Veteran defensive lineman Erik Grimm and All-Ivy nose tackle Michael Berg are charged with the task of keeping blockers away from Thomas and his fellow linebackers, as well as making penetration into the backfield and putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Last season Grimm was the second leading tackler on the defensive line, and Berg finished with six sacks. Senior defensive lineman Wainwright Wint saw only limited action last season, but is now penciled in as a starter and, according to Doherty, is expected to make “surprising contributions.”

That defensive line will greatly miss the Crimson’s most notable off-season casualty, standout defensive end Desmond Bryant. The sophomore has been practicing with the team, but will not play this season after being suspended last winter for an unspecified violation of team rules.

Doherty, however, is confident in the ability of some younger players to make an impact.

“Anytime you lose a starter, that hurts, but we’re not going to make any excuses,” Doherty says. “With our hands forced a little bit more we’re going to some young guys. Last year we had a youth movement and that carried us to the championship.”

But as good as this Crimson defense was in that championship season, it could never receive more than second billing to a star-studded offense that dominated the Ivy Leagues. With offensive standouts like quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick ’05 and wide receiver Brian Edwards ’05 lost to graduation, though, the defense may be under more pressure than ever to carry the team.

“I don’t feel it,” says Doherty. “The lesson we’ve learned as a defense is to focus on the things we can control. If we do that, we’ll be able to hold up our end of the bargain.”