Last season the Gophers defense was probably their best feature. The defense was ranked in the top 25 in 16 out of 28 categories. For total defense the Gophers were top 25 in opponents points per game (fifth), opponents yard per game (second), opponents’ point per play (15th), opponents’ yards per play (12th), opponents third down conversion (20th), and opponents fourth down conversion (12th). The Gophers ranked in the top 20 in all defensive rushing categories in 2021. These were opponents rushing play percentage (20th), opponents’ yards per rush (13th), opponents rush attempts per game (first), and opponents rushing yards per game (seventh).
The pass defense wasn’t the best, ranking in the top 25 in three of the seven categories. These included opponent completion percentage (seventh), opponents’ yard per pass (13th), and opponents passing yards per game (sixth). The last three statistics they ranked in the top 25 are giveaways per game (22nd), opponents penalty yards per penalty (21st), and opponent TOP percentage (fourth). Overall last season the Gophers ranked third in total defense, only behind Georgia (second) and Wisconsin (first). So with one of the top defenses in the league last year, how will the Gophers defense look to continue its dominance in 2022?
Defensive Line
The Gophers defensive line has taken a bit of a hit. Defensive tackles Nyles Pinckney and Micah Dew-Treadway graduated, while defensive ends Boye Mafe and Esezi Otomewo entered the NFL. Linemen M.J. Anderson (Iowa State) and Rashad Cheney (USF) transfered midseason, both of which were expected to be a part of the defensive line rotation this season.
Defensive Tackle
De’Angelo Carter (Senior) will be anchoring the interior of the defensive line as the only returning starter at defensive tackle. He’ll likely be joined by transfer Darnell Jefferies (Clemson) who has been a great addition to the Gophers. Redshirt Junior Logan Richter has been doing great at practice and is looking really good at the one-technique. Other defensive tackles Gage Keys (Redshirt Sophomore), Deven Eastern (Redshirt Freshman), and Jacob Schuster (Redshirt Freshman) look to provide depth on the roster. Keys is coming off injuries the past few seasons and plays at the three-technique. Eastern has a lot of potential with his size but has a bit to go to become a force to be reckoned with on the field.
Defensvie End
Thomas Rush (Senior) is the only starter returning at defensive end. He has big shoes to fill, replacing Boye Mafe. Last season Rush had 31 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, and 5.5 sacks. Other defensive ends on the team are Danny Striggow (Sophomore), Austin Booker (Redshirt Freshman), Jalen Logan-Redding (Sophomore), Jah Joyner (Sophomore), and Lorenza Surgers (Senior). Right now, Danny Striggow is the backup at weakside defensive end. Austin Booker has been making waves at practice, challenging for the backup position. For strong side defensive end Jalen Logan-Redding is the front runner for the job. M.J. Anderson was originally going to have the spot before transferring to Iowa State. Joyner and Surgers (transferred from Vanderbilt) are also competing for the job.
Linebackers
Mariano Sori-Marin (Redshirt Senior) returns to lead the linebacking core. The captain of the defense was the leading tackler last season and was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention pick. Sori-Marin will be playing at mike linebacker and paired with him is Braelen Oliver (Senior) over at will linebacker. Oliver suffered an injury in 2020 and was still working through any lingering effects during the 2021 season. Reports from practice now say he is back to 100% and ready to go.
Other linebackers on the roster include Cody Lindenberg (Sophomore), Lucas Finnessy (Redshirt Sophomore), Donald Willis (Junior), and Josh Aune (Senior). When the Gophers use a three-linebacker set, expect to see Donald Willis at sam linebacker. Backing up Willis will be the senior Josh Aune. Finnessy looks to back up Sori-Marin, while Lindenberg will play behind Oliver. Defensive coordinator Joe Rossi has been very impressed with Lindenberg since he arrived in Minneapolis.
Secondary
The Gophers bring back three starters to their secondary from 2021. Jordan Howden (Senior), Tyler Nubin (Senior), and Justin Walley (Sophomore) all return to a strong Gopher secondary. While the Gophers did lose starter Coney Durr, they aren’t going to take much of a hit with his loss.
Cornerbacks
The cornerback positions appears to be fairly locked up. Sophomore Justin Walley has the number one cornerback spot after a fantastic freshman campaign. Last year he racked up 29 tackles, seven passes broken-up, and one interception. The number two cornerback will likely be Ryan Stapp, who transferred from Abilene Christian. Stapp has made quite the impression at practice, showing off his skills in coverage and against the run. Other corners who will likely backup these two will be Terell Smith (Senior), Miles Fleming (Redshirt Sophomore), and Victor Pless (Redshirt Sophomore). Smith is currently injured, leaving second string snaps to Fleming and Pless.
For slot corner, transfer Beanie Bishop (Junior) from Western Kentucky looks to have the position. Justus Harris held the position for two years before leaving. Bishop played 13 games at nickel back at WKU raking up 43 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, four pass break-ups, and three interceptions. Redshirt junior Solomon Brown is the only other competition for the position.
Safety
Safety is another secondary position also locked up. Seniors Jordan Howden and Tyler Nubin are both returning starters. To back them up are Jalen Glaze (Redshirt Sophomore), Darius Green (Redshirt Freshman), and Michael Dixon (Junior). Dixon has been turning heads at practice and will likely find playing time. Even with Nubin and Howden as starters Dixon seems to be too talented to leave off the field. Coaches have had him lining up at linebacker, slot corner, and safety. Watch out for Dixon, and if what they say is true, he could be the starting safety in 2023.
What To Expect This Season
Both the secondary and linebacker positions look to be in good hands with veteran leaders taking charge. Seniors Mariano Sori-Marin (Captain) and Braelen Oliver lead the linebacking core, while seniors Jordan Howden and Tyler Nubin lead the secondary with sophomore Justin Walley. The veteran presence in these positions is reassuring, especially since the defensive line took a hit. The only starters returning from 2021 are seniors De’Angelo Carter (DT) and Thomas Rush (DE). While the Gophers did add Clemson transfer Darnell Jefferies and have some good talent elsewhere, there will be growing pains here. Hopefully, with a strong linebacking core and secondary, the defensive line can gain confidence and trust in who is behind them. The defense has the potential to be a force to be reckoned with, but it could take a few games to get there.
