Senior Devo Bridges knows what the Fresno State defense needs to do to succeed in the 2024 season.

“Set the tone. We got to be more physical and stop the run. That’s one thing we’ve focused on and what we needed to improve on,” Bridges, a defensive lineman and preseason All-Mountain West selection, told GV Wire. “It’ll be our main emphasis going into the season.”

The Bulldogs hope to strengthen their defense, which faltered at times last season. And they’re banking on veteran leadership and looking for players to elevate their skills to meet that goal. They’re also looking for a big boost from their highly touted USC transfer, Korey Foreman.

The defense concluded the 2023 campaign ranked No. 56 in the FBS. The Bulldogs allowed 5.35 yards per play, 37 touchdowns, and an average 370.8 yards per game. Stout enough to end the season with a 9-4 record and a bowl victory.

Tim Skipper took the interim head coaching reins when Jeff Tedford stepped down due to health concerns on July 15. But Kevin Coyle remains as defensive coordinator. But even with Skipper now in command, the team’s defensive strategy remains the same.

“Coach Coyle is an expert on defense. He’s got full control of it whether I’m the head coach or not. Nothing has changed for us,” Skipper said of the former NFL defensive coordinator. “We execute what we do, and we did all of the studies in the offseason and I’m looking forward to see how it looks when the season starts.”

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Looking Forward to the New Season

The Bulldogs lost 11 starters with three departures on offense and six on defense. Among the departures: linebackers Levelle Bailey and Morice Norris Jr., and cornerback Carlton Johnson.  Clearly, there’s ample opportunity for young players to make their mark on defense.

“How we practice is where a lot of guys get reps. If you were a two or three last year on the depth chart and you repped a lot, now it’s your turn,” said Skipper. “It’s natural. I kind of like how after a couple of years new guys get an opportunity. We’re in a good spot and we’ll just keep rolling.”

Building a stout defense starts with the line. They’ll set the tone at practice and their performance on gameday will decide the trajectory of what the defense achieves this year.

“They’re in the trenches. They got to grind. They’re going to get tired and that’s when you want to see who your d-linemen are going to be when it comes to game time,” said Skipper.

“Anybody can start the game out, in the trenches you’re the most tired, and when we do practices like these where you simulate the game and the fourth quarter, that’s when we decide who can handle getting in there and helping us against Michigan.”

The line expects to get a boost from Foreman, who arrives as a former five-star recruit. He’s best known for his game-winning interception in 2022 against UCLA. Skipper is excited by his versatility.

“He can do it all. He’s a phenomenal athlete. Coach Coyle will use him in multiple ways. We’ll see, it’ll be a surprise for everybody. We’ll see what he ends up doing.”

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Standouts to Watch

There are a few standouts to look out for. Senior defensive back Dean Clark was a transfer last year. He started all 12 games, was the team’s second leading tackler, and was in the Top 15 in the Mountain West in total tackles. He, too, has received all preseason All-Mountain West honors.

Then there are Bridges and Malachi Langley, another preseason All-Mountain West honoree.

Expectations are also high for senior defensive back Cam Lockridge, who transferred to the program in 2022. He was recently placed on the 2024 College Football Comeback Player of the Year preseason watch list. He’s rehabbing an injury and his immediate goal is to get some reps before the season starts.

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Veteran Leadership

The Bulldogs begin the season in Ann Arbor against the Michigan Wolverines. The nationally televised matchup will test their veteran leadership as well as the younger plays.

Senior linebacker Langley and Bridges have been with the team since Tedford’s first stint as head coach. The expectation is that they’ll be vocal leaders — not just for the defense but for the whole team. Bridges says he embraces the responsibility.

“I’m definitely honored to be in this position. This is always something I’ve always wanted since I came here as a freshman,” Bridges said. “Now it’s my turn to lead. I hope I do a great job leading this team where we need to go.”

Coach Skipper has high hopes for these upperclassmen.

“Just open your mouths. They’re naturally quiet and now they got to step up and be more vocal,” Skipper said. “Leadership is tested during adversity and when we face adversity that’s when they’ll have to show up.”