Earned first varsity letter in 2008 after providing a notable impact to the Pirates' special teams and defensive units ... Originally arrived as a transfer walk-on in the fall of 2007 before rapid development and a tireless work ethic enabled play in all 14 games a year ago ... Described as an "old-school" performer who plays assignments and offers a dedicated and relentless approach to the game ... Continued growth has earned a place among defensive depth chart at one of the outside linebacking positions to open the 2009 campaign, yet should be counted on again to provide service as a top-tier member of the special teams squad ... Booked seven stops in the first spring scrimmage (4/4) before totaling four and a quarterback pressure in the second contest (4/8) ... Added another four stops and a quarterback pressure during the Purple-Gold Game (4/18). 2008: Rated as perhaps one of the most pleasant surprises for the Pirate special teams and defensive units ... A former walk-on who played in all 14 games and made two starts (UAB, UTEP) ... Tallied a total of 18 tackles, 13 coming as solo hits ... Also recovered a fumble against UCF (on-side kick that was officially credited as a recovery) ... Logged a career-best six stops against UTEP in regular season finale at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium ... Other multi-tackle efforts came vs. N.C. State (three) and UAB (two) in first start ... As previously mentioned, served as special teams stalwart - topping the unit with nine stops ... Recorded at least one tackle in 10 games ... Experienced first collegiate action against No. 17 Virginia Tech in season opener and recorded a special teams tackle ... Returned two kickoffs for 25 yards as an up-back ... Had one return for a personal-long of 14 yards vs. Memphis before adding an 11-yarder vs. Marshall during Homecoming clash ... Added a tackle as a reserve linebacker vs. Tulsa in the Conference USA Championship Game. 2007: A walk-on who earned roster position at the close of preseason camps ... Did not experience game-day action but was a valuable member of the scout team. 2006: A member of the Brevard (N.C.) College Tornados football program during its transition from the NAIA to the NCAA level. High School: A football letterman for the Falcons at Southeast Guilford High School. Personal: Full name is Dustin Michael Lineback ... Born June 8, 1988 ... A communications major. |
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