#154 - Marcus Freeman, LB

[Ed Hochuli 3:16]

OLB from Ohio State.

 

Good value.

[Clawhammer]

Bio and stuff to follow...

 

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/mar...reeman?id=80642

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBMabHxe7kc

 

http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/ViewArtic...p;Q_SEASON=2008

[DaBearSox]

Good value.

 

true

[BearSox]

real good value here and fits our scheme.

[HoofHearted]

Damn fine LB spect for our system. Another very athletic player who can play any of the three spots. Really stood out to me as the far rangier and more of the playmaking type LB compared to the uber solid Laur in OSU's corps. Would have preferred Spillman based on need, but you really can't argue with the awesome value here.

[GrizzlyBear]

"Overview

Teaming with middle linebacker James Laurinaitis, Freeman helped lead a defensive unit that has ranked among the nation's elite ever since he moved into the starting lineup as a sophomore. In his three years in the lineup, the Buckeyes have ranked fifth in scoring defense in 2006 (12.77 ppg), led the nation in total defense (233.0 ypg) and scoring defense (12.77 ppg) in 2007 and gave up just 293.77 yards per game while placing sixth nationally in scoring defense (13.92 ppg) during his senior campaign.

 

 

 

While Freeman may not have garnered the national attention afforded Laurinaitis and cornerback Malcolm Jenkins, the OSU coaching staff regarded Freeman as its most important defensive player. He not only brought classic tackle technique, quickness, power and intelligence to the field, but he was also one of the most versatile linebackers in the country. During his career, Freeman has performed at all three linebacker positions, having also started on the strong side as a sophomore before establishing himself as the premier weak-side linebacker in the Big Ten Conference during his final two campaigns.

 

 

 

Freeman was rated as one of the top three overall prospects in Ohio as a senior at Wayne High School, earning Parade All-American honors as a senior. The four-year starter was also a two-time All-Ohio first-team selection. As a senior, he recorded 127 tackles, four sacks, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He also totaled 152 tackles, including 29 behind the line of scrimmage, and eight sacks as a junior. In addition to lettering in football, he competed in the 4x100-meter relay and threw the shot and discus for the school's track team.

 

 

 

Freeman was the top recruit in Ohio State's 2004 class. He appeared mostly on special teams as a true freshman, posting four tackles (one solo). He was scheduled to be the top reserve at outside linebacker in 2005, but in the season opener vs. Miami (Ohio) he suffered a knee injury that would sideline him for the year, earning a medical hardship.

 

 

 

In 2006, Freeman replaced a departed Bobby Carpenter at strong-side outside linebacker, starting 11 of the 13 games he played in. He finished tied for second on the team with 71 tackles (34 solos), adding one sack and 2.5 stops for loss. He intercepted a pair of passes and deflected six others.

 

 

 

Looking to free up their fastest linebacker, Freeman shifted to the weak side upon the graduation of Larry Grant. He earned second-team All-Big Ten Conference honors in 2007, also picking up Academic All-Big Ten accolades. He registered a career-high 109 tackles (66 solos), second on a team that led the nation in total defense and scoring defense. His 9.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage and two forced fumbles saw the Buckeyes finish third in rush defense (82.85 ypg).

 

 

 

Freeman was again named Academic All-Big Ten Conference and second-team All-Big Ten as a senior. He placed second on the team with 84 tackles (39 solos) while starting all 13 games from weak-side linebacker. He broke up four passes and recovered a fumble while also coming up with 3.5 sacks and 9.5 stops for loss."

 

NFL Bio shows mucho potential.

[Stinger226]

Damn fine LB spect for our system. Another very athletic player who can play any of the three spots. Really stood out to me as the far rangier and more of the playmaking type LB compared to the uber solid Laur in OSU's corps. Would have preferred Spillman based on need, but you really can't argue with the awesome value here.

ran a 4.51 at his pro day, and 37 inch vertical. Productive, and was suggested to go in the late 2nd or early 2rd.

[AZ54]

The bio sounds a lot like Lance Briggs.

[ASHKUM BEAR]

The bio sounds a lot like Lance Briggs.

 

I haven't looked too much at Freeman since I was looking more into Follett/Beckwith as LB options, but I'm starting to think he may be one of the steals of the draft. I was also kind of mad about passing on DE Michael Johnson as I think he could be turned into a feared pass rusher, but will with hold judgement until we see how Gilbert and Melton turn out.

[DABEARSDABOMB]

Sounds like the guy takes a few plays off but has very good athletism and potential to be a starter. Man, the Bears definately got athletes, now its up to the coaches to further develop them and turn them into NFL starters one day.