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Does Arkansas State football need more time to grow?

By Michael Hanich

Sep 18, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Arkansas State Red Wolves linebacker Jeffmario Brown (28) celebrates with linebacker Jaden Harris (11), safety Jarius Reimonenq (6) and defensive lineman Terry Hampton (97) after intercepting a pass against the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Arkansas State Red Wolves linebacker Jeffmario Brown (28) celebrates with linebacker Jaden Harris (11), safety Jarius Reimonenq (6) and defensive lineman Terry Hampton (97) after intercepting a pass against the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies running back Richard Newton (6) runs the ball against the Arkansas State Red Wolves during the third quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies running back Richard Newton (6) runs the ball against the Arkansas State Red Wolves during the third quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

The defense of the Red Wolves is determined to find progress

Last season, opposing offenses found it easy to score on Arkansas State deep as they gave up 21 touchdowns on plays of 40 or more yards. The Red Wolves were ranked last in the Sun Belt in points allowed per game (124th in the nation), rushing yards allowed per game (130th in the nation), and total yards allowed per game (129th in the nation).

Arkansas State needed to reinvent itself during the off-season by developing its players and adding much-needed transfers from power five schools. The Red Wolves return four full-time starters from last season.

The Red Wolves made some big changes at the defensive line by adding transfers at projected starters. Former Alabama edge rusher King Mwikuta adds some immediate efficiency to the pass rush along with Thurman Geathers, who is set to finish his senior season as a starter. John Mincey returns to the Red Wolves as a full-time defensive tackle.

Another key transfer that looks to impact the defensive line is former Vanderbilt Commodore Terion Sugick at the other defensive tackle. Former Arkansas Razorback Blayne Toll looks to provide stability for the Red Wolves’ pass rush as they only accounted for 23 sacks last season.

The linebacker corps of the Red Wolves are not bad of a shape as the defensive line was last season. This is a position group that is more proven and more efficient on the field. Kivon Bennett is one of the more dynamic playmakers on defense at the edge. Bennett accounted for 58  total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. Derrick Bean and Jordan Carmouche are players that will contend for the starting middle linebacker spot. Melique Straker and Jaden Harris could play at each outside linebacker position on the defense if Bennett is pushed at the defensive end position.

Finally, the Red Wolves expect more efficiency and stability with their ability to stop the deep passing game at the defensive backs. Junior Leon Jones returns as the main starting corner after leading the team with eight pass breakups in eight games. Junior Kenneth Harris and sophomore Samy Johnson will be battling for the other starting cornerback spot for the remainder of the offseason.

Taylon Doss is a dynamic playmaker with a versatile role in the Red Wolves’ defensive backs unit is expected to be their starting safety. Former Alabama and Illinois safety Eddie Smith is another transfer that looks to provide an immediate impact on the Red Wolves’ defense this season.

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