Claiborne: Arizona State linebackers show versatility, potential

While Arizona State Sun Devils linebackers coach Chris Claiborne begins his first spring in Tempe, that isn’t the case for his position group.

Rising seniors Merlin Robertson, Darien Butler and Kyle Soelle all bring back starting experience which has solidified the middle of the defense, according to Claiborne.

“They have a chance to be a very special group,” Claiborne said. “The good thing is they’re very interchangeable. … Those guys played multiple positions. So now when we get into our packages, we could mix up the groups. … They’re a very versatile group, I think that moving forward is going to be really good for us.”

Over the past three years, the trio has combined for 408 tackles, four interceptions, 12 sacks and nine forced fumbles.

As a collective group, the three have made marks within the program on and off the field. Robertson was the 2018 Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year while Butler and Soelle were named team captains. Claiborne knows the starting three can produce but thinks the depth of the unit can make them special.

“We got multiple guys, and we have a lot of depth,” Claiborne said. “I think we’re just trying to build that. We had a lot of young kids coming in last year, and they didn’t really get to have a full season. So I’m just looking forward to really developing them and getting them to understand the game.”

Of those young players, Eric Gentry is one who’s stood out. Referred to as “The Freak” in his hometown of Philadelphia, the freshman has showcased potential that Claiborne hasn’t been able to overlook.

“He’s shown some very unique skills, being able to use his length, size, quickness, you know, just getting used to practicing,” Claiborne said. “He has a very high ceiling, I look forward to seeing him develop.

“He’s got great ball skills. … He’s just got to keep getting repetitions and keep going.”

With an established starting three, strong depth pieces to develop and a more normal season approaching, Claiborne believes his guys are poised for a productive 2021.

“We’re pushing to be better at every single thing and being one of the top groups in the Pac-12,” Claiborne said. “Those are the goals we’re reaching for.”