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Today is another two-player day, but instead of putting both in one entry, I figure it is high time to truly give each player his full due. So here is the first of two entries today on the guys who wear No. 40.
Collin Link - Sr. (5)
West Liberty, OH (West Liberty HS)
6'2", 214 pounds
Linebacker
2014 Projection: Possible starter at Linebacker
It is a common theme with our defense over the last two years, but Link is the latest player to go from unheralded walk-on to starter during his tenure. He joins such guys as Frank Duong, Landon Feichter, and his older brother, Logan Link.
Unlike those guys, who were safeties, Collin is a linebacker. He first appeared in 2012 as a special teams contributor. Last season he played in all 12 games and had 25 tackles while also notching a pair of starts. His best game came against Iowa, where he had seven tackles and a pass break-up. He also had a pair of sacks on the season, making him one of the team's best returning pass rushers.
Logan is a solid kid who is majoring in Civil Engineering. He has also earned a scholarship for the coming season. Since his parents were footing the bill for two football walk-ons in the last few seasons I am sure it is a nice benefit. It is certainly well earned, as Collin is a possible starter at outside linebacker this coming season.