Glee has found Mercedes’ rebound guy.

LaMarcus Tinker — best known for his role as Luke’s mild-mannered BFF Dallas on Friday Night Lights — is joining the cast as Marcus, a massive lineman for the McKinley Titans and a love interest for Amber Riley’s lovelorn diva.

Glee Spoiler Alert: New Season Premiere Intel!

The character, formerly known as “Bubba” on casting breakdowns, will presumably fill the hole in Mercedes’ heart left by Sam (the departing Chord Overstreet).

Exec producer Brad Falchuk likened the Mercedes/Marcus relationship to Cuba Gooding Jr. and his wife in Jerry Maguire. “He’s this Big Bubba kind of guy and he encourages her to want more for herself,” he said at Comic-Con last month. “That drives her arc into the next half of the season.”

Tinker also recurred on Cougar Town last season as Travis’ college roommate.

Thoughts? Thumbs up? Thumbs down? Thumbs sideways?

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