Syracuse Linebackers Looking For Better Health in 2023
When it comes to the 3-3-5, it is considered a high risk, high reward defense. A defense that thrives when you have a room full of athletic defenders. No one is better to lead the defense than the man who has been coaching it for over four decades, Rocky Long.
“I think we will develop the hardest playing defense in the country,” said Rocky Long, defensive coordinator.
One of the key components of that defense is the linebackers. Syracuse's linebacker unit is coming off of an impressive season where they finished 21st nationally in yards allowed per game. From that core group Marlowe Wax will return and fill the large shoes left in the middle of the defense where Mikel Jones played last season.
Stefon Thompson, who burst on the scene as a true freshman in 2020 and again as a starter in 2021. While he started every game in 2021 and finishing second on the team with tackles, he missed the 2022 season after a lower body injury in the season opener. Thompson’s return will look to greatly impact the defensive line as another key tackler as he slides down to passer.
As for another impact player who may only be a red-shirt sophomore but now has nine games of experience and eight starts after filling in for Thompson last season will slide into the third linebacker position in Derek McDonald. Thompson's replacement missed the final stretch of the season due to his own injury. Despite those injuries, along with one to cornerback Garrett Williams, Syracuse still finished 14th nationally in passing defense (184.8) and 21st in total defense (328.6). The Orange believes it can improve upon those rankings, especially if they can stay healthy.
“Our focus is on ending the season strong because we know we are going to start strong,” said defensive tackle Kevin Darton.
Last year Syracuse came out on fire starting the season 6-0 before losing the next five games.
As the countdown begins towards the home opener, the defense says they are continuing to constantly develop and evolve daily but their focus is starting to shift.
“We have been focused on ourselves and how we can get better but now we are starting to turn our eyes on Colgate,” said Darton.
The Orange will have one more week to prepare in training camp and then on to game week.
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