Linebacker

[GoSU96]

Here’s the unit at the moment.

LB

Heard, David O, and ZMG are all young guys. Not sure why they should be written off yet. Lesaine has good size.

Sparrow is a vet.

McDonald has to get back some burst, he had a really bad knee injury and it affects him playing in space. He was good in the 3-3-5 because he didn’t have change direction as much and move laterally. Don’t know what he can do to improve physically. That’s six guys in there second year here. The fact that they only brought in two LB’s in this class indicates they aren’t overly concerned.

Other than Deslauriers not sure if any of the others can contribute this year.

6	James Heard	LB	6/2	228	So
15	Derek McDonald	LB	6/4	232	Sr.
12	Anwar Sparrow	LB	6/1	223	Sr.
18	David Omopariola	LB	6/3	244	So
22	Zyian Moultrie-Goddard	LB	6/0	234	So
28	Jahide Lesaine	LB	6/4	239	Rfr
33	Caden Brown	LB	6/3	204	So
45	Fatim Diggs	LB	6/2	219	Rfr
54	Jayden Brown	LB	6/2	208	Rfr
	Antoine Deslauriers	LB	6/2	225	Fr
	Trey Dudley	LB	6/1	205	Fr
	Fran Brown, Jr	LB	5/11	210	So

 

[AngryOtto]

David O and Lesaine may grow into DE before next season. With their height could get up to 260 to 265. If they could get to 255 and keep their speed would be great on delayed LB blitz if Robinson would call the play. Brown needs to add at least 20 pounds. I suspect he will be up to at least 225 - 230 by camp. I think the staff would like all the LBs to be around 235 to 240 or bigger.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

Deslaurier is going to get some snaps. I refuse to believe otherwise.

 

[Shrmdougluvr]

Is the kid from Buffalo looking to portal out? He was MAC player of the year.

 

[PhatOrange]

David O looks like a nice OLB going forward.

 

[phil77]

Need multiple in the portal. Sparrow and McDonald are not starters.

 

[hoopsupstate]

Deslaurier is going to get some snaps. I refuse to believe otherwise.

He has the body that most freshmen don’t have. Is he enrolling in January?

 

[OttoinGrotto]

He has the body that most freshmen don’t have. Is he enrolling in January?

I think he is.

But even if not he's a mutant.

 

[RMH44]

Is the kid from Buffalo looking to portal out? He was MAC player of the year.

Gill? He is a safety recovering from MCL injury. He should be a stud next year.

 

[Shrmdougluvr]

Gill? He is a safety recovering from MCL injury. He should be a stud next year.

I’m sorry. What I wrote was confusing. This past year, UBuffalo had a stud linebacker. I was wondering if anyone knows if he is seeking greener pastures?

Edit: this kid. Dolac Named Consensus All-American - University at Buffalo

 

[anomander]

David O seemed to be playing DE most of the time and is looking like someone that can break out next year.

LB I’m at a loss. I loved Sparrow in the 3-3-5 but he and McDonald showed their weaknesses when forced to drop back in coverage this season. Both seemed a step or 2 slow. Maybe it’s the new defense or maybe they’re 1 dimensional? McDonald did play the Stefon Thompson LB/OLB that rushed the QB in the 3-3-5. Hopefully he regains some burst from his knee injury, or maybe the defensive isn’t an ideal fit. Otherwise there are slim pickings right now. Could certainly use an experienced portal LB and hope there’s someone on the roster that develops into someone trustworthy. It shouldn’t be a tough position to find in the portal though.

 

[RF2044]

David O seemed to be playing DE most of the time and is looking like someone that can break out next year.

LB I’m at a loss. Hopefully McDonald regains some burst from his knee injury, otherwise there are slim pickings right now. Could certainly use an experienced portal LB. It shouldn’t be a tough position to find.

That's my expectation for David O, as well.

Small, but his wrestling background helps him compensate. Reminds me a little of Duke Pettiijohn. Hope he ends up being half as good -- we'd be lucky.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

That's my expectation for David O, as well.

Small, but his wrestling background helps him compensate. Reminds me a little of Duke Pettinohn.

Loved Maynard "Duke" Pettijohn. One of my all-time favorite players.

If that's what Slimy David becomes, that's a huge win.

 

[anomander]

That's my expectation for David O, as well.

Small, but his wrestling background helps him compensate. Reminds me a little of Duke Pettiijohn. Hope he ends up being half as good -- we'd be lucky.

He’s one of the guys that seemed to pop almost every game . Seems to have a frame where he can continue to add good weight. I have high expectations for him. Having a wrestling background is so helpful. Thats such a tough sport that translates so well for lineman. We’d definitely be in luck if he’s nearly as good at Pettijohn was!

 

[RF2044]

He’s one of the guys that seemed to pop almost every game . Seems to have a frame where he can continue to add good weight. I have high expectations for him. Having a wrestling background is so helpful. Thats such a tough sport that translates so well for lineman. We’d definitely be in luck if he’s nearly as good at Pettijohn was!

I'd settle for him being a decent platoon depth piece (which would still be immensely valuable at DE).

Anything more -- disco.

 

[richmondcuse03]

I think he is.

But even if not he's a mutant.

I think it’s a lot to ask a true freshman to start at LB. I could see him playing but I think counting on him early is unrealistic. I think it’ll depend on his quickness and speed too.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

I think it’s a lot to ask a true freshman to start at LB. I could see him playing but I think counting on him early is unrealistic. I think it’ll depend on his quickness and speed too.

Not promising he'll start. Just that he'll play.

 

[RF2044]

I think it’s a lot to ask a true freshman to start at LB. I could see him playing but I think counting on him early is unrealistic. I think it’ll depend on his quickness and speed too.

Why? Just put of curiosity (not being argumentative)

 

[richmondcuse03]

Why? Just put of curiosity (not being argumentative)

Just being realistic. Everyone falls in love with his recruiting photos and tape but it’s a hard position for a true freshman to contribute and make a big impact vs a lot of other positions. I just would expect a transfer LB to make a bigger impact but that’s playing the odds. We had true freshman contribute on the DL and I’d love if he’s able to make an impact as the season goes on, too. It’s just a lot for the coaching staff to count on vs say a true frosh at corner or safety.

I will say - I know FB thinks a lot of our incoming recruits are criminally underrated and he’s incredibly happy with the guys he pulled in. Thinks he’s ahead recruiting HS kids with where he’d expect to be at this point so we’re going to see a lot more of them play than usual. But I don’t know which ones.

I did meet Deslaurier and his mom before the Miami game and he was an impressive young man.

 

[Sudano]

Why? Just put of curiosity (not being argumentative)

True Freshman normally don't contribute to the level needed in any significant way.
Those who do should be considered gravy and not be relied upon as your #1 entering a season

 

[PhatOrange]

Why? Just put of curiosity (not being argumentative)

Imo It’s a position that requires a high field IQ, which is usually gained through experience. People are pegging this kid to come in and play based on his physique. The one game I watched him play I thought he struggled a bit to read the play and hit the right hole. I didn’t think he shed blockers that well either. It’s all good though. we’ll see. Hoping he’s here for spring.

 

[Libero2]

Deslaurier is going to get some snaps. I refuse to believe otherwise.

If he’s not a ST Ace from day one I will be shocked. I won’t be surprised if he’s in an LB rotation early on too. Given the (seemingly anyways) lack of movement at the LB spot, the staff might be expecting him to play a pretty significant role

 

[FRANKIEFAN]

What's the word on Fran Jr?

 

[RF2044]

Imo It’s a position that requires a high field IQ, which is usually gained through experience. People are pegging this kid to come in and play based on his physique. The one game I watched him play I thought he struggled a bit to read the play and hit the right hole. I didn’t think he shed blockers that well either. It’s all good though. we’ll see. Hoping he’s here for spring.

Game IQ can't be quantify, but we've had true frosh LB's come in and make an impact before.

If this kid is an early enrollee, that could help accelerate his readiness. Let's see what the kid can do before applying truism limitations.

 

[PhatOrange]

Game IQ can't be quantify, but we've had true frosh LB's come in and make an impact before.

If this kid is an early enrollee, that could help accelerate his readiness. Let's see what the kid can do before applying truism limitations.

Recently? The last true freshman LB I recall that came into Syracuse and made an impact was Clifton Smith.

Edit - Not game IQ, general position IQ at the college level. Heavy understanding of reads, different formations and responsibilities. It’s widely considered to be the QB of the defense. Very difficult for a true frosh; prolly more so a MLB rather than an outside LB.