Defense Preview

The Bearcat Defense looks to build a cohesive unit this season.

The defensive line has two key starters returning, seniors Bradley Marshburn and Don’Terrius Williams. Defensive Line Coach Brian McCorckle is looking to them to lead the line this season. Marshburn said the line will use speed to its advantage.

“We’re not the biggest line, but we’re fast,” Marshburn said. “We try to out-speed our opponents and be more physical than they are.”

The Linebackers will be the “quarterback of the defense” this year, according to Linebackers Coach Jahseari Patterson. He said senior Javon

Cox will lead the group.

“We lean into having a high IQ and knowing exactly what to do, putting yourself in the right position to make a play,” Patterson said.

The defensive backs have a number of returning players. Their experience with each other is something senior cornerback Jace Weaver said will be to their benefit.

“Knowing that we ain’t lost nobody, and now we know the coverages and how to communicate with each other, it’s gonna be pretty good to see,” Weaver said.