As expected, the San Francisco 49ers' second inside linebacker spot will continue to rotate throughout training camp as the team attempts to figure out who will start opposite NaVorro Bowman. Defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil spoke to the media before practice on Monday and said that the rotation will continue, with Gerald Hodges getting first-team reps on Monday.
He also said that Ray-Ray Armstrong will get first-team reps on Tuesday. Many figure the battle is between Hodges and Michael Wilhoite, the two starters from last season. Wilhoite started the bulk of the season but when he went down with injury, Hodges filled in. But with Armstrong set to get some first-team reps, the battle for a starting job appears to be real.
Wilhoite has at times been a very good player and at other times has looked totally out of his element. When filling in for Bowman and before that, Patrick Willis, Wilhoite impressed by adequately filling the void. But he's one of those players who, the longer he plays, the more the holes in his game become evident.
Hodges, on the other hand, is still an unknown commodity, but one that many have been hyped for recently. After a full offseason with the team, most feel that Hodges will get the starting nod next to Bowman. Fooch predicted as much when he broke down the position earlier in the offseason.
I personally like what Armstrong brings to the table, so this should be interesting.