The Syracuse football squad has dealt with a lot of issues at LB over the last few years. Here’s why they continue to survive and here’s the plan for 2019.
Coaches, players, and analysts agree that one of the hardest positions to play in football is at linebacker. Not only are you the heart of the defense, but you have to know your job and the other 10 people’s responsibilities on the defensive side of the ball as well.
Finding a competent linebacker for a college football defense any given year is a challenge, but replacing your starting linebacking corps for the third straight year is an impossible task, yet Syracuse football head coach Dino Babers has found a way to get the job done.
It was easy a few years ago, when Babers came in he inherited two of the premier players in program history (Zaire Franklin and Parris Bennett). Both players were veterans who were natural-born leaders.
Then in 2018, Babers had to rely on the veteran status of Kielan Whitner and Ryan Guthrie (both seniors). Despite being seniors, they didn’t possess a ton of playing experience.
What initially appeared to be a weak link on the defense became a strength. Guthrie ended up becoming a second-team All ACC linebacker and Whitner flashed all year. But entering 2019, Babers must once again wash, rinse, and repeat the process with both starters graduating.
The two players expected to step up to the plate in 2019 are also seniors in Lakiem Williams and Andrew Armstrong.
Although one player who was expected to play a role is no longer going to. Linebacker Tre Allison has entered the transfer portal, citing “personal reasons”. He redshirted in 2018 and was expected to fight for playing time this summer.
He is one of five different Orange players that have decided to move on this offseason:
- Chance Amie, quarterback.
- Devin Butler, wide receiver.
- Nadarius Fagan, linebacker.
- Tim Walton, linebacker.
SU also lost linebacker Shyheim Cullen via the NCAA ruling him academically ineligible. With Syracuse off the table, Shyheim has already successfully applied for the NFL Supplemental Draft and held his Pro Day on Monday, July 1 in front of three NFL teams represented.
Although the Orange do possess two highly touted four-star linebackers in Lee Kpogba and Mikel Jones. Historically Dino Babers has not utilized younger players (underclassmen) in starting roles but considering the talent, this could be a rare exception.
Despite all the turnover at one of the game’s most important positions, Syracuse has found a way to thrive in less than ideal circumstances. 2019 will be no different.
Regardless of who fills the starting roles at the linebacker spot, they will be surrounded by star talent.
The secondary returns fully intact and is led by Andre Cisco (who tied for the lead in interceptions with seven last year). While the defensive line is already ranked as one of the best in the country by the folks over at Bleacher Report.
Having a sandwich of returning production at the other two levels of the defense should only make things even easier for the newbie linebackers who are set to take over in 2019.