Eighth in a series highlighting each position for the 2018 Morehead State Football program. - Quarterbacks - Receivers - Running Backs - Defensive Line - Tight Ends - Defensive Backs - Special Teams

MOREHEAD, Ky. -- Morehead State's linebacking corps appears ready to rise to the occasion in 2018.

"I am really excited about this young group," said linebacker coach Andrew Strobel. "We don't have any seniors, but they do have a lot of playing experience."

The starters are slated in as junior Kordell Brown (Washington, D.C.) and junior Beau Griego (Florence, Ariz.) with junior Jerome Brooks and sophomores Cameron Barrett (Dayton, Ky.) and Jack Meyer (Cincinnati, Ohio), along with freshman Justin Benvie (Prosper, Texas) rounding out the top six 'backers.

Brown came up with 55 tackles in 2017, while Brooks had the same but also stopped 8.5 in the backfield. Meyer registered 22 stops in 2017, while Barrett played on special teams some as well and notched 11 tackles.

Griego is a transfer from Pima (Ariz.) College and had four fumbles forced in two seasons.

"Kordell Brown and Jerome Brooks are both proven linebackers who provide leadership to the linebacker group," added Strobel. "Cam Barrett and Jack Meyer both played a little last year, and they look to have a bigger role this year. I am really excited about Beau Griego who provides us with some speed at the position. Justin Benvie comes to us from Texas and has shown a lot of promise during his first couple weeks on campus. He is a big, strong and physical kid."

Strobel added that the linebackers are focusing on a area where the Eagles know they need improvement - stopping the run.

"As a group we have come a long way from spring ball to where we are now in preseason," he said. "We are continuously working on being a dominate run-stopping defense."

Morehead State opens the season Thursday at Eastern Kentucky. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. ET.