A reliable estimate of your peak torque during the bench press is 12 repetitions. Thats why I recommend not leaving these things up to chance. He needs to be strong in man coverage and excellent in zone coverage while knowing his responsibilities. The recruit should be able to win with speed, quickness and power as an edge rusher. Some other lifts you can add to your training are power cleans, snatches, jerks, and heavy overhead/bench presses. The recruit must have an instant release off the LOS with low pad level, a burst into the route, one-step cuts, outstanding catching ability and the ability to separate himself from defenders with his speed. However, many players who play this position weigh at least 220 pounds, so they can still be fast enough to cover running backs and tight ends downfield. He also is a key communicator for all the linebackers and defensive linemen, as he calls out formation strength and signals, hence the term "mike" linebacker. Pursues well. [13], The middle or inside linebacker (MLB or ILB), sometimes called the "Mike" or "Mac",[14] is often referred to as the "quarterback of the defense". Middle linebackers are responsible for covering tight ends and running backs downfield, so they need to be able to cover large portions of the field. Unusually built for a middle linebacker at 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, he wreaked havoc as a blitzer, tying for first in the country at his position with 9.5 sacks and finishing third with 39 . Steelers Meeting With Noah Sewell, Who Isn't A Typical Off-Ball Linebacker Manage Settings Though, coaches will consider an athlete with a slower snap time if the athlete is more consistent. This will allow you to read a teammate and react, exactly what a linebackers job is. Could Henry To'oTo'o Solve the Commanders' Coverage Problems at Linebacker? Solid knee bend. Whereas, athletes at larger powerhouse schools might not need to be a multi-year varsity starter to get some looks. Georgia edge rusher Nolan Smith stole the show, but he wasn't alone as a . The average NFL mike linebacker is over 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs over 230 pounds. Thats a massive difference, and clearly not a fair contest! . While quarterbacks have their hands on every play on offense to lead their teams to victory, it's much tougher for players to control the game by sheer force of will. In terms of height, most middle linebackers fall between 6 feet and 6 feet 2 inches tall. Strongest Man Competition (2006) | NFL Pro Bowl Skills Challenge There are two elements I like to focus on throughout the off-season with linebackers. Experience: multiple years competing at All-State level. With the right plan and the right discipline, you can get seriously shredded in just 28 days. [citation needed], The strongside linebacker (SLB) is often nicknamed the "Sam" for purposes of calling a blitz. Strength Training For Linebackers | 4 Tips To Improve Football