When a leader falls, instability often ensues.
But when the news broke that senior safety Kevin Stefanski would miss the entire season due to cartilage damage in his knee, the Penn defensive backfield did not fret.
"To say Kevin's loss is a loss is an understatement," said junior Bryan Arguello, Stefanski's replacement.
"He brought a lot of leadership. It sucks to have him down, but we're very confident we can do the job."
"He's kind of been the glue that holds those guys back there together," Penn coach Al Bagnoli said. "He's going to be missed, but hopefully we'll be able to replace him."
Even with its veteran leader out, depth could be the defensive backfield's strong suit.
"We're going to probably have eight to 10 guys who are going to be on the field in some capacity," Bagnoli said.
Arguello and junior Seth Fisher are slated to start at safety, joined at the cornerback spot by seniors Pat McManus, an honorable mention All-Ivy League selection in 2002, and Rudy Brown.
In addition to the base four, Duvol Thompson, Doug Middleton, Casey Edgar, Adam Francks and Dondi Darby will see significant action, according to Bagnoli.
Depending on the defensive package and the opponent's wide receivers, Penn often plays five or six defensive backs together.
There are "very few times we're in actually four defensive backs," Bagnoli said.
Yet, without Stefanski, the defensive backfield lacks, in addition to leadership, the vital element of experience.
"We've got people back there," Bagnoli said. "We just don't have anybody with over 20 games of experience like Kevin had."
Penn will also sorely miss graduates Vince Alexander and Fred Plaza, who combined for eight interceptions and three defensive touchdowns last season.
"We're used to losing big names," Arguello said.
Still, the Quakers are confident that along with depth, sheer talent will help to offset the absences of Alexander, Plaza and Stefanski in the secondary. No one seems to question whether this unit has the skills necessary to be effective.
Bagnoli praised McManus for his speed, athleticism and ability to defend both the run and pass.
"I certainly think he had a terrific year last year," Bagnoli said. "Hopefully he'll build upon that."
Arguello, on the other hand, may be a more cerebral player.
"Bryan is really heady," Bagnoli said. "He's got a real good feel for the game. He can read patterns, step in front of people and anticipate things pretty well. He's getting a much better understanding of what we're trying to do back there."
The Penn secondary will get its first test Saturday against Duquesne -- and it will not be an easy one.
Arguello and McManus expect to face an offense, led by prolific quarterback Neil Loebig, which passes the ball 50 to 60 times a game. After two games this season, the Dukes are currently leading Division I-AA in passing.
"As a defensive back, you couldn't ask for a better game," Arguello said.
And the junior safety believes that the Penn defense still has much to prove.
"The defense has kind of not been getting a fair shake, because we're young," Arguello said. "That's why we finally get to play a game on Saturday."
