With the losses of Tedy Bruschi and Chuck Osborne on the defensive line, Arizona's strength on defense may have shifted to linebacker.

The pivotal performer at the linebacker spot will be sophomore Chester Burnett (5-foot-10, 219-pounds). Last season, Burnett emerged in the second half of the season and gave Arizona some more speed and quickness at the inside linebacker spot. He had 58 tackles, including 3 1/2 for losses, and one fumble recovery. The highlight of his season came when he recorded a key sack against California, helping the Wildcats hold off the Golden Bears.

"Next season, I hope to be in every down. I don't want to come out," Burnett said. "Right now I'm trying to work on my reaction time. Last season, I thought about things too much. I need to just go out and play."

Another experienced performer returning will be sophomore Mike Szlauko (6-3, 230). Splitting time at the inside linebacker spot, Szlauko recorded 46 tackles, including four for losses, and one sack. He also proved to be an asset in coverage with five passes deflected and one interception.

"The two guys we will be depending on from the start will be Chester Burnett and Mike Szlauko," said UA defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Larry Mac Duff. "We might not have a great deal of experience, but we do have some talented athletes."

With the departure of Charlie Camp, who was the leader of the linebackers on and off the field, the linebacking corps is hoping they can re-establish themselves as the strength of the defense.

"We're still trying to earn that spot," Burnett said. "Our concern right now is to fit together as a unit and fill out the holes we have."

Junior Armon Williams (6-1, 223), sophomore Jimmy Sprotte (6-2, 235) and junior Scott Sanders (6-1, 218) are the three returning players that have some experience in the linebacker spot. Williams, the top candidate, was known better last season for his efforts on the special teams, where he earned Pacific 10 Conference special team player of the week for a blocked punt.

The final linebacker spot might be filled by one of Arizona's three young players. Freshman DaShon Polk (6-3, 210) heads this group and has already made a positive impression on the coaches this spring. Polk, Blue Chip Illustrated's No. 5 linebacker in the West, was originally recruited to be a strong safety, but has since been moved back to his natural position. Freshmen Dolphin Tillman (6-2, 228) and Marcus Bel (6-2, 210) are also candidates.

"What we need is for DaShon, Marcus or Dolphin to step up and want to be one of our three linebackers," Mac Duff said.