On the latest episode of Syracuse Sports presented by Crouse Health, Brent Axe and Emily Leiker shine the spotlight on Syracuse football's linebacking group and how they factor into SU's new 4-2-5 defensive approach under new head coach Fran Brown and DC Elijah Robinson.

Emily and Brent offer observations on the group from a recent practice and the mentality of the players in the 4-2-5 defense vs. SU's 3-3-5 approach under Dino Babers.

They also listen in to soundbites from SU linebacker Derek McDonald and new LB coach/Co-DC Robert Wright on why he came to Syracuse, how the new defensive approach will be successful and what has impressed him about working with SU head coach Fran Brown so far.

Brent and Emily also answer questions from Syracuse Sports Insiders on who will start and rotate in at linebacker, how SU is addressing speed on the roster and more.

Our Syracuse Sports Insiders helped shape the conversation with their questions and opinions on Syracuse football for Brent and Emily.

Become a Syracuse Sports Insider today! Text "orange" to 315-847-3895 to get direct access to Brent to get your opinions heard and questions answered on the Syracuse Sports podcast and SU basketball postgame shows. 

You can also text Brent anytime, including during and after SU games. As a Syracuse Sports Insider, you will get Brent's opinion and reaction to breaking news first via text message, your messages get priority on the postgame show and podcasts, he'll take you into the SU locker room with behind-the-scenes access and more! 

Try it free for 2 weeks, then it's just $3.99 a month after that. You can cancel at anytime.

Subscribe to Syracuse Sports on Spotify https://l.syracuse.com/PKMGpR

You can email Brent at baxe@syracuse.com

Subscribe to our Syracuse Orange Sports Report newsletter! Find out how at https:// syracuse.com/newsletters 

Follow @BrentAxeMedia on X (https://twitter.com/BrentAxeMedia), Threads (https://www.threads.net/@brent_axe) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/brent_axe/)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices