio
• NFL Combine profile
• ESPN stats
• The sons shine at Oregon, The Register-Guard, December 27, 2007. (Subscription required)
• Matthews and Mates Try to Master Everything, Scout.com, August 14, 2008. (Subscription required)
• This one's a family affair for Matthews, The Register-Guard, October 27, 2007. (Subscription required)
• Middle man, The Register-Guard, April 29, 2009.

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Michael Cornacchia
Michael Cornacchia September 2011
Born	(1975-02-23) February 23, 1975 (age 37) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1998–present

Michael Cornacchia (born February 23, 1975) is an American actor.

Biography[link]

Education[link]

Michael graduated from Conestoga High School in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, and the University of Southern California with a degree in theatre.

Career[link]

He has appeared on television shows including ER, The Practice, Six Feet Under, and CSI: NY. He did a pilot for CBS called, Blind Men and one for NBC called, Spellbound. Michael was also in the famous internet series, Terry Tate: Office Linebacker, which was written and directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber. Michael was also in the Academy Award Nominated Short, Our Time is Up, written and directed by Rob Pearlstein. He appeared as Bobby in David Fickas', Deliverance: the Musical, which was an official selection of the Slamdance Film Fetival. He has also voiced the role of Eddie in the video game version of Reservoir Dogs. Michael is also well known as Jabba the Hutt and Admiral Ackbar in Patrick T. Gorman's critically acclaimed, The Star Wars Trilogy in Thirty Minutes. Some of his voicework includes Bouncing Boy in the 2006 animated series, "Legion of Super Heroes", the voice of Candy from Driver Parallel Lines as well as Frankie the skua in the Academy Award Winning animated film Happy Feet and its sequel. Michael appeared as Burly Bruce Carter in ABC's "Pushing Daisies" and Carter Bump a/k/a, The Cupcake Kid, in ABC's "October Road." Michael plays the security guard chasing after Hannah and Lilly while they drive off with his golf cart in "Hannah Montana: The Movie."

He also guest stars in the episode, "Jake...Another Little Piece of My Heart" as a Las Vegas Cupid Preacher with a New York Italian accent in the 3rd season of "Hannah Montana," the TV series. In the fall of 2009, Michael produced as well as starred in "Grey Skies," a horror film about a group of college friends who reunite to vacation in a remote location only to find that they are not alone. Also in 2009, Michael starred alongside Rhys Darby, Sasha Alexander, and Pam Cook in Edoardo Ponti's comedy, "Coming & Going." Michael's short, "What the F&#$ Was That?!" was also completed in 2009. A short film spoofing the popular ghost hunting shows which Michael directed, starred in, and produced.

In 2012, Cornacchia was cast in the AudioDrop production of Moonie based on Nicola Cuti's classic comic book character.

References[link]

• [1]

External links[link]

• Official Website
• Michael Cornacchia at the Internet Movie Database

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