Head football coach Mike Norvell spoke to the media after Thursday's practice

NOT ONE OF THE BEST DAYS ON DEFENSE

It was disappointing to see that Norvell alluded to the fact that the defensive unit did not have its best day. Typically, during the early portions of spring, the defense should be ahead of the offense. The defense has a ton of talented pieces returning such as defensive end Patrick Payton, linebacker DJ Lundy, cornerback Azareye'h Thomas and Fentrell Cypress II, and safety Shyheim Brown.

However, the unit was also overhauled by transfer portal acquisitions that were headlined by defensive end Marvin Jones Jr. It will be difficult to replicate the production of defensive end Jared Verse, defensive tackles Braden Fiske and Fabien Lovett Sr., linebackers Kalen DeLoach and Tatum Bethune, cornerbacks Renardo Green and Jarrian Jones as well as safety Akeem Dent.

Defensive coordinator Adam Fuller is looking to get the most of his players on the roster. They are finding their level of consistency. The good news is that Norvell told the media that the defense did respond well on third-down situations at the end of practice. I believe that the defense will be just fine as they continue to build their confidence.