University of Richmond Athletics
Positional Breakdown: The LBC
08/23/2016 | Football
Pittsburgh Steeler Hall of Fame linebacker Jack Lambert once said, “Football is meant to be played physical and aggressive, so that's the way I play.”
When it comes to Richmond's linebacker core, that's exactly the way Manny Rojas and Clint Sintim want their group to play.
“As a group, we really talk about how our physical and mental toughness will set us a part from everyone else and these guys have done a great job with that during the offseason and throughout camp,” Rojas said.
Leading the way for the LBC is senior captain Omar Howard, who earned Preseason All-American accolades after leading the Spiders in tackles in 2015 with 136, which ranked in the single season top-10 in program history.
“Any great player out there can't make great plays without great teammates around them and that's what I'm lucky enough to have,” Howard said. “With the big guys up front and the playmakers in the secondary, our group really is given the opportunity to step up, be physical and make plays.”
Alongside Howard is a versatile group that brings physicality, athleticism and experience to the Spiders' roster in 2016.
“I really like the group we have right now and the work they have put in and are putting in on a daily basis,” Rojas said. “We've got a great mix of veteran guys who have gained experience and know the system, alongside some younger guys who have put in a lot of hard work and are ready to step up.”
Seniors Kieran Gregory and Selton Hodge have had tremendous camps and are primed for big years in 2016. The duo combined for 70 tackles last fall, including four for a loss, along with three quarterback hurries.
Fellow classmate and Richmond native Madison Day looks to build on a solid 2015 season that saw him register 25 tackles and his first career interception.
“Both Selton and Kieran have really had great camps and I'm excited to see what they are going to do this fall,” Rojas said. “Madison is a guy who really puts in a lot of hard work and knows our system. He's a guy we can plug in at any point and know he's going to step up.”
Along with the veterans of the LBC, there are plenty of underclassmen who will play vital roles for the Spiders. Justin Rubin, Paul Padalino and David Norris have all showed flashes and give Richmond quality depth in the middle of the defense.
“Our young guys have done a great job of putting in the extra work and really buying in to what we're trying to do,” Rojas said. “I really think they are going to help us this fall.”
Both Dale Matthews and Trey Moore have battled some nagging injuries this summer, but both are believed are to back this fall and could be key parts of the core.
“We have a lot of guys who we can plug into the game at any point and we feel confident in them,” Rojas said. “This group has a chance to really special and I'm excited to see what this seasons brings.”
