WASHINGTON – With the Georgetown University football team opening its 2022 season on Saturday at Marist on September 3, GUHoyas.com will take an in-depth look at each position with this edition featuring the team's linebackers.

"When you play linebacker, you are the most visible part of any defense," Assistant Coach Trey Henderson said. "Every offensive scheme is determining different ways to block you or put you in conflict in order to gain the advantage for a particular play. A linebacker must have a clear mind so he can make multiple decisions on every play. He is not only responsible for his assignment and responsibility but also those in front and those behind him on almost every play."

GU's second wave of defenders is expected to be led by 2022 Joe Eacobacci No. 35 Memorial Jersey Recipient Justin Fonteneaux this season. The Houston, Texas native has played in 30 career games and has accumulated three interceptions, four pass break-ups and 152 tackles, 10 of which have gone for a loss of 31 yards. 

Fonteneaux put forth a career year in 2021, posting 40 solo and 47 assisted tackles (87 in total). His 17 total tackles against Columbia on September 25  were among the most in a single game at the FCS level, ranking inside the top 25 (T-24th).

The Texas native will be joined by several returners in senior Jonathan Saddler, juniors Will Kessler and De'Andre Wilborn and sophomores Ibri Harrell, Jed Henry, Myles Jones, Cole Pascucci and Stephen Sergio will all battle for spots in the Hoya starting lineup. The Hoyas also welcomed in freshmen Madux Borrelli, Jaiden Brown, Naiteitei Mose and Matthew Plunkett.

"I want to see our guys play with enthusiasm, play fast and with great fundamentals," Henderson said. "We've got a good group of linebackers that are young, athletic and have a lot of speed. I am excited about this group's playmaking ability for the upcoming season."

Linebackers Highlights

• Harrell has played in 10 games on the Hilltop, registering 21 tackles and 3.0 TFL with one sack for a loss of seven yards.
• Senior Saddler and sophomores Jones and Sergio appeared in 20 games combined last season, putting forth 29 tackles, five of which were for a loss of 21 yards.
• Borrelli was named Linebacker of the Year and Defensive MVP in his senior season at Lake Nona, leading with 8.0 sacks, three forced fumbles and 132 tackles, 24 of which went for a loss.
• Brown is a three-time all-state selection while becoming Southern Regional's all-time leading rusher with 4,465 yards and first three-time 1,000-yard rusher in program history. Also holds the Southern Regional record in the shot put (57' 10).
• Mose earned three 6A All-District First Team and Academic All-District selections (2019-2021) to go along with co-Defensive Team MVP (2021) and Defensive Newcomer of the Year (2019) at Trinity High School.
• Plunkett brings championship experience to the Hoyas as a three-time TSSAA Division II-AAA State Champion, including an undefeated 2021 state championship run.