NC State LB Deph Chart for Troy

NC State released the linebacker depth chart for the Troy game today.

As expected, RS Sophomore Jerod Fernandez and Sophomore Airius Moore are the starters at linebacker. Fernandez was an honorable mention for CFN’s Freshman All-American team last season. He ranked 2nd on the team in tackles (78), and led the team in tackles per game (6.5). Moore was so good in a reserve role last year, that he forced his way into he starting lineup in 4 of the last 6 games. Moore and Fernandez both played middle linebacker last year, but the coaches moved Moore to weakside linebacker this season to get them both on the field at the same time.

RS Junior M.J. Salahuddin will be the backup at MLB. Salahuddin was forced to redshirt last season after tearing his ACL in Fall camp. In his Sophomore season he started in 5 games. Doeren has said that Salahuddin is where they want him to be at this point, and has a great knowledge of the schemes, having played MLB and WLB for them.

RS Sophomore Ernie Robinson III played in 9 games last season, but a majority of his action was on special teams. He only played 18 snaps at linebacker. He is he backup weakside linebacker.

RS Sophomore Ford Howell originally was committed to be a part of NC State’s 2013 recruiting class, before decommitting, and ultimately committing to Wake Forest. After redshirting one year as a Demon Deacon, Howell transferred and played Junior College at Iowa Western last year. He had 67 tackles including 7 tackles for loss, and ultimately helped lead them to the NJCAA National Championship game. Howell righted his wrongs and finally made his way to Raleigh. He now is the 3rd string MLB.

True Freshman Riley Nicholson enrolled early and participated in Spring and Summer drills. There has been a positive buzz about Nicholson all Fall camp, and he was selected as one of the 6 Freshman to represent the rest of the Freshmen on the Leadership Council. He is the 3rd string weakside linebacker.