This defense has talent. No question about it. And this defense has experience. And, probably most importantly, this defense has maturity. We'll start seven seniors, three juniors, and just one sophomore (redshirt sophomore Houston Bates). Two of the juniors are redshirt juniors (Spence and Hull), and two of the juniors might explore the NFL Draft after the season (Spence and Brown). Which means we might lose 9 starters off this defense in 2013 (which is a fear for a year from now).

What this defense does not have, however, is depth. On the defensive line, after Buchanan-Spence-Foster-Staples, I'd say we can trust one backup (Tim Kynard, who might even start) and that's it. Darrius Caldwell shows promise at Leo, and Teitsma and Howe should be ready for backup minutes at DT, but really, we have one experienced backup.

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