The Rocky Mountain Collegian

Issue date: 4/1/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Brandon Iwamoto CSU linebacker Mychal Sisson (6) watches the team run drills from the side of the field during practice on Tuesday at the Moby Practice Fields.

Mychal Sisson is 20 years old, a redshirt sophomore and very possibly the newly crowned leader of the CSU Rams defense.

Sisson, a linebacker, is expected to be the only member of last year's CSU linebacker corps to be returning for the 2009 season. The Rams lost middle linebacker Jeff Horenik to graduation and outside linebacker Ricky Brewer to a one-year suspension for an undisclosed violation of team rules.

Because of the heavy losses, head coach Steve Fairchild is expecting Sisson, an all-American his freshman year, to play a critical role in heading CSU's defensive attack this season.

Fairchild explained he is confident in the native Texan's ability to guide the Rams.

"He had a tremendous year for us last season, he's very experienced and he's a high effort guy," the second year CSU coach said. "I think he is ready and we need him to be ready."

In his freshman year, Sisson put up impressive numbers for CSU, posting 108 tackles -- eight for a loss -- and two fumble recoveries.

Sisson, 5-feet 11-inches and weighing 200 pounds, said he's ready for his new role, adding that he started becoming a leader last season.

"Even when Ricky (Brewer) was there, I knew I had to step up and play a lead role," he said. "Now with him gone I have to play more of a lead role, and some other players have to step up. Right now, I have to lead the defense and show them how things go."

Defensive coordinator Larry Kerr said that Sisson is more of a lead by example type of player, which is exactly what the Rams need.

"There's no doubt he's ready to do it and does most of it by example and not by talking," Kerr said. "Just the way he plays is leadership. As long as he's going out and getting after people, other guys will respond to that. He's got that in him."

With Sisson expected to retain his starting position from a season ago, Fairchild and Kerr are still working to fill two vacant spots in the linebacking corps. In the first few spring practices, both coaches have given the majority of starting reps to sophomore Michael Kawulok and junior Alex Williams.

Continued...

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