When your defense ranks among the top 10 in almost every metric, you’re getting some calls in the offseason. Maybe even one from Nick Saban. 

That’s what happened to Pete Golding, who joined Saban’s staff as co-defensive coordinator after a stellar season in 2017. UTSA coach Frank Wilson promoted linebackers coach Jason Rollins to defensive coordinator, so expect continuity in scheme, but Rollins will have a lot to live up to in his first coordinator gig after 20 years in coaching.

The degree of difficulty in leading the Roadrunners’ aggressive, blitzing scheme is higher without C-USA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Davenport causing havoc as a pass rusher off the edge, but he has plenty to work with as the man in charge of the better side of the ball for UTSA from a year ago.

Linebacker Josiah Tauaefa, a Freshman All-American in 2016 who was hampered by a knee injury in 2017, returns and should be well-positioned as the unit’s leader and biggest talent with Davenport gone to the NFL. Despite losing Davenport, the defensive line can still be a strength for Collins’ unit. Defensive end Eric Banks had 7.5 tackles for loss last season, and UTSA is deep at tackle, with 295-pound Kevin Strong Jr., 280-pound King Newton and 255-pound Jarrod Carter-McLin all returning. That trio combined for 14 tackles for loss and three sacks last season and will make sure it’s still tough for offenses to establish a running game. Only seven Group of Five defenses allowed fewer rushing yards in 2017. Wilson also added Lorenzo Dantzler from East Mississippi Community College better known now as Last Chance U, in this year’s recruiting class. He could be called on to contribute immediately.

Both of the Roadrunners’ starting safeties return. Carl Austin III and C.J. Levine combined for 94 stops in 2017, as well as seven tackles for loss, four pass breakups and a pick.

Tauaefa, though, will be working with all new faces at linebacker in the Roadrunners’ somewhat unique, versatile 4-2-5 scheme. All three linebackers on the depth chart are gone, and a pair of seniors—Les Mauro and Ronnie Benavidez—should go up against a pair of redshirt freshmen—De’Marco Guidry and Donovan Perkins—for playing time in the fall.

Both cornerback jobs will be up for grabs, too. Look for standout signee Samuel Barnes, a redshirt freshman, to challenge for one of them, along with sophomores Teddrick McGhee and Javontavious Mosley. Clayton Johnson, a junior, should be part of the rotation as well after contributing as a backup in 2017.