| Defensively, gone are middle linebacker Greg Ditz (2nd in HCAC with 111 tackles), defensive end Greg Bruns (53 tackles, 13 TFL, 6 sacks) and free safety Shawn Goetz (53 tackles, 4 interceptions), all of which were first team all-conference selections last |  Senior defensive tackle Demont Watkins and junior defensive end Brian Steiner |
| season. In addition, starting positions at outside linebacker and defensive tackle are also vacant, but are ready to be filled by the depth of last season which helped the Beavers force 26 turnovers, notch three shutouts and finish the season ranked second in the HCAC in pass defense, scoring defense and total defense. | |
 Senior defensive back Ben Schwab | Second team all-league defensive back Josh Slaughter (37 tackles, 2 int.) leads the returning starters on defense, which also include defensive end Brian Steiner (52 tackles, 1 int.), linebacker Pat Craun (46 tackles, 4 int.) and defensive backs Jeff Company (42 tackles, 15 pass break ups) and Ben Schwab (40 tackles, 3 int.). In addition, regulars Jon Richardson (olb) and Matt Scholz (dt) also return. |
