UTSA Football: Roadrunners prepare for rapid rebuild in 2020

Roadrunners installing a new defensive system

Under new defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix, a former Ole Miss DC, the Roadrunners are making serious changes to their defense. This season, they are transitioning from a 4-2-5 scheme to a 3-3-5. This will help a defense that was ranked 112th in points allowed per game (33.9) and 105th in rushing yards allowed per game (198.3).

The defensive line will be led by senior defensive tackle Jaylon Haynes, who accumulated 40 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss (team leader), two sacks and six quarterback hurries. Senior Lorenzo Dantzler is projected to start at defensive end in 2020. Last season, he accumulated 22 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. The Roadrunners will need dominant pass rushers to give new defensive starters a chance to transition efficiently.

Junior Trevor Harmanson returns as the Roadrunners’ starting middle linebacker in their new defensive scheme. He was third on the team in total tackles (48) and solo tackles (34) last season. UTSA is projected to start two seniors at outside linebackers in DeQuarius Henry and Clarence Hicks.

The Roadrunners return three of their top five defensive backs from last season where they helped the defense finish 73rd in the nation in passing yards allowed per game (230.8).

Rashad Wisdom returns as the strong safety who plays as an extra linebacker in certain packages. Junior Corey Mayfield Jr. returns as the main press coverage cornerback with former Oklahoma State transfer in sophomore cornerback JayVeon Cardwell.

Redshirt sophomore Kelechi Nwachuku projects to return to the starting lineup after spending the last six games of 2019 as the starter.