Gophers’ Linebackers: Will 2024 Show Improvement After 2023 Struggles?

Last Season’s Struggles

Lack of Experience

The Gophers' linebackers struggled mightily in 2023.

Due to injuries, many of the starters were underclassmen with little to no experience.

Najee Smith, a redshirt freshman, lead with 73 tackles but was often injured and frequently rotated out throughout games due to cramps and indecisiveness.

Missed Tackles

The Gophers also struggled to make tackles in 2023, missing a total of 103 tackles, which was the second-most in the Big Ten.

This was due in part to the lack of experience, but also to poor tackling technique.

The Gophers' linebackers often took poor angles and failed to wrap up ball carriers.

Communication Issues

Finally, the Gophers' linebackers struggled to communicate with each other in 2023.

This led to confusion and missed assignments.

Reasons for Optimism in 2024

Despite the struggles of 2023, there are reasons for optimism in 2024.

Returning Starters

The Gophers will return all of their starting linebackers from 2023.

This means that they will have a year of experience under their belts and should be more comfortable in their roles.

Improved Coaching

The Gophers hired Joe Rossi as their new defensive coordinator in 2023.

Rossi is a veteran coach with a proven track record of success.

He should be able to help the Gophers' linebackers improve their tackling technique and communication.

Recruiting

The Gophers have recruited a talented group of linebackers in recent years.

This includes four-star recruit Austin Booker, who is expected to make an immediate impact in 2024.

Conclusion

The Gophers' linebackers struggled in 2023, but there are reasons for optimism in 2024.

The Gophers have a talented group of linebackers, a veteran defensive coordinator, and a strong recruiting class.

If the Gophers' linebackers can stay healthy and improve their tackling technique and communication, they should be a much-improved unit in 2024.