I think our LBs have been solid, workmanlike, fundamentalists and credit Ruud. They play like the Ruud boys (good). Maybe not superstars but tend to not let the team down.
DEs are a bit different and we do need to find some speed guys - we are recruiting those better. DL may just be the surprise strength of the team. Just a hunch in my part. If so, we may have the best defense in quite awhile. That will really help the offense if it sputters. Chin and Co seem to be hard to put long drives in the end zone imo. We flex some but if the safeties can stop the 8 yards plus plays, we got a chance.
Quietly, the Blackshirts have been getting steadily better, year of year, imo. Lotta new faces but few frosh will have to play, though a couple might get time but not for want of older guys. I will be surprised if we lose many due to a defensive fail. But got to keep the O and STs playing winning fb.