Grambling's Exama leads Tigers' defense

Grambling, LA - The Grambling State offense will spend the remaining three-plus weeks of fall camp sorting out who will be the starting quarterback when the Tigers open the season Sept. 3 against Alcorn State in Shreveport.

Defensive coordinator Clifford Yoshida, however, already knows who will handle the leadership role on his defense — senior middle linebacker Cliff Exama. Once a man without a real home on defense, Exama has evolved into a tackling machine and a trusted Yoshida aide.

"I recruited Cliff out of (North Miami Beach) Florida and we always thought he'd be a good football player," Yoshida said. "It's come to fruition."

After bouncing from a standup defensive end to weak side linebacker, Exama, who was lightly recruited out of high school, settled in at middle linebacker and the numbers quickly added up.

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