Outlook: defense

Cardinal’s lone returning defensive starters are seniors Austin Klatik, at defensive tackle, and Kyle Simms, at outside linebacker. As the offense needs to, the defense must also find a reliable line combination to try to put up a fight at the line of scrimmage. Cummins played at defensive end in stints last season, and figures to step into a full-time role where his athleticism could add an effective pass-rusher off the edge. Aside from sophomore Isaiah Tucker, the Huskies will look for starting candidates to emerge during training camp. Opposite of Simms, junior Cam Klepper will slide in to start outside linebacker while the Huskies turn to senior Jim Wilcox to man the inside. Cardinal will look for contributors to step up in the defensive backfield.