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Princeton University Athletics
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Deep Linebacking Corps Is Second Feature In Football Preseason Series
August 31, 2015 | Football
PRESEASON VIDEO PREVIEW SERIES: Defensive Line l Linebackers
Throughout the preseason, GoPrincetonTigers.com will be doing its annual video preview series, going position-by-position through the team as it gets closer to its Sept. 19 season opener at Lafayette.
Those who followed the Princeton defense in 2014 won't need much time to familiarize themselves with this year's group. The Tigers could return as many as 10 players with at least a year of starting experience, and several with multiple seasons' worth of playing time under their belts.
The linebacking corps may be as deep as any position on the team, but it is also the spot where Princeton took its biggest hit of all on the defensive side. Reigning Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year Mike Zeuli was both the physical and emotional leader, while classmate Garrit Leicht was a top run defender for multiple seasons.
Princeton isn't short of candidates to replace that duo. In fact, one already has All-Ivy credentials in his brief career. But being a playmaker and being a leader are two different responsibilities, and the coaching staff hopes somebody can handle both in 2015.
Top Returners
Rohan Hylton • 2014 All-Ivy honoree, 75 tkls, 11.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks
Matt Arends • 2015 co-captain, 2013 All-Ivy honoree, 26-game starter, 161 career tkls
RJ Paige • 54 tkls, 6.5 TFL, 2 sks
Names To Remember
Luke Catarius, Nick Fekula, Mark Fossati, Deion King, Scott Northcutt, Birk Olson, Marcus Stroud, Quincy Wolff
Freshmen Who Could Impact
Thomas Johnson, Jake McFadden, Edward Rudinski, Jackson Simcox, Mikee Wagner
Junior Rohan Hylton had done more than enough to earn playing time last season, but an early injury to Leicht turned him into a starter and one of the league's most disruptive linebackers. His speed and tenacity allowed him to factor in both the backfield and along the perimeter, and he ranked third in the league among all underclassmen in tackles.
The next step for Hylton will be gaining greater consistency throughout the season. He showed his abilities against some top opponents (18 tackles at Colgate, 10 vs. Dartmouth), but he also had five games with five or fewer tackles. He should be far more prepared physically and mentally to handle the demands of the position, which should be terrifying for opposing offenses.
On both sides of Hylton will be experienced players taking on new roles. Junior RJ Paige played every game last season and showed considerable growth by November. In his first six games, Paige had one game with at least six tackles (Colgate); in his final four games, he never had a game with less than six tackles.
Paige is a strong candidate to start at the weakside position, though the likes of Scott Northcutt, Nick Fekula and Mark Fossati will challenge there. Both were strong special teams players who had good springs.
On the other side of Hylton will be senior co-captain Matt Arends, who is making his way throughout the starting lineup during his career. The cornerback-turned-safety is moving closer to the line of scrimmage, where he will play the strongside linebacker. Arends can handle the coverage responsibilities, but it also allows him to be a bigger part of the run game. Always one of the team's most physical defenders, this position should suit his skills better than safety.
The rush linebacker position will be arguably the most interesting spot to watch in the preseason, potentially with the nose tackle spot. When Princeton won the 2013 Ivy League championship, it got incredible play from the senior duo of Jason Ray and Elijah Mitchell. Nobody matched that last season, and there is no shortage of contenders to compete for that opportunity this fall. Marcus Stroud and Birk Olson bring the most experience, while freshman Edward Rudinski is a highly touted player from the Los Angeles area.