4. College Football News Preview 2020: South Alabama Jaguars Defense 3 Things To Know
– The defense that finished fifth in the Sun Belt in yards and points allowed returns loaded with experience. Seven of the top eight tacklers are expected to return, but the defensive line got gutted.
The front three was one of the team’s biggest strengths with great size among the then-seniors, and now it’s all starting over. It’s going to be a smaller line, but it should be able to move around 6-0, 300-pound former JUCO transfer Gi’Narius Johnson on the nose. The 3-4 ends have size, though, around 270-pound senior Jeremiah Littles and 285-pound sophomore Maurice Strong.
– Riley Cole is the hybrid pass rusher on the outside of a solid linebacking corps, but he has to generate more sacks after coming up with 3.5 along with nine tackles for loss. He’s one outside veteran, but it all works around 215-pound juniors Nick Mobley – who led the team with 91 tackles – and AJ DeShazor. 225-pound Kevin Johnson is one of the bulkier inside linebackers – he made 59 stops.
– The pass defense wasn’t bad, allowing 217 yards per game. Two key parts are gone – S DJ Daniels and CB Travis Reed – but Keith Gallmon was fourth on the team with 59 tackles and Devin Rockette isn’t a bad veteran corner. However, the depth was hammered with four corners in the transfer portal.