Beacons reload defensively in new recruiting class
Part II: Valparaiso continues to rebuild roster following coaching change
If there has been one constant in the Valparaiso football program over the last several seasons, it’s been a strong defensive unit.
The Beacons held four of their opponents to 17 points in 2024 and another four of their opponents failed to eclipse 27 points. A far cry from when the program used to regularly give up 40+ points.
Valparaiso first-year coach Andy Waddle and defensive coordinator Zach Feltrop will undoubtedly face a challenge as the offseason hasn’t been kind to the defensive side of the ball.
Mainstays Jake Birmingham (82 tackles), Colin Graves (60 tackles), Sam Hafner (52 tackles, 3 QB hits), Jimmy Pouba (32 tackles, 7 pass breakups), Max Franco (45 tackles, 4 breakups), Kevin Spelman (33 tackles, 4 sacks) and Austin Chilton (27 tackles) have all graduated. Promising defensive end Onye Nwosisi (39 tackles, 2.5 sacks) also left the program when he transferred to Boston College.
With all the turnover on the defense, Waddle and his staff aggressive hit the recruiting trail and are bringing in at least 19 new players to retool the defensive unit.
After a look a Valparaiso’s offensive recruits in Part I of The Victory Bell’s National Signing Day coverage, here is a look at the defensive players and specialists that are joining the program.