Bronx, N.Y. – We continue our position-by-position breakdown of the 2018 Rams with a look at a unit that returns three starters and a host of other with experience: the linebackers.
The 2018 Ram linebacking squad will be led by returning seniors
Lawrence Menyah and
Noah Fitzgerald, along with 2017 Freshman All-American
Glenn Cunningham.
Here's a complete look at the linebackers in camp for the 2018 Rams:
Noah Fitzgerald (Sr., 6-0, 228)
• Appeared in eight games, starting four, at linebacker (missed three games with an injury.
• Recorded 37 total tackles, 19 solo, including 0.5 for loss.
• Also had three pass breakups.
• Made eight tackles, three solo, at Bryant.
• Opened season with six stops, three solo, at Army.
• Had seven tackles, three solo, and broke up a pair of passes at Central Connecticut.
Lawrence Menyah (Sr., 6-2, 210)
• Started all eleven games at linebacker in 2017.
• Fifth on team with 52 total tackles, 36 solo, including four for loss and one sack.
• Also had an interception, which he returned for a score, and six pass break-ups.
• Finished with a season-high seven stops, five solo, at Bryant.
• Matched his season-high with seven stops, six solo, at Colgate.
• Also made seven tackles, four solo, and broke up a pass against Lehigh.
• Had three tackles, two solo, and returned an interception 29 yards for the game-winner with 1:27 left at Central Connecticut.
Glenn Cunningham (So., 6-2, 226)
• Appeared in ten games at linebacker as a freshman, starting eight.
• Named a HERO Sports First Team Freshman All-American.
• Also named Second Team All-Patriot League.
• Recorded 82 total tackles, 54 solo, including 9.5 for loss and 5.5 sacks.
• Led team in total tackles, solo tackles, tackles for loss and sacks.
• Ranked third in the Patriot League in sacks (0.55/game) while also ranking fifth in both total tackles (8.2/game) and solo tackles (5.4/game).
• Also had nine quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one interception and one pass breakup.
• Finished with a season-high 14 tackles, ten solo, including one for loss and recovered a fumble versus Eastern Washington.
• Recorded 12 tackles, five solo, including a sack, at Colgate.
Chris Geissler (Sr., 6-0, 230)
• Appeared in four games, both at linebacker and on special teams.
Jeremy Imperati (So., 6-1, 230)
• Appeared in ten game as a freshman, both at linebacker and on special teams.
• Recorded five total tackles, three solo, including two sacks.
• Also had two quarterback hurries and one forced fumble.
Ricardo Llanio (So., 5-11, 221)
• Appeared in seven games in his first season at Fordham, both at linebacker and on special teams.
Thomas Stolte (So., 6-0, 211)
• Did not see action as a freshman.
• Named Team Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 at Monroe Township High School in Monroe Township, N.J.
Matt Dengler (So., 6-2, 185)
• Did not see action.
• A member of the football, basketball and track teams at Pope John XXIII in Sparta, N.J.
Jaden Vazquez (Fr., 6-1, 188)
• Played football for head coach John Truby at Liberty High School in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
• A First Team Eastern Pennsylvania Conference selection.
• Named team's Defensive Player of the Year.
Jason Kauffman (Fr., 6-2, 215)
• Played football for head coach Matt Ahearn at Colts Neck High School in Colts Neck, N.J.
Peter Fitzgerald (Fr., 6-2, 225)
• Played for head coach LJ Spinnato at Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Connecticut, in 2017.
Ryan Greenhagen (Fr., 6-1, 220)
• Played for head coach Brian Carlson at Pope John XXIII High School in Sparta, N.J.
• 2017 NJHerald.com First Team selection.
• 2017 NJ.com All-Non Public selection.
• Recorded 107 tackles along with two interceptions, returning one for a score, and three forced fumbles.
Jonathan Haynes (Fr., 6-1, 210)
• Played football for head coach Dan Paro at Georgetown Prep in Washington, D.C.
Zach Spencer (Fr., 6-5, 217)
• Played football for head coach Tony Mazzola at Tri-County RVT in Franklin, Massachusetts.
• A three-year starter on the line for the Cougars.
