Eric Berry, Tennessee, Junior SS
Pound for pound, Berry might be the best college football player in America.
He was the SEC’s Defensive Player of the Year – as a sophomore. He tied for the national lead with seven interceptions, setting league records for return yards in a season (265) and career (487). In fact, he needs just 14 more interception return yards to set the all-time NCAA record.
Berry is in no hurry for the NFL – probably because his new defensive coordinator, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers guru Monte Kiffin, will train him expertly for the next level.
Taylor Mays, USC, Senior FS
USC’s gold standard at safety always has been former All-American Ronnie Lott.
Don’t look now, but Lott’s legacy could be hearing footsteps.
Mays has provided the Trojans with a Lott-like impact, utilizing his linebacker-style build (6-foot-3, 230 pounds) and outrageous speed (4.3 in the 40-yard dash) to produce playing ability that almost seems unfair.
The USC defense is undergoing a major personnel shift after losing a pair of first-rounders (and two second-rounders, also). Mays could have fled, too, but his return should be the exclamation point for a remarkably productive college career.
Syd’Quan Thompson, California, Senior CB
The first game of Thompson’s collegiate career – the 2006 opener against Tennessee – was disastrous. Thompson was scorched, mistiming a potential interception, flailing on tackle attempts, operating in open spaces for all to see.
Now that seems like ancient history. Thompson might be the nation’s best player at his position.
He has developed into a sure-handed defender, a ferocious open-field tackler and a force who seems destined to become the next great first-round cornerback out of California, which has made quite a nice living producing players at that spot.
Joe Haden, Florida, Junior CB
Shutdown cornerback.
The term is used so much, it has become a cliché.
But with Haden, the term fits perfectly. With speed, smarts and on-field awareness, Haden knows how to frustrate an opposing receiver. As part of a defense that returns all its starters, he doesn’t need to be the leader, but it’s a role that comes naturally.
Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri, Senior OLB
The Missouri Tigers might be due for a drop-off in the Big 12 North, but not if Weatherspoon has anything to say about it.
He’s an outside linebacker who can carry a defense. Through most of last season, that’s exactly what happened.
Weatherspoon led Missouri in tackles with 155 – a whopping 50 more than any other Tiger – including 18.5 for a loss. With his sideline-to-sideline approach, look for Weatherspoon to again assert himself as one of the Big 12’s most compelling forces.
Brandon Spikes, Florida, Senior MLB
Gators coach Urban Meyer has often said Spikes’ maturity is "off the charts." Meyer said Spikes’ preparation and work ethic sets him apart. And it also sets an example for everyone to follow.
Spikes led Florida with 93 tackles and had four interceptions, returning two for touchdowns. The play everyone remembers, though, was his tone-setting slamdown of Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno early on, letting the Bulldogs know exactly the mood of Florida’s defense that afternoon.
Spikes briefly considered the NFL draft, but came back for his senior season. If the past is prelude, it will be another season filled with big plays
Rolando McClain, Alabama, Junior OLB
Technically, McClain plays an inside position in Alabama’s 3-4 defense. But realistically, he’s all over the field, roaming like a predator.
He usually gets his prey. Last season, McClain had 95 tackles, including 17 for a loss, and also managed three interceptions.
McClain is the prototypical big, athletic linebacker – strong enough to stuff the run, but agile enough to drop into coverage and thwart a gifted receiver.
Sergio Kindle, Texas, Senior DE
Texas once had a big-time challenge in replacing All-American Brian Orakpo. No more. His position will be inherited by Kindle, a hybrid, who is shifting from linebacker to defensive end.
Not a bad move. Kindle had 10 sacks last season. He could create even more havoc in his new role.
And he clearly won’t be shy about things. Kindle already has proclaimed his chief goal: He wants to lead the nation in sacks. With his speed, aggressive style and relentless motor, that’s a pretty good bet.
Terrence Cody, Alabama, Senior DT
You can’t miss him.
Yes, he has slimmed down a bit, but Cody still checks in around 354 pounds. He still lives up to the nickname – "Mount" Cody. And he’s still the ultimate immovable object in Alabama’s 3-4 defense that practically builds a moat in front of its end zone.
Undoubtedly, Cody is destined for first-round status in the NFL. Until then, he will be someone to avoid for opposing SEC offenses.
Easier said than done. Remember, you can’t miss him.
Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma, Junior DT
It might seem premature to mention McCoy in the same sentence with all-time Sooner defensive-line greats such as Lee Roy Selmon, Tony Casillas and Tommie Harris.
Then again, in just two seasons, McCoy already has made a remarkable impact. His on-field statistics – 6.5 sacks and 11 tackles for a loss – might be a sidebar to the real story. He was voted team captain as a sophomore. He’s a true student-athlete and a community-service role model.
There are so many good qualities. But on fall Saturdays, McCoy has a singular purpose. Oklahoma’s defense wouldn’t know what to do without him.
Jerry Hughes, TCU, Senior DE
Remember that exhortation from the Burgess Meredith character in the old "Rocky" movies?
"He’s a wrecking machine!"
Well, that’s Hughes.
Playing for a TCU program that led the nation in total defense (for the third time in nine seasons, in fact), Hughes was superb. He led the nation in sacks (15), forced six fumbles and had two interceptions.
He has the strength and speed necessary for success. Even more, though, he has the "want-to" quality seen only by the special athletes.
No comments:
Post a Comment