Central Michigan Football: Can CMU compete for conference title again?

Defense is ripe with experience

Central Michigan football did not have a great defense in 2021, but they were one of the more solid units in the MAC and they are going to need to be just as good if they hope to compete for a conference title in 2021.

The defensive line and the entire defense for Central Michigan are going to be led by defensive end Troy Hairston II. Hairston was co-defensive player of the year in the MAC last season and he has a chance to be even better in 2021. Tico Brown and Robi Stuart return inside and they help to lead the 27th ranked run defense in the country, which was good for the best in the conference.

The linebackers are going to be led by the return of Troy Brown and George Douglas. Brown had 4.5 sacks and was an All-MAC performer. Douglas led the team in tackles and he is going to be a big leader for the team again in 2021. Kumehnnu Gwilly is slated to be the other starter at linebacker and he is a senior that has potential.

The secondary is headlined by safety Willie Reid, who had three interceptions and was a first-team All-MAC selection as well. Dishon McNary and Brian Edwards are back at corner, while Devonni Reed is going to be the other starter at safety. This is a defense that has all-conference performers at every level and they should be one of the best in the MAC.