WASHINGTON – With less than two weeks until the 2023 season kicks off at home against Marist on September 2, GUHoyas.com will take an in-depth look at each position with this edition featuring the team's linebackers. 

"This season we are going to be able to get a lot of guys on the field with the depth that we have," said Linebackers Coach Trey Henderson. "This group has an exceptional work ethic and everyday they lead by example. Day in and day out they challenge each other with knowing their assignments, knowing the techniques and playing with passion. During camp we focused on them getting a solid understanding of what we are asking them defensively compared to what we did last year. We started building on it in the spring and right now we've pushed them to the next step."  

The Hoya linebackers will be led by senior Will Kessler. The New Jersey native, played in 10 games for GU last season and recorded 17 tackles, including 10 solo tackles and 1.0 TFL.  

"I have seen Will develop over the past three years. He was a great special teams player for us last year when he played on the four core unit. I see that as his role again this year along with spot playing at linebacker. Will is a steady calming influence and you know what you're gonna get when he is out there. Along with his talent, he has been a very impactful leader to the younger guys."

After having strong freshmen seasons, the Hoyas will also be led by sophomores Matthew Plunkett and Naiteitei Mose. In 2022, Punkett saw action in nine games and recorded one tackle. Mose played in all 11 games for the Hoyas and tallied six tackles, with five being solo. 

"Plunkett and Mose came back in July in great shape and hit the ground running in training.They have gotten in really good shape and they look stronger and a little bit quicker.I am very happy with what they have been able to accomplish this offseason."

The Blue & Gray will also be joined by several returners in juniors Myles Jones, Cole Pascucci and Stephen Sergio and sophomores Graham Felgar and Madux Borrelli. The Hoyas also welcome in freshmen Cody Pham, GianCarlo Rufo and Jakob Parker.

"When somebody watches the linebackers we want them to think wow they play fast and physical. We always talk about being an attack defense that plays with a relentless effort and that's what we're looking for."

Additional Linebacker Highlights

• Sergio has seen action in eight games and, in 2021, totaled 14 tackles including a pair of four-tackle games against Delaware State and Lehigh. 
• As a Hoya, Pascucci has played in nine games.
• Last season, Jones recorded 16 tackles in eight games including a seven-tackle performance against Holy Cross.
• During their freshmen seasons, Borrelli saw action in four games and Felgar participated in three. 
• During his time at Kempner, Pham was named Maxpreps Player of the Week, Defensive MVP, First Team All-District, Second Team All-District and Academic All-District.
• Rufo comes to the Hilltop after leading Punahou High School to the state championship game. 
• During his time at Wellesley, Parker accumulated 250 tackles, 19 sacks and 22 touchdowns.