Isaiah Bruce was one of the few bright spots last season for the Mountaineers. Playing as an inside linebacker, Bruce was able to step up and become a leader on a team that had very few, at least defensively. Now, Bruce will be changing positions, but the move speaks volumes to the growth of this defense.
Bruce will be moving from his familiar spot of inside linebacker to the SPUR linebacker spot. The SPUR position is generally reserved for the most athletic linebacker. Last season, Terence Garvin played the position. Garvin started his career as a safety but moved up as he got bigger and thicker. He’s now playing as an inside backer with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bruce, has been working all offseason to get into top shape. It’s showing now.
“I think I improved pretty well. I got stronger, I got bigger and I got my weight up. I got faster. I just got better in all aspects”, Bruce said at the start of camp.
The move for Bruce will be one that should pay off for West Virginia. The SPUR can rush the quarterback off the edge, step up in outside run protection, and drop back into coverage if need be. It’s sort of the other hybrid position for a linebacker. Instead of stepping up as a defensive end, they can drop back into coverage like a safety.
“I like it. I get to rush a little bit more. I haven’t rushed off the edge since 10th grade,” he said.
Bruce played all 13 games at SAM linebacker last season. He was named to the Freshman All-American team by collegefootballnews.com and foxsports.com. He was also an AP All-Big 12 second team selection. He led the team in assisted tackles with 43, recovered 2 fumbles, picked 2 passes off, and finished second on the team with 94 total tackles. He played a big part in the win over Texas last season, making seven solo tackles, recovering a fumble, and breaking up a pass. He also recorded 16 tackles and recovered a fumble against Marshall to start the season.
His big play ability on defense led fans to chant “Bruuuuuuuuce” after big plays, keeping the tradition alive after Bruce Irvin went to the NFL.
The move also opens up a new question: Who will step up at SAM?
So far, Jared Barber is looking like the key. He’s battled injuries but looks healthy in practice so far this camp. He’s been getting after the quarterback and stepping up in the run game.
The team wouldn’t move their best LB if they didn’t have a plan. Folks, this defense is shaping up. Stay tuned.
