Position-by-position breakdown: linebackers

We continue our position-by-position breakdown of the New Mexico State Aggies football team with a look at their secondary.

You can view the other position previews by clicking on the following links: Quaterbacks; Running backs; Wide receivers; Offensive line; Defensive line.

Linebackers
Similar to the front-four, the linebacking unit has to step up if the Aggies expect to be better than a season ago.

Expect Butte Community College transfer Alexander LaVoy to start in the middle. LaVoy is a big body — 6-foot-2, 230 pounds — who shows good footwork and runs well. He made plays in pass coverage during August practices which was a weakness for the Aggie linebackers last season.

LaVoy needs to be a consistent tackler and shed blocks better, although it seems he’s an upgrade at the position.

At weakside linebacker, junior B.J. Adolpho will get the starting nod again. Adolpho was raw last year but also has potential to be a solid player in the Aggie defense.

Sophomore Bryan Bonilla was getting snaps at weakside linebacker during August practices.

Last year’s starting middle Boyblue Aeolua could still see time while sophomores Anthony Joyner and Dylan Davis are expected to push for playing time this year and be contributors.

With the absences at defensive line, Walker indicated the team could play more 3-4 defensive sets this season while the team is expected to blitz more often.