NICKELBACKS OUTLOOK:
The final piece to the defense: the nickelbacks.
Fresno State enters its third season in defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle's scheme, which utilizes a nickel, a hybrid position that requires a player with the ability to stop the run, is strong in blitz packages and can succeed in coverage.
This group took the biggest hit on the defense, losing All-Mountain West selection Morice Norris Jr. The Valley native led the Bulldogs' defense last season in snaps played and tackles for loss with 9.5, and was tied with defensive end Devo Bridges for second with 3.5 sacks.
He also was one of the Bulldogs' best defenders in pass coverage and when targeted allowed opponents to hit only 58.3% of those pass attempts. That ranked just behind starting cornerbacks Carlton Johnson and Al'zillion Hamilton.
The room returns three players and adds one transfer.
Who's back: Justin Houston, who missed the 2023 season due to injury, is the most experienced player in the group, with 24 games played and 15 starts in 2020 and '21.
"His football IQ is so high and he's been here and played so much football for us in the past that he doesn't need to get a ton of reps," nickelbacks coach Jim Nelson said. "I've been pleasantly surprised with his progress and where he's at after his injury. He's looking like his old self. He's been helping the younger guys learn the defense, he's like another coach on the field for us."
Charlotin Charles made the switch from linebacker to nickel after the 2022 season. Charles saw action in 12 games last season as a member of the special teams unit.
Makei Thompson also returns after utilizing a redshirt season in 2023.
Who's new:RJ Regan transferred to Fresno State after spending three seasons at Arizona State. He appeared in eight games last season for the Sun Devils and was credited with six tackles including a career-high four against Cal.
Regan was slowed early in fall camp by an injury, but has been back in practice lately taking reps at the position.
What to watch: Who will get the start against Michigan? Fresno State has a lot of options in trying to replace the production of Norris, who started 25 career games at the nickel. Those options include moving a safety to nickel, given the depth and experience there.
Houston did play a similar hybrid position in the Bulldogs' defense under coach Kalen DeBoer. But Charles is in his second season at the position, and Regan enters his first. Thompson is the only one of the group to not yet play at the collegiate level.
But Norris proved the nickel is an important and highly-productive position in the Bulldogs' defense.