The Cats have great depth at LB.

The leader of the Tiger-Cats linebacking corps and reining Eastern Division’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player, Simoni Lawrence, is back to anchor the unit that averaged only 21.7 points against last season. However, with Erik Harris heading to the NFL and Taylor Reed departing for the Calgary Stampeders, Hamilton’s starters at the position will have a different look overall.
Lawrence finished second on the team’s tackles list with 80 last season, adding five quarterback sacks, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions. He will anchor a young linebacker group and as many Ticats know, will be sure to make his voice heard this season.
The signing of Alex Hoffman-Ellis during the free agency period in the off-season will add depth and experience to the Tiger-Cats linebacker group, as well as on special teams. Hoffman-Ellis finished his season will the Lions with 57 tackles and 8 special teams tackles.
With the depth the Ticats have in the defensive secondary, Johnny Sears Jr. may fill the outside linebacker position opposite Simoni Lawrence. Having already spent time at the linebacker position, the coaching staff will be confident in Sears filling the role should he be asked to move positions. Sears played all three defensive back positions as well as linebacker while playing for Winnipeg.
Troy Davis may get slotted into a middle linebacker role after taking reps at the position during the team’s mini-camp last month. Previously listed as a defensive lineman, the 6’2, 250-pounder will bring bulk in the middle. Davis spent his time at Central Florida playing both on the line as well as the linebacker position so it’ll be a great opportunity for him to showcase his versatility.
Long time NFLer, Larry Dean, joins the Tiger-Cats. During four years playing for the Vikings and Bills of the NFL, Dean tallied 37 combined tackles and two forced fumbles. Dean will likely compete for the middle linebacker position along with Davis when training camp begins on May 29.
Canadian talent will not be lacking with six nationals listed heading into training camp, many of whom have already spent time impressing the coaching staff on special teams. Training camp will provide the Canadian born linebackers ample opportunity to compete for a starting role when the 2016 season kicks off in Toronto at BMO Field, on June 23.
Fredrick Plesius showed a lot on special teams during his third season with the Ticats in 2015. Plesius would be finished the season with 19 special teams tackles, ranking him first in that team category.
Former Western Mustang, Beau Landry, will look to add to his performance from last year as he enters his third CFL season. Landry ranked second on the team in special teams tackles, tallying up 14 special teams tackles.
Bryon Archambault was Hamilton’s first draft selection of the 2015 CFL Draft being selected in the second round with the 17th overall pick. The Montreal native dressed for nine games for his rookie campaign on route to making six special teams tackles. Arhcambault will be coming off of an injury so may not participate in training camp but will likely be available in time for the season opener.
http://ticats.ca/preseason-primer-linebacker/