Typically the saying goes, "If you play two quarterbacks, you really have none."
This maxim is typically true, and it holds true for multiple position groups.
ASU football, however, appears to have found the exception to the rule, as it enters the 2015 season potentially boasting the most depth they've had at the linebacker spot in school history.
As many as eight players could potentially see significant playing time in the team's season opener against Texas A&M, including those who could have an impact at certain positions.
Each linebacker position in head coach Todd Graham's hybrid scheme plays a different role, and here's how things are appearing to shape up at each spot.
"Will" linebacker
ASU released its latest depth chart Monday, listing sophomores DJ Calhoun and Christian Sam as the starters for the position.
The two took slightly different routes to get to this point, with Calhoun playing a significant role in games like USC last season and Sam mostly seeing a role on special teams. Calhoun has been solid throughout camp and also saw some looks at "Sam" with decent success, while Sam (who also has been working at "Sam," has flipped a switch with his level of intensity.
Calhoun is the more consistent presence, but Sam has special athletic ability that could make him a game-changer when locked in. Calhoun finished with 35 total tackles (seven for loss) and two sacks with a forced fumble last season. Sam finished with 16 total tackles (one for loss) and a sack.
Redshirt senior Antonio Longino started at the position last season, and could very well see some time at "Will" as well when not lined up at "Devilbacker."
Longino finished third on the team last season with 94 total tackles (5.5 for loss) and two sacks with a forced fumble.
"Devilbacker"
There may not be a position that is more critical to Graham's hybrid scheme than the "Devilbacker" spot. Despite its importance, the program has been unable to find a consistent performer at the position since Carl Bradford declared for the NFL Draft following the 2013 season, including scrapping the position entirely for a four-man defensive line front at points last season.
The team has thrown several players at the position this fall camp ranging from untapped potential prospects (Ismael Murphy-Richardson), offensive players (Kalen Ballage), true freshmen (Jay Jay Wilson), converted defensive linemen (Joseph "JoJo" Wicker) and players who are moving back to the spot (Antonio Longino).
Longino enters the team's season opener against Texas A&M listed as the starter, with A.J. Latu serving as the backup and Kalen Ballage expected to come in for situational third-down pass rush situations.
The redshirt senior started at "Will" last season, but he worked at "Devilbacker" early during last season's fall camp and will try to assume the role as the team's primary pass rusher off the edge.
"Sam" linebacker
Redshirt junior linebacker Salamo Fiso, who entered fall camp as the near-certain favorite to return for his third season as a starter at the "Sam" linebacker spot. Monday's depth chart also lists Christian Sam as the co-starter.
This, strangely, is by no fault of his own, as Fiso has had another solid camp after finishing last season as the team's fourth-leading tackler with 83 total tackles (11 for loss) and 3.5 sacks and an interception.
Sam has just been that good at "Sam."
Puns aside, Sam has been one of fall camp's most-improved players in utilizing his athletic ability to make plays.
"Spur" linebacker
ASU football lost every single game that then-redshirt sophomore "Spur" linebacker Laiu Moeakiola did not play in or did not start last season. Every game he started and finished ended in a victory.
That stat alone represents Moeakiola's importance to the team's entire defensive scheme, as well as the importance place on the star's health.
The hybrid spot has seen several players try the spot as Moeakiola has dealt with nagging injuries this fall camp, with many of them switching over from other positions.
Redshirt sophomore Marcus Ball, who has dealt with injuries that limited his production in every season with the team, has thrived during fall camp and particularly at Camp Tontozona after making the transition from safety during the spring.
Redshirt sophomore James Johnson started fall camp listed as the team's starting field safety alongside Jordan Simone, but Armand Perry's emergence as a better man cover has boxed him out of the starting spot. Johnson has played well at "Spur," and could spell Moeakiola on obvious passing downs.
The most unexpected name on the "Spur" depth chart is sophomore DeAndre Scott, who at 5-foot-9 is far from the ideal size for the position. However, the special teams captain has earned rave reviews from Graham and the rest of the coaching staff, even going as far as comparing him to a heat-seeking missile.
Related Links:
ASU football amped up heading into season opener against Texas A&M
Reach the reporter at fardaya@asu.edu or follow @fardaya15 on Twitter.
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