Mizzou was defined by its defense this year.

The Tigers offense was ineffective and inefficient. It ranked 119th in the country. The Tigers defense ranked ninth.

With defensive coordinator Barry Odom taking over as coach, the defense should continue to thrive.

Let’s take a look at the five best players on Mizzou’s 2016 defense:

1. DT Charles Harris: For the defense, it all starts up front. If the Tigers linemen can create pressure on both quarterbacks and running backs, it makes the other defenders’ roles much easier. Harris broke on to the scene in 2015 with 58 tackles and seven sacks, joining the elite succession of defensive linemen coming out of Mizzou, including Aldon Smith, Ziggy Hood, Kony Ealy, Michael Sam and Shane Ray. Harris is just beginning to peak.

2.  CB Aarion Penton: It could benefit Penton to stay another year. He has a chance to be one of the best defensive players in the SEC in 2016. He finished this season with 59 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble despite opponents often staying away from him. He should be the face of the Tigers secondary in 2016.

3. LB Michael Scherer: Second behind Kentrell Brothers on the Tigers in tackles with 93 on the year, Scherer is a steady player, consistently around the ball. Scherer should be the star of the defense with Brothers gone.

4. DB Anthony Sherrills: Sherrills was great in pass coverage and ranked third on the team in tackles with 64. He had a huge 50-yard interception return against UConn and also recorded a forced fumble on the season.

5.  LB Donavin Newsom: A playmaker this season recording 63 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles, Newsom is a ball hawk and could fill the void that Brothers leaves behind.