The Cardinal Countdown: 53 Days Until Kickoff

#53 Amonte Caban

Class: RS Sophomore

Ht/Wt: 6-1/254

Position: Linebacker

Hometown: Smiths Station, AL

Twitter: @amonte_caban

Thoughts: Caban played well last year in his limited role on defense and special teams after completing his redshirt the year prior. I mentioned it back on Day 58 when talking about Greenard that I pegged him and Caban as “future stars” last season, expecting both of them at some point in the next couple years to be the leaders in the middle. That role for Caban may actually start this season. Caban, Isaac Stewart, and Malik Staples will all have an opportunity to try and replace a hell of a player, lead tackler, and team captain in Keith Kelsey. In the offseason Caban apparently separated himself from the other two guys and earned the opportunity to run with the first team during the spring. While it can be concerning to have a young player in the middle of your defense, Caban, having redshirted is now entering his third year in the system and will be alongside veteran Stacy Thomas to help guide the defense.

Petrino and ILB coach Cort Dennison both talked about Caban in the spring hitting the weight room hard to try and add some strength to his frame. It sounded like Caban performed well during camp so I’ll look forward to seeing if he can maintain that starting role in the fall and be the other inside backer on Day 1 against the Boilers. I’ve always been high on Caban and I’m excited to see him make me look smart the next couple seasons.

Sweet Tweet:

Well, they’re not sponsoring me or anything but today is Amazon Prime day so you could have some fun buying a bunch of stuff you don’t really need just because it’s sitting there at a good price….tough to pass on a 50ft roll of bubble wrap for $9