The Gophers need more offensive playmakers, but don't forget about their defense.

The much-improved unit ranked 25th in the nation in scoring defense last year (22.2 points allowed per game), and did some scoring of their own, too.

In the season opener against UNLV, they got an 89-yard interception return for a touchdown from Briean-Boddy Calhoun, and Ra'Shede Hageman blocked a field goal, which Martez Shabazz scooped up and returned 51 yards for a score. Aaron Hill had a 50-yard fumble return for a touchdown against New Mexico State, a 39-yard interception return for a TD against Wisconsin, and he recovered the fumble that clinched the victory at Indiana. If there was one play that helped turn around the 8-5 season, it was James Manuel's 24-yard pick six at Northwestern.

Hill, Manuel and Hageman have graduated, along with All-Big Ten defensive back Brock Vereen. But here are some of the defensive playmakers the Gophers are counting on this year:

Theiren Cockran, junior DE

The Gophers should have plenty of playmakers on defense, and two of them likely will be end Theiren Cockran (above), who had 7 ½ sacks in 2013, and cornerback Derrick Wells (below), who has three career interceptions.
David Brewster (above), Marlin Levison • Star Tribune
The Gophers should have plenty of playmakers on defense, and two of them likely will be end Theiren Cockran (above), who had 7 ½ sacks in 2013, and cornerback Derrick Wells (below), who has three career interceptions.

He was among the Big Ten leaders with 7 ½ sacks and added four forced fumbles last year.

Damien Wilson, senior LB

He ranked second on the team with 78 tackles and delivered some huge hits. Defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys says Wilson is headed for a big year.

De'Vondre Campbell, junior LB

He's a 6-5, 240-pounder with sprinter's speed who made 41 tackles last year while sharing time with Manuel. The Gophers can't wait to see what Campbell can do as an every-down player.

Derrick Wells, senior CB

He's back from a shoulder injury and has regained the form that helped him pick off two passes in the 2012 season opener at UNLV.

Eric Murray, junior CB

He didn't have an interception last year, but that's partly because teams learned to avoid him, even when he covered such standout receivers as Penn State's Allen Robinson, Wisconsin's Jared Abbrederis and Nebraska's Kenny Bell.

Cedric Thompson, senior S

He led the team in overall (79) and solo tackles (52) last year, highlighted by his 14-tackle performance in the Texas Bowl.

Steven Richardson, freshman DT

Here's one newcomer to get to know. The 6-foot, 290-pound fire hydrant has surprising quickness and was a disruptive force in scrimmages during fall camp.