ITHACA, N.Y. -- It's time to take an in-depth look at the 2010 Big Red football team position group by position group. Now we look at the linebackers, coached by defensive coordinator Ron McCrone.
Practice Photo Gallery Day 1 I Day 2 I Day 3 I Day 4 I Day 5 I Day 7
Big Red 101 - Special Teams I Defensive Tackles I Tight Ends I Linebackers
Cornell returns one of the top linebackers in the Ancient Eight in
Brandon Lainhart (6-2, 223), while seniors
Anthony Ambrosi (5-9, 207) and
Dempsey Quinn (6-4, 208) will attempt to join him after standout 2009 campaigns at safety. Junior
Zack Imhoff (6-4, 216) and sophomore
Richie Silverman (6-1, 230) have also earned varsity letters and will have a chance to challenge for starting spots in the 4-3 defense Cornell is moving to.
Lainhart had a breakout campaign in 2009, ranking third on the team with 86 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss and second with two interceptions. He returned one of those picks for a touchdown. Lainhart had a pair of double figure tackles games, including a career-best 15 against Colgate. He has good size and speed, as well as the experience necessary to quarterback the defense.
While talking about breakout campaigns, Ambrosi might jump to the top of the list. After two seasons split between the junior varsity as a successful running back and the varsity on special teams, he was converted to safety weeks before the 2009 opener and quickly emerged as one of the team's top playmakers. Ambrosi stood fourth on the team with 61 tackles. He had 9.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, two interceptions, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Ambrosi scored a pair of defensive touchdowns, including the eventual game-winner in a 14-12 victory at Yale. He led all Ivy League safeties in both tackles for loss and sacks in 2009.
Quinn had an outstanding year in 2009 while playing safety and will attempt to improve on that in 2010. The second-leading returning tackler in the Ancient Eight, Quinn posted 92 tackles and added 3.5 tackles for a loss, a sack, an interception, two fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles as a junior. He earned preseason recognition when he was named to the FCS Senior Scout Bowl preseason All-America second team.
Imhoff was penciled into the starting lineup in 2009 before an injury sidelined him for the entire campaign. He saw action in nine contests as a freshman in 2008 to earn his first varsity letter. Imhoff played linebacker and on special teams, making four tackles and a tackle for loss. His size and speed allow him to make plays from sideline to sideline.
As a rookie in 2009, Silverman played in seven contests at both linebacker and as a key member of the special teams. After a strong fall, he has put himself into position to earn significant time on the field in 2010 and contend for a starting spot.
Juniors
Chris Perry (6-0, 211) and
Chris Murray (6-2, 216) and sophomore
Cody Roberts (6-2, 208) also have an opportunity to break into the lineup. Both Perry and Murray are former walk-ons who have good size and instincts. After two seasons on the junior varsity, each is looking to make an impact on the varsity field. Roberts was a starter on the junior varsity and also served as the team's backup punter a year ago. He has the reputation of being a big hitter who is always around the ball.
Freshmen
Justin Strid (6-1, 214) and
Brett Buehler (6-1, 212) have the potential to step in right away and contribute to the defensive lineup or on special teams. They will have every opportunity to challenge for time during camp.
