Depth Assessment: Linebacker

LAST SEASON
With the departure of 2018’s leading tackler Larry Dean in the offseason, the Ticats linebacking corps will take a bit of a different shape in 2019. There will be plenty of talented familiar faces (and some new ones) lining up at linebacker in Hamilton this season.
IN:
Justin Tuggle – Signed Feb. 19, 2019
Rico Murray – Signed Feb. 14, 2019
OUT:
Larry Dean – Free Agent
Don Unamba – Free Agent
LINEBACKER ROOM

*SAM linebacker which is considered a defensive back spot, is covered in this depth assignment.
SIMONI LAWRENCE
Last year’s second leading tackler is returning for his eighth  CFL season and seventh in Hamilton. Lawrence made 17 starts and played in all 18 games registering 68 tackles and three sacks. The 30 year old import will likely man the outside linebacker spot in 2019.

JUSTIN TUGGLE
After spending the past two seasons in Toronto, Tuggle made the move down the QEW to the Hammer. Tuggle had 63 total tackles last year and got to the quarterback three times and forced two fumbles. He looks to be the favourite to replace Larry Dean at the middle linebacker position.

NICK SHORTILL
Shortill is going into his third season in Hamilton after being acquired via trade in 2017. Last year Shortill played in seven games, and recorded four tackles on special teams. This season, he’ll look to make an impact at linebacker as well as on special teams.

RICO MURRAY
Murray returned to Hamilton this offseason, after spending the past two seasons in Toronto and Ottawa. He was previously with the Ticats from 2013 – 2016, where he played in 50 games, had 180 tackles and nine interceptions. As for last season, Murray was a beast. Playing in 18 games, he recorded 55 tackles and was tied for the league lead with five interceptions. Murray is yet to report to Ticats camp as he attends to a personal matter. However, when he gets here, he’ll look to slide into the SAM linebacker spot.

In Murray’s absence look for Demontre Hurst or Darius Allensworth, who have been getting reps at camp, to carry the load at the SAM linebacker spot. As for the other linebacker spots, Tyrice Beverette, Chris Frey, Lukas Korol, Jay Langa (covered in Depth Assessment: Special Teams), Darnell Leslie, Curtis Newton and Lucas Wacha (also covered in special teams) will round out the guys competing for the rest of the roster spots.