TOWSON, Md. – The linebackers, just like the other units on the defense, are going through a change for the 2017 season.  That change comes from the hiring of new defensive coordinator Lyndon Johnson.  The linebackers get a first-hand approach of the new defensive scheme as Lyndon Johnson serves as the linebackers coach.
 
"The new system makes all of us brand new coming into camp," said Lyndon Johnson. "It is completely new terminology and we are asking some guys to do some new things.  It helps having all of them starting on a clean slate at the position this year, but you always like to have older guys with more experience."
 
On the outside, the Tigers do not have anybody on the roster that has played a collegiate game at that position.  Redshirt sophomore Keon Paye is the most experienced of the players.  Paye played in all 11 games last season, but at safety. 
 
"We have an interesting mix of youth and experience.  Our veteran at the position is Keon Paye and he is just a sophomore," said Lyndon Johnson.  "To be honest, I forget that Keon is only a sophomore because he has been around the team so long and played a lot of football for us. You lose track of that stuff and he actually had to remind me the other day that he is only a sophomore because he doesn't play like that at all."
 
Paye finished his freshman season with 50 tackles and was tied for the team lead with two interceptions.  He even got a chance in the return game, taking a kick back 83 yards for a touchdown against William & Mary.
 
Outside of Paye, the rest of the outside linebackers are freshman.  Redshirt freshman Christian Johnson looks to use the experience he gained during his redshirt season to emerge as the backup to Paye.
 
DyMelle Parker joined the Tigers in January and went through spring practice.  Nygil Johnson comes to Towson after recording 79 tackles and eight sacks at Manchester High School.
 
"DyMelle and Nygil both played outside linebacker in high school and have more experience at the position," said Lyndon Johnson.  "But neither of them have ever played a down of college football."
 
As much inexperience there is on the outside, the inside linebackers have three players that played significant roles over the past two seasons.  But, with the rest of the defense, they will have to learn a new scheme.
 
"They struggled early on picking up the new scheme," said inside linebackers coach Jon Schwartz.  "Because of that they were thinking too much and playing slow.  The more we have gotten into camp they have done a better job.  They are a lot more comfortable and I have really seen the light come on the past few practices."
 
Chris Tedder led the team with 74 tackles last season after being named the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) co-Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2015.
 
Fellow junior Diondre Wallace ranked third on the team with 66 tackles last season.  He also intercepted a pass and forced fumble in the game against South Florida.
 
"Diondre Wallace has done a really good job of becoming a leader of our group, along with Chris Tedder," said Schwartz.  "They have really pushed the guys along during individual drills and are there to pick guys up when our energy begins to waver a little bit."
 
Sophomore Robert Heyward came on strong late in his freshman season to finish with 24 tackles and five tackles-for-loss.
 
"Robert Heyward has had a great camp," said Schwartz.  "He is probably our most sound linebacker at all times."
 
Freshman Abdoulaye Konate joined the Tigers in January and participated in spring drills.  The unit added depth with freshman Marcel Allen and Christian Dixon. 
 
"The young guys have followed along with the older guys leading them," said Schwartz.  "They are asking good questions and should be very good down the road."
 
Individual game tickets for the Battle for Greater Baltimore against Morgan State on Sept. 2 are now on sale.  Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate.  Tickets can be purchased on TowsonTigers.com, or by calling 1-855-TU-TIGER.