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2016 Preview: Western Kentucky Looks to Defend Conference USA Crown

By Shawn Spencer

Sep 19, 2015; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers memorial stadium reflection seen in one of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers helmets during warms up before the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers memorial stadium reflection seen in one of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers helmets during warms up before the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 10, 2015; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers wide receiver Taywan Taylor (2) runs the ball against Louisiana Tech Bulldogs cornerback Adairius Barnes (21) during the second half at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers won 41-38. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2015; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers wide receiver Taywan Taylor (2) runs the ball against Louisiana Tech Bulldogs cornerback Adairius Barnes (21) during the second half at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers won 41-38. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports /

The Players

Whether it’s on offense, defense or special teams, Western Kentucky has a ton of production to make up for. While the big names are on offense, it’s the defense that has fewer starters returning in 2016. After tying a school record with three players drafted, the Hilltoppers will have a lot of new faces on the field this season.

Only four starters are back on defense, two from the secondary. Seniors Branden Leston and Marcus Ward return at safety, however cornerback is a glaring need. Prince Charles Iworah (a seventh-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers) and Wonderful Terry not only had some of the best names in college football, they were also two very talented cornerbacks. Despite both being shorter than 5-foot-10, Iworah and Terry held their own against opposing receivers. The two combined for six interceptions and 16 passes defensed in 2015. Juniors Joe Brown and De’Andre Simmons, along with freshmen A.J. Jackson and Jordon Gonzalez will compete for playing time at corner this year.

The front seven isn’t immune from change either. Defensive end Derik Overstreet and outside linebacker T.J. McCollum are the only returning starters. Replacements are needed for Gavin Rocker, GeMonee Brown and Jontavius Morris on the defensive line, and Nick Holt and Dejon Brown on the second level. The Hilltoppers have a deep roster at these positions and will likely have several seniors stepping into these roles. The biggest impact from this group could come from Louisville transfers Keith Brown (inside linebacker) and Nick Dawson-Brents (defensive end). Both were four-star recruits back in 2012, but found themselves buried on the depth chart. The pair is expected to start immediately at Western Kentucky.

Offense is where the focus will be this season. QB Brandon Doughty and TE Tyler Higbee were both drafted and receivers Jared Dangerfield and Antwane Grant signed deals shortly after the draft. The race to replace Doughty is still a four-man race, and doesn’t appear as if it will be decided until fall camp. Mike White is the current favorite, but head coach Jeff Brohm’s system will put his QB in position to succeed regardless of who’s taking the snaps. With all five starting offensive linemen returning, the QB should have plenty of time to go through his progressions.

The depth chart at receiver is much clearer despite the loss of both Dangerfield and Grant. Taywan Taylor returns and will be the primary target all season. He broke single-season school records last season with 86 receptions, 1,467 yards and 17 touchdowns. He’ll be joined in the starting lineup by Nicholas Norris and Nacarius Fant.

Even on special teams Western Kentucky will be undergoing change. The leading scorer in school history, kicker Garrett Schwettman, graduated. The Hilltoppers have four kickers on the roster, but punter Jake Collins and kickoff specialist Ryan Nuss are the leading candidates to take over for Schwettman.

Next: Impact Freshmen

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