Today's W&M football preseason camp update features a preview of the Tribe's linebackers. Head Coach Jimmye Laycock discusses the position group in the video feature available above or by clicking here. Additionally, a written preview is available below.
 
Be sure to visit TribeAthletics.com frequently during the coming weeks, as video features, photo galleries and position previews will be posted regularly on the team's preseason camp central page.
 
 
LINEBACKERS                                  
Perhaps the biggest question mark on the defensive side will come at linebacker, a position that must replace a pair of starters – including two-time team captain and first-team all-conference standout Luke Rhodes. Despite the challenge, defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Trevor Andrews is confident his unit will embrace the opportunity and prove they can excel in increased roles this fall.
            
The most experienced returning player in the group is senior SLB Marcus Harvey (6-2, 210), who has earned 10 starts during the past two seasons despite being limited by injury. A talented playmaker, Harvey possesses the ability to emerge as an all-conference standout this season. One of the league's most explosive playmakers, he is long and athletic with outstanding speed and good ball skills. After posting an outstanding spring, the Great Falls, Va., native appears ready for a breakout senior campaign as long as he can remain healthy.
            
While Harvey has solidified his starting spot, a quartet of players will compete for starting roles at the remaining two linebacker positions.
            
Looking to replace Rhodes, a four-year starter at middle linebacker, will be senior Matt Vlissides (6-0, 225) and redshirt freshman Nate Atkins (6-1, 235). Vlissides earned the majority of No. 1 reps this spring and made tremendous improvement during the practice season. While Vlissides has appeared primarily on special teams during his career, he is a tough, physical player who possesses good quickness. Additionally, he is a good tackler who knows his alignments and assignments.
            
Although he redshirted as a true freshman, Atkins is a talented young player with a high ceiling. While he lacks game experience at the collegiate level, the Roanoke, Va., native is a smart, instinctual player who is a quick learner and sees things on the field naturally. Additionally, he is a physical linebacker and a good tackler.
            
Senior Stephen Lubnow (6-0, 220) and sophomore Josh Dulaney (6-2, 226) both earned starting experience last season and will compete for the primary role at WLB. A steady, reliable player with good instincts, Lubnow earned five starts last fall and ranked fifth on the team in tackles (52). The Falls Church, Va., native plays well in space and can line up in multiple spots on the field. Additionally, he has steadily improved and maximizes his talent and abilities.
            
Dulaney appeared in seven games and earned two starts last season before missing the final five games due to injury. A former scout team defensive player of the year, he is athletic and plays well in space, which was evident when he recorded his first career interception in the narrow setback at Virginia last season. A versatile athlete, the Berryville, Va., native can line up at either of the outside linebacker spots. He focused on being more physical during the spring, and his continued development will be instrumental as he vies to garner significant reps this fall.