July 25, 2007

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.

Wayne State returns five of its top six linebackers from last season including leading tackler Alan Guy. WSU's other top returning tackler is junior Tristan Black.

Of the 10 linebackers on the depth chart there are one senior, three juniors, one sophomore, one redshirt freshmen and four true freshmen.

"Tristan Black and Alan Guy both had good off-seasons in the weight room," stated head coach Paul Winters. "They have really gotten stronger and are starting to look more and more like college linebackers. The added strength will definitely help. Prosper Iwu had an outstanding off-season and is making good strides in his conditioning and speed. Adam Nuckols and Matt Shango, who are two big parts of our special teams, will get a chance to compete for a position and we expect them to compete. Matt Faulkner redshirted last fall and is a middle linebacker who should provide competition. I expect really good years out of Tristan, Alan and Prosper."

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

Alan Guy (Sr., Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester Adams) -- Alan will have the chance to be a four year starter. He is an extremely smart and instinctive football player. He gives us another coach on the field. He was a team captain as a junior and we anticipate him fulfilling that role again this season. He will have to lead a defense that replaces eight starters. Alan will have the chance to be one of the best linebackers in the GLIAC. Alan was an honorable mention all-league player last season while carrying a 3.2 overall grade point average.

Tristan Black (Jr., Toronto, Ont./Vanier Prep) -- Tristan is a very gifted football player who we will have to lean on more this season as he will be one of the veterans on a young defense. Tristan was an honorable mention all-league selection a year ago. He has the potential to be one the best linebackers in the league. Tristan is from Canada so he has been continually learning the game of football. He has now been in our system for two seasons so we are expecting big things from him this season.

Adam Nuckols (r-Jr., Waterford, Mich./Mott) -- Adam moved positions again this off-season. He has played three different positions during his time at Wayne. I think he has found a home at the Will linebacker position. He had an extremely productive spring and will continue to push Alan for playing time. Adam is one the hardest working players on the football team and also does it in the classroom carrying a 3.0 overall grade point average.

Prosper Iwu (r-Jr., Detroit, Mich./Univ. of Detroit Jesuit) -- Prosper will be another guy who will have to provide leadership on the defensive side of the ball. He has two years of experience playing the Sam linebacker position. He is an extremely tough and physical football player.

Matt Shango (So., West Bloomfield, Mich./Brother Rice) -- Matt is one of the few sophomores who played last season. He was awarded the defensive newcomer of the year in 2006. Matt is not the biggest of guys but what he lacks in size he makes up with great effort. He is very tough and has knack for always being around the football. Matt will also be counted on to be a productive player in the kicking game. Matt's effort doesn't stop on the field he also does it in the classroom carrying a 3.4 overall grade point average.

Matt Faulkner (r-Fr., Bloomfield Hills, Mich./Lahser) -- Matt is a redshirt freshman who will continue to push Tristan for playing time. He had a good spring and will continue to develop this fall camp. He has a good feel for the game. He will be counted on heavily to contribute in the kicking game.

Freshmen

Jordan Miller -- Jordan comes to us from Colerain High School in Cincinnati. Colerain is one of the elite programs in the state. He won a Division I state championship as a sophomore. He will compete for playing time at the Sam linebacker position and in the kicking game. Jordan carried a 3.3 grade point average throughout high school.

Zachary Easterly -- Zachary played his prep football at Cass Tech High School. Zachary was a top 40 recruit in the state of Michigan. He was the highest rated prospect in Michigan that signed with a D2 program. We will probably start Zachary off at safety to allow him to compete for playing time early. He will also be counted on to help us in the kicking game. Zachary carried a 3.2 grade point average throughout high school.

Raleigh Ross -- Raleigh is from Crockett Technical High School in Detroit. Raleigh is a gifted athlete who will compete for playing time at the will linebacker position. Raleigh carried a 3.3 grade point average throughout high school and was a member of the National Honor Society.

Mike Moynihan -- Mike played his prep football at Allen Park High School. He was selected as a Dream Team member. Mike will compete for playing time at the mike linebacker position. Mike has a knack for finding the football and he will hit you when he gets there. He also needs to find his way on special teams. Mike carried a 3.0 grade point average throughout high school.