4. College Football News Preview 2020: WKU Hilltoppers Defense 3 Things To Know
– The defense was fantastic. The offense might not have been all that amazing, but it didn’t have to be with the other side picking up the slack, finishing second in Conference USA in total D and No. 1 in scoring defense.
And now 13 of the top 15 tacklers are expected back.
It all starts around a pass rush that was okay, but got the job down on third downs. Senior DeAngelo Malone has been one of the nation’s best pass rushing threats over the last few years, and he’s helped by getting 6-3, 270-pound Juwan Jones back on the other side – the two combined for 18.5 sacks. The interior loses Jaylon George, but 6-1, 300-pound senior Jalen Madden is a good rock to work around.
– Kyle Bailey is back at one linebacker spot after leading the team with 109 tackles, and Clay Davis is a 230-pound thumper who came up with 60 stops. There’s good depth and plenty of options to play around with, and it’s all getting helped by the addition of Tennessee transfer Will Ignont.
– The secondary was among the best in the conference, allowing 200 yards per game and was fourth in pass efficiency D. Trae Meadows is a good-sized corner on one side, combining with senior Dionte Ruffin for 55 stops.
Senior Devon Key was third on the team with 93 tackles at one safety job, and fourth-leading tackler Antwon Kincade is back after making 84 tackles at another spot.