THE HEADLINER
Nakevion Leslie, an All-Southern Conference first-team selection in 2015 and a preseason pick this year, is the perfect fit to play the middle linebacker position in the 4-2-5 defensive scheme the Mocs employ. A converted safety, he has excellent instincts and ball-hawking skills, spending a lot of time in opposing backfields in 2015 with 14 tackles for loss and four sacks. And with a year of experience at the position after moving from the strong-side position in 2014, he should be even better this year.
QUALITY DEPTH
Dale Warren, a standout on special teams last season, will get first crack at replacing all-conference second-team linebacker A.J. Hampton. Warren is a fearless hitter who has made strides, having been named the defensive MVP of the 2015 Blue-Gold game and seamlessly moving into first-team reps in the spring. T.J. Jenkins can play either linebacker position and has shown very good instincts tracking the ball, while both Michael Bean and converted defensive back Tavon Lawson had good springs and will be in the mix for playing time.
STRENGTHS