Projected Starters Week 1 (Defense)

Defensive End: Trevor Guyton and Ernest Owusu
Of all the positions on the field, I think this is where we’ll see the most fluidity. Coach Lupoi and the Bears has amassed a wealth of talent here that could possibly go three deep both the tackle and end positions.

Guyton and Owusu are both veteran, physical ends who have the explosion and smarts to make plays this season. Guyton is particular, came on very strong last last season starting opposite departed Cameron Jordan.

However, redshirt freshman Gabe King has been a physical freak all camp, especially after having spent more time in the weight room this past year. We’ve also seen flashes of what sophomore Deandre Coleman can do last season. Both are huge: King stands 6’5, 275, and Coleman, a whopping 6’5, 315 pounds. Whew

Also, look out for true freshman Brendan Scarlett who has been doing more each day to suggest he may play this season. He’s a load off the edge, and has the speed and athleticism to drop back as an outside linebacker in passing downs. Very intriguing.


Defensive Tackle: Kendrick Payne
I think the coaches like Kendrick Payne a lot, but he’s really had difficulty staying healthy all season. The Bears have had the luxury of having Derrick Hill in the past to give him a breather and start plenty of games, but will have to look to Aaron Tipoti in the role.

But with Tipoti sidelined by a concussion the past few days, the Bears have gotten a closer look at their biggest (literally) defensive gem from the 2011 recruiting class: Villami “Tiny” Moala. Moala is a beast of a human being, standing at 6’2 and 358 pounds. And that’s after he shed some weight this past season. Reports had him the 370 range.

Moala could end up playing. A lot.

Outside Linebackers: Chris McCain and David Wilkerson
Wilkerson has been nearly unblockable off the edge at times, so he’s going to play a lot this season, if not start.

One of the bigger surprises though, has been emergence of McCain who has made a case for possibly making the most defensive plays in camp. Nicknamed “Gadget” by Coach Tedford for his rangy frame akin to Inspector Gadget, the 6’6 233 freshman has quickly moved his way up the depth chart and has been constantly impressing.

Cecil Whiteside was one of the stars of spring ball and is a near lock to play significant minutes as well. Senior Ryan Davis started fall camp as a starter, but will have to make enough plays to hold off some of his younger brethren.

Middle Linebackers: Mychal Kendricks and DJ Holt
No real questions here in terms of starters. Holt is a vastly improved, soon-to-be three year starter while Kendricks is arguably the Bears’ best linebacker and most likely to be winning defensive end-of-the-year honors. HIs move to the inside raised a few questions, but his pairing with Holt provides the Bears with one of the most experienced and physical ILB duos in the conference.
The depth behind them has a bit more questions. Nick Forbes was likely to play a bit, but he’s been sidelined by injuries. Steven Fanua and JP Jurrell are veterans, but have yet to do enough to warrant starting time just yet.

Cornerbacks: Marc Anthony and Steve Williams
These positions appear just about locked up. Marc Anthony improved with each and every game last year, and is the Bears’ most physical corner. Steve Williams provides the best speed of the secondary, and many are eagerly awaiting for Williams to emerge as one of the conference’s best corners.

The depth behind them was a huge concern in the offseason after losing three senior defensive backs last year, but the coaches have been liking much of their young talent. True frosh Stefan McClure was recruited to come in an play right away, and it looks like that will almost certainly be the case. I was initially banking on McClure easily grabbing the nickelback spot, but junior Josh Hill has been flourishing at the position since returning from his semester off campus to take care of some academic credits.

Also, don’t sleep on Kameron Jackson and Adrian Lee who may end up giving some of the aforementioned backs a breather.

Safeties: Sean Cattouse and DJ Campbell
Both seniors Cattouse and Campbell return and will be the favorites to start the season. Cattouse is hoping to put it all together as a veteran leader and one of the most athletic safeties in the conference. Campbell has gotten plenty of reps the past few years, but is hoping to sneak up on some for a spectacular senior season in his first and only year as a starter.

True freshman Avery Walls is a near lock to play this year as well. If you haven’t seen Walls’ game film, grab some popcorn and enjoy. The kid is an absolutely vicious hitter.

CJ Moncrease and Michael Coley will back up in the two deep as well.