Losing just one full-time starter from your defense? That’s good.
But if that player is the best one? That’s bad — usually.
Boise State’s defense is facing a unique challenge this offseason, returning a bulk of its production but needing to find a way to make up for linebacker Leighton Vander Esch’s absence. For a player who was so productive in so many ways — and is a projected NFL first-round draft pick — it probably won’t be just one guy.
“Right now, it’s hard to do,” Boise State coach Bryan Harsin said. “Sometimes one player does make a difference, and he certainly did.