Right now, however, Harvey’s focus is rehabilitating the torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered on the artificial turf at Columbia’s Wien Stadium on Nov. 8.

“There’s no question,” Murphy said. “James Harvey is not ready to play yet.”

While he continues to learn the position in the classroom, the status of the Crimson’s final line of defense is very much in the air.

Juniors Gary Sonkur and Ricky Williamson are the only two holdovers from last season’s starting lineup, at cornerback and free safety, respectively, leaving two holes should Raftery’s spot not go to Harvey.

Freshman Danny Tanner is the odds-on favorite to slide into Butler’s position after seeing time in eight contests last year, including starts when Sonkur and Butler were hobbled by injury in the second-half of the season, but sophomore Keith Howell and freshman Raffael DeLuca drew mention from Murphy as possible candidates to watch.

DAUNTING CHALLENGE

Former captain Dante Balestracci hasn’t moved on just yet, but the search to find a replacement for the four-year starter at middle linebacker has already commenced—and one of the prime candidates nixed from consideration.

Junior Bobby Everett, whose 94 tackles last season were eclipsed only by Balestracci’s 96, will stay put at strong-side linebacker, and not shift inside.

“We’re gonna keep him where he is,” Murphy said, “basically because he’s so comfortable and so talented there.”

Instead, freshman Dylan McCrory—sidelined by a broken hand last season—appears to be the likely candidate to attempt to fill Balestracci’s shoes thus far, edging sophomore Gary Garcia, whose game experience last season made him a desirable option.

—Staff writer Timothy J. McGinn can be reached at mcginn@fas.harvard.edu.