Southern Utah University defensive coordinator Cole Wilson heaped plenty of expectations on the 2007 group of T-Bird linebackers when he compared them to Nick DiPadova, Marques Harris and Mike Overly — arguably the three top linebackers to play in Cedar City at the same time.
"I think we have a comparable unit this year to the guys we had in 2004," Wilson said.
Wilson, however, has good reason to draw the comparison.
Senior La'Var Porter tied for the team lead in tackles with 74, including three tackles for loss and 2 1/2 sacks.
Sophomore Robert Takeno was second on the team with 73, and T.J. Tabatabai seventh with 37, while Robert Bala added 17.
"La'Var, Bala and T.J. are all seniors who need to take charge at the position," Wilson said.
Add in Zach Samorano, a junior college transfer from Arizona Western Community College, and the T-Birds are only stronger at that position.
"We have as much depth as we had that year, and this group has the potential to have that kind of season," Wilson said.
DiPadova, Harris and Overly were the T-Birds' three top tacklers in combining for 265 tackles, 48 tackles for loss and 18 1/2 sacks in 2004.
Samorano, who recorded 40 tackles and two sacks at Arizona Western, will start at outside linebacker when the T-Birds travel to Montana on Saturday.
Bala and Takeno were in a neck-and-neck race for the starting position at middle linebacker, but Takeno won out and will start.
Tabatabai will start at the other outside linebacker.
"T.J. should be a force," Wilson said.
Porter, who suffered a broke leg in 2005, is listed as a backup for Montana, but he should see considerable time.
"La'Var is finally over (a broken leg), and we expect him to have a big year," Wilson said.
Drew Rykert, a sophomore from Lone Peak High School, is listed as a backup at outside linebacker.
E-mail: jhinton@desnews.com