Only one player returns at linebacker for the Wildcats in 2018, but he's one of the most talented players on the team. 

Tommy Eichenberg will lend his size, speed, and skills to the linebacker position this year, ready to lead a mostly inexperienced, but hungry, corps of young men. The captain will be the heart of the Linebacker Legion this season.

Eichenberg is not the only playmaker of the group, though, as other talented players join him at the spot. 

The teams' linebackers worked hard during camp. As usual, Defensive Coordinator and Linebacker Coach Ryan Franzinger '02 will employ the Wildcats' patented 3-3-5 defense. That left two starting spots open for the two players most ready and able to perform the job. 

Following weeks of practice, the Solon scrimmage, and the Jamboree game on Friday, Franzinger has settled on his starting three. 

Starting at linebacker next to Eichenberg will be seniors Caden Campolieti and Kyle Sullivan. 

Franzinger is pleased with the work ethic and drive of these two young men. Campolieti originally played quarterback during his sophomore year before the coaching staff suggested the switch last season. Since then, Campolieti has done well in learning the proper technique and grasping the defensive schemes. Sullivan has also worked hard to earned his starting role. 

As of yet, Franzinger has no exact plans on how he will rotate his substitutes. Opponents and schemes will affect playing time, as will performance in practice. Right now, junior Michael McNamara will be the first sub in at outside linebacker. A talented and athletic player, McNamara is a Wildcat to watch this season.

Junior Connor Francz can play at either outside or middle linebacker, giving him a solid shot at earning playing time this year. Aidan Crummie and Kevin Kempffer also occupy the position as juniors. Sophomores Aidan Conway, a plugger at middle 'backer, and Aidan Hubbard, a playmaker on the outside, will also figure in for some time. 

"Overall, I'm happy with where we're at now," said Franzinger. "But until you really pass that test, you shouldn't put too much into your practice, because it's a completely different thing when you're in game conditions. Coaches aren't on the field, you have a crowd, you have lights. Hopefully in a week, I can give the same answer about the defenses and the linebackers."