I wouldn't count on the guys at the end providing much support. We just played 2 easy games and they barely saw the field rather than getting meaningful game reps which should tell you all you need to know. I think Alaka is going to be very good but he'll play a Shaan Washington type role this year with limited time. SAM is a tough position

I'm not sure when Shaan will be back. I hope this week so he gets some pt before Arkansas but I've heard nothing. As TexasAg13 said, Mastro is a non-issue. He's being held out purely to avoid reaggravating. Assuming both are on the field, our rotation would be something like:

4-3
WLB - Shaan, Bass
MLB - Mastro, Bass/Walker (think Bass would come on first right now but that may change as season progresses)
SLB - Baggs, Alaka

Heavy Nickel
ILB - Mastro, Bass
ILB - Shaan, Sanders

3-3 Stack
WLB - Shaan, Bass
MLB - Mastro, Bass
Jack - Baggs, Shaan (with potentially him being 1st team here and Bass at WLB)

We're not deep with LBs that our coaches trust. Sanders may well have a role down the line, but agree he was dreadful against Rice. You mention run defense, but he also screwed up his assignment twice badly in coverage.

For as much as Hagen has done with Mastro, Baggs, and Hilliard, the play of several others makes it fairly clear how bad of a hand he got dealt. I know a lot of people here were quick to praise Wally's efforts at Tech last year, but looking at their defense now and the list of LBs he recruited here....