Defensive Line

Army will see some new faces on the defensive line entering the 2011 campaign. Junior Jarett Mackey returns as a starter at the “quick” position, after the departure of Josh McNary. Mackey started all 13 games last season at that spot and is expected to build on his totals from last year in tackles (47), sacks (4) and tackles for loss (6.5). The other defensive end position will include sophomore Holt Zalneraitis and senior Chad Littlejohn, who started seven games last season at the “whip” linebacker spot. The interior of the defensive line has some issues heading into the fall.

Grade: C-

Linebackers

Senior captain Steve Erzinger will look to lead the Black Knights’ corps of linebackers that has multiple position changes between newcomers and veterans heading into 2011. But the experience is there.

“Defensively, Erzinger is a leader for them, plays really hard on film,” said NIU head coach Dave Doeren.

Army’s “legacy” captain was second on the team last year with 76 tackles, 4.5 of them for a loss, as well as breaking up five passes. With the departure of two-time captain and 2010 leading tackler Stephen Anderson, the Black Knights will look to junior Nate Combs. Before an injury in the first quarter against Eastern Michigan last season, Combs began last year as a starter. With all of the movement going on, it may be hard for these players to settle into their new positions enough to make a huge impact against NIU’s high-powered, veteran offense.

Grade: C+

Defensive Backs

Army has two very experienced players at the cornerback heading into 2011. Junior cornerback Josh Jackson returns this year after playing in all 13 games last season, 10 of them which he started. Jackson also led all Black Knight corners with 33 tackles, including an interception and two pass break-ups. With Antuan Aaron out with a season ending injury, junior Waverly Washington will step in as the team’s boundary corner. The three players listed at the strong safety position have a combined five games of playing experience between them. The free safety position has a pair of promising newcomers in sophomores Tyler Dickson and Thomas Holloway. Look for the NIU passing attack to boast a big challenge for the Army secondary.

Grade: C

Special Teams

The Black Knights special teams unit was hit hard after the graduation of punter Jonathan Bulls, kickoff specialist Matthew Campbell, and long snapper Carson Homme. Kicker Alex Carlton finished last season with 11 consecutive field goals and is third in Army history with 33 total field goals. New punters Kolin Walk and Chris Boldt have never kicked in a collegiate game, which doesn’t look too promising if the Black Knights fail to convert on third downs. Josh Jackson will return as Army’s punt and kickoff returner in 2011, after he averaged 7.3 yards on 18 punt returns and 20.1 yards on 26 kickoff returns last season. If Army can’t turn drives into points and are forced to punt, it could be a very long day.

Grade: D+