Arkansas State must completely reload on defense
The Red Wolves may have their toughest set of goals on the defensive side of the ball. Arkansas State returns only three starters from this past season. Defensive coordinator David Duggan will have his hands full with the remaining offseason and 2020 campaign as he will look to see which players will be the main contributors for the defense.
Last season, the defense ranked 114th in points allowed per game (34.2) and 124th in total yards allowed per game (478.3).
The defensive line will look almost completely different in the upcoming season. Defensive tackle Forrest Merrill will return after starting 12 games last season. Last season, he accounted for 20 total tackles, four tackles for loss and three sacks.
Arkansas State took a huge hit on the line when 2019 first-team All-Sun Belt senior Williams Bradley-King got an immediate transfer opportunity to play for the Baylor Bears in 2020. Former NC State defensive end and Red Wolves senior end Noel Iwuchukwu will likely be competing for the starting spot. Tukua Ahoia will be the likely starting end/tackle hybrid.
Arkansas State was poor at defending against the rush as they were 118th in the nation in rushing yards allowed per game (215.5). The linebacking unit only has one starter returning for the upcoming season.
Outside linebacker Caleb Bonner accounted for 65 total tackles (fifth on team), 5.5 tackles for loss and one interception last season. Jeffmario Jones returns as the hybrid pass rusher outside linebacker that can play on the line of scrimmage on well. He was a role player last year. Derrick Bean and Fred Hervey both return with limited experience as one of them is projected to start. Bonner could make the switch as the starting middle linebacker.
Much like the defensive line and the linebacking unit, the Red Wolves only return one starter in the secondary from last season. Antonio Fletcher will be the leader of the defensive backfield after playing in 26 games in his career and 13 starts last season. He had 58 total tackles and five pass deflections.
The Red Wolves got a huge boost in their secondary with former Connecticut starting cornerback transferring to be eligible immediately. Anthony Switzer had to contribute early in his colligate career by filling in for multiple injured starters. Jarius Reimonenq looks to complete his first full-season as starter after accounting for 39 total tackles, four pass deflections and one interception.