Opportunity invites competition. As the Greyhound defense returns just three defensive starters, the offseason has been fueled by competitive spirit to fill out the rotation. After allowing the fewest amount of points (16.5) and yards (273.2) per game in the GLVC last year, the Hounds look to bring the same defensive tenacity with some new and familiar faces. 

Headlining the returners is redshirt senior Jalyn Givan, a veteran cornerback with both the accolades and experience to backbone the secondary. The two-time All-GLVC performer has made 25 starts dating back to the 2022 campaign, producing 95 career stops and 14 pass deflections. The MBA candidate was a major contributor to the defense that ranked in the top 20 of Division II in scoring defense and total defense in 2024, and expects to reciprocate the same standard in this fall. 

Joining Givan in the secondary is sophomore safety Eli Liapis, who plugged in for four starts last season as a true freshman. Liapis gained starting experience playing both boundary and field safety, proving his versatility in fitting the run and defending the pass. In 2024, he gathered 27 total tackles, one interception, and one pass deflection. His 27 stops from last year is second among returning defenders. With a new year and new number (changed from No. 26 to No. 4), Liapis is poised to make a strong impact in the Greyhound secondary this season. 

In the trenches, redshirt senior Brandon Smith anchors the interior defensive line with 30 career games played under his belt. The Cincinnati native started all 12 games in 2024, collecting five tackles for a loss and 20 total stuffs. The 2024 All-GLVC Honorable Mention lineman also recorded three blocked kicks last season, good for fourth in Division II. His presence up front serves as a strong reinforcement to a defense that ranked ninth in the nation in rushing defense (75.9 ypg) last season.

In addition to Smith's experience on the interior, senior DT Diego Piche returns after working into the starting lineup in the latter half of the 2024 campaign. His best start came in the playoffs against Grand Valley State, where he collected two solo stops and two assists, including one for a loss. Sophomore Julian Dandridge will also compete for snaps on the inside after coming off a strong freshman season.

On the edge, Ball State-transfer Danny Royster and redshirt-junior Cornell Branch IV could see significant time. Royster appeared in 12 games over two seasons with the Cardinals, recording his first career sack against then-two-time defending FBS champion and No. 1-ranked Georgia. Branch has seven total stops over two seasons in the Hounds' rotation.

Moving onto the linebacking corps, veteran Jalen Wilson is expected to return in force after missing the 2024 season with an injury. The big-hitting backer first saw action as a true freshman in 2021 and has been a valuable piece in the middle and on special teams throughout his entire tenure in Crimson & Grey. With 43 tackles over 33 career games, Wilson provides seasoned experience to a position group that lost all three starters last season. 

Two returners linebackers that could fill in the gaps in the middle are sophomore Alvin Contreras and newly-converted LB Jaden Schlabach. Contreras could step into an amplified role after a production freshman campaign, compiling nine tackles (one for loss), one interception and two pass deflections. Schlabach, meanwhile, made the switch from running back to linebacker in the spring, looking to take on a greater role on the defensive side of the ball after making an impact on special teams last season.

The Hounds are just eight days out from their season opener against crosstown-foe Marian University, reviving the Monumental Matchup Thursday, August 28.