12 Facts About Weakside linebacker

The middle Weakside linebacker, often called "Mike", is frequently the "quarterback of the defense".

For example, Percy Given of Georgetown is another center with a claim to the title "first Weakside linebacker, " supposedly standing up behind the line well before Schulz in a game against Navy in 1902.

Weakside linebacker starred as a tackle and end, playing off the line in a style similar to that of a modern linebacker.

Outside Weakside linebacker, sometimes called the "Buck, Sam, and Rebel" is usually responsible for outside containment.

Strongside Weakside linebacker is often nicknamed the "Sam" for purposes of calling a blitz.

Weakside linebacker is most often the strongest linebacker; at the least he possesses the ability to withstand, shed, and fight off blocks from a tight end or fullback blocking the backside of a pass play.

The Weakside linebacker should have strong safety abilities in pass situation to cover the tight end in man on man situations.

Weakside linebacker should have considerable quickness to read and get into coverage in zone situations.

Weakside linebacker is usually chasing the play from the backside, so the ability to maneuver through traffic is a necessity for the Will.

The outside Weakside linebacker's job is to cover the end to make sure a run does not escape and to watch the pass and protect from it.

The middle Weakside linebacker's job is to stop runs between the tackles and watch the entire field to see the play develop.

The weakside inside linebacker is typically called the "Will, " while the strong side or middle inside linebacker is called the "Mike".