Lineback Marlowe Wax is up next! Let’s get to know this young defender who flashed in limited snaps last season!
The Basics
Height: 6’1
Weight: 236 pounds
College: Syracuse
Experience: 1
Wax is a Maryland native who starred at both running back and linebacker at Mount St. Joseph High School. He was the No.77 running back in the 2020 class and the No. 37 player in the state of Maryland. As a senior, Wax helped his team to a 10-2 record and the 2019 MIAA “A” Conference title after rushing for 1,330 yards and 18
touchdowns on 180 carries. On defense, he recorded 111 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, five sacks, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and three interceptions.
Choosing to stay out east, Wax committed to play his college football at Syracuse. He saw game time right away, playing in 11 games with one start as a true freshman. He ended the year with 33 tackles, 5.5 tackles or loss, and three sacks.
Wax earned a starting job as a true sophomore, playing in all 12 games and making 60 tackles to go with nine tackles for loss, five sacks, one pass breakup, one interception, and a forced fumble. In 2022, Wax started 13 more games and earned Honorable Mention All-ACC honors after posting 91 tackles, 10 tackles, 4.5 sacks, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and a pair of fumble recoveries with a blocked kick.
Wax’s best season came in 2023 when he was named a Second-Team All-ACC selection with career-highs across the board. He ended that year with 110 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, one interception, three pass breakups, and four forced fumbles.
Unfortunately Wax missed five of 13 possible games in his final collegiate season, but still managed to earn Honorable Mention All-ACC honors once again with 44 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one pick, one pass breakup, two forced fumbles, and another fumble recovery.
Despite a long and productive career, Wax went undrafted in 2025 and ultimately signed as a UDFA with the Chargers.
Wax played mainly on special teams but earned more snaps when the Bolts rested their starters to end the year. He finished 2025 with 21 tackles and a tackle for loss.
The Good
Showed some flashes in limited snaps as a rookie during the regular season but had better tape during the preseason which helped him earn a spot on the final roster.
Plays bigger than his measurements and will mix it up in the middle as a run defender. Puts his helmet into ballcarriers and doesn’t often fall backwards after making contact.
Recorded a great three-cone time of 6.98 at his pro day, showing he’s got excellent lateral athleticism.
The Bad
Undersized for the position and will have to continue earning his way as a special-teamer.
Will have to put on better mass to hold up as a middle linebacker in base packages.
2026 Outlook
Wax looked good for an undrafted free agent rookie when he got on the field either during the preseason or late in the regular season. He is a no-nonsense player who simply puts his head down and goes to work. The Chargers liked what they saw during the preseason and gave him a spot on the active roster. Wax’s biggest obstacle to making the active roster again will be third-year linebacker Junior Colson and his health. If Colson comes back and looks like the player they drafted in the third round back in 2024, then Wax may be an odd man out before landing on the PS. Either way, Wax should stick around in LA for another season as he continues to develop.
