Spring practice starts on Monday for the University of Toledo football team. Here are a few notes focusing on Toledo’s defense:

1) Rockets will have to replace Ola Adeniyi: Toledo’s defensive end rotation took a big hit with Zach Quinn graduating and then Adeniyi, arguably the team’s top defender, decided to skip his senior season and enter the NFL Draft. Tuzar Skipper is back for another season after missing a majority of the last season with an injury. Some other names to watch are Chris Norwood and Obi Anunike.

2) Secondary should be strong: The Rockets lose their top cover corner in Trevon Mathis, but Ka’dar Hollman is a good, experienced corner and Justin Clark had an excellent year last year and could be ready to step up even more. Josh Teachey is experienced at safety and Kahlil Robinson is also coming off a very productive year. Jordan Williams, Ronnie Jones, and DeDarallo Blue should all contribute in the defensive backfield as well.

3) Linebacker depth: Toledo graduated two key linebackers in Ja’Wuan Woodley and Jack Linch. Tyler Taafe returns and should be a leader at the position. Richard Olekanma is back and Tre’Shun Wilson should be recovered from injury. Also, young players like Tadarrius Patterson and AJ Crider could be ready to make their mark.

First Published March 15, 2018, 1:00 p.m.