Minnesota Golden Gophers Football: 7 Best Defensive Players on the Squad

The Minnesota Golden Gophers had an abysmal 3-9 campaign in 2010.

The Golden Gophers defense was a major reason for that, especially their defense against the pass.

New head coach Jerry Kill and his staff will look to instill a new attitude in the Golden Gophers players. They will need it in the Big Ten, even more so with the arrival of Russell Wilson in Madison.

Here are the seven players giving that defense a chance in 2011:

D.L. Wilhite

D.L. Wilhite is one of three starters returning along the front four on defense.

Wilhite is a rugged lineman. He brings a lot of energy to the trenches and is a space eater in the middle.

The Golden Gophers need to get more aggressive up front. It is important for Wilhite and company to eat up blockers for the linebackers.

Wilhite needs to hold down the fort on the edge. If he can, new head coach Jerry Kill may see an improvement on defense.

Brandon Kirksey

Brandon Kirksey returns as another experienced body along the front four.

Kirskey, a senior, brings energy in the middle. His nearly-300 pound frame allows him to eat up his share of blockers on the interior line.

He is an important component to stopping the run. He will need to continue to get better, and play like a senior this season for the Golden Gophers to be successful.

Gary Tinsley

Gary Tinsley returns as the Golden Gophers leading tackler from 2010.

He is a very athletic outside linebacker. He understands how to defend the pass, but is also stout enough to disrupt the run.

Tinsley has sideline to sideline ability. He can chase down a quarterback, but he is a tackling machine in the open field.

If Minnesota has a hope defensively this season, it rests largely on his shoulders.

Brendan Beal

Brendan Beal was once a promising member of the Florida Gators.

After a knee injury, Beal transferred to the University of Minnesota. He appears poised to breakout in 2011.

Beal, a former blue-chip recruit, is a great athlete in the middle. He also has above average instincts.

He brings SEC-speed to an experienced linebacking core.

His energy and playmaking ability could mix perfectly with the experience and consistency of Gary Tinsley.

Michael Carter

Michael Carter is the leading candidate to intercept the ball in 2011.

The Golden Gophers returning leader with three picks, Carter is a ball hawk in the back seven.

He not only has the ability to cover receivers, but he can finish the play and take the ball away.

Carter should be even better in 2011 with a year of experience under his belt.

For Jerry Kill's defense to improve they will need playmakers.

Carter is the best possible option in the secondary.

Keanon Cooper

Keanon Cooper is the third piece to a very experienced linebacking core for head coach Jerry Kill.

Cooper started every game at outside linebacker in 2010, and figures to do the same in 2011.

He is a solid player who contributes across the board. He can rush the passer but he is also strong enough to stay strong against the run.

His experience, combined with Gary Tinsley on the other edge, should give the Gophers a pair of veteran leaders roaming the field.

This is a big asset for Kill.

Troy Stoudermire

Troy Stoudermire should form a solid tandem with Michael Carter at cornerback.

Stoudermire will not "wow" you with his athleticism, but he has solid ball skills and understands how to play his position.

Look for Stoudermire to do his job well enough to keep the ball on the ground. He is a dependable presence, and should expand on his potential.