INDIANAPOLIS – The Butler linebacker corps will look different when the team returns to action after the departure of Mason Brunner and Dan DelGrosso to graduation. Luckily for Bulldog fans, Bradley Magee is set to return to the defensive huddle after starting in six games a year ago. The Bulldogs will also move 2018 PFL Freshman of the Year Mickey Kane to linebacker after spending his first two years on campus at defensive end.
 
"The linebacker position group is led by young guys that have a great approach to get better every day," outside linebacker coach Logan Plumley explained. "They have come in and set the tone with their toughness and physicality. These guys play the game with intelligence and have experience playing in big football games at great high school programs. The older outside linebackers are exactly what you're looking for at the position and raise the standard of what we expect each practice."
 
Kane moves to a new position after starting in all 12 games in 2019. He recorded 17 tackles and two sacks last year with each sack coming at Marist on Nov. 2. Additional season highlights included an interception against Indiana Wesleyan and a season-high four tackles in the season opener vs. #1 North Dakota State at Target Field.
 
Magee will likely see playing time on the outside along with Kane after a promising redshirt-freshman season. The Arlington, Va. native started the first four games of the season before an injury occurred. He bounced back nicely to start in Butler's final two regular season games as well. In total, Magee was credited with 31 tackles and broke up three passes in coverage. He recovered a fumble vs. Valpo on Nov. 16 and would reach a season-high five tackles in games vs. Princeton and Davidson.
 
Malachi Pike and Eloi Bigirimana are also expected to make contributions to the Butler defense once play resumes. Pike played in nine games last year, making nine tackles. Bigirimana was similar with eight games played and seven tackles. Each of those student-athletes along with Michael Wellman will compete for snaps at inside linebacker for BU. Key reserves coming back to the team also include Andrew Reinhard, Mike Wymer, and Carson Kimple.
 
"This year's group is very talented across the board," inside linebacker coach Elijah Ferguson added. "I am excited to see these guys compete every day. We lost a lot of experience, but the positive side is bringing back student-athletes that saw playing time last year. Now it's their turn to challenge each other for a starting role."
 
A large group of newcomers will also learn the defensive system this season and compete for roles. That group consists of Danny Hynes, Luke Doggett, Gabe Hicks, Jack Belskis, Isaac Kolosik, Ryan Tompos, Vince Waters, Charlie Bless, Declan Callahan, Marcos Voulgaris and Jacob Cain.