We have repeated posts saying we return 10 of 11 on defense, and while that is technically true, with only Love departing, it kind of ignores the turnover at NT. We lose two guys who ended up not starting the last few games, and add a big body or two into the mix.
Obviously, replacing Johnson is huge. Not the flashiest player in program history, but he could produce some timely plays when needed . . . . scoring critical TD's, or clutch throws late in the game in at least 6 of his 24 games played.
We will have to replace our best FG kicker and one of our better punters.
For me, the optimism (or lack thereof) will come down to the QB position, NT, and the kickers.
All our returnees are significant, in that we need not focus on replacing their production, and can focus on the three most obvious losses from the last two seasons.
And frankly, most any season's hopes and dreams could be closely attached to the QB, the kicking game, and the interior defensive line.
If we have recruited or developed a difference maker on the interior of the defense, we could be a force on defense, next year, as the periphery of our defense is all returning experience and relative quality.
Obviously, replacing Johnson is huge. Not the flashiest player in program history, but he could produce some timely plays when needed . . . . scoring critical TD's, or clutch throws late in the game in at least 6 of his 24 games played.
We will have to replace our best FG kicker and one of our better punters.
For me, the optimism (or lack thereof) will come down to the QB position, NT, and the kickers.
All our returnees are significant, in that we need not focus on replacing their production, and can focus on the three most obvious losses from the last two seasons.
And frankly, most any season's hopes and dreams could be closely attached to the QB, the kicking game, and the interior defensive line.
If we have recruited or developed a difference maker on the interior of the defense, we could be a force on defense, next year, as the periphery of our defense is all returning experience and relative quality.