More questions heading into spring ball. The defense.....

Last year, under 2nd year defensive coordinator Dave Steckel the Tigers defense took a big step forward.  What seemed like an afterthought in previous seasons was actually responsible for some victories as Missouri reached double digit wins for the third time in four seasons.  Last year the Tigers allowed 30+ points only one time compared to five times the year before.  The fact that they improved this much would itself be impressive.  Making it even more so was the fact that during the season they lost their best player, Aldon Smith for 6 games as well as their best defensive tackle, Dominique Hamilton during the Oklahoma game and both starting middle linebackers, Luke Lambert and Will Ebner for various times during the year.

Dom Hamilton was missed badly.

The not so unexpected loss of A. Smith, who decided to declare for the NFL draft leaves another hole on a defense that already lost Andrew Gachkar at linebacker and 3/4ths of a defensive backfield that was light years ahead of where it was the previous season.  However, the emergence of Brad Madison makes it a little less bitter pill to swallow.  I expect him to step in to the starting lineup with returners Jacquies Smith, Terrell Resonno and Hamilton.  Other players likely to see action include Michael Sam, Kony Ealy, red shirt freshman Lucas Vincent and, if he finally arrives Sheldon Richardson.  It now appears likely that Luke Lambert will receive a medical red shirt and return with Ebner competing for the middle linebacker spot.  Zaviar Gooden returns at one outside spot while I expect Andrew Wilson to fill the other outside spot, although I wouldn't go to sleep on Darvin Ruise either.

It gets a little dicier in the defensive backfield where, as I mentioned 3 of the 4 starters graduated.  Safety Kenji Jackson is the lone returner, but sophmores Travon Bolden and Matt White both saw substantial playing time last year.  Fellow sophomore cornerback EJ Gaines is probably the odds on favorite to start on one side while Kip Edwards is thought by many to have the inside track on the other.  I'm going to go against common wisdom here as I think Tristan Holt will make the jump following a red shirt season.  

Whatever happens, it's going to be an interesting spring on both sides of the ball.  We've seen recruiting get a lot of play, especially in the 2010 class.  Now we'll see how many of those highly regarded players are ready to make a contribution in the all new Big XII - II.