Improving on defense has been a major goal for Texas A&M heading into 2015, and a big part of that was improving personnel.

When the Aggies defense takes the field to start the season Sept. 5 against No. 15 Arizona State, the lineup could look significantly different than the group that started the year against South Carolina last season.

Here’s a breakdown and comparison of the 2014 and 2015 starters, position by position:

DEFENSIVE ENDS

2014: Julien Obioha, Daeshon Hall

2015: Myles Garrett, Daeshon Hall

Verdict: Upgrade. This has been a position of strength both years. Garrett wasn’t a starter to begin last season, but quickly became a dominant force as a freshman with 11.5 sacks. He was so good the Aggies were able to move Obioha inside, where there was a greater need.

DEFENSIVE TACKLES

2014: Alonzo Williams, Hardreck Walker

2015: Julien Obioha, Alonzo Williams

Verdict: Upgrade. Obioha is the most experienced player on the entire defense and did a fine job at end for three years. He offers stability next to Williams in the middle after no other player was able to totally lock down the starting spot in 2014.

LINEBACKERS

2014: A.J. Hilliard, Jordan Mastrogiovanni, Justin Bass

2015: A.J. Hilliard, Josh Walker, Shaan Washington

Verdict: Unclear. Hilliard returns to the lineup after going down early with an injury last year and Walker moved into starting lineup midway through the year while Washington finished fourth on the team in tackles. If they can all stay healthy the Aggies should be OK, but that’s a big if.

SAFETIES

2014: Armani Watts, Howard Matthews

2015: Armani Watts, Justin Evans

Verdict: Unclear. There’s reason for optimism with the junior college transfer Evans moving into the top of the depth chart and Watts returning even better than a year ago. Evans made five picks as a freshman at Gulf Coast Community College, and that is an area the Aggies need to improve. But Matthews led A&M with 82 tackles in 2014.

CORNERBACKS

2014: Victor Davis, Deshazor Everett

2015: Victor Davis, De’Vante Harris or Brandon Williams

Verdict: Possible downgrade. Davis was tabbed as a starter early as a freshman, but couldn’t hold onto the spot, contributing just 19 tackles and one pass breakup despite playing in every game. Everett had seven pass breakups and an interception while finishing second on the team with 79 tackles. The Aggies entered 2015 hoping for someone to step up as his replacement, but were concerned enough with the position to move Brandon Williams over from offense. Perhaps Williams is able to upgrade the group, but right now there’s reason for skepticism.