R-Sr. linebacker Jeff Gemmell has been a mainstay in the 49ers defense for the last two years. The middle linebacker has been a sort of quarterback for the defensive unit. As the formation flexes to a 4-2-5, the linebacking corps will still be called upon to anchor the defense, which ranked 25th in the nation in overall defense and 11th against the run, last year.
"As a linebacker, we have to be able to make checks, make calls and be able to be that vocal leader for the defense who can talk with the nickels, the safeties and the D-line as well," Gemmell said.