I am trying to remember if Fillinger had issues before he went out of the lineup? We were doing ok on the Dline with everything but contain on broken plays when the QB runs after a delay. But we expect to be a leader in sacks. I like the sacks but I prefer contain gets improved first. I would be happy for pressure in the middle and Pepa could help that. The pass rush may not have a star but I would be happy with a deep rotation providing very good pressure from across the line, lots of guys.
I am hopeful that Damuni figures in at LBer giving us more depth. I expect that this list will have difficulty with new guys like Damuni, Battle, the Fanos, Pittman, Matthews, and Hall. Each has the potential to over perform expectations. The young CBs, Snowden and Blocker may be better than other instate CBs but will not get notice. May see one of them in the lineup as the year goes by. Becker is a new guy that just may sneak into the all conference team, I hope. Lander will lead the defense, maybe not immediately but will soon do so.
With the QBs in the Pac, the defense that can best pressure and contain the QB will have a huge advantage. I expect Utah has maybe the early lead in this.