Central Michigan Football: Will Chippewas sustain momentum after surprising 2019?

CMU returns key players from one of the MAC’s best defenses

Central Michigan had one of the best run defense not only in the MAC, but the entire country. To repeat those same numbers, they will have to retool a little bit in some areas on the defense, but that does not mean that there is not talent on the roster.

The defensive line will be anchored by sophomore defensive end LaQuan Johnson, who was second on the team last season with six sacks. Senior defensive tackle Robi Stuart is also back and will be the leader in the interior defensive line.

The linebackers will once again be led by junior Troy Brown, who was a first-team All-MAC selection after having a season that included 90 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions. Brown is one of the most complete linebackers in the country and will look to have an even better season in 2020.

New starter Chuck Jones has plenty of experience and had 43 tackles a season ago so he should step into the full time starting role seamlessly. Troy Hairston is a guy that saw action in limited snaps last year, but does have talent and will take the other starting spot.

The secondary is the big question mark on the defense, but they will be aided by Florida transfer Brian Edwards, who redshirted in 2019, but has talent and should be an immediate contributor.

Devonni Reed is back to start at safety after collecting 71 tackles a season ago. The big thing in the secondary is the lack of experience among the groups corners and that could cause for some growing pains for the defense.

The front-seven is the strength of the defense and how quickly the secondary gets going will be the real factor on defense for CMU.