Bearcats Preview: Defense

At the beginning of every season there are numerous questions.  For UC this is no exception.  Perhaps the biggest questions this year concern the defense.  Most pundits see the defense as the weak link that will hinder the Bearcat's quest for a 3rd straight Big East title.  Last year, Brian Kelly brought in Bob Diaco as defensive coordinator to switch UC from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense.  The key to success in the 3-4 is huge lineman who can tie up a blocker or two to allow the linebackers to make plays.  Unfortunately, UC was not built to run the 3-4 and it showed.  Despite winning 12 regular season games, the defense was near statistically one of the worst in the Big East.

This season, Butch Jones and his staff have reverted to the 4-3 which allows for lineman to use their speed and athleticism to get past blockers.  This defense is a much better fit for the personnel on hand and hopefully will result in noticeable improvement over last season.  The biggest knock against this defense is that it only returns 5 starters.  With early tests against Fresno State, NC State, and Oklahoma, there better be a steep learning curve.

The defensive line is anchored by experienced junior Derek Wolfe at defensive tackle.  Joining him will be junior John Hughes.  At the ends will be sophomores Brandon Mills and Dan Giordano.  Both saw extensive playing time coming off the bench last season.

At linebacker, junior and veteran starter J.K. Schaffer anchors the group and will be joined by sophomores Walter Stewart, who started 12 games last season, and Maalik Bomar.  This position group is reportedly the most thin, in terms of talent and depth, on the team.  The starters will have to stay healthy and the backups will need to learn and improve quickly.

In the defensive backfield, junior CB Dominique Battle and sophomore S Drew Frye return, and are joined by sophomore CB Reuben Johnson and junior S Wesley Richardson.  Their backups are all freshman and sophomores, so this is another group that needs to stay healthy.

Last years defense had a hard time stopping the run and will be tested early by Fresno State.  According to reports from training camp, this years defense is more aggressive and holding its own against the offense.  In addition, they have a bit of a chip on their shoulder and something to prove to all the "experts" who have cited the defense as the reason the Bearcats will not 3-peat as Big East champs.