Roland anchors top Ivy defense for Lions

Columbia football captain Paul Roland leads a strong linebacking core into Franklin Field to face the Quakers. Penn football historians may remember Paul Roland's name. That's because three years ago, a certain Columbia freshman had his coming out party against the Red and Blue at Baker Field. Roland had 11 tackles, eight unassisted tackles and one for a loss against Penn that day, leading the Lions to a 24-14 triumph over Penn. His freshman year was cut short by a shoulder injury, but he worked his way back into the lineup, becoming a starter last year. Roland, one of Columbia's four team captains, is one of three solid members of the Lions' linebacking crew. Roland and junior Kevin Wright play the outside spots, while co-captain Jeremy Taylor mans the middle. "They have a nice combination of size, speed and experience," Penn coach Al Bagnoli said. "All those kids have been around a while and they really complement that [defensive] package very nicely." The three linebackers have driven the Columbia defensive unit to the top of the Ivy League and have not allowed a single rushing touchdown in four games this year. Bagnoli said their size makes running the football difficult. "They're all good," Bagnoli said. "All three of those kids all 6'2'', they're all 225 or bigger and they all run pretty well." Roland has made life miserable for his opponents all year. He leads the Lions in tackles for loss with six for 22 yards. He also has a sack and an interception to go along with 24 tackles on the year. And he is content to let his numbers do the talking. "I'm more of a leader by example," Roland said. "I make sure kids pay attention to little details and understand that come every Saturday, it's a big day and everyone has to play a lot better." Roland relies a lot on his two linebacking counterparts for help in guiding the young Lions defense. "Between Kevin Wright and Jeremy Taylor, we absolutely love going out on the field together," Roland said. "We love playing together. We communicate so very well because for the past two years, it's been the three of us. "Our relationship off the field helps us play well together." Roland has been through a lot at Columbia and has seen the program turn around. "I think it has been up and down. Two years ago, we had an incredible leading senior class," Roland said. "Last year was maybe a little bit of a letdown, but I think this year's team has a strong group of seniors and a good group of juniors that gets it done on the field." Coming into the year, Roland and his defense had the task of learning a brand new defensive scheme, but he and the Lions seemed to have a very short learning curve. Columbia is giving up only 52.5 rushing yards per game, third among Division I-AA, and only 121 passing yards per game. But the Lions will face what could be their toughest test this year -- a revitalized Penn offense, which put up 34 points in just over a half of football last Saturday. "They run the football well [and] they have a good quarterback," Roland said. "I think it's going to be one of those good old-fashioned football games when two teams are going to be fairly equal. "Both teams are going to have a good idea of what the other team is doing," he said. "We're just going to line up and see who can play a little bit harder than the other team."

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