Georgia Southern Football: Can Eagles make fourth straight bowl game?

Eagles defense must replace several key playmakers

Most college football fans might not know this, but ever since Scot Sloan took over as defensive coordinator in 2018, the Eagles have steadily risen to one of the more consistent defenses not only in the Sun Belt, but in the country. Sloan is going to have some retooling to do amongst the front seven for the Eagles to remain stout on the defensive side of the ball.

On the defensive line, the Eagles are going to miss their best defensive player in Raymond Johnson III, but they do return two seniors in Dillon Springer and C.J Wright. The Eagles’ leading pass rusher Justin Ellis also returns upfront after having 3.5 sacks for Georgia Southern last season. Despite losing Johnson, the Eagles’ D-line should not fall too far behind.

At linebacker, the Eagles are going to have three seniors at the position in Benz Josue, Tre Allen, and Todd Brantley-Glenn. This group has playing experience, but they are going to be missing Rashad Byrd and Reynard Ellis and their playmaking ability and leadership.

The secondary is going to be the best unit on the defense. Derrick Canteen and Darrell Baker Jr are going to man the outside at corner and Anthony Wilson and Justin Birdsong are going to be the starters at safety.

Georgia Southern football led the nation in interceptions last season and will look to keep repeat that stat. If the Eagles can replace some key disruptors upfront, don’t expect a huge dropoff on defense this season.