CEDAR CITY, Utah - As the 2024 college football season approaches, Southern Utah University's Thunderbirds are set to have a solid core of linebackers. This unit is a blend of seasoned veterans, transfers eager to prove their worth, and promising young talent. These athletes are primed to make significant contributions in stopping opponents this season.

Head Coach DeLane Fitzgerald Said

"I am excited about our linebacking core! We have good players at the linebacker position, and we have depth at the position for the first time since our coaching staff arrived in Cedar. We are big, strong, run well, have high-level tacklers, and guys that finish plays at the position. They will be fun to watch this fall." 

Kohner Cullimore

Leading the charge is junior linebacker Kohner Cullimore from Gilbert, Arizona. Cullimore has already garnered significant recognition, being named to both the Phil Steele Preseason All-UAC first team and the 2024 All-UAC preseason team. His performance last season solidified his reputation as a defensive powerhouse. Appearing in 10 games, he amassed 73 total tackles, including 40 solo stops, and added ten tackles for loss and three sacks to his impressive stat line. His consistent performance earned him Phil Steele's first-team All-UAC linebacker honors.

Cullimore's rise to prominence began in 2022, when he racked up 76 tackles and was named to the Bluebloods 1st Team All-Conference, earning Freshman All-American honors. His ability to read the game and execute crucial plays makes him an important piece of the Thunderbirds' defense. 

Trent Whalen

Redshirt junior Trent Whalen from Las Vegas, Nevada, is another key figure in Southern Utah's linebacker corps. Named to the 2024 Phil Steele Preseason All-UAC second team, Whalen's journey with the Thunderbirds has been marked by steady improvement and resilience. Despite a quieter 2023 season, where he appeared in just two games and registered two assisted tackles, Whalen's 2022 campaign showcased his potential. That year, he recorded 51 tackles, with a standout performance against Stephen F. Austin, where he notched 18 takedowns.

Whalen's experience and ability to deliver in crucial moments make him a reliable asset for the Thunderbirds, especially as he looks to bounce back in the 2024 season.

Josh Dunn

From Middletown, Delaware, redshirt junior Josh Dunn adds depth and consistency to the linebacking unit. In 2023, Dunn saw limited action, appearing in just two games and recording three tackles. However, his 2022 season demonstrated his value, as he played in all 11 games and accumulated 47 tackles, including a season-high eight against Western Illinois. Dunn's ability to step up when called upon will be crucial as he aims to carve out a more significant role this season.

Mason Stromstad

Sophomore Mason Stromstad from Tempe, Arizona, is a player to watch. In 2023, he appeared in all 11 games and recorded 13 tackles, including three tackles for loss and an interception. Stromstad's performance last season indicates his readiness to take on a more prominent role, and his all-region and all-state honors from high school suggest he has the potential to become a key contributor for the Thunderbirds.

New Faces: Ricky Rich and Darrian Feazell

The Thunderbirds have also welcomed Ricky Rich and Darrian Feazell to the lineup, both of whom bring experience from other programs. Rich, a redshirt junior from Richmond, Texas, transferred from the University of Incarnate Word, where he was the third-leading tackler in 2023 with 48 tackles. His ability to disrupt plays and his experience at the collegiate level make him a valuable addition to the T-Bird defense.

Another redshirt junior, Feazell, hails from Reno, Nevada, and joins Southern Utah from Los Angeles Valley College. With two years of eligibility remaining, Feazell brings a fresh perspective and is eager to make an impact. His background at Utah Tech and solid high school career show that he has the tools to be a productive member of the team.

Emerging Talent: Conner Meyer

Conner Meyer, a redshirt junior from Middletown, Maryland, transferred from Frostburg State and quickly integrated into the Southern Utah defense. In his first season with the Thunderbirds, Meyer appeared in 10 games and contributed 12 tackles and an interception. Meyer's experience and adaptability make him a versatile option for the linebacker unit as he looks to build on his debut season with the team.

Wrapping Up

The Southern Utah linebackers unit is a blend of experienced leaders, consistent performers, and emerging talents. The Thunderbird defense is poised to be a force to reckon with in the upcoming season. As these athletes continue to develop and gel as a unit, fans can expect them to play a pivotal role in Southern Utah's quest for success in 2024.

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