Those extra reps paid off before the season even started. Because of the core group’s familiarity with the system in place, coaches have the capacity to expand the number of packages to throw at an opponent in a given game. Although the defense is based in a 4-3 set, the Crimson plans to showcase a 3-4 as well as a variety of blitz packages, including zone reads and drops into coverage.

“When you have an experienced line, there are a lot of things you can do,” Obum Obukwelu said.

One big loss for the Crimson will be that of defensive end John Lyon ’12, who graduated last year. Lyon performed consistently on the right side and racked up second team All-Ivy honors. Murphy hopes that guys like seniors Jack Dittmer, Austin Taylor, Luke Zelon, and Danny Frate, along with sophomore Dan Moody, can step up to help fill his shoes in a variety of defensive rotations.

“I think our depth is less [than last year], at least our proven depth, at defensive line,” Murphy said. “I don’t think we’re going to have the luxury of some of the quality of third-teamers that were playing.”

But anchored by the line, the Harvard defense certainly showed up to play in the first game of the year against San Diego. Hodges recovered two fumbles, returning one all the way back for the first score of the game. Dittmer assisted on a sack. And the Crimson surrendered only 97 net rushing yards, holding Toreros quarterback Mason Mills to a single touchdown pass.

“It doesn’t matter when you touch the field,” Hodges said. “But when you do, be ready to do your role and play your part.”

—Staff writer David Steinbach can be reached at david.steinbach@thecrimson.com.