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Basically ... Utah State's defense improved by leaps and bounds last year going from 111th in the nation in total defense to 45th. Don't expect a drop as the secondary should be outstanding, the line should be even better, and the linebackers will be good if the outside players can feed off of Robert Watts in the middle. The Aggies play a 3-4, but it's really 4-3 with a hybrid player seeing time on the line. Whatever it is, it works.
Star of the defense: Sophomore FS Terrance Washington
Player that has to step up and become a star: Senior NG Brent Pollock
Unsung star on the rise: Senior CB Jerome Dennis
Best pro prospect: Senior DT Ronald Tupea
Top three all-star candidates: 1) Washington, 2) LB Robert Watts, 3) Tupea
Strength of the defense: Secondary
Weakness of the defense: Outside linebacker
Defensive Line
Projected Starters
- Defensive tackle Ronald Tupea, Sr. - Tupea is more of an end than a true tackle in the 3-4 alignment, and he produces no matter where he plays. The team's leading pass rusher, Tupea made six sacks and eight tackles for loss last year to go along with 35 tackles, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
- Nose guard Brent Pollock, Sr. - The beef in the middle, the 309-pound Pollock is the anchor of the line and needs to become a top run stopper. He'll combine with Ryan DeQuillettes on the nose after making 13 tackles last year.
- Defensive tackle Michael Gates, Jr. - Gates is only 243 pounds using his quickness to make plays at tackle. He was a reserve for most of last year making 22 tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss. He was tremendous this spring always finding ways to make plays.
- Defensive end/Stud - John Chick, Jr. - The Aggies like to run a 3-4, but they use a Stud position as a hybrid end/linebacker. That's perfect for pass rusher John Chick who moves from tackle to the outside where he should be a star with his speed and quickness combining with Kelly Poppinga. He made 33 tackles and four sacks last year.
Top Backups
- DE Kelly Poppinga, Soph. - The brother of BYU star Brady, Kelly will be a good pass rusher combining with John Chick at the Stud position. He has great range and should grow into a star after making five tackles in only six games.
- DT Ryan DeQuillettes, Jr. - He'll probably be the starter by the start of the season, but at the very least he'll combine with 309-pound Brent Pollock in the middle of the line. He's a great talent who should break out after making 15 tackles as a reserve.
The Skinny: This has the potential to be one of the best lines in the Sun Belt with good size, quality depth and fine young talents. The line could stand to be a little tougher against the run in the modified 3-4 alignment, but it wasn't all that bad last year and should be better as this season goes on.
Player to keep an eye on: Ryan DeQuillettes ... Defensive Line Rating: 4.5
Linebackers
Projected Starters
- Jared Johnstun, Jr. - A good sized player on the strongside, Johnstun made 26 tackles and two sacks in only nine games of action. He's also a good special teams player.
- Robert Watts, Sr. - Watts is the one of the best linebackers in the Sun Belt making 203 tackles over the last two seasons leading the Aggies both years. He's 6-4, and 234 pounds and is always around the ball making two sacks, and interception and recovering two fumbles. He'll start again in the middle.
- Nate Fredrick, Jr. - Frederick will start on the weakside after spot starting last season. He made 46 tackles and 2.5 sacks as one of the team's most physical linebackers.
Top Backups
- Jake Stewart, Jr. - Stewart is more of a strong safety than a linebacker, but he's effective making 52 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss last year seeing time on the strong side.
- Matt Wiser, Jr. - Wiser hasn't made much of an impact yet as a career backup and special teams player. He'll play behind Watts again, but Watts rarely comes out.
The Skinny: Robert Watts should get some First Team All-Sun Belt votes this year. The rest of the linebackers aren't bad as well, and are even better if you could defensive end/linebackers like John Chick and Kelly Poppinga. The potential is there for this to be the best linebacking corps the Aggies have had in years.
Player to keep an eye on: Nate Fredrick ... Linebacker Rating: 4.5
Secondary
Projected Starters
- Cornerback Jerome Dennis, Sr. - Dennis has all-conference potential with size and fantastic athleticism. The 6-1 senior has the speed to be a great kick returner along with his corner duties. He missed time last year with a blood clot in his shoulder only playing in three games.
- Free safety Terrance Washington, Soph. - One of the best young defensive players in the Sun Belt, the sophomore is coming off a 93 tackle season leading the team with five interceptions. The freshman All-American and All-Sun Belt performer has a chance to become something special if he gets a little bigger and builds on his freshman season.
- Strong safety Joe Lindsay, Soph. - Lindsay had a strong freshman season as a reserve making 22 tackles with an interception and three broken up passes. He isn't He isn't huge, but he has the speed of a corner with great athleticism.
- Cornerback Cornelius Lamb, Jr. - Lamb stepped into the starting lineup when Jerome Dennis went down and did a good job picking off two passes and making 26 tackles. Now he's ready to handle a full-time corner job on his own.
Top Backups
- Free safety Ross Luna, Sr. - Luna has been a career reserve and special teamer, and will be once again backing up Terrance Washington at free safety. He has the experience to step into the starting role if needed, but there's a major drop-off from Washington.
- Cornerback Reggie Willson, Jr. - Willson is a great tackler and a very good backup to have. He made 25 tackles and an interception and will back up Jerome Dennis on the left side.
The Skinny: In one of the biggest shocks of the Sun Belt season, the Aggies put together a fantastic pass defense that allowed less than 200 yards per game and only 14 touchdown passes while picking off 14 passes. Even after losing Mark Estelle and Mike Rosencrans, expect better. Terrance Washington is a year older, Jerome Dennis is back at corner, and there are a few good reserves.
Player to keep an eye on: Jerome Dennis ... Secondary Rating: 5
Special Teams
- Punter/Placekicker Ben Chaet, Jr. or Justin Hamblin, Soph. - The two kickers can each kick field goals and punt. Chaet will be the primary punter after averaging 40.3 yards per kick and putting 18 inside the 20. The placekicking has to be far better after Hamblin only his one of four kicks and Chaet connected on three of four. One of them has to show more range.
The Skinny: The return of Jerome Dennis means the kickoff return game will be fine. A punt returner has to emerge now that David Fiefia and Tony Pennyman are gone. Punting won't be a problem, but placekicking will be if there's not a major improvement from last year.
Special Teams Rating: 5
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