Potential New Linebackers for SU

What a crazy couple of days it has been for the Syracuse University football team. There was an announcement that the Orange will be playing three games against national opponents in the Meadowlands, Greg Paulus has been named the starting quarterback which many Big East coaches think is a joke (anonymously of course) even though many fans feel otherwise. The most important talent evaluator in the equation is Head Coach Doug Marrone who thinks he's a winner, and that's good enough for us.

Take a deep breath because we're not done yet. Just a few short days ago the starting weakside linebacker left the team which is troubling since the position is becoming the Bermuda Triangle of college football. Obviously something needs to be done and with Marrone busy looking for a new kicker, we here at T3I thought we'd do our part and help out.

We've scouted the following linebackers, all of whom are available and could provided needed depth. Hey, we're here to help.

Charles Jefferson - MLB - Ridgemont High.





Pros - Extremely physical player. Excellent leaping ability. Plays with rage which will help ramp up the team's defensive intensity.

Cons - Lazy eye makes seeing the entire field difficult. Most likely will not conform to Marrone's strict conditioning regimen. Could lead to an NCAA investigation due to a penchant for accepting Chevy Camaros from boosters.


Daniel Bateman - OLB - Michigan State


Pros - Plays with high intensity. Heavy hitter. Not afraid to mix it up and really hit guys. Supports his teammates, especially in bar fights. Gets to the quarterback well. Navy SEAL training ensures he's in shape.

Cons - Having played pro football, eligibility is an issue. Temper could run afoul of team rules. Has a propensity for hitting quarterbacks in practice.


Alvin Mack - MLB - Eastern State University



Pros - Another intense player, he's capable of going sideline to sideline and covering a lot of ground. Not afraid of playing in big games, he's battle tested and ready to step in and help now.

Cons - He's a player associated with a notoriously dirty program. His extreme profanity (language NSFW) would almost certainly run afoul of Marrone's program standards. May have an issue with steroids.

Luther 'Shark' LeVay - OLB/DE - Miami Sharks

Pros -Most dominant defensive player on the planet. His mere presence would terrify young quarterbacks. Devastating tackler. An emotional leader in the locker room and on the field.

Cons - Certainly not eligible for NCAA participation, even with the NCAA's odd Paulus-like loopholes for participation. Enjoys cutting quarterback's cars in half with saws. Clearly mentally unstable. Has a potentially fatal medical issue.

Bobby Boucher - LB - University of Louisiana


Pros -Fierce tackler with an ability to leap over offensive lines to get in the backfield. Can be easily motivated by referring to his low mental capacity. Can keep teammates hydrated. Coming from the south, playing in a dome will appeal to him. Undoubtedly received better coaching under U of L Coach Klein than SU players received under Greg Robinson.

Cons - May have trouble picking up the playbook. His affinity for lawnmowers would be stymied playing on field turf. May find it difficult to leave mamma.

While all the players above have strengths and weaknesses, Boucher definitely has the most upside, and besides, he looks good in Orange.