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BYU Football: Scouting the Schedule – Northern Illinois

By Shaun Gordon

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 26: Jauan Wesley #9 of the Northern Illinois Huskies makes a first half catch next to Michael Carter II #26 of the Duke Blue Devils that he ran in for a touchdown during the Quick Lane Bowl at Ford Field on December 26, 2017 in Detroit Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 26: Jauan Wesley #9 of the Northern Illinois Huskies makes a first half catch next to Michael Carter II #26 of the Duke Blue Devils that he ran in for a touchdown during the Quick Lane Bowl at Ford Field on December 26, 2017 in Detroit Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 26: Daniel Jones #17 of the Duke Blue Devils throws a first half pass while playing the Northern Illinois Huskies during the Quick Lane Bowl at Ford Field on December 26, 2017 in Detroit Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 26: Daniel Jones #17 of the Duke Blue Devils throws a first half pass while playing the Northern Illinois Huskies during the Quick Lane Bowl at Ford Field on December 26, 2017 in Detroit Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

The Defense

Defensive Line

Three of the four starters from last season will be back for Northern Illinois, and one of them is an all-american.

Sutton Smith (Jr.) dominated at defensive end last season. He had 63 tackles, with 15 1/2 of those for loss. He added 14 sacks and swatted three passes. He’s a master at getting into the backfield and creating havoc.

Josh Corcoran (Sr.) is back at the other end spot, and Ben LeRoy (Jr.) is back at defensive tackle. The open nose guard spot will likely be won by Weston Kramer (So.), but he’ll be pushed by Devin Webster (Sr.)

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Linebacker

The Huskies lose all three starting linebackers, but they’ve got four players ready to step in and excel. Kyle Pugh (Jr.) is back from a season-ending injury in 2017, and he’ll man the middle.

Look for a three-way battle for the two opening spots on the outside. Antonio Jones-Davis (Jr.) and Lance Deveaux (Jr.) both saw action last year, but they’ll be joined in the competition by Kansas State transfer Danny Walker (Fr.).

Two other freshmen may see the field this season: Rayshawn Gay and Jordan Cole.

Secondary

There’s talent in the secondary, but not much depth. Mykelti Williams (Jr.) is back to lead the back end at one safety spot. He finished 2017 with 73 tackles and an interception.

Trayshon Foster (Jr.) will step into the other starting safety spot. Foster saw plenty of action last year, recording a pair of sacks and a pick.

On the outside, Albert Smalls (Sr.) will return to one starting position, and Jaylen Embry (Sr.) will step into the other. The two combined for 77 tackles, three of those for a loss, and nine passes broken up.

Behind the starting four there’s very little experience, so Rod Carey will have to hope the starters stay healthy and that a handful of newcomers step up.

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