Meanwhile, the defense will rely a pair of 36-game starters in linebacker Nico Marley (20) and defensive tackle Tanzel Smart. Both players were first-team All-American Athletic Conference selections a year ago. Franklin, linebacker Eric Thomas, cornerback Parry Nickerson and defensive back Donnie Lewis will play big roles on the team but when all else fails, look for the tried and true Smart and Marley to get things going.
Whoever will start for Tulane at quarterback against Wake Forest in the season opener on Sept. 1 feels like it won’t be decided until Aug.