WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (Aug. 14, 2013)—William and Mary head football coach
Jimmye Laycock recently sat down with TribeAthletics.com and discussed the team's linebackers in the video feature available above or by clicking
here.
Be sure to check back this afternoon for a video feature with defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Scott Boone.
Additionally, a written preview discussing the team's linebacker position is available below.
Fans can continue to follow the team as it prepares for the season opener at West Virginia on Aug. 31 by visiting the fall camp headquarters page.
Season ticket information is available by clicking here, or by calling the Tribe Ticket office at 757-221-3340.
LINEBACKERS
W&M has produced a number of exceptional linebacking units during recent seasons under defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Scott Boone, and this year should be no exception with two of the three starters returning to the mix. Leading the group will be sophomore preseason all-conference selection, middle linebacker Luke Rhodes. One of the nation's top freshmen, Rhodes (6-2, 242) was among 16 players selected to the 2012 Jerry Rice Award Watch List and finished the year with 72 tackles. The Hollidaysburg, Pa., native gives the team a tough, physical presence in the middle of the defense and has the potential to solidify himself as one of the CAA's top linebackers this season.
After starting at the “sam” linebacker spot last season, junior Airek Green began making the transition to the “will” position during the spring. The move will allow him to maximize his athleticism and instincts to generate increased production. After totaling 53 tackles and 5.0 tackles for loss in his first season as a starter last fall, the 6-1, 210-pound playmaker will likely make an even greater impact this season.
A reserve and special teams standout for much of his career, senior Quincey September will be the starting “sam” linebacker this fall. A long, athletic player with outstanding toughness, the Kwazula Natal, South Africa native has the size (6-3, 225), strength and ability to be an impact player. He displayed flashes of potential last season at Old Dominion when he posted a career-high 10 tackles.
Junior Matthew Pocta, sophomore Ian Haislip and redshirt freshman Marcus Harvey will all provide valuable depth. A member of the travel squad for seven games last season, Pocta (6-0, 230) utilizes his instincts and knowledge of the defensive scheme to maximize his talent. Additionally, he's a tough, physical player who is productive against the run and will be a backup outside linebacker. Haislip (6-2, 235) is one of the team's most explosive linebackers and has a great physical presence and good speed. After being a member of the travel squad for eight games as a redshirt freshman, the increased reps he earned during the spring should prove valuable in 2013. A versatile athlete, he could see action at either inside or outside linebacker but enters fall camp as the backup middle linebacker. Harvey is one of the team's most talented prospects and was honored as the scout team defensive player of the year last fall. He has a long, athletic frame (6-2, 195) and possesses outstanding speed and good instincts for the game. As he continues to gain strength and experience, he could emerge as a significant contributor at linebacker or on special teams.
