After a 3-9 season in 2015, it was clear that changes were coming to Tulane. A new coach and a new-look offense were at the top of the list and have helped the Green Wave match its win total from last year in five games.
One thing that has remained the same, however, is Tulane’s stout defense, which is anchored by stalwart defensive tackle Tanzel Smart.
Smart, who enters his third year as a starter and his fourth as an everyday player, came into his own in 2015 after he was named to the American Athletic Conference First Team. He finished the season with 15.0 tackles for loss – an eye-popping number for an interior lineman and was adept in both stopping the run and in the pass rush.
Smart has not slowed down a bit in 2016. He has 25 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 6.0 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery through five games and has helped the Green Wave to rank second in The American in total defense (309.0 ypg).
No changes needed on that front.