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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Paul Bretl

Colts linebackers before they were in the NFL

It’s conference championship weekend, so with a few college football games taking place on Friday and Saturday, let’s take a look at the Indianapolis Colts’ linebackers before they were in the NFL.

To preview these conference championship matchups with the top 2025 NFL draft prospects from each game, follow the links below:

Mountain West Championship
Conference USA Championship
American Athletic Conference
Big 10
Big 12
SEC
ACC

Zaire Franklin – Syracuse

Sep 16, 2017; Syracuse, NY, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas wide receiver Mark Chapman (3) runs with the ball after a catch as Syracuse Orange linebacker Zaire Franklin (4) leaps over teammate Jonathan Thomas (23) during the second quarter at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2017; Syracuse, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Max Browne (4) drops back to pass as Syracuse Orange linebacker Zaire Franklin (4) pressures during the second quarter at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Cameron McGrone – Michigan

Michigan Wolverines linebacker Cameron McGrone (44) tackles Notre Dame’s Jafar Armstrong during the second half Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019 at Michigan Stadium.Michigan Football
Jan 1, 2020; Orlando, Florida, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive back Josh Metellus (14) and linebacker Cameron McGrone (44) tackle Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris (22) during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Segun Olubi – San Diego State

Oct 23, 2021; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; Air Force Falcons quarterback Warren Bryan (6) is brought down by San Diego State Aztecs linebacker Segun Olubi (24) for a loss during the fourth quarter at Falcon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Leyba-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2021; Carson, CA, USA; Utah State Aggies wide receiver Deven Thompkins (13) runs the ball against San Diego State Aztecs safety Trenton Thompson (18) and linebacker Segun Olubi (24) during the second half of the Mountain West Conference championship game at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Grant Stuard – Houston

Nov 15, 2018; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars running back Grant Stuard (35) breaks the tackle of Tulane Green Wave defensive end Patrick Johnson (34) in the third quarter at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2021; American linebacker Grant Stuard of Houston (0) signals during American practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama, USA; Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

Jaylon Carlies – Missouri

Sep 4, 2021; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive back Jaylon Carlies (1) intercepts a pass intended for Central Michigan Chippewas wide receiver Finn Hogan (17) during the second half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2023; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive back Jaylon Carlies (1) tackles Memphis Tigers wide receiver Demeer Blankumsee (0) during the fourth quarter at The Dome at America’s Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-USA TODAY Sports

Liam Anderson – Holy Cross

WORCESTER – Holy Cross linebacker Liam Anderson tackles UNH’s Dylan Laube in the second quarter Saturday, December 3, 2022.Spt Hc Unh 5
Holy Cross linebacker Liam Anderson takes down Yale running back Elliott McElwain, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.DOWNPAGE 4

Austin Ajiake – UNLV

Sep 18, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Iowa State Cyclones running back Breece Hall (28) runs between UNLV Rebels linebacker Ose Egbase (26) and linebacker Austin Ajiake (27) to score a touchdown at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2023; Orlando, FL, USA; Team Kai linebacker Austin Ajiake (32) of the UNLV Rebels tackles Team Aina tight end Julian Hill (85) of the Campbell Fighting Camels during the second quarter in the 2023 Hula Bowl at UCF FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
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