DEFENSIVE LINE

Who’s Gone: Kyle Lucas, Tony Davis, Derrick Upshaw

Who’s Back: Shermane TeArt, Brandon Timmons, Xavier Melton, Antonio Gillespie, Aaron Williams, Marty Stadom, Tyler Roberts

Most Improved: Tyler Roberts has stepped up and filled the void left by Tony Davis. Roberts, a true sophomore, played the bandit linebacker position, which is basically a glorified defensive end. This year, defensive coordinator Wayne Bolt wanted to see Roberts play with his hand in the dirt and he has come through for the Trojans. Overall, this unit should be better. Bolt and defensive line coach Randy Butler have put in a lot of work with this bunch and it should show. Antonio Gillespie is another name to watch out for in 2013.

Sleeper: Though he’s a senior, Marty Stadom could come in and be a household name by season’s end for Troy. On a defense that recorded just 13 sacks last year, Stadom collected two. He also had four tackles for loss.

LINEBACKER

Who’s Gone: Jacoby Thomas, Kanorris Davis, Brannon Bryan,

Who’s Back: Dimitri Miles, Wayland Coleman-Dancer, Mark Wilson, Eli Canton

Most Improved: Mark Wilson has been the leader of this group during the spring. At 6-foot, 234-pounds, Wilson can play both the pass and run and has added some muscle mass this offseason.

Sleeper: Wayland Coleman-Dancer has turned in a solid spring heading into his senior campaign. Remember how DeVon Terry came out of nowhere and flourished his senior year last season? Coleman-Dancer could do the same but at and even higher level.

SECONDARY

Who’s Gone: Brynden Trawick, Bryan Willis, Zach Miller

Who’s Back: Ethan Davis, Camren Hudson, Chris Pickett, Jeremy Spikner, Shaq Beverly, Chris Davis, Montres Kitchens

Most Improved: The secondary has been really beat up this spring. Cam Hudson and Chris Pickett saw no contact action after both underwent offseason shoulder surgeries. Chris Davis has also missed some time with a hamstring injury. Ethan Davis is really the only guy to make it the entire spring healthy.

Sleeper: Jeremy Spikner had a good spring in 2012 and will get another chance to earn some playing time in 2013