Breakout Watch List (Defense)

Jr Caldwell DL Mesiah Porter – 13tk 3.5TFL 2sacks

Porter heads into his Jr season as one of the most physically gifted players in the league. A great combination of size and quickness makes him a lot to deal with up front. His light numbers last season don’t tell the whole story. He often found himself in the opposing teams backfield disrupting plays and setting the table for his teammates. If he can continue to improve and refine his pass rush moves, he could be in for a great season.

Soph Alderson Broaddus LB Dalton Dunkle-36tk 2.5TFL 1sack

Dunkle was one of the tone setters for a young AB defense last season. HIs 36tackles tied him for 1st on the team. Although AB struggled last year Dunkle was always a player you had to keep your eyes on when the defense was on the field. If he can improve his awareness and play recognition, he has a chance to be one of the better linebackers in the league.

Jr Navy LB Jack Costigan -25tk 3TFL 3sacks

I think Costigan has the chance to make the biggest jump out of everyone on this list. There is a void in the heart of the Navy defense with star LB Mike Garnett graduating. Costigan has the talent and opportunity to become the leader and playmaker the Navy needs on that second level of the defense. His high motor and vision should lead to him making a ton of play at the line of scrimmage and in the backfield. If Costigan can put it all together he could become a force at the linebacker position for Navy.

Jr Army LB Luke Gigliotti -48tk 5TFL 1sack

Gigliotti had maybe the most impactful season out of all the athletes on this list. The young LB has made his presence felt since he first stepped onto the field. As a middle linebacker he has shown a high level of toughness and a great IQ. What I love most about Gigliotti’s game is how he sets the tone in the middle for the Army defense. I think Gigliotti could be a 10+ tackles a game guy this and cement himself as a generational talent at the linebacker position for Army.

Soph Penn LB/DL Cam Janock -44tk 6TFL 0.5sack 1int 7pbu

Janock showed how impactful he can be during his first season playing for Penn. Although Janock had what would be a great season for some players but I believe he can tap into another gear. His 44tackles were good for the 8th most in the league and 2nd most amongst freshmen players. But his low sack numbers were nothing spectacular. With his high motor and a year of starting under his belt I expect Janock to blossom and become a force to be reckoned with.