It’s time to look ahead to the 2004 season, which could be a special one for the Cavaliers. With 18 returning starters, the future appears bright, though plenty of question marks exist at key positions, especially quarterback. We’ve already looked into our crystal ball and come up with a
projected depth chart on offense for the 2004 Cavaliers. Here’s what could be in store for the defense.

Position: Defensive end
Projected 2004 Starter: JR Brennan Schmidt
Projected Backup: JR Kwakou Robinson
Other: SO Chris Johnson

Brennan Schmidt

The 6-3, 269-pound Schmidt isn’t the prototype end for Al Groh’s 3-4 defense. He’s not big enough. He’s not
that fast. He’s not a good enough pass-rusher. What he is, however, is feisty, tough and relentless. Those qualities
have allowed him to start the past two seasons over Robinson, a more physically gifted player. Schmidt has made more
than 80 tackles each season and his final play of 2003 – a sack and forced fumble that clinched the Continental Tire
Bowl win over Pittsburgh – was his biggest as a Cavalier. Robinson, at 6-4 and 327 pounds, has plenty of potential and
two more years to realize it. Johnson is probably several years from seeing significant action.

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