North Carolina State University Athletics
NC State Football Prospectus: Linebackers
6/21/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
June 21, 2004
Backing up NC State's talented front line will be a relentless group of linebackers. And just like on the defensive line, the Wolfpack has as much depth as ever before at the linebacker positions.
On the weak side, Pat Thomas (6-2, 230, Sr.) was a second-team all-conference performer last season and the Pack's second-leading tackler with 130 stops. A two-year starter, Thomas led the team in tackles for loss (15) and sacks (8) in 2003.
Stephen Tulloch (5-11, 230, So.) earned a reputation for being a hard hitter and having a nose for the ball during his rookie campaign. He could see action at WIL or in the middle. Often referred to as a faster version of former first-team All-ACC linebacker Dantonio Burnette, Tulloch will be a tough man to keep off the field.
Another senior is listed as the starter at the SAM slot: Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay (6-1, 234, Sr.). The squad's third-leading tackler with 105 stops in 2003, Aughtry-Lindsay may be best remembered for scoring touchdowns on both an interception return and fumble return in the win over Connecticut.
Another hard-hitter, Ernest Jones (6-2, 202, *Fr.), is slated to be the backup on the strong side. Jones played in three games before suffering a season-ending injury last season, but ended up earning a redshirt.
Oliver Hoyte (6-3, 247, Jr.) is a returning starter at middle linebacker and was the team's fourth-leading tackler last season with 97. Pat Lowery (6-2, 232, *So.) who saw action mainly on special teams last season, will serve as the backup at that spot.
"Our seniors need to play the best football of their lives," Amato said, "and I think that Pat Thomas and Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay will step up and do that. We've got depth and we'll have the luxury of moving people around at linebacker this season."
