Mike Waller, right, on signing day 2009
Backstory
There ought to be more stories in Columbia football like story of senior Mike Waller.
He's a player who worked hard in almost complete obscurity during his first two seasons, playing only with the JV and enjoying no "buzz."
But he kept getting better and he came "out of nowhere" to log an extremely impressive first year with the varsity in 2011.
Waller started at Columbia with perhaps a bit of a disadvantage. That's because his brother Tim had been a commit to join the Lions a year before, only to change his commitment to Georgetown a few weeks later.
At 6-2 and 22 pounds, Waller is almost the perfect size to be an impact Ivy League linebacker.
Career Highlights
-Busted out in a big way when he first hit the field with the varsity. Got the start in the 2011 season opener and had six tackles including a tackle for a loss against Fordham. Showed tremendous hustle as well.
-Stood out in the snow-bound game against Yale with seven total tackles including two tackles for a loss.
-Had two sacks and a fumble recovery against Harvard as the Lions gave the eventual Ivy champs a surprising run for its money.
-Finished the season with 47 total tackles, nine for a loss, and two sacks.
Scouting Report
Hustle, hustle, hustle. Waller gets across the field fast and with a purpose on every play.
At 6-2, he's tall for an Ivy LB and should disrupt the passing game more often.
Tackles well, knows the fundamentals.
Jake's Take
Waller seems poised for a monster senior season and seems to have Head Coach Pete Mangurian's confidence. Waller's main job seems to be to cut off the outside running game so guys like fellow linebacker Ryan Murphy can go after the QB.
So like so many other defensive stars, Waller's effectiveness relies heavily on a step up in play for the Lion DT's plugging up the opposing runners up the middle. If that happens, watch Waller's stats go through the roof in 2012!
2 comments:
Jake, my recollection is that Mike's brother Tim wanted Columbia but the coaches thought he was too small for LB and didn't offer. I think that is why he ended up at Georgetown.
Waller is a solid player who will be a key part of a very good linebacker group that will be faster, bigger and much more experienced than last year's group. Obviously, the Lions could have one of the Ivy League's best defenses if Martin, Adebayo, Murphy and Waller put it together this season and the secondary improves its pass coverage. There is also considerable depth at linebacker which helps. The Lions two-deep at linebacker should be impressive. I'm waiting for the write-ups o Ollinger, East and others. Linebacker is the key position on defense as nearly all the tackles are made by this group. This is the position where you need a nasty attitude to be great.
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