U.Va.'s Sintim eager to take on larger role

GREENSBORO, Ga.

Virginia's Clint Sintim is the first to admit that he had more than a little help leading the nation's linebackers in sacks last season.

Sintim played directly behind defensive end Chris Long, arguably the most feared pass rusher in the nation. Down the line from Long, fellow end Jeffrey Fitzgerald was a handful in his own right, recording 12 sacks over two seasons.

"It gave me the opportunity to come in there and sneak in the back door and make some plays," Sintim said Sunday at the 2008 ACC Football Kickoff.

With Long and his 14 sacks gone to the NFL and Fitzgerald headed to Kansas State because of an academic issue, that door has been slammed shut. Virginia returns no defensive ends with any significant experience, which could make Sintim a marked man this year at his outside linebacker position.

"Will I get extra attention?" Sintim said, laughing. "Hopefully not."

Sintim knows that's wishful thinking. After totaling nine sacks last year, his sneaking days are likely over. He figures to draw more double-team blocks than any Cavalier outside linebacker since Darryl Blackstock, who had 27 sacks from 2002-04.

Sintim is ready for the extra attention. A fifth-year senior, he's been preparing for this opportunity since enrolling in 2004, a heavily recruited player out of Gar-Field High in Woodbridge who was "intrigued" with playing linebacker in Virginia's 3-4 system.

"I feel I was born to be an outside linebacker in the 3-4," he said. "I just love the position."

Other schools wanted him as a 4-3 defensive end. Sintim craved the challenge of playing a hybrid position, one that requires someone powerful enough to take on an offensive tackle on the edge, and quick enough to drop into coverage in the flat. At 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, he fits the prototype.

"I've got to hit him every day in practice, so I know what kind of power he has," tight end John Phillips said.

It took a while to come out. After redshirting in 2004, Sintim broke into the starting lineup in 2005. He played through a shoulder injury in 2006 before breaking out last year.

Sintim gives much of the credit to Long, and not just for occupying blockers between the lines. They shared a house last year, along with seven other teammates. Long was the one likely to organize an offseason Saturday morning run, or to drop to the floor and bang out a set of pushups while watching TV. His relentless approach to improving as a player was contagious, Sintim said.

"Chris was a huge influence," Sintim said.

Sintim will try to exert a similar influence on his younger teammates this year. Phillips, another former roommate, sees him as a natural.

"Living with him, I see what kind of worker he is. He watches film all the time," Phillips said. "He brings a passion. He plays with a high level of intensity."

With just five defensive starters back, Virginia will need all of Sintim's intensity and then some, beginning with the season opener Aug. 30 against Southern Cal. A little help with the pass rush wouldn't hurt, either. Regardless, Sintim can't wait to get started.

"Am I excited?" he said. "Excited is not the word. Ecstatic is the word."

Ed Miller, (757) 446-2372, ed.miller@pilotonline.com