The Spider defense returns 7 starters, and really that’s 8 counting Aidan Murray. This group took a nice step forward from 2021 to 2022 and if they can replicate that improvement again this offseason the 2023 defense should be top-20 in the FCS.

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More of the same

Unlike the offense there are very few key coaching or position changes this upcoming season. Defensive coordinator Justin Wood returns, along with All-CAA and All-American linebacker Tristan Wheeler. There are a few battles at LB and CB however this group is in prime position for a strong year and should be ahead of the offense during the spring.

Here’s each defensive position group ranked in order of most to watch for/learn about this spring.

Position Groups

Cornerback | I thought corner was the #1 group to add a transfer entering the winter and I still think it’s the top spot to watch during spring. The addition of Stefan Black II (Northern Iowa) fills in the void left by Aamir Hall’s departure – no doubt he’ll compete for a starting spot, with my guess being at the boundary corner position. I think Angelo Rankin Jr. moves back into the field and continues to play the slot in the nickel package, but that’s pure speculation on my part.

Outside of establishing who the two starters are I’m curious who steps up as the #3 guy. We saw Chance Graves for a few games last year and D’Angelo Stocker/Jabril Hayes only sparingly. I’m not sure if there’s a clear frontrunner in that group so seeing who can separate themselves from the pack makes cornerback my #1 position group to watch on defense.

Linebacker | The 2nd most intriguing battle this spring will be at the other two linebacker spots – Tristan Wheeler returns, but Phil O’Connor and Xavier Marshall do not. Jared Joseph stepped in for Xavier at points last year, with Wayne Galloway and Donovan Hoilette getting snaps at O’Connor’s spot. We’ve also seen good things from Prince Ekwughalu and R-Fr. Zach Chambers (Glen Allen HS). This group feels a lot like receiver – tons of talent with roughly 35 spring/fall practices to get it sorted out. No matter what we’ll have three strong starters and at least three strong backups so while my interest in watching this group is high, the concern level remains low.

Safety | It’s been a while since safety wasn’t a top group to watch entering the spring. The importance of Aaron Banks returning for this 5th season is difficult to overstate. He quietly put together a 2nd team All-CAA year in 2022 and helped sure up things on the back end. Bryson Parker also returns for his second year exclusively at safety, so I think this group will hold up well. Trae Tomlinson is the #3 guy right now, while Gio Seigler is not listed on the spring roster. I don’t know much about the guys after Trae so although the starting spots look set I’m curious who plays their way into the two-deep.

Defensive Tackle | The #1 concern of 2022 has turned into one of our biggest strengths for 2023. Ray Eldridge is off to UConn however the Spiders get back All-CAA caliber senior Aidan Murray. Murray posted five sacks and 7.5 TFLs in 2021 before a season ending injury last summer. Both Carsen Stocklinski and Matei Fitz return alongside Murray, giving the Spiders three proven options at defensive tackle. The three man rotation worked well last year and I’d expect something similar in 2023. With Murray sliding back into the role Eldridge played last year the interior of the UR D-line will be among the best in the CAA.

Defensive End | For as good as our DTs are right now, defensive end may somehow be better. Marlem Louis, Jeremiah Grant, and Zander Barnett combined for 14.5 sacks and 29.5 TFLs last year and they’re all back in 2023. This three man rotation kept the Spiders in a lot of games last season, with Grant able to slide inside on pass rushing downs. Add in Zion Bryson, who played extremely well during his four redshirt games, and the DEs are all but set heading into fall camp.

Special Teams

Kicker | Sad to see Jake Larson leave but also great when a guy gets a chance at the FBS level. 10 years ago UR was searching for transfer kickers, not having guys make the FBS jump, so things have definitely improved. Andrew Lopez now takes over as the fulltime kicker. I’d imagine he’ll handle kickoffs as well but we’ll see who gets some reps during the spring. Lopez was flawless last year off the bench and I expect more of the same in 2023.

Punter | Aaron Trusler returns, coming off one of the better punting seasons for UR the past 15-20 years. It’s not something that jumps out in game reviews but five or six additional yards per punt, along with fewer returns, really helps you win the field position battle. Very happy #35 is still in the Spider uniform.

Snapper/Holder | Brian Catanzarite continues to be the long/short snapper however with Braxton Hughes transferring to Ferrum for his final year we’ll be working in a new holder this spring. You never notice a snapper or a holder until something goes wrong, so ideally this is the last we’ll hear about this group.

Next Post

Spring update, likely after I’ve seen two or three practices.