Khaseem Greene, senior, Rutgers
Named co-defensive player of the year in the Big East last year, Greene returns to lead a highly touted Rutgers unit. He recorded 141 tackles last season, and there's no reason to suspect that number will dwindle.
DeDe Lattimore, junior, South Florida
Lattimore finished his sophomore season with 14 tackles for loss and seven sacks, but the junior's speed sideline-to-sideline may be his greatest asset. Lattimore started his first two seasons with the Bulls after redshirting his freshman year, so he is well-seasoned.
Steve Beauharnais, senior, Rutgers
Another member of the Rutgers corps, Beauharnais returns to his middle linebacker slot coming off 77 tackles a season ago. Playing alongside Greene -- who will likely get most of the offense's attention -- Beauharnais may be free to roam.
Sio Moore, senior, Connecticut
Moore has recorded 27.5 career tackles for loss, and he hopes to again wreak havoc in the opponent's backfield. A fifth-year senior, Moore's experience will help anchor a Husky unit that allowed over 24 points a season ago.
Marquis Spruill, junior, Syracuse
A second-team all conference selection and two-year starter for the Orange, Spruill is returning from injury to start preseason camp. Coach Doug Marrone said Spruill would have to earn his starting spot back, but it's hard to imagine he'd keep the junior off the field.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Big East and Notre Dame, follow bloggers Evan Hilbert and Matt Rybaltowski @CBSBigEast.
