MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — With an overall young group of linebackers this season, leadership from a few upperclassmen has been crucial for Middle Tennessee linebackers coach Siriki Diabate.
While talent has been evident across the board during the first couple of weeks of fall camp, the group as a whole doesn't have a lot of experience. That makes the leadership from seniors DQ Thomas and Brett Shepherd and redshirt juniors Cody Smith and Wayne Parks all the more valuable.
"Those guys are starting to become more of a big brother," Diabate, who's in his fourth season at MT, said.