No two positions on UConn football’s roster were hit harder by graduation than the defensive line and linebackers. On the Huskies’ first two-deep depth chart of the season, five freshmen are listed along with three sophomores.
While that much youth certainly isn’t ideal, the silver lining is that head coach Randy Edsall and defensive coordinator Billy Crocker are using players that fit into the 3-3-5 system, unlike last season.
The elder statesman of the group, Atkins is the lone senior listed as a starter. The Saugus, Massachusetts native hasn’t seen a ton of time over his career, appearing in four games with just two tackles.