TEAM126 PREVIEW

Unit: Defense

Who It Includes: Defensive Linemen, Linebackers, Defensive Backs

Who We Lost: DL Casey Schukow, DL Jordon Harlamert, DL Matt Hall, DL Charlie Yost, DL Matthew Schrzan, DB Spencer Nehls

Who We've Got Back: DL Zach VanValkenburg, DL Nate Canterbury, LB Dan Shanley, LB Nate Jones, LB Jay Rose, DB Merrick Canada, DB Carter Wilson, DB Wyatt Batdorff, DB Alex Anschutz, DB Jason McDonough, DB Anthony Humm, DB Drake Temple

Overview: Six of the "back seven" starters return off a defense that recorded three shutouts in 2017, the most by a Hillsdale defense in 22 years. The Chargers lost lots of experience up front in Harlamert, Schukow, Schrzan and Hall, opening the door for some newcomers to make an impact. That position will be led by defensive end VanValkenburg, who is a disruptive playmaker from the edge.

Linebackers Rose, Jones and Shanley all have at least two seasons' worth of starter reps each, and will form the most experienced linebacker core in the conference. Canada is a force all over the defense from his relatively newly created Star position. That position - a hybrid of a safety and linebacker - came into being last year, and Canada was able to use his blend of strength, speed and skill to impact the defense like few others did.

Starting corners McDonough and Temple return, while Wilson started more than half of last season's games. Batdorff was the team's leading tackler and has everything you need in a quality starting safety. Humm got plenty of playing time as a true freshman last year, adding more experience to the defensive backfield.

The Charger defense ranked first in the G-MAC in rushing defense, opponents' first downs and opponents' third-down conversion percentage. It yielded 11 points or less five times and ranked second in the conference in total defense.

Coach Otter: "We've got a lot of experience in the back seven. We have some younger guys in that area too, and we have a group of redshirt-freshmen who I expect will get some playing time.

"We moved a couple of guys to the defensive line. Guys like (Zach) VanValkenburg and (Nate) Canterbury, they're good, good players. Like the offensive line, we'll see some younger guys there, but we're excited about their potential."