Villanova's linebacker corps were greatly depleted by graduation at the end of the season. Along with runningbacks, the linebackers were a top-priority for Talley and Co. on signing day, with a need to replace the production of Terrence Thomas and Marquis Kirkland. With four additions it is safe to say that the stable has been restocked.
Dillon Lucas
Dillon Lucas, LB: Lucas only just signed his National Letter of Intent, but he's already thinking about helping the Wildcats fill the trophy case, telling Mike Kern, "I'm thinking about what we need to do to get back to the national championship."
While schools like Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Penn State and Temple all wanted to talk to Lucas, his scholarship offers came from Villanova, Buffalo, Duke, James Madison and Youngstown State. He chose Villanova because he felt that the school's prestige and the program's goal of winning championships was a good fit.
He is a tough player with range as a linebacker at 5'11" and 220lbs. He demonstrates a lot of agility and is capable of taking on blockers and moving through traffic. He is a hard-hitting tackler who punishes ball-carriers not unlike the Ventrone brothers.
As a freshman Andy Talley listed him as a candidate for immediate playing time as a either a starter or back-up, and while his bulk is an issue, it is likely less so at the FCS level.
Corey Majors, #23
Corey Majors, LB: Likely another candidate to compete for playing time as a freshman, Majors was subject to some speculation last week after his name was initially left out of from the press release announcing the signing class. A rumor spread that Majors would attend prep school instead of enrolling at Villanova. His name was eventually added to the release, however, with no explanation.
Majors is the top-rated linebacker in this group that included the 50th, 61st and 68th rated players in the nation on Scout.com. He chose Villanova over scholarships at Temple, Rutgers, Pittsburgh and Minnesota.
At 6'0" and 230lbs, the Big 33 selection played both linebacker and fullback in high school. He has proven himself tough to contend with in the middle of the field. He has a good nose for the ball and is capable of covering a tight end downfield.
He plans to enroll in the Communication department.
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Joey Harmon, LB: At one point a verbal commit to New Hampshire, Harmon had a late change of heart. He wanted to be a Wildcat, but a different kind. He is another hard-hitter, rated two-stars by rivals.com
He was All-New England and All-Erickson League as a linebacker in 2010. He possesses a lot of athleticism and is able to use that to his advantage in catching offensive players.
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Reggie Paris, LB: Played both linebacker and tight end in high school, but may try to gain weight and move to defensive end at Villanova. He also had options to play basketball in college.