One position the SU Football team looks to be its strongest at is linebacker. With two senior leaders at the position in Doug Hogue and Derrell Smith it's no secret why. Smith tallied 82 tackles last season for 6.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles. This will be his third season at linebacker, in 2007 he saw action as a running back gaining 19 yards on 5 carries and even making a reception. He was switched to linebacker where he's thrived.
That's exactly what happened with Doug Hogue with the same result. Over two seasons at running back in 2007 and 2008 Hogue rushed for 483 yards, averaging four yards per carry. He broke loose for an 82 yard touchdown at Rutgers in 2008, one of three career touchdowns. When Doug Marrone took over in 2009 he switched Hogue to linebacker where his impact was immediate. Hogue recorded 72 total tackles with 9.5 sacks, 3.5 which came in the 31-13 win over Rutgers. He forced two fumbles and picked off one pass. While the numbers are impressive, it's the speed and leadership that makes the two former running backs special at the position. Both have running back speed with linebacker size and just like they were a nightmare for teams like Akron and Rutgers in 2009 you can expect more of the same in 2010.
That leadership will be crucial as well, the third linebacker spot is up for grabs with Ryan Gillum and Marquis Spruill mentioned the most to win the job, but also as Smith and Hogue depart that opens two starting spots for next year. Impressive freshmen like Malcolm Cater, Brice Hawkes, Mario Tull, and Lewellyn Coker will learn from some of the best in the conference at their position.
