Can UMass football show improvement in Walt Bell’s third season?

UMass hopeful that eight returning starters equate to better defense

Much like their offense, it’s hard to have a lot of takeaways from UMass’ performance on defense during their abbreviated four-game schedule last season. The Minutemen gave up an average of 40 points per game and were dreadful defending the run, but they are hoping that the eight starters they have returning can give them a boost.

On the defensive line, the Minutemen return three starters, including end Avien Peah and their top two interior linemen, Billy Wooden and Taishan Holmes. The new guy up front is Viczaril Alobwede, who is an intriguing prospect that will start on the other side of Peah.

At linebacker, the lone returning starter is Nahji Logan, who earned himself a starting job as a freshman last season. The other two linebackers are young guys themselves in Gerrell Johnson and Myles Turner, who both had very good spring practices.

The secondary should be the strength of the defense and could be the most talented part of the entire football team. Noah Boykin, a former Notre Dame transfer, mans one corner spot and Josh Wallace is on the other, while Donte Lindsey and Te’Rai Powell will be returning at safety. This unit will need to carry the defense and I think it is capable.

This is a defense that has experience at the defensive line and secondary but was still not very good last year. I expect a slight step up in 2021.