Does Indiana have all it needs at linebacker?

Despite the graduation of Forisse Hardin and David Cooper, Indiana's linebacker corps looks as strong as it's ever been under Kevin Wilson.

There is experience and depth at the second level of Indiana's defense, where three of four listed starters are in either their third or fifth years of college. Behind the first group are more veterans, like Dawson Fletcher and Marcus Oliver, and intriguing young players, including Nile Sykes and Greg Gooch.

Indiana's linebacker corps looks sturdy and seasoned, capable of backing up a defensive line that has become arguably the strength of the Hoosiers' defense. If there is to be substantial defensive improvement this season, it will start along Indiana's front seven.

NAMES TO KNOW

Zack Shaw, 6-3, 252 pounds, R-Sr.

Clyde Newton, 6-1, 230, Jr.

T.J. Simmons, 6-0, 233, Jr.

Marcus Oliver, 6-1, 238, R-So.

Greg Gooch, 6-2, 250, So.

Tegray Scales, 6-0, 220, So.

Nike Sykes, 6-2, 242, R-Fr.

ABOUT THOSE YOUNG PLAYERS ...

Scales, who finished with two sacks and three interceptions as a freshman, leads the bunch. He's projected as IU's starting weak side linebacker this fall, and his coverage skills could prove as invaluable as his tackling. But he's hardly alone.

Sykes was supposed to go to Notre Dame, but was released to join IU unexpectedly last summer. A longtime target for Wilson and his staff, he'll back up Shaw at the bandit spot. Gooch posted 11 tackles last season, and has intriguing size for his position.

There are others not mentioned above as well, including redshirt freshman Zeke Walker, and Chris Covington, who played some quarterback before injuring his knee last season.

When players like Simmons and Newton played young, they had to beat out veterans to for their snaps. This fall, there might be one or two fresh faces pushing them.

STRENGTH IN DEPTH

Indiana has experience at linebacker, and potential to grow. It has players tougher against the run, and others athletic enough to protect against the pass (this is crucial, given questions in the secondary).

It might still be off the pace of the Big Ten's best, but this linebacker group -- like Indiana's defensive line -- should be sturdy enough to improve on last season, when the Hoosiers finished 10th in the league against the run.

Veterans like Simmons and Shaw must lead the way. If some of those aforementioned younger players push for more snaps, then IU should be better for it.

OTHER POSITION PREVIEWS

Quarterback

Running back

Wide receiver

Tight end

Offensive line

Defensive line

Follow Star reporter Zach Osterman on Twitter: @ZachOsterman.