Last year was one of growth for most of the linebackers at SU, particularly Marlowe Wax.
Wax was a second-year starter in 2022 and ramped up his productivity greatly, jumping from 60 tackles to a team-leading 91.
The junior also topped the team in tackles for loss, quarterback hits, forced fumbles, and fumble recoveries while also blocking an extra point against Purdue. Wax is the top playmaker on the defense and is a contender to earn all-conference honors.
Derek McDonald and Anwar Sparrow also saw their roles expand last season.
McDonald saw action in nine games last season, including eight starts, and displayed his versatility by logging a sack and three quarterback hits while also snagging an interception and breaking up two other passes. His 43 tackles ranked eighth on the team.
Sparrow started three times in his 11 appearances and posted 40 tackles, including 5.5 for loss. The redshirt sophomore tied for the team lead with a pair of forced fumbles and logged a career-best 12 tackles against Wake Forest.
McDonald and Sparrow had their path to playing time last season cleared by Stefon Thompson’s season-ending injury in the opening game. Thompson has started 20 games at SU and finished second on the team with 79 tackles in 2021. The biggest linebacker on the roster, Thompson’s return will solidify the unit and bolster the pass rush, as he also posted six sacks in 2021.
The long and lanky Leon Lowery has been a situational player most of his time at Syracuse, but did start the last two games last season. Lowery was productive in his role last season, collecting 24 stops and six tackles for loss.
Kadin Bailey, who played a lot on special teams last season, but had six tackles and a sack in the Pinstripe Bowl, and Austin Roon, who played in the first six games last year before suffering an injury, should be in the mix again.
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