Michael Smith

Only six starters return from a unit that ranked 86th nationally last season in total defense. The Ragin’ Cajuns allowed 427.3 yards and 28.1 points per game in 2012, and will be trying out almost an entirely new secondary in 2013. Both starting cornerbacks from last season are gone, as well as safety Rodney Gillis. Lafayette will try to fill those holes with a mix of junior college transfers and freshmen, but for a team that ranked 112th in passing defense last year, improvement seems like a long shot.