North Texas Bolsters Defense

[Harry]

DENTON -- The face of North Texas football continued its transformation Wednesday.

A new stadium, a second-year coach, and now 24 new players added on National Signing Day, including 15 on the defensive side of the ball who are looking to build on a 5-7 season.

Among the newcomers are seven defensive backs who will be in the mix to replace every starter from last season's secondary.

"Each year we're here it will be harder to come in and play right away," coach Dan McCarney said. "But right now we're in a stage where I don't think there's any doubt some of these guys will come in and contribute."

The class includes three transfers, offensive lineman Cam Feldt (Arkansas) and defensive backs Marcus Trice (Oklahoma) and D.Q. Johnson (Iowa Western CC). All three are eligible for the 2012 season.

Feldt, along with high school recruit Ryan Rentfro of Flower Mound Marcus, will be among those looking to replace all-conference right tackle Matt Tomlinson, offensive coordinator Mike Canales said.

Feldt's brother, Boone Feldt, led a group of three-star recruits from the high school ranks. Boone Feldt, a 6-foot-3, 276-pound center from Buda Hays, was rated the No. 17 center in the nation by Rivals.com. He picked the Mean Green over Houston, Louisiana Tech and Texas State.

Read More: http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/02/01/3705555/north-texas-bolsters-defense-especially.html