Grandson Nico enrolled at Tulane in 2013 as a 5’8” 180 pound linebacker, proceeding to earn a starting linebacker position as a true freshman. Exemplifying the notion that size is the most overrated trait for a football player, Nico uses intelligence, speed, instincts, and tenacity to overcome his lack of a prototypical frame.
His senior season high school highlights are reminiscent of a long line of overlooked, undersized linebackers, including London Fletcher, Zach Thomas, Sam Mills, Dat Nguyen, Dexter Coakley, Jessie Tuggle, and further back to Mike Singletary and others…
An example of perfect tackling form during Nico’s freshman season at Tulane:
Son Rohan starred as an undersized linebacker for the Miami Hurricanes in the early/mid 90s. Despite standing only 5’8” and weighing 205 pounds, he led the 1993 Hurricanes in tackles. Using the same attributes now exhibited by his son Nico, Rohan was at the center of a defense that also featured Ray Lewis and Warren Sapp (not to mention Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson).
His highlights show an instinctive linebacker with crushing tackling ability, despite his size:
Patriarch Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley – though not a football player – became an international legend despite hailing from tiny Jamaica, also on the strength of his passion and talent: