Fall camp preview: Linebackers

Over the next couple of weeks, PowerMizzou.com will get Tiger fans set for fall camp with an in-depth breakdown at every position. We will outline the likely starters headed into fall camp, highlight a few backups who could challenge for a job, and set the scene with the major camp storylines at each spot. This will be a special free series on the site, every day for ten days. Today, we look at the linebackers:

The Starters: Andrew Gachkar will start on one side for the second straight season. With 80 tackles a year ago, Gachkar was second on the team. Replacing Sean Weatherspoon on the other side will likely be Zaviar Gooden, who had 30 tackles, including a big goal line fumble forced against Kansas State. The middle will be interesting. Will Ebner started last year, but Luke Lambert is recovered from surgery and will be in the mix as well.

The Backups: The two in the middle are set and both will play. Along with Gachkar and Gooden outside, Donovan Bonner showed plenty of promise as a redshirt freshman and Josh Tatum should finally be healthy enough to throw his hat in the ring. Add in Andrew Wilson and Missouri may be as deep as it's ever been here.

The Top Story: The obvious thing is how the Tigers replace Weatherspoon. But there is enough depth that it should be something they can do. The story most here will want to follow is the development of Tatum. The former USC signee has been sidelined from the get-go in Columbia with a back injury. Is he full speed? And can he regain the form that had him as one of the nation's most coveted linebackers out of high school?

Nobody covers the Tigers year-round like PowerMizzou.com. We will preview fall camp with daily stories leading up to the first practice on August 5th. If you are not yet a member, just try out our free seven-day trial.