The Roster

John Bivens – 6’2″, 213, R-Fr. Aaron Clark – 6’5″, 254, Jr. Darnell Carter – 6’3″, 244, R-Fr. Denzel Burrell – 6’4″, 224, So. J’Courtney Williams – 6’3″, 218, Fr. Daniel Childress – 6’2″, 205, R-Fr. Darren Childs – 6’1″, 244, So. Terence Fells-Danzer – 6’1″, 220, Fr. Clint Sintim – 6’3″, 256, Jr. Aaron Taliaferro – 6’2″, 215, Fr. Bernie McKeever – 6’3″, 236, Jr. Jon Copper – 6’0″, 232, Jr. Jared Detrick – 6’1″, 215, Fr. Jermaine Dias – 6’1″, 237, Sr. Antonio Appleby – 6’4″, 248, Jr. John-Kevin Dolce – 6’2″, 230, R-Fr.

When the 2006 season began, the linebacker corps appeared to be a big question mark for the Cavaliers. Outside linebacker Jermaine Dias had six career starts and inside backers Antonio Appleby and Jon Copper had combined for two. The only proven commodity in the group was outside linebacker Clint Sintim .

While at times there were lapses in the play of the linebackers, the general postseason consensus was that this group was an essential part of the success for the nation’s 17th-ranked defense.

The primary concern last season was keeping people healthy. Sintim played with a nagging shoulder problem all season that limited his effectiveness. He is now fully recovered and Coach Al Groh said “all facets of his game have moved along. His run techniques are better, pass rush is better, his situational awareness is better. He’s really progressed as a player.

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