Well, bow linebacker Francis Bernard decided to redshirt a week before the opener and eventually asked for his release from the program, hard-hitting middle linebacker Butch Pau’u battled injuries for the second straight season and seemed to wear down later in the year. Only flash linebacker Fred Warner lived up to expectations, and the four-year starter likely will be the only Cougar selected in the NFL Draft later this month.
The 2018 crew of linebackers enters the season of redemption, or so the Cougars hope, with lower expectations but plenty of promise, coach Kalani Sitake said Monday.
Speedy senior Zayne Anderson has been moved from safety to Warner’s old spot, Pau’u finally is healthy and energized after being challenged to become more of a leader, and defensive end Sione Takitaki is the projected starter at bow, the outside linebacker spot opposite the flash in defensive coordinator Ilaisa Tuiaki’s system.