What to watch for during spring ball: Defense edition

Yesterday we ran down things to watch for and players to keep an eye on over on the offensive side of the ball. Today it's the defense's turn with part two of this spring primer for things you're going to want to be on the lookout for if you hit up any practices.

Let's get to it...

Defensive line

 - Much like the offensive line, this unit has a handful of seniors. The likes of Ricky Ali'ifua, Tryn Mesarch, and Eric Berntson need to show they're capable of pushing for reps as soon as this season.
 - No Al Lapuaho anymore, but given what both B.J. Larsen and Jordan Nielsen showed to be capable of last season, there might not be much of a dip here, if any. These two should both be providing plenty of quarterback pressure in the scrimmages this spring. How they do against the run is what they've got to prove they can do as well as Lapuaho.

Linebackers

 - Nick Vigil has been talked about a whole bunch already, which is impressive for a guy only coming off of redshirt. It's not unlike how things went down with a certain Kyler Fackrell last year. Keep an eye on the younger Vigil because apparently he's going to do some great things.
 - If one more freshman linebacker can join Vigil in impressing coaches and making plays, that will set things up quite nicely for the future.
 - As far as lesser-known sophomores go, keep an eye on La'Bradford Harold and Michael Okonkwo. Both are converted safeties who are a bit undersized for the linebacker position. What they lack in size, they'll need to make up for in speed.

Cornerbacks

 - Devonta Glover-Wright is the one to watch here. Dude is a freaky good athlete who is looking to fill the shoes of Will Davis. If he can succeed in that task, the pass coverage is going to be scary good.
 - Both Rashard Stewart and Ladale Jackson started their careers at cornerback, got moved to the offensive side of the ball, and then back to defense. Both were also fairly highly-touted recruits, and with the two projected starters at cornerback and the current guy topping the depth chart at the nickel spot all seniors in 2013, these guys need to prove they're capable of eventually stepping into starting roles. If they win a job this year, gravy. 
 - Devin Centers had a great fall camp in 2012, giving some comfort about the future of the secondary. He's still listed on the roster as a cornerback, but is on the depth chart as a possible backup at free safety. If he's still got that moxy from last fall, he'll definitely push for reps now that he's through a redshirt year.

Safeties

 - Prior to his one-year exile from the team, Maurice Alexander had already been slotted to move to safety. Didn't expect the move to be to free safety though. If he has the speed and can keep up in pass coverage to go with his help in run support, he could be scary good.
 - Interesting to see Cameron Sanders listed as the backup at strong safety now. He made a few highlight plays last year in fall practice at free safety, and seemed like a good fit for that spot. Regardless, don't be surprised to see him make come up with a few interceptions to teach the younger quarterbacks a thing or two.
 - Watch Brian Suite closely and appreciate his nose for the ball. Kid is so damn good!!
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Alright... Enough reading. Make mental notes of these notes and keep an eye on these things during practice. Some of them are pressing needs for this year, others have more of the future in mind. Either way, go watch and get a feel for this team.