Get to Know Your Orange Man: #96, DE Steve Linton

Name: Steve Linton

Position: Defensive End

Year: Freshman

Height: 6’5”

Weight: 215 lbs.

Hometown: Dublin, GA

High School: Dublin

2018 stats: Recorded 67 tackles and nine sacks in fourteen games last year at Dublin

2019 projections: Linton will spend his first year learning from All-ACC ends Alton Robinson and Kendall Coleman. The new NCAA participation rules should allow him to see some snaps in a reserve role this Fall but this year is probably going to be all about Linton adding weight while retaining explosiveness.

How’d he get here?: Chose the Syracuse Orange over offers from the Arizona State Sun Devils, Louisville Cardinals and Missouri Tigers among others.

What’d recruiting sites say?: Three stars from 24/7, Rivals and ESPN

Money quote: From his HS coach on National Signing Day discussing Steve’s future at defensive end or linebacker

“He has the ability to do either,” Holmes said, “but obviously if he’s going to consistently put his hand on the ground then he’s got to put on some mass. ... I think everybody’s in agreement that if you give this kid one year, you’ll see him at 245 (pounds).”

Twitterfeed: @Stevenlinton12

Tweets of wonder: We’re glad Steven figured this one out

What movie would Dino Babers recommend for him?: We’re going with “The Commitments”, a movie about a Dublin man who decides to form a soul band in his working-class neighborhood. The band’s inability to work together ruins their chances at fame, a message that Dino will want his young players to take to heart while they enjoy a soundtrack which became a commercial success.

Interesting nugget o’ interest: Despite being recruited as a defender, Steve was selected as a Class AA Second Team Tight End. Perhaps we might see him included on that side of the ball during his Syracuse career.

Let’s get a good look at ya: Here’s his National Signing Day video