Depth is a major concern for the 2009 Auburn linebacker corps. If the returning players can stay healthy, the unit will be an asset to the Tigers' defense.

For the last few seasons, depth has been a problem at the linebacker position for Auburn. In 2009, depth will be an issue again with Chris Evans and Merrill Johnson graduating. Also gone is Tray Blackmon, who is now playing for the CFL after a disappointing career on the Plains which was plagued by injuries and suspensions. Josh Bynes (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) Defensive coordinator Ted Roof will also handle the coaching duties at linebacker. A former All-ACC linebacker at Georgia Tech, Roof has had great success with getting the linebackers to overachieve at his previous coaching stops. Roof will have a nice group of linebackers to work with this year at Auburn, but if one of the starters goes down with an injury, it could mean plenty of sleepless nights for the first-year coach. Auburn returns just three players with some playing time experience, junior Josh Bynes, junior Craig Stevens, and sophomore Spencer Pybus. Bynes made 53 tackles and intercepted three passes last year after taking over for an injured Blackmon. Bynes will mostly anchor the middle but will be asked to play on the outside some. Now a full-time starter, Bynes will be counted on to run and lead the defense. Stevens is back as the starter on the strong side. He finished fourth on the team with 54 tackles as a sophomore. Once the season gets started, Stevens is expected to force turnovers and come up big when the game is on the line. Eltoro Freeman (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) The starter on the weak side will be a battle between Pybus and junior college transfer Eltoro Freeman. Freeman participated in spring practice and was impressive. Although he has average size, his speed and toughness gives him an advantage over Pybus. If Pybus doesn't win the job on the weak side, he'll still see plenty of playing time at either outside spot. Last year as a true freshman, he made 14 tackles with a tackle for loss on the strong side. The top reserve is sophomore Adam Herring. Herring was mostly used on special teams last year but with depth a major problem, he will have to be ready if one of the starters goes down. Phil Marion Next week: Defensive Backs Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers Running Backs Offensive Line and Tight Ends Defensive Line