Tyler Replogle, one of the two team captains, anchors the linebackers. The senior made 80 tackles last year and added two sacks.

Brandon McGhee is listed as Replogle's backup at strong-side linebacker. McGhee appeared in three games on special teams last year and made two tackles.

Newcomer Jeff Thomas is battling Leon Beckum at middle linebacker. Thomas transferred from Foothill Community College in Los Altos Hills, Calif. He made 104 tackles in 2009 and was rated the fourth-best junior college middle linebacker by Scout.com.

Beckum played in eight games last season. The junior made five tackles.

Chad Sherer and Damon Sims are competing at the other linebacker spot. Sherer made seven tackles in 2009. He appeared in all 12 games at either linebacker or on special teams. Sims was redshirted in 2009. He was a five-time scout team player of the week.

"Replogle is clearly one starter, and then Beckum and Thomas will both play at the other inside linebacker spot," IU coach Bill Lynch said. "Outside, at what we call our Will, Sherer and Sims are still competing and they'll both play there."