TOWSON, Md. - Even though Coach Rob Ambrose considers himself to be an offensive coach and spends much of the time at practice watching the offense,  it has been hard for him not to notice the way the Tigers' defense has been playing in the pre-season.

"Matt Hachmann and his staff have spent the last two seasons building an aggressive, attacking defense," he says. "Those guys have been all over the field during the pre-season and it makes me excited watching them."

"It makes me excited when I see all the energy that our defense displays," explains Hachmann. "Everybody is excited to play and they are running to the ball. That is what coaches like to see."

When asked to explain the difference between this year's defensive unit and last year's defense, Hachmann doesn't hesitate.

"It's all about leadership," he says. "We have better leadership than ever before and it's not just one or two guys. We have leaders all over the defense. It's great to have guys who have been here for the last three years. They have listened to Coach Ambrose and they know what is expected. All of their hard work seems to be paying off."

The Tigers have seven starters returning on their defensive unit, led by junior defensive end Frank Beltre (6-3, 245).

A third team All-CAA selection last season, Beltre is one of three returning starters on a talented defensive line. Last season, he was second on the team with 85 tackles and he made 12.5 tackles for lost yardage.

Beltre ranked second among all CAA defensive linemen with 85 tackles while he was sixth in the CAA with 12.5 tackles for lost yardage.

"Frank is such a passionate player and he is the unsung leader of our defense," says Ambrose. "He is an extremely hard worker and he is very aggressive."

Senior defensive tackle Marcus Valentine (6-2, 274) and junior defensive tackle Matt Morgan (6-3, 254) also return on the defensive line.

A third-year starter who will be one of the co-captains this season, Valentine made 40 tackles last season. He also tied for the team lead with two fumble recoveries and returned one of them for a touchdown.

"Marcus is a tremendous team leader," says Ambrose. "We missed him during the Spring because he had shoulder surgery. He is very quick and very strong."

Morgan, who made 27 tackles last season, led the Tigers with four quarterback sacks. He was moved to defensive tackle in the pre-season and he has done well.

Junior Romale Tucker (6-4, 244) has done very well in the pre-season and has won the starting spot at the other defensive end spot.

A senior defensive tackle, Rob Osborne will provide depth. He has played in 29 career games and has made 64 tackles.

Junior Brian Boateng played well in reserve action last season and should see more playing time this year. He made 35 tackles while splitting time between defensive end and linebacker.

One of the standouts of the Tiger Bowl, sophomore Ben Chroniger (6-1, 235) had an outstanding Spring. He made five tackles and had three sacks in the Tiger Bowl and he will see more action this season. Sophomore, Arnold Farmer, (6-1, 300) will also help.

Coach Ambrose admitted that he really enjoyed watching the Tigers' linebackers playing in the Spring. The Tigers enter the season with plenty of talent in the linebacker spots and playing time is available.

"We're not sure who will play the most but we are sure they are going to be talented and they will play well," he says. "If they aren't playing well, someone else will be out there."

The Tigers return three linebackers who started games last season, senior Chris Patterson, junior Trevor Walker and sophomore Kyle Polk.

Patterson is coming off a solid junior season in which he made 59 tackles, fifth on the team. He made two tackles for lost yardage and intercepted a pass. Patterson appeared in all 11 games and started twice.

"Chris is a very smart veteran who saw a lot of action last year," says Ambrose. "He plays the pass very well and has shown a high level of leadership."

A converted running back, Walker played in all 11 games and made six starts. He finished sixth on the team with 56 tackles and recovered a fumble. However, he suffered a foot injury during the pre-season and his status is unknown.

Polk was very impressive as a first-year freshman. He played in all 11 games and made nine starts. Honored as the CAA Rookie of the Week in October, he was eighth on the team with 52 tackles. A starter in nine games, he made seven tackles for lost yardage and recorded two sacks. He should start at middle linebacker.

The return of veteran Danzel White has also improved the Tiger linebackers. White, who sat out last season for personal reasons, had an outstanding freshman year in 2009. A starter in nine of ten games, he led the Tigers with 105 tackles. He made five tackles for lost yardage and recovered two fumbles.

"Danzel had a really great Spring," says Ambrose. "He came back to us bigger and stronger. He is a tremendous vocal leader and he will be one of our captains. He has a great nose for the ball and he loves the game of football."

The addition of four "red shirt" freshmen adds depth and talent to the linebacking position.

Newcomers Trey Jackson, Derek Wright, Kenton Powell and Inongo Agbormbai were impressive in the Spring and they should contribute this season.

The Tigers' defense received an added bonus in the pre-season when junior Alexander DiSanzo transferred from Boston College. DiSanzo, who started four games for BC in 2009, has made an impact and he could start at outside linebacker.

While the Tigers have plenty of depth and experience on the defensive line and at the linebacker spots, they do have some question marks in the secondary.

Graduation claimed Jeremy Gardner and Ollie Thomas, a pair of four-year starters at cornerback. The Tiger coaching staff knows it will be very hard to replace their experience but the Tigers have several solid candidates.

Senior Justin Harris was switched from wide receiver to cornerback in the middle of last season and he did very well. Harris started three games after Thomas suffered a season-ending broken leg at Richmond.

Harris made 15 tackles and broke up one pass last season. He continued his solid play during the Spring and could be a starter at one of the cornerback positions.

"Justin is a quality veteran who can do a number of different things," says Ambrose. "He is a very smart player who has also played well on special teams. Justin could be a starter at cornerback this season."

Sophomore Corey Ford will also be competing for playing time at the cornerback positions.

A first-year freshman last season, Ford appeared in nine games and started once. He made 17 tackles and broke up three passes.

Sophomore J.R. Scott and "red shirt" freshman Emmanuel Gbor will also be competing for playing time. They were both impressive in the Spring.

A pair of veterans, senior Nick Oates and junior Jordan Dangerfield, will play the safety positions.

Oates has been hampered by injuries during most of his career. Last year, he played in nine games at safety and started six times. He made 30 tackles with five pass breakups and one interception.

"Nick is an aggressive, physical defensive back who covers a lot of ground," says Ambrose. "He will be our starting safety and he covers a lot of ground."

The Tigers' leading tackler last season, Dangerfield had an excellent year after transferring from Hofstra. He made a team-leading 96 tackles, a mark that ranked second among CAA defensive backs.

Dangerfield broke up five passes and made four tackles for lost yardage. One of the Tigers' team captains this season, he also forced two fumbles.

"Jordan is the leader of our defense," says Ambrose. "He is passionate about football and it shows. He is a physical player and a very vocal leader."

The Tigers will be making final preparations for their season opener when they practice on Friday. Towson hosts Morgan State on Saturday evening at 7:00 p.m.