Position Preview: Linebackers

(Photo by Abby Fullenkamp)

Today we are looking at the linebackers with Coach Jimmy Rogers who has now been with the Jacks since 2013 as the linebackers coach.  The Jacks return 5 of their top 6 linebackers from 2017 and have a wealth of talented underclassmen and a couple guys returning from injury who are eager to contribute.  However, the graduation of Tommy Hopp and the injury retirements of Jessup Workman and Noah Urbanek will certainly affect depth and special teams coverage units.  Rogers is proud of this group for the work they have put in and the obstacles they overcame in 2017.  He said that everyone is competing to start and that it will be a battle to start and to make the travel roster.

#2 Christian Rozeboom (6-2, 225), a 2x team captain, returns for his Junior season and is a preseason All-American in every major publication.  In 2017, he continued his incredible pace registering 127 tackles, 1 sack, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3 fumble recoveries and 2 interceptions.  These numbers, combined with his freshman campaign are truly elite.  Rogers wants Rozeboom to continue to learn the game and his recognition of what the offense is doing.  He said that Rozeboom relies on his feel for the game and is underrated in terms of his footwork and physicality.  Rozeboom is fully healthy and has had a great summer.  Expect great things from #2 this season.    

#53 Dalton Cox (6-1, 220) is back for his senior year as a team captain after a breakout junior campaign. Before 2017, Dalton was known for his special teams prowess.  However, after registering 62 tackles everyone has noticed his play on defense.  Dalton plays with tremendous effort and heart.  Rogers said that Dalton is the hardest worker on the team and invests so much time in the film room learning.  He has the ability to play both the middle and weak side linebacker position.   

 #12 Logan Backhaus (6-4, 210) returns after a very successful freshmen season.  Backhaus started as the Sam linebacker from game one last season and recorded 55 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions, and a sack. Rogers thinks that he could have been an all-conference performer had he not suffered from some nagging injuries.  Rogers credits Backhuas with great speed but says he does need to improve his upper body strength.  He also shared that he is maybe the fastest learner that Rogers has ever coached.  Big things are expected this season.  

#31 Eric Kleinschmit (6-2, 220) is a hardworking senior who's leadership and dedication to the team doesn't go unnoticed.  Before injuries slowed his season Kleinschmit was having a great year.  All-in-all he made 46 stops and forced a fumble.  He provides great depth because of his experience, effort, and understanding of the Jackrabbit defense. Rogers complimented Kleinschmit on his commitment and investment into the Jackrabbit football program.

#7 Seven Wilson (5-9, 210) played as a true freshmen in 2017 and it quickly became apparent that he likes contact.  There were ups and downs during the season but Seven finished with 20 tackles and was a key contributor on special teams. Seven is very committed to honing his craft and provides awesome effort.  He will compete for a starting spot this season. 


#46 Preston Tetzlaff (6-2, 215) also suffered an injury in 2017 but is ready to go for 2018.  Rogers described Tetzlaff as a super physical downhill player.  He is 100% healthy and will see action this season because of that physicality.  He knows the position and now just needs live reps.   

#48 Jeremy Christner (6-1, 215) spent 2017 learning a new position and will provide depth and effort on special teams.  Rogers credits Christner for his effort in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the field and there is nothing more that he could ask of him.  His investment has earned him playing time this season.    

#47 Levi Brown (6-4, 210) is now a red shirt freshman who has tremendous potential and reminds Coach Rogers of Derek Domino and if he puts in the time, could exceed that standard.  He is super long and fast and has the potential to be great.  He needs live reps and could compete for a starting spot at the SAM linebacker position with Logan and Seven.  Brown was honored as the scout team Defensive Player of the Year award recipient last season.


#32 Kyle Tuttle (6-2, 205) was having an awesome training camp before suffering a knee injury that cost him the 2017 season.  Tuttle may not be medically cleared when the season kicks off but has worked so hard to return from the devastating injury.  He is running and cutting and progressively getting healthier.  His speed makes him special and his recognition and processing is improving.

#41 Kyle Anderson (6-1, 215) is transferring in from Texas Tech where he red shirted this past season.  He is a big time play maker originally from Texas but  Rogers said that Anderson will have to make it this season via special teams until he can catch up on the mental side of the game.   

The incoming linebackers are #44 Saiveon Williamson, (Waseca, MN), Jaden Snyder (Larchwood, IA), #50 Josh Fenske (New Hampton, IA), #57 Kinser Madison, (Higginsville, MO), and #42 AJ Johnson, (Omaha, NE).  They are all great players in their own right.  Some possess a little more athleticism, some are a little more advanced in their scheme knowledge, while some need some additional time in the weight room.  Look for this group to make big contributions in future seasons.

All in all this is a unit that should be a strength of the defense and has the potential to be the best group of backers SDSU has ever had.  It should also be fun to maybe see new play makers emerge throughout the season.

Here is the preview for the Safeties
Here is the preview for the Cornerbacks

Go Jacks!