D.J. Eliot to Colorado: What’s Next?

Reports began to circulate on Wednesday that Kentucky defensive coordinator DJ Eliot had accepted a similar position at Colorado. The Herald-Leader’s Jen Smith later confirmed Eliot’s departure.

Much like with the conversation surrounding the exodus of WR Jeff Badet, the “what” Mark Stoops decides as a replacement is more important than the “who.”

Let me explain:

The What

Will Mark Stoops convert his defense from a 3-4 to a 4-3 given the high number of elite prototypical 4-3 defensive ends in the Class of 2017?

The 3-4 defense is predicated on having a wardaddy or collection thereof at nose tackle. Naquez Pringle was the team’s most improved player and solidified the middle of the Wildcat…