Label Mustangs a contender

“We’re moving Jason back outside, where he’s a little more natural,” Osso said, adding that he will use Whitlock at times on the line as well.

Linebackers: There’s an array of talent at this position, a combination of speed and toughness. Costa Mesa is going to need both if it plans to reduce the near-four touchdowns per game it allowed last season.

The 6-3, 190-pound Haynes starts in the middle with Pederson on the outside.

“When you think of linebackers, he’s what you think of,” Osso said of Haynes. “He’s got that nasty attitude. He just wants to hit people.”

Cody De La Mater was that player last year for Costa Mesa. He graduated.

Byrd and Gemayel will split time on the weak side to keep them fresh on offense.

Sophomore Thomas Munoz will contribute as well.

Secondary: Out of the few starters lost to graduation, the one involving strong safety John Salyer hurts the most because he was the league’s defensive MVP.

Waldron will look to fill that void. He played free safety last season.

“That is also kind of why Todd’s got the edge at quarterback,” Osso said. “ I don’t want my quarterback to be too close to the line of scrimmage on defense.”

Manny Gomez returns at cornerback. Galvin, who sat out last season after he transferred from Mater Dei, will start at the other cornerback spot.

“Technique-wise, he’s so fantastic,” Osso said of Galvin. “Had he been able to play last year, he probably would’ve gotten significant time for us.”

Senior Jeff Dye will be a backup.

At free safety, senior Christian Argumedo starts. He played cornerback in 2007.

Special teams: Senior Hector Solis will be the kicker and punter. He received second-team all-league honors last season, more as a tight end. He made two extra points.

Returning kickoffs and punts will most likely be Luis Gomez and Argumedo.

DAVID CARRILLO PEÑALOZA may be reached at (714) 966-4612 or at david.carrillo@latimes.com.