As we previously discussed you can cross the secondary off the list as the biggest strengths heading into 2022. They lost four cornerbacks that made starts for the team in 2021. They replaced the quartet with Mekhi Garner, Greg Brooks Jr, and recent transfer Jarrick Bernard-Converse. While they are all experienced players, it remains to be seen how they all figure into the defense under Matt House.
Linebacker is also a question mark. The team lost their leader on the defense with Damone Clark heading into the NFL. Senior linebacker Micah Baskerville returns in 2022. He finished second on the team in tackles behind Clark. Can he make the same rise? Perhaps. They also have former Clemson linebacker Mike Jones Jr and added Virginia’s West Weeks to the fold.
It is the defensive line that is the strength on that side of the ball. Ali Gaye returns for another season as one of the pass rushers. On the other side, you have the sack leader from 2021, BJ Ojulari. Under the guidance of new defensive line coach Jamar Cain, this duo should be huge for the team. Not to mention Freshman All-American Maason Smith and Freshman All-SEC defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo.
While the team tries to answer questions about the rest of the team moving forward, it feels like they are in a great spot at running back and defensive line heading into 2022.
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