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After the departure of Chris Long , it quickly became evident that someone on the defense needed to step up to keep the energy, to be both a vocal leader and difference-maker. Everyone looked to senior LB Clint Sintim .
Drawing on his competitive nature, Sintim answered the challenge, being named a team captain and displaying a definite leadership of the defense during camp but he says he hasn’t felt any more pressure than before last season.
“But I felt that last year,” Sintim said. “I felt that I had to be a playmaker last year. I wanted to be essential to our team last year so I’m carrying on that same mindset. This year is a little different. I am a captain and Chris is not around and Jeff is not around some other guys are not around but I’m still going to take the same approach, come in here every day and work hard and prepare to win.”
Sintim, with his current streak of 37 straight starts, is one of the most consistent performers returning to the team this season. Last season he accumulated 77 tackles, 9 sacks (led the nation’s linebackers), and two fumbles.
In the latest Quick Take, Clint Sintim answered a few media questions about the upcoming test against the Trojans.
Do you remember your reaction when you heard you were going to be playing Southern Cal? And Opening against them?
Sintim: I was very excited. Very excited. It’s one of the better teams in the nation, it has been for quite some time. It’s a great opportunity for our program to play a team of that caliber. I was very excited. I know a lot of other guys were very excited and we’re just really excited for the opportunity to play a program like that.
I’m sure it’s a long list Clint but what does their offense do well?
Sintim: A multitude of things. They do a lot of things. They’ve got a lot of playmakers on their team. Joe McKnight, No. 4. No. 31 (Stanley Havili). They do a lot of things. They like to get the ball to their playmakers and let them make plays and they’ve got a number of playmakers. They put guys in situations to make plays and they’re typically very successful at it.
Do you think a game here Saturday against a top caliber team is going to immediately show you guys where you need to be or where you are?
Sintim: I mean, it’s definitely going to show us something. It’s going to show something. We’re playing one of the better teams in the nation. They have been for quite some time so playing a team like this is really going to let you know what type of players and what type of team we have so I mean it’s a great challenge for our program and we’re all excited.
Your [Virginia’s] performance in openers hasn’t been the greatest. How would you account for that?
Sintim: I don’t know. That’s last year. You know that’s last year. That’s in the past. Every year it’s a new year. We’re not really thinking too much as far as the past years and how well that went. We’re focused on this year and how good we can make this one.
Clint, obviously you’ve seen a lot more big games than a lot of guys on this defense. How have you embraced your leadership role especially for this game and what have you said to the younger guys about facing such a tough opponent?
Sintim: I think I spoke to one of my younger guys the other day and just let them know this is [an] opportunity. This is a big opportunity, not only for the team but for individuals on this team. This is a big stage. 3:30 prime time. This is a big team coming in. And it’s going to be a lot of people there, a lot of opportunity to make big plays and showcase our talent so I mean it’s a big stage. I’ve played in a lot of games and this might be one of the bigger games that I will play in so I’m excited. I know a lot of other guys are excited and we’re trying to get ready to go.
The Sabre’s “Quick Take” features are a shorter version of the site’s “Question and Answer” articles available through the Sabre EDGE subscription service. Join life on the EDGE today to catch up with recruits, players, and coaches in Q&A sessions.
