With practice under way we continue to take a look at each position group heading into the spring game. Today we will take a look at the linebackers.

There was a time when the linebacker position was lacking depth and talent, luckily for Frank Wilson that is not the case any longer. UTSA has two of the best linebackers in the conference in Josiah Tauaefa and La’kel Bass, for them it will be about getting bigger, stronger, faster, so they can build on their terrific 2016 season. The storyline here is Les Maruo and the other linebackers that will get playing time this year. UTSA has lacked the depth necessary to win close games. Linebacker seems to have been taken care of depth wise.

I do not think anyone could have predicted the 2016 season Tauaefa had. The standard has been raised in 2017, he will be expected to produce at a high level every game. Teams will game plan around him to reduce his effectiveness. He is too good in my opinion to have the dreaded sophomore slump, but do not be surprised to see his numbers dip a bit.

This spring Tauaefa just needs to get bigger and faster. He struggled a bit in pass coverage last season, so improving his speed while gaining muscle mass will be important.

The most underrated player on UTSA’s defense without a doubt. Bass had a huge impact in the success of UTSA’s defense. He led the team in tackles for a loss with 11 and was the team's second leading tackler with 87. I think the duo of Bass and Tauaefa will surpass their production from last year, except I think Bass will lead the team in tackles in 2017.

UTSA has some solid depth at linebacker this season even without the linebackers that arrive this fall. Les Maruo returns after an injury that prevented him from playing last year. Marcos Curry returns for his senior season. Anthony Hickey will also return for his senior year.