A defensive player has not won the Heisman Trophy since 1997, and most years, defenders aren’t at the top of the list in the Heisman discussion.

In recent years, the best chances happened with Nebraska defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh, Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o and Michigan defensive back Jabrill Peppers. Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin wants to change that with Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, who leads the Crimson Tide with 23 tackles, tied with three teammates.

“I think he’s one of the best players in the country,” Sumlin said of Fitzpatrick.

Alabama coach Nick Saban told the Associated Press that Fitzpatrick is as versatile as they come.

“We have six different positions in the secondary and he’s played every one of them,” Saban said. “I don’t ever remember having anybody that’s played all the roles he’s played here and done it as well as he’s done it.”

Texas A&M will play host to Alabama at 7:15 p.m. Eastern on Saturday.