4. College Football News Preview 2020: UTSA Roadrunners Defense 3 Things To Know
– The defense had its moments. It was fantastic at getting into the backfield – it led Conference USA in tackles for loss – but the pass rush was just okay. The run defense struggled, and the secondary was hit way too hard.
But there’s a ton of experience returning.
The top two tacklers – LB Andrew Martel and S Carl Austin – are done, but eight of the next ten are expected back along with six starters overall.
– The secondary should be the early strength – at least when it comes to experience – with three of the key safeties from late last year along with CB Corey Mayfield back. On the way is JayVeon Cardwell from Oklahoma State to push for the other corner job. Now they all need to pick off a few passes – the secondary only generated five last season.
– Senior Jaylon Haynes is one of the best interior playmakers in the league, generating a team-high 12.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.
230-pound junior Trevor Harmanson is the team’s leading returning tackler with 48, but the depth has to emerge after the last coaching staff mostly used just two linebackers on a regular basis.
The D has to come up with a few end options help out veteran Lorenzo Dantzler, but 6-3, 240-pound senior DeQuarius Henry can work like one from his outside linebacker spot.