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ELON, N.C. – Leading up to the start of the 2017 Elon University football season, we will provide position previews. This week we take a look at the linebackers who are led by Bryant Haines.

The linebacking corps, which has long been a strong position for the Phoenix program, will feature just one senior and two juniors among the 12 players at the position this season.

Leading the way is Warren Messer who is slated to open the year as the starting middle linebacker. In just eight games last year, Messer amassed 66 total tackles, including 3.5 for a loss and 1.5 sacks. A defensive leader, Messer posted three consecutive games with at least 10 tackles, including a 14-stop performance at Albany.

At the weak-side linebacker position, veteran Johnathan Jackson has the edge on the starting role entering camp. Jackson appeared in 10 games last season, making 45 tackles, including 4.5 for a loss and a sack. As camp began, Cameron Wright was listed atop the depth chart at the third linebacker position. Wright was limited to just two games a year ago, but made two tackles as a true freshman.

Despite being young, Elon's linebackers have some experienced depth. Behind Messer is T.J. Speight who played in every game as a true freshman in 2016. Speight finished his rookie campaign with 19 total tackles, including a season-high eight stops against #14 Villanova. Matt Baker will play behind Jackson. Baker started three games last year on his way to a 47-tackle season. In the Phoenix's win at #8 William & Mary, Baker tallied six solo tackles. Wright sees a pair of young linebackers behind him in Stephen Copeland and Michael Ebaugh. An injury limited Copeland to just two games as a true freshman, while Ebaugh red-shirted in 2016.

One more sophomore is among the group. Ryan Whitehead made two appearances last season, making one tackle.

The freshman class includes four linebackers – Tiras Williams, Zach Stanley, Luke Moore and Quinn Dolan.

Linebacker Personnel
• Matt Baker, Jr. | 6-0 | 226 | Raleigh, N.C.
• Stephen Copeland, So. | 5-11 | 212 | Virginia Beach, Va.
• Quinn Dolan, Fr. | 6-0 | 215 | Richland, N.J.
• Michael Ebaugh, RFr. | 6-4 | 217 | Boone, N.C..
• Johnathan Jackson, Sr. | 6-1 | 224 | Moore, S.C.
• Warren Messer, Jr. | 5-11 | 229 | Garner, N.C.
• Luke Moore, Fr. | 6-3 | 205 | Kirkwood, Mo.
• T.J. Speight, So. | 5-10 | 221 | Wilson, N.C.
• Tyler Stanley, Fr. | 6-1 | 220 | Leesburg, Va.
• Ryan Whitehead, So. | 6-1 | 228 | South Riding, Va.
• Tiras Williams, Fr. | 6-2 | 228 | Anderson, S.C.
• Cameron Wright, So. | 6-1 | 236 | Hudson, N.C.