The Tigers have three practices scheduled for this week as they continue through the spring practice session, which will run through April 4. Today we highlight the linebackers as one of the positions that return quite a few contributors from the 2011 season. This group also has consistency with its coaching staff as Galen Scott was retained when Coach Justin Fuente took over the program. Scott is in his third season guiding Tiger linebackers and coached previously with Fuente at Illinois State.

The Tigers utilized two linebackers for much of 2011, as Kenyata Johnson and Terrence Thomas started all 12 games. Thomas graduated and several Tigers are battling this spring to fill the role. Johnson was third on the team in tackles with 72 stops, 42 of which were solos. He also had an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Charles Harris played in all 12 games as a true freshman and logged 33 tackles and a blocked kick. Khiry Battle posted five tackles in 10 games and Chris Bertucci tallied 23 tackles in 12 games. Ricky Holloway returned to the defense after working as a tight end in 2011. He primarily saw action on special teams last season, but is working again at linebacker this spring.

Other Tigers battling for a spot in the lineup include Kevin Green, Reggis Ball and Tank Jakes. Green and Ball redshirted as true freshmen in 2011, while Jakes is a mid-year signee out of Holmes CC.

Check out the video interviews below of returnees Charles Harris and Khiry Battle, and Coach Galen Scott.