Buffalo football hoping to sustain success under Maurice Linguist
By Andrew Tineo
Buffalo trying to replicate 2020 success
The most well-rounded unit in the conference last year came from the Buffalo Bulls. The nine returning starters from last year’s team should make them a favorite to be this year’s best unit, alongside Ball State.
The two-leading sack leaders last year return in defensive end Eric Black and defensive tackle George Wolo, who had three apiece in seven games. Defensive end Taylor Riggins rounds out the unit and has potential for an All-MAC type season.
Leading-tackler linebacker James Patterson returns, after recording 63 total tackles, alongside a tackle for loss and interception.
Super senior Kadofi Wright returns for his fourth and final year starting at outside linebacker. Wright brings experience, with 39 career games played and 99 tackles, with 5.5 sacks and three interceptions in his career.
He alongside Patterson should be one of the better linebacking duos of the conference. Tim Terry is expected to be the final linebacker, replacing Tyree Thompson from last year.
The hits through the portal continued with safety Tyrone Hill transferring from Buffalo to go play for Washington State. However, Cory Gross Jr. is the leader in the secondary and Isaiah King returns as a senior, to help in the backend.
The Bulls have two brand new starting corners in Ali Abbas and Aapari Washington. Washington recorded just four tackles last season, while Abbas played in four games.
The Bulls ranked in the top 30 nationally in pass defense and have some tools to keep this unit afloat.