SWC75
Bored Historian
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- Aug 26, 2011
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Linebackers
Seniors: None
Juniors: None
Sophomores: Geoff Cantin-Arku 6-4 230, (was 228); Mikel Jones 6-1 220 (was 6-0 211)
Freshmen: Ryan Dolan 6-0 225, Leon Lowery 6-4 225, Malik Matthew 6-3 210, John O’Connor 6-1 210, Austin Roon 6-3 215, Anwar Sparrow 6-1 225 (was 204), Stefon Thompson 6-1 (was 6-0) 235 Marlowe Wax 6-0 235 (was 230)
Gone:
Ishmael Goulbourne left the team in the spring
Abrahim Kenneh is a walk-on who left the team, apparently for academic pursuits.
Lee Kpogba (I loved the way his name was pronounced: “Koba” but not the way it was spelled) was “indefinitely suspended” and then left school. He’s apparently going to play for a junior college in Mississippi.
Steve Linton is listed among the defensive linemen although he’ll probably see service with both units.
Tyrell Richards enter the transfer portal in April. I was unable to find out if he’s exited it yet or for where.
Dino Babers and his staff have filled up the roster with defensive backs and last year their recruiting in the linebacker unit showed signs of catching up to the D-backs. Ever since we lost the unit of Zaire Franklin, Parris Bennett and Jonathan Thomas after the 2017 season, we’ve struggled to fill this unit and the starting line-up has completely changed each year. But last year we played a lot of young talents that we can watch grow into a great unit. Unfortunately, the unit too two big hits when Kpogba and Richards left. Kpogba and Mikel Jones were two 4-star recruits for Babers who were to be mainstays of the unit as they matured, (they came in in 2019). Jones made better progress, but Kpogba was developing a reputation as a hard hitter. Richards was a big, (6-4 234) athletic linebacker who could also play defensive end. This would have been his fourth year here, making him our most senior linebacker, (he would have been a senior except for the Covid rule and the fact that he left). Now we’ve got no one above a sophomore in terms of eligibility which means we are young, but these guys will grow up together. There are still 10 of them for 3 positions and some of those listed as linemen or backs can play here as well. Steele: “For the first time in four years, this unit is experienced and should show significant improvement.” Lindy’s: “The second level as a hole projects to be more dynamic with Marlowe Wax, Stefon Thompson and Geoff Cantin-Arku all having at least three years of eligibility left.”
Cantin-Arku is a big, strong but mobile middle linebacker who has a chance to be remembered as one of our best. Cuse.com: “Played in all-11 games with 10 starts at linebacker … Fourth on the team with 63 tackles, third with 6.0 tackles for loss and led all ‘Cuse defenders with 4.0 sacks … Also forced two fumbles and recovered one more.” Nunes: “Cantin-Arku emerged as a play-maker in the 3-3-5 and is going to be expected to continue to cause more havoc in opposing backfields this Fall. He and the other linebackers will need to provide steadier play this Fall but his athleticism means look out for more big plays. There’s room to grow as a run-stopper, but he was an effective pass-rusher (third-ranked SU linebacker there, per PFF). If he can show improvement against the run in 2021, that’s one way you see this defense take major leaps forward.” At 6-4 230, he’s big enough to be a run-stopper. SI: “Although Arku has a nose for the ball, his ability to read lineman pre snap and post snap allow him to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. The Orange will need Arku to play an integral role this season.” Steele #195, 247#42.
But the player with the most star-quality is Jones, whose ball-hawking ability was compared that of All-America safety Andre Cisco and big play cornerback Trill Williams. Unfortunately we don’t those guys any more but we do have Jones. Cuse.com: “Honorable Mention All-ACC … Started all-11 games at linebacker … Fifth nationally with four interceptions, the most in the ACC and most nationally by a linebacker … Was involved in eight different Syracuse takeaways (INT, FFs – recovered by Syracuse, FR). That’s the most takeaways by any individual player in the FBS in 2020 … Was part of eight of Syracuse’s FBS-leading 24 takeaways this season … Team lead with 69 tackles, which ranks 14th in the ACC in total tackles … 69 tackles, 2.0 TFLs, 1.0 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and four interceptions on the season.” That’s quite a resume. How in heck did we lead the country in takeovers, (that’s what I call them) and go 1-10? That shows what a weird year last season was. Nunes: “The leader of the linebacker corps, Jones is on the preseason Butkus Award list and receiving All-ACC consideration … His ability to play in space is important when facing spread offenses and he can help a younger defensive backfield as they take on starting roles…. Add to that the fact that he was the team’s best pass-rusher (rated 80.9 out of 100 says Pro Football Focus), and it’s exciting to think about what he may be able to progress into in year three here.” Steele #45, 247 #24
Dolan is a preferred walk-on from, surprisingly, California, (most of them seem to be from the area the school is in). He decided between SU and Iowa and picked us. Nunes: “Dolan’s the lone walk-on at linebacker, and it wouldn’t seem likely he gets defensive snaps. But there’s a chance he gets some special teams reps. Admittedly, though, this is a crowded group for playing time and obviously with so much experience back, it’s going to be hard for anyone (on scholarship or not) to break through.” Steele and 247: nothing
Lowery is a three star from New Jersey who got into two games last year. Nunes: “Lowery’s the last of the returning scholarship linebackers to see the field last year, and he actually made his limited time count while logging five tackles (0.5 for loss) in three games. Another surer tackler with pass-rushing talent, he seems likely to increase his role here in year two — again, something that gets a lot more straightforward for him if Kpogba doesn’t return.” He didn’t. Steele nothing, 247 #73
Matthew is not “Matthews” although that how Steele spells it. He’s a 3 star from the Bronx. Nunes: “The 6-foot-3 Bronx product was New York’s top linebacker in the class of 2021, and now he’s likely to get a year to take in the scheme and adjust to college life. We could see him here and there on special teams without burning the redshirt, but would expect him to get a redshirt…At first glance, Malik has the look of a Babers linebacker: athletic, a tad undersized weight wise, but makes up for it with length and explosiveness. While playing middle linebacker, Matthews showed an ability to explode into the backfield, even after waiting on reads on option or misdirection plays. That kind of lateral quickness will be crucial in the 3-3-5, especially if he plays in one of the outside roles. (He played inside linebacker while in high school.) Linebacker is a crowded position for Syracuse right now, which plays in Matthews’ favor: another 10-15 pounds would make him an ideal size to best utilize his explosiveness and tendency to go for the big play.” Steele #198, 247 #123.
O’Connor is a walk on from Binghamton who was a late edition. WAER had the only comment on him: “O’Connor got a late word if he was going to play football once again, according to an Aug. 4 article from the Hingham Anchor. O’Connor was expected to move in on Aug. 23 as an SU student but got invited to join the Orange as a preferred walk-on, back on July 29. Just like Roon, O’Connor is undersized, sitting at 6-foot-1, 210 lbs.” Steele and 247: nothing
Roon is a three-star from Michigan. Nunes: “Roon’s a talented athlete who can play on the outside and seems to take great angles to make stops — both in the open field and behind the line. He could probably add a few pounds in a college weight room (he’s listed at 215 pounds right now)…. The linebacker group is pretty thin at the moment, and while Roon is a bit undersized at the moment, we’ve seen those types of players get chances to appear in games under Babers if their mental grasp on the game is there. I wouldn’t expect to see Roon outside of the FCS game/special teams roles reserved for true freshman, but a few injuries create another “break glass in case of emergency” roster crunch.” Steele: #206, 247: #151.
Sparrow is a 3 star from Virginia who didn’t play in any of last year’s games. Cuse.com: “As a senior, logged 103 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, four sacks, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.” Nunes: “Back in high school, Sparrow was a major playmaker on defense… While the team’s theoretically moved away from “smaller” linebackers, just one of the top four players at the position is taller than 6-foot-1. So a 6-foot Sparrow isn’t going to be stopped from seeing the field — especially if he can look anything like the guy that logged 19 TFLs as a high school senior.” Steele: nothing, 247: #76.
Thompson is a three-star from North Carolina. WAER: “How impactful is Thompson? Here’s your answer: impactful enough to be the first true freshman linebacker to start a season opener since Dyshawn Davis, back in 2011. The North Carolinian hit the ground running early last year. In Syracuse’s first game against North Carolina, Thompson tallied a career-high seven tackles. His first career sack came a week later against 25th-ranked Pittsburgh. Thompson finished 2020 with 35 tackles, seven and a half tackles for loss, and three sacks.” He also had “one forced fumble, which earned him recognition as a freshman All-American.” (SI) Nunes: “Among returning ACC linebackers and edge defenders, he’s ranked 14th overall (by last year’s PFF ratings) and is a top-five returning run defender in the conference. For him, the key is how he progresses playing in coverage, but he has sneaky upside as (quietly) one of the better linebackers in the league already.” Steele: #150, 247: #51
Wax is a three-star from Maryland. He reminds me a bit of Josh Hough, (or, since Marlowe is a class ahead, maybe I should say that Josh reminds me of Marlowe). He was both a steam-rolling fullback, (err…big running back) in high school and a dominating linebacker. Babers and his coaches saw Marlowe as a defender on this level and Josh as a runner but I think either could play on either side. If this was the 1950’s, when players played two ways, they’d both be All-Americans. Nunes: “When Wax first committed, we thought we were getting a power running back at 6-feet tall and 232 pounds, but instead is the heaviest linebacker on the squad (not a knock at all), and one of its best tacklers. He’s shown himself adept at getting into opposing backfields, and with another year at the college level, we should see even more of it. The fact he put up big numbers without starting much is notable, and a great sign for SU’s newfound depth here.” SI: “Although Wax is a very physical player, his hands and block shedding ability display a “wax on and wax off” science. With such an immediate impact, the Orange is hoping Wax will take a step forward in his development this season.” Steele: #110, 247: #77
Cantin-Arku, Jones and Thompson should continue to progress as a starting unit and Wax will surely see plenty of action as well. I have a feeling that we’ll hear from Mr. Sparrow, as well. (He might have to change his name to ‘Hawk’.) Guys like Slater, Kinsler, Linton and McDonald could also be available here, as could a big defensive back like Barron.
Seniors: None
Juniors: None
Sophomores: Geoff Cantin-Arku 6-4 230, (was 228); Mikel Jones 6-1 220 (was 6-0 211)
Freshmen: Ryan Dolan 6-0 225, Leon Lowery 6-4 225, Malik Matthew 6-3 210, John O’Connor 6-1 210, Austin Roon 6-3 215, Anwar Sparrow 6-1 225 (was 204), Stefon Thompson 6-1 (was 6-0) 235 Marlowe Wax 6-0 235 (was 230)
Gone:
Ishmael Goulbourne left the team in the spring
Abrahim Kenneh is a walk-on who left the team, apparently for academic pursuits.
Lee Kpogba (I loved the way his name was pronounced: “Koba” but not the way it was spelled) was “indefinitely suspended” and then left school. He’s apparently going to play for a junior college in Mississippi.
Steve Linton is listed among the defensive linemen although he’ll probably see service with both units.
Tyrell Richards enter the transfer portal in April. I was unable to find out if he’s exited it yet or for where.
Dino Babers and his staff have filled up the roster with defensive backs and last year their recruiting in the linebacker unit showed signs of catching up to the D-backs. Ever since we lost the unit of Zaire Franklin, Parris Bennett and Jonathan Thomas after the 2017 season, we’ve struggled to fill this unit and the starting line-up has completely changed each year. But last year we played a lot of young talents that we can watch grow into a great unit. Unfortunately, the unit too two big hits when Kpogba and Richards left. Kpogba and Mikel Jones were two 4-star recruits for Babers who were to be mainstays of the unit as they matured, (they came in in 2019). Jones made better progress, but Kpogba was developing a reputation as a hard hitter. Richards was a big, (6-4 234) athletic linebacker who could also play defensive end. This would have been his fourth year here, making him our most senior linebacker, (he would have been a senior except for the Covid rule and the fact that he left). Now we’ve got no one above a sophomore in terms of eligibility which means we are young, but these guys will grow up together. There are still 10 of them for 3 positions and some of those listed as linemen or backs can play here as well. Steele: “For the first time in four years, this unit is experienced and should show significant improvement.” Lindy’s: “The second level as a hole projects to be more dynamic with Marlowe Wax, Stefon Thompson and Geoff Cantin-Arku all having at least three years of eligibility left.”
Cantin-Arku is a big, strong but mobile middle linebacker who has a chance to be remembered as one of our best. Cuse.com: “Played in all-11 games with 10 starts at linebacker … Fourth on the team with 63 tackles, third with 6.0 tackles for loss and led all ‘Cuse defenders with 4.0 sacks … Also forced two fumbles and recovered one more.” Nunes: “Cantin-Arku emerged as a play-maker in the 3-3-5 and is going to be expected to continue to cause more havoc in opposing backfields this Fall. He and the other linebackers will need to provide steadier play this Fall but his athleticism means look out for more big plays. There’s room to grow as a run-stopper, but he was an effective pass-rusher (third-ranked SU linebacker there, per PFF). If he can show improvement against the run in 2021, that’s one way you see this defense take major leaps forward.” At 6-4 230, he’s big enough to be a run-stopper. SI: “Although Arku has a nose for the ball, his ability to read lineman pre snap and post snap allow him to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. The Orange will need Arku to play an integral role this season.” Steele #195, 247#42.
But the player with the most star-quality is Jones, whose ball-hawking ability was compared that of All-America safety Andre Cisco and big play cornerback Trill Williams. Unfortunately we don’t those guys any more but we do have Jones. Cuse.com: “Honorable Mention All-ACC … Started all-11 games at linebacker … Fifth nationally with four interceptions, the most in the ACC and most nationally by a linebacker … Was involved in eight different Syracuse takeaways (INT, FFs – recovered by Syracuse, FR). That’s the most takeaways by any individual player in the FBS in 2020 … Was part of eight of Syracuse’s FBS-leading 24 takeaways this season … Team lead with 69 tackles, which ranks 14th in the ACC in total tackles … 69 tackles, 2.0 TFLs, 1.0 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and four interceptions on the season.” That’s quite a resume. How in heck did we lead the country in takeovers, (that’s what I call them) and go 1-10? That shows what a weird year last season was. Nunes: “The leader of the linebacker corps, Jones is on the preseason Butkus Award list and receiving All-ACC consideration … His ability to play in space is important when facing spread offenses and he can help a younger defensive backfield as they take on starting roles…. Add to that the fact that he was the team’s best pass-rusher (rated 80.9 out of 100 says Pro Football Focus), and it’s exciting to think about what he may be able to progress into in year three here.” Steele #45, 247 #24
Dolan is a preferred walk-on from, surprisingly, California, (most of them seem to be from the area the school is in). He decided between SU and Iowa and picked us. Nunes: “Dolan’s the lone walk-on at linebacker, and it wouldn’t seem likely he gets defensive snaps. But there’s a chance he gets some special teams reps. Admittedly, though, this is a crowded group for playing time and obviously with so much experience back, it’s going to be hard for anyone (on scholarship or not) to break through.” Steele and 247: nothing
Lowery is a three star from New Jersey who got into two games last year. Nunes: “Lowery’s the last of the returning scholarship linebackers to see the field last year, and he actually made his limited time count while logging five tackles (0.5 for loss) in three games. Another surer tackler with pass-rushing talent, he seems likely to increase his role here in year two — again, something that gets a lot more straightforward for him if Kpogba doesn’t return.” He didn’t. Steele nothing, 247 #73
Matthew is not “Matthews” although that how Steele spells it. He’s a 3 star from the Bronx. Nunes: “The 6-foot-3 Bronx product was New York’s top linebacker in the class of 2021, and now he’s likely to get a year to take in the scheme and adjust to college life. We could see him here and there on special teams without burning the redshirt, but would expect him to get a redshirt…At first glance, Malik has the look of a Babers linebacker: athletic, a tad undersized weight wise, but makes up for it with length and explosiveness. While playing middle linebacker, Matthews showed an ability to explode into the backfield, even after waiting on reads on option or misdirection plays. That kind of lateral quickness will be crucial in the 3-3-5, especially if he plays in one of the outside roles. (He played inside linebacker while in high school.) Linebacker is a crowded position for Syracuse right now, which plays in Matthews’ favor: another 10-15 pounds would make him an ideal size to best utilize his explosiveness and tendency to go for the big play.” Steele #198, 247 #123.
O’Connor is a walk on from Binghamton who was a late edition. WAER had the only comment on him: “O’Connor got a late word if he was going to play football once again, according to an Aug. 4 article from the Hingham Anchor. O’Connor was expected to move in on Aug. 23 as an SU student but got invited to join the Orange as a preferred walk-on, back on July 29. Just like Roon, O’Connor is undersized, sitting at 6-foot-1, 210 lbs.” Steele and 247: nothing
Roon is a three-star from Michigan. Nunes: “Roon’s a talented athlete who can play on the outside and seems to take great angles to make stops — both in the open field and behind the line. He could probably add a few pounds in a college weight room (he’s listed at 215 pounds right now)…. The linebacker group is pretty thin at the moment, and while Roon is a bit undersized at the moment, we’ve seen those types of players get chances to appear in games under Babers if their mental grasp on the game is there. I wouldn’t expect to see Roon outside of the FCS game/special teams roles reserved for true freshman, but a few injuries create another “break glass in case of emergency” roster crunch.” Steele: #206, 247: #151.
Sparrow is a 3 star from Virginia who didn’t play in any of last year’s games. Cuse.com: “As a senior, logged 103 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, four sacks, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.” Nunes: “Back in high school, Sparrow was a major playmaker on defense… While the team’s theoretically moved away from “smaller” linebackers, just one of the top four players at the position is taller than 6-foot-1. So a 6-foot Sparrow isn’t going to be stopped from seeing the field — especially if he can look anything like the guy that logged 19 TFLs as a high school senior.” Steele: nothing, 247: #76.
Thompson is a three-star from North Carolina. WAER: “How impactful is Thompson? Here’s your answer: impactful enough to be the first true freshman linebacker to start a season opener since Dyshawn Davis, back in 2011. The North Carolinian hit the ground running early last year. In Syracuse’s first game against North Carolina, Thompson tallied a career-high seven tackles. His first career sack came a week later against 25th-ranked Pittsburgh. Thompson finished 2020 with 35 tackles, seven and a half tackles for loss, and three sacks.” He also had “one forced fumble, which earned him recognition as a freshman All-American.” (SI) Nunes: “Among returning ACC linebackers and edge defenders, he’s ranked 14th overall (by last year’s PFF ratings) and is a top-five returning run defender in the conference. For him, the key is how he progresses playing in coverage, but he has sneaky upside as (quietly) one of the better linebackers in the league already.” Steele: #150, 247: #51
Wax is a three-star from Maryland. He reminds me a bit of Josh Hough, (or, since Marlowe is a class ahead, maybe I should say that Josh reminds me of Marlowe). He was both a steam-rolling fullback, (err…big running back) in high school and a dominating linebacker. Babers and his coaches saw Marlowe as a defender on this level and Josh as a runner but I think either could play on either side. If this was the 1950’s, when players played two ways, they’d both be All-Americans. Nunes: “When Wax first committed, we thought we were getting a power running back at 6-feet tall and 232 pounds, but instead is the heaviest linebacker on the squad (not a knock at all), and one of its best tacklers. He’s shown himself adept at getting into opposing backfields, and with another year at the college level, we should see even more of it. The fact he put up big numbers without starting much is notable, and a great sign for SU’s newfound depth here.” SI: “Although Wax is a very physical player, his hands and block shedding ability display a “wax on and wax off” science. With such an immediate impact, the Orange is hoping Wax will take a step forward in his development this season.” Steele: #110, 247: #77
Cantin-Arku, Jones and Thompson should continue to progress as a starting unit and Wax will surely see plenty of action as well. I have a feeling that we’ll hear from Mr. Sparrow, as well. (He might have to change his name to ‘Hawk’.) Guys like Slater, Kinsler, Linton and McDonald could also be available here, as could a big defensive back like Barron.
