Auburn Football: Defensive Depth Chart Projections – Weak Side Outside Linebacker
Sep 27, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers linebacker Justin Garrett (26) closes in on Louisiana Tech Bulldogs running back Kenneth Dixon (28) during the first half at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Justin Garrett
Williams’ top competition at weak side linebacker is Justin Garrett. Entering his senior season, the Tucker, Georgia native will have an opportunity to prove his experience and maturity can overcome the pure talent Williams possesses and gives the Tigers the best chance to win.
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Of course, Garrett is plenty talented as well.
Garrett played linebacker and Star (a safety/linebacker hybrid) for Ellis Johnson last season, though now that the Star position has been replaced in the Auburn defense, Garrett won’t have to pull double-duty anymore. But the reason he played both positions was an attempt by former defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson to get his best players on the field.
“You can’t have Justin Garrett sitting on the sideline for 55 snaps,” Johnson said in October. “We’re trying to find a way to get the best 11 on the field on any one play.”
Garrett started the season opener against Arkansas because Robenson Therezie was in limbo with an eligibility issue until the day before the game, and he started the Outback Bowl as well. The 6-foot-1, 224-pounder played in all 13 games in 2014 in which he recorded 17 total tackles, half a tackle for a loss, a pass breakup and four quarterback hurries.
Next: Derrick Moncrief