The buzzword around any young, rebuilt defense is the same almost anywhere.

Simplify.

It might as well have been a four-letter word for Matt Rhule’s defense in his first year at Baylor. With a depth chart stocked with underclassmen, he and defensive coordinator Phil Snow considered the prospect. But “simplify” sounded a whole lot like “shortcut” to them.

“For us, we believe in what we believe in. We just play what we play. We did it last year,” Rhule said. “We could have simplified maybe and had a little more success at times, but to the detriment of our development. So, we went full-steam ahead, played through the mistakes and by the end of the year, we were playing much better, so I hope that we will continue to do that this year.”

Eight starters return, but that doesn’t mean they’ll still be starters in 2018. Credit Rhule’s recruiting prowess and development. Ira Lewis should continue a starring role on the defensive line alongside Greg Roberts, but Tyrone Hunt could challenge Bravvion Roy at the tackle spot opposite Lewis. Xavier Jones and Deonte Williams should compete for the other end spot and give the Bears’ much more depth than in 2017.

The Bears forced just 11 turnovers in 2018, fewer than all but six FBS teams. That’s been the emphasis across every position unit in the offseason. The first man to the ball wraps up, and every other defender swarms and strips.

“Once you get that mindset where guys are trying to take the ball away, it becomes like an addiction,” Rhule said. “But you have to do that in practice.”

Linebackers Clay Johnston and Jalen Pitre both return, and Jordan Williams should start at the weakside linebacker spot, replacing Taylor Young. Grayland Arnold and Harrison Hand both return at cornerback and converted receiver Blake Lynch could challenge converted cornerback Verkedric Vaughns at free safety, while junior Chris Miller is the likely starter at strong safety.

“I’m excited about their progress, but I also know they’re a group that hasn’t played a ton of football at that position,” Rhule said.