Player Countdown: No. 2 BUCK Brandon Chubb

The BUCK (outside linebacker) duties fall to RS Junior Brandon Chubb. Chubb has a big first year as a starter, starting all 12 games at inside linebacker. He totaled 88 tackles on the season, ranking 14th in the ACC with 7.3 tackles per game. He also returned a touchdown for an interception against Presbyterian.

In addition to everything he did on the field, Chubb also received the ACC Top Six for Service award for what he did in the community.

Chubb went to Hillgrove High School in Powder Springs, Georgia, where he played defensive end and outside linebacker. He helped Hill grove reach the quarterfinals of the 5A playoffs and was also voted First team All-Region, eventually choosing Wake Forest over Central Florida and Air Force.

This season his position changes a bit, as he switches from an inside linebacker to the BUCK position in the newly installed 4-2-5. This basically means that he is responsible for outside containment in the defense. Based on what I have seen him do at practice this frees him up to roam the field a bit more, read the play, and make more tackles.

He also will be dropping back in coverage more, primarily focusing on the running backs out of the backfield and tight ends. Blitzing will also be a big part of his repertoire, as he has lived in the backfield during the fall practice sessions.

The switch in the defense makes Chubb a player to watch this season. The increased freedom should enhance his numbers across the board and also maximize his talent to be all over the field.

Ideally Chubb's tackles for loss will increase as he is in the backfield more. This is vitally important to replace the sack/presence that Nikita Whitlock demonstrated during his time at Wake Forest.