July 19, 2006

The following feature on the linebackers is the third installment of position by position over the next six weeks on the Wayne State football program.

The linebacking corps will be deep in 2006 for the Warriors with starters Alan Guy (18 career starts), Tristan Black (6 career starts) and Chris Smilo (5 career starts). In addition, senior Dan Barnes (7 career starts), sophomores Prosper Iwu, Adam Nuckols and Antonio Mansour, redshirt freshmen Terrence Mansour and Zach Van Setters plus newcomers Shawn Redd, Jimmy Schoenle, Darin Tracy and Matt Faulkner give WSU considerable depth.

"The linebacker position figures to be one of the most productive units on the entire football team," said head coach Paul Winters. "Junior Alan Guy and senior Chris Smilo were two of our best football players in 2005. We expect both to compete for all-conference honors this season. Tristan Black is a great athlete and is maturing into a good football player. We are excited about the return of Dan Barnes (from the WSU baseball team), a smart versatile linebacker who has started at all three positions. We had an outstanding recruiting class and all four players will compete to provide depth."

Linebacker coach Landon Fox gave us his thoughts on each of his players (alphabetically) for the upcoming campaign:

Dan Barnes (Sr., Grand Ledge, Mich.) was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District First Team in 2005. "Dan is a very intelligent football player who can play all three linebacker positions. He was the starting mike linebacker until a knee injury cut short his 2005 season. Dan carries a 3.8 grade-point average."

Tristan Black (So., Toronto, Ont./Vanier Prep) finished second among WSU linebackers with 40 tackles a year ago. "Tristan filled in nicely when Dan went down with an injury. He is a very instinctive linebacker who is also gifted athletically. He has a natural ability to find the football and the potential to be an all-conference player."

Matt Faulkner (Fr., Bloomfield Hills, Mich./Lahser) signed with WSU last February. "Matt was exactly what you wanted to see on tape. He played square to the line of scrimmage and extremely physical. He is also a very intelligent young man both on the field and in the classroom. He carried a 3.6 grade-point average throughout his high school career."

Alan Guy (Jr., Rochester Hills, Mich./Adams) was named to the GLIAC All-Academic team and was WSU's #35 Award winner in 2005. "Alan is the leader of the linebacker unit. He was an honorable mention all-league selection last season. Alan can play both the will and mike position. He knows the defense inside and out and is like having another coach on the field. He has a chance to be one of the best linebackers in the league for the next two seasons. Alan carries a 3.1 grade-point average."

Prosper Iwu (r-So., Detroit, Mich./U of Detroit Jesuit) played in six contests in 2005, starting the final three games. "Prosper started at the sam linebacker position after Chris Smilo went down with an injury. He rose to the challenge of playing full time in our base defense. He will continue to fight for the starting nod this fall."

Antonio Mansour (r-So., Sterling Heights, Mich.) played in all 10 games mainly on special teams. "He will be looked upon to be a very productive special teams player. Antonio will also look to challenge Alan at the will linebacker position. He is probably the hardest working linebacker in our program. Antonio carries a 3.0 grade-point average."

Terrence Mansour (r-Fr., Sterling Heights, Mich.) was redshirted in 2005. "Terrence will compete for playing time at the mike linebacker position. He will also be counted on to play on every special team. Terrence is a very tough and competitive player who will find a way to get it done. He carries a 3.0 grade-point average."

Adam Nuckols (r-So., Waterford, Mich./Mott) played in all 10 games a year ago. "Adam had a good spring after moving from safety to sam linebacker. He will compete to start at that position. He has a great motor and is a very tough individual. Adam will also be counted on to play in our nickel package and on special teams. Adam carries a 3.0 grade-point average."

Shawn Redd (Fr., Cincinnati, Ohio/Withrow) signed with WSU last February. "Shawn had an outstanding career at Withrow High School. He was selected to three straight defensive player of the year awards. Shawn has a knack for finding the football. He will play the mike linebacker position."

Jimmy Schoenle (Fr., Milford, Mich.) signed with WSU last February. "Jimmy is what you look for in a linebacker and that is speed. He has the ability to get sideline to sideline. He had an outstanding prep career at running back at will look to make the transition to linebacker. Jimmy carried a 3.4 grade-point average over his high school career."

Darin Tracy (Fr., Westland, Mich./Livonia Franklin) signed with WSU last February. "Darin has the ability to come in and play at the sam linebacker position. He has the size and ability to contribute both on defense and special teams. He was a Dream Team selection as a senior. Darin carried above a 3.0 grade-point average through out his high school career."

Zach Van Setters (r-Fr., Rockford, Mich.) redshirted in 2005. "Zach will be coming off a shoulder injury that ended his 2005 season during fall camp. During that time Zach moved up the depth chart. He was at one time running with the number one defense. Zach is a smart player and can play both the mike and will position. He will compete to play at linebacker and on special teams. Zach carries a 3.2 grade-point average."