STONY BROOK, N.Y.  -- Throughout the 2017 campaign the Stony Brook football defensive unit swarmed the opposition and it led to a 10 win season and trip to the Division I FCS Playoffs. In the playoffs the Seawolves' defense raised their game and held two highly ranked offenses far below their usual output. 
 
In 2018, 13^th year head Coach Chuck Priore's defensive unit will be led by three senior captains – defensive end John Haggart (Sayville, N.Y./Sayville), and a linebacker duo that features Shayne Lawless (Moorestown, N.J./Moorestown) and Noah McGinty (Carlsbad, Calif./Carlsbad).
 
"To see how far we've come from when we were freshman is surreal," McGinty said. "Our progression as a defensive unit with the mix of young guys and experienced vets since last season is going to make statement to the CAA. Words can't describe our hunger. September 1st can't come soon enough."
 
Stony Brook football and great defense go hand in hand. Fast, physical and relentless units have set a standard of excellence going back many seasons now. Over the past four seasons, the Seawolves' defensive unit has finished in the Top 5 in total defense nationally in three of the past five seasons, including No. 3 in 2014, No. 1 in 2015, and third again in 2016.
 
"Defense has to be the priority if you want to be a great team and this year will be no different," Priore stated. "This off season we self-examined who we are defensively and what has led to our success. We have addressed and made the changes we believe will help us continue to be one of the best defensive units in America. We have the mental toughness and the personnel to be elite once again."
 
In his first year as defensive coordinator, long-time assistant Bob McIntyre carried on the tradition of the Seawolves defensively winning the line of scrimmage and taking away the opponents ability to run the ball. The 2017 unit allowed a futile 2.7 yards per rush and finished 11^th in the nation, allowing a mere 97 rushing yards per game.
 
Making plays in the opponent's backfield proved instrumental in that success. Stony Brook led the country in total tackles for loss, laying the ball carrier to rest 104 times behind the line of scrimmage.
 
The airways were no friendlier as they were patrolled by a secondary that included five seniors. Two of those Seawolves – Chris Cooper and Tyrice Beverette are currently members of the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals, respectively.
 
The senior leadership and game experience on defense in 2017 cannot be replaced, but the talent and depth of the defense as a whole should expect to see the tradition of great defense continue in 2018. 
A combination of veterans, talented young players getting their biggest opportunity to date, mixed in with some significant newcomers, has Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium already buzzing with excitement and high expectations for 2018.