I don't think safety is the issue here. I think we are going to miss Dillard A TON! I hope Eric Martin really shines through there as well as other linebackers pick up, our defensive line will be just as good next year. Let's face it, Pelini was a safety, we are losing two safeties, Pelini did A HECK OF A JOB coaching O'Hanlon up to what he played from 2008 to 2009. Yes, I ragged on the guy a ton in 2008 and after Virginia Tech, and I feel bad about it now, but he played like a man on a mission after the Tech game. O'Hanlon was a walk-on and Pelini did wonders with him, and you gotta give Matt credit for hanging tough and not listening to the critics and showing some pride on the field, heck of a story for him, I will miss his heart.
With that being said, I think we re-tool safety with ease. Pelini was a safety, and with Sanders as our secondary coach, consider what they did with the Bullocks twins in 2003, and what they did this past year, I have 100% faith safety will be fine with the talent we have, as well as our coaching staff even with two new starters, or Thenarse coming back, I want to see how good he can be full time no injuries. Hopefully for him he gets that this year, but let the best man play.
I think our weak point on defense will be Linebacker. Once Dillard was inserted into the starting job, he held that down all year. I think we are going to need all three linebackers to play well, and I look for Eric Martin to lead the way. Dillard was amazing and we will miss his leadership, heart, and football ability much more so than safety in my opinion.