SWC75
Bored Historian
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- Aug 26, 2011
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LINEBACKERS
Seniors: #48 Tim Johnson 5-10 204 (200), #2 Marlowe Wax 6-1 236 (230)
Juniors: #15 Derek McDonald 6-4 232 (224), #12 Anwar Sparrow 6-1 223 (225),
Sophomores: noone
Freshmen: #33 Caden Brown 6-4 204 (215), Jayden Brown 6-2 208, (220), #45 Fatim Diggs 6-2 219 (220), #22 Zyian Moultrie-Goddard 6-0 234 (240), #6 James Heard 6-2 228 (230), #49 Josh Kubala 6-2 225 (229), #28 Jahide Lesaine Jr.6-4 239 (234), #18 David Omopariola 6-3 244 (232) #42 Mark Short 6-3 238 (235), #43 Garvin St. John 6-0 ? (210)
We’ve got 14 linebackers on the roster for two positions. It makes me think that we’ll see some 4-3-4 this year or even some 3-3-5 in some situations instead of sticking with the 4-2-5 set up all the time.
Marlowe Wax is the biggest name here. He’s been here for four years and this is his Covid year. He was going to announce for the draft but Coach Brown convinced him to stay, saying that he and his staff could make him even better and more ready for the pros. It’s hard to imagine he could be even better. In those four years he’s played 49 games and started the last 38 in a row. “Enters the 2024 season with 294 career tackles (185 solo), 36.5 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, five pass breakups, an interception and a blocked kick.” (Cuse.com) He’s a candidate for the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker and the Bednarik Award as the nation’s best defender. Pro Football Focus named him the #8 returning linebacker in college football. He was, of course, a 3-star from Maryland. Here’s a great article on him:
MAN IN THE MIDDLE: Marlowe Wax has transformed into a cornerstone for SU’s defense
Let’s give him a highlight film:
His partner is likely to be Derek McDonald, who got a chance to show what he could do the last couple of years due to some injuries and proved he belongs in there. “Key player in Syracuse’s linebacking corps rotation, appearing in 24 games with 19 starts ... Missed time during his redshirt freshman season due to injuries ... Has 110 career tackles, 3.5 sacks, 6.0 tackles for loss, a fumble recovery and an interception in his career.” (Cuse.com) “McDonald was a pleasant surprise one year ago, finishing third in total tackles and fifth in sacks. This season, he’ll get most of his opportunities from the strongside linebacker position in Elijah Robinson’s scheme. Expect the junior to make another stride forward and be near the top in sacks again” He came here as a 3-star tight end from Georgia, long before we’d heard of Fran Brown.
Anwar Sparrow is the third important linebacker returnee. In a 4-3 set he’s the third linebacker. He’s a 3-star, (except for Rivals who have them as a 2 star), from Virginia. “Played in all 13 games, starting three. Recorded 30 tackles, 2 TFLs, 2 sacks and forced and recovered a fumble… Sparrow has been a consistent player in his Syracuse career and he’ll be counted on this season to be a key contributor on defense and special teams. The departure of Leon Lowery could open up more opportunities for Sparrow.”
The rest of the linebackers are all freshmen.
No, Caden Brown and Jayden Brown are not twins. They aren’t even brothers, even though they are both 3-stars. Caden is from Brooklyn and Jaylen is from New Jersey. Caden is the son of Alban brown, who played LB for the Cuse back in the 1990’s. Caden had 50 tackles and 4 sacks in his final season at Erasmus Hall in NY’s PSAL.” while Jayden “Recorded 54 total tackles, 24 solo tackles, 4 sacks, 4 interceptions and 1 forced fumble this past season for Don Bosco”. Both quotes are from Nunes, which said of Caden “It’s likely that Brown appears in just enough games to keep his redshirt. We’ll see what he weighs when camp opens but 215 seems light to hold up on the edge in ACC play” and of Jayden “Syracuse’s current starting linebacker core is a strong one with Marlowe Wax and Derek McDonald, but Brown fits the mold as an athletic playmaker who can cause chaos for opposing offenses. He’ll likely need a year to get a bit stronger for the linebacker spot, but he certainly is an intriguing option and could maybe see some spare playing time in 2024.” They could be stars of the future. It may help to have the coach’s last name.
Fatim Diggs has a brother. It’s Fadil, our new defensive end, sorry, ‘edge’. Fatim is a 3-star, (2 from Rivals – of course from Camden. He’s a bit bigger than the Browns and so may be able to play earlier. He had 109 tackles, 10.5 sacks and 19 TFL in 11 games according to MaxPreps. He was first team all-New Jersey. Nunes: “In the current 4-2-5 setup, Diggs doesn’t seem like he’ll crack the two-deep initially. A redshirt is most likely while Marlowe Wax and others play the bulk of LB snaps. Still, I think the Orange can squeeze him in the allotted four times.”
James Heard is bigger than Fatim Diggs (6-2 228, the exact listed dimensions of Jim Brown). He’s a 3-star from Camden, New Jersey! He went to West Virginia, played in 3 games, (with no stats), redshirted and transferred here. Nunes: “Called West Virginia’s “most natural pass rusher” by his former defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley, the freshman is expected to compete for backup edge rush minutes behind starters Fadil Diggs and Denis Jaquez.”
Zyian Moultrie-Goddard is even bigger than James Heard at 6-0 234 and was a 3-star, (except 2…from Rivals) from the Bronx before red-shirting last year. Red-shirting doesn’t mean what it used to: he played in four regular season games than played in the bowl game, although “did not record any statistics” (Cuse.com). Nunes: “Moultrie-Goddard is part of the next wave of Syracuse linebackers looking to find playing time. He’ll likely slot on special teams as he competes for a backup role this season… his vision and reaction times are arguably the best of the '23s. What caught my eye the most in the highlights is his ability to quickly decipher option plays - that's a must for any interior LB.” When he was recruited he said “Come to Syracuse, and let’s do big things.”
Jahide Lesaine is a ‘Jr.’ and a 3 star, (except to Rivals, who gave him a 2) from New Jersey. Imagine that. He’s bigger than Mark Short. at 6-4 239. His father is named “Porsche Cooper”. Gotta love that. Nunes: “Despite seeing time as both a DE and WR/TE, all signs are pointing to Lesaine Jr. seeing most of his time playing linebacker…his combination of athleticism and ability to get to the pocket, there’s upside that he could become a decent playmaker.”
David Omopariola is bigger, (6-3 244) than Jahide Lesaine Jr. His full name is “Oluwademilade Omopariola”. ‘David’ is good. He’s a 3-star from Maryland. Nunes: “Omopariola’s background as an all-around athlete (including a stretch as one of the best HS wrestlers in Maryland) means he’s got a lot of intriguing traits.” Nick Williams was intrigued with Omopariola at end and that’s where he’s listed in the latest depth chart. He’s still listed as an LB on the depth chart.
Tim Johnson is a walk-on from DIII Grinnell: He’ll have a good view of the games. Josh Kubala is a walk on, (from my Alma Mater, CNS) but a big one at 6-2 225. Mark Short is a walk-on but a bigger one at 6-3 238. I was unable to find out anything about Garvin St. John, (I kept getting stories about St. John’s basketball games.)
Seniors: #48 Tim Johnson 5-10 204 (200), #2 Marlowe Wax 6-1 236 (230)
Juniors: #15 Derek McDonald 6-4 232 (224), #12 Anwar Sparrow 6-1 223 (225),
Sophomores: noone
Freshmen: #33 Caden Brown 6-4 204 (215), Jayden Brown 6-2 208, (220), #45 Fatim Diggs 6-2 219 (220), #22 Zyian Moultrie-Goddard 6-0 234 (240), #6 James Heard 6-2 228 (230), #49 Josh Kubala 6-2 225 (229), #28 Jahide Lesaine Jr.6-4 239 (234), #18 David Omopariola 6-3 244 (232) #42 Mark Short 6-3 238 (235), #43 Garvin St. John 6-0 ? (210)
We’ve got 14 linebackers on the roster for two positions. It makes me think that we’ll see some 4-3-4 this year or even some 3-3-5 in some situations instead of sticking with the 4-2-5 set up all the time.
Marlowe Wax is the biggest name here. He’s been here for four years and this is his Covid year. He was going to announce for the draft but Coach Brown convinced him to stay, saying that he and his staff could make him even better and more ready for the pros. It’s hard to imagine he could be even better. In those four years he’s played 49 games and started the last 38 in a row. “Enters the 2024 season with 294 career tackles (185 solo), 36.5 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, five pass breakups, an interception and a blocked kick.” (Cuse.com) He’s a candidate for the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker and the Bednarik Award as the nation’s best defender. Pro Football Focus named him the #8 returning linebacker in college football. He was, of course, a 3-star from Maryland. Here’s a great article on him:
MAN IN THE MIDDLE: Marlowe Wax has transformed into a cornerstone for SU’s defense
Let’s give him a highlight film:
His partner is likely to be Derek McDonald, who got a chance to show what he could do the last couple of years due to some injuries and proved he belongs in there. “Key player in Syracuse’s linebacking corps rotation, appearing in 24 games with 19 starts ... Missed time during his redshirt freshman season due to injuries ... Has 110 career tackles, 3.5 sacks, 6.0 tackles for loss, a fumble recovery and an interception in his career.” (Cuse.com) “McDonald was a pleasant surprise one year ago, finishing third in total tackles and fifth in sacks. This season, he’ll get most of his opportunities from the strongside linebacker position in Elijah Robinson’s scheme. Expect the junior to make another stride forward and be near the top in sacks again” He came here as a 3-star tight end from Georgia, long before we’d heard of Fran Brown.
Anwar Sparrow is the third important linebacker returnee. In a 4-3 set he’s the third linebacker. He’s a 3-star, (except for Rivals who have them as a 2 star), from Virginia. “Played in all 13 games, starting three. Recorded 30 tackles, 2 TFLs, 2 sacks and forced and recovered a fumble… Sparrow has been a consistent player in his Syracuse career and he’ll be counted on this season to be a key contributor on defense and special teams. The departure of Leon Lowery could open up more opportunities for Sparrow.”
The rest of the linebackers are all freshmen.
No, Caden Brown and Jayden Brown are not twins. They aren’t even brothers, even though they are both 3-stars. Caden is from Brooklyn and Jaylen is from New Jersey. Caden is the son of Alban brown, who played LB for the Cuse back in the 1990’s. Caden had 50 tackles and 4 sacks in his final season at Erasmus Hall in NY’s PSAL.” while Jayden “Recorded 54 total tackles, 24 solo tackles, 4 sacks, 4 interceptions and 1 forced fumble this past season for Don Bosco”. Both quotes are from Nunes, which said of Caden “It’s likely that Brown appears in just enough games to keep his redshirt. We’ll see what he weighs when camp opens but 215 seems light to hold up on the edge in ACC play” and of Jayden “Syracuse’s current starting linebacker core is a strong one with Marlowe Wax and Derek McDonald, but Brown fits the mold as an athletic playmaker who can cause chaos for opposing offenses. He’ll likely need a year to get a bit stronger for the linebacker spot, but he certainly is an intriguing option and could maybe see some spare playing time in 2024.” They could be stars of the future. It may help to have the coach’s last name.
Fatim Diggs has a brother. It’s Fadil, our new defensive end, sorry, ‘edge’. Fatim is a 3-star, (2 from Rivals – of course from Camden. He’s a bit bigger than the Browns and so may be able to play earlier. He had 109 tackles, 10.5 sacks and 19 TFL in 11 games according to MaxPreps. He was first team all-New Jersey. Nunes: “In the current 4-2-5 setup, Diggs doesn’t seem like he’ll crack the two-deep initially. A redshirt is most likely while Marlowe Wax and others play the bulk of LB snaps. Still, I think the Orange can squeeze him in the allotted four times.”
James Heard is bigger than Fatim Diggs (6-2 228, the exact listed dimensions of Jim Brown). He’s a 3-star from Camden, New Jersey! He went to West Virginia, played in 3 games, (with no stats), redshirted and transferred here. Nunes: “Called West Virginia’s “most natural pass rusher” by his former defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley, the freshman is expected to compete for backup edge rush minutes behind starters Fadil Diggs and Denis Jaquez.”
Zyian Moultrie-Goddard is even bigger than James Heard at 6-0 234 and was a 3-star, (except 2…from Rivals) from the Bronx before red-shirting last year. Red-shirting doesn’t mean what it used to: he played in four regular season games than played in the bowl game, although “did not record any statistics” (Cuse.com). Nunes: “Moultrie-Goddard is part of the next wave of Syracuse linebackers looking to find playing time. He’ll likely slot on special teams as he competes for a backup role this season… his vision and reaction times are arguably the best of the '23s. What caught my eye the most in the highlights is his ability to quickly decipher option plays - that's a must for any interior LB.” When he was recruited he said “Come to Syracuse, and let’s do big things.”
Jahide Lesaine is a ‘Jr.’ and a 3 star, (except to Rivals, who gave him a 2) from New Jersey. Imagine that. He’s bigger than Mark Short. at 6-4 239. His father is named “Porsche Cooper”. Gotta love that. Nunes: “Despite seeing time as both a DE and WR/TE, all signs are pointing to Lesaine Jr. seeing most of his time playing linebacker…his combination of athleticism and ability to get to the pocket, there’s upside that he could become a decent playmaker.”
David Omopariola is bigger, (6-3 244) than Jahide Lesaine Jr. His full name is “Oluwademilade Omopariola”. ‘David’ is good. He’s a 3-star from Maryland. Nunes: “Omopariola’s background as an all-around athlete (including a stretch as one of the best HS wrestlers in Maryland) means he’s got a lot of intriguing traits.” Nick Williams was intrigued with Omopariola at end and that’s where he’s listed in the latest depth chart. He’s still listed as an LB on the depth chart.
Tim Johnson is a walk-on from DIII Grinnell: He’ll have a good view of the games. Josh Kubala is a walk on, (from my Alma Mater, CNS) but a big one at 6-2 225. Mark Short is a walk-on but a bigger one at 6-3 238. I was unable to find out anything about Garvin St. John, (I kept getting stories about St. John’s basketball games.)
