Ranking the SEC's Top 25 defensive players for 2020
Editor’s note: Saturday Down South’s annual Top 25 week continues with the ranking of the best defensive players in the SEC.
If there’s a trend in the SEC in a year like this one, it’s that the linebacker position is absolutely loaded. I cannot emphasize that enough. If you’re an SEC linebacker and you earn first-team all-conference honors at season’s end, take a bow.
That’s the theme, but that’s not to say the other positions are lacking. Shoot, you could make a case that the best defensive player in the country is from the SEC and he’s not a linebacker. On second thought, that’s the only case (I don’t care if that’s a spoiler).
On the defensive line, there’s some projecting, sure. The SEC lost a ton of defensive line talent to the NFL. That’s no secret. Auburn alone lost 2 generational talents up front.
But for the most part, I base these rankings on who I’d most want to have on my team if they had to play a game tomorrow. That might not always catch all of the breakout candidates. I admit that.
I also don’t list grad transfers like Jabril Cox because if we’re going to say someone is an elite SEC player, I’d rather make that judgment based on what I’ve seen them do against SEC competition. Fair enough?
These are the SEC’s top 25 defensive players heading into 2020:
25. Erroll Thompson, Mississippi State LB
I know. I have no idea how Thompson still has eligibility left, either. It feels like he’s been making plays in the middle of the MSU defense since Dak Prescott was there. Thompson was asked to do a lot in Bob Shoop’s defense. The guy has 217 career tackles and 18 tackles for loss. His cover skills were underrated with so much NFL Draft talent around him (people forget that MSU had 7 defensive players drafted in the last 2 years. That’s wild. Thompson could’ve been No. 8 had he left school early, but he returned to take over Zach Arnett’s 3-3-5 defense.
24. Tyree Gillespie, Mizzou S
Despite the fact that I have plenty of questions about the Tigers’ defense in the post-Barry Odom era, the casual fan might be surprised that there are 3 Mizzou players on this list. Gillespie is the first after a year in which he posted 50 tackles, 4 of which were for a loss, a sack and a forced fumble. He also defended 7 passes last year, which was a big reason why he was graded as Pro Football Focus’ No. 2 returning safety in the conference behind only Richard LeCounte. The senior defensive back was huge for a Mizzou defense that quietly finished No. 16 in scoring in 2019. If that defense is going to avoid a step back without Odom, it’ll be because guys like Gillespie turn into first-team All-SEC players.
23. Shawn Davis, Florida S
Without question, Florida’s secondary has produced some studs during the Playoff era. There are actually multiple Florida defensive backs on this list. But I’m not sure how many of them could make this look so easy like Davis did:
Florida DB Shawn Davis with a jaw-dropping one handed INT 👀 pic.twitter.com/hritKY8eAC
— Bobby Football (@RobPaulNFL) October 5, 2019
He was huge in that Kentucky win with multiple interceptions, and his 51 tackles last season was a solid mark as well. But Davis’ presence isn’t simply about filling up a stat sheet. He seemed to have a knack for coming up with a huge play in key moments of tight games. Whether it was Miami, Kentucky or Auburn, Davis was always ready to make a momentum-shifting play. The senior’s return was crucial for a defense that has some big-time pieces to replace. But go figure that a Florida secondary who lost top-10 pick C.J. Henderson should actually be even better this year.
22. Kobie Whiteside, Mizzou DL
If you asked the question, “which SEC returners had the most sacks last year,” I bet few would name Whiteside and Boogie Watson. But that would be the correct answer. Whiteside’s emergence was needed for a Mizzou defense that did all the heavy lifting in the latter half of 2019. That’s not bad for an interior defensive lineman who started for the first time in 2019. Like Nick Bolton, whom I’ll get to later, Mizzou’s habit of finding overlooked recruits in Texas and turning them into studs appears to have continued with Whiteside. And hey, it doesn’t hurt that his new coach said “he has the body of a Greek god.”
21. Zachary Carter, Florida DL
Who will emerge in Todd Grantham’s front 7 after losing the likes of Jon Greenard and Jabari Zuniga? Well, there are plenty of candidates. Mohamoud Diabate, Jeremiah Moon and Brenton Cox are all worthy candidates. But Carter flashed that potential already in 2019. He had 7 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks rushing off the edge in Year 3 in Gainesville. And again, that was with a loaded group ahead of him. Now, after waiting patiently, Carter is going to have more snaps to harass SEC offensive lines. Something tells me he’ll be plenty inspired this year, too:
Stay prayed up🙏🏾 Lets get to this money though ‼️🤞🏾 pic.twitter.com/iqmAgQSkRw
— Zachary L Carter (@_ZachAttacks) August 20, 2020
20. Bobby Brown, Texas A&M DL
I might not be quite as high on Brown as others — the league’s sports information directors voted him the top defensive lineman returning in the SEC — but I’m still a fan of what he can do as a run-stopping interior defender in Mike Elko’s defense. A&M had a top-30 run defense and allowed just 13 rushing scores. Christian Barmore is the only higher-graded returning SEC defensive tackle (PFF). Of course, he’ll be expected to take on a bigger role — and more double teams — after the loss of the underrated Justin Madubuike. Brown is ready for that.
19. Big Kat Bryant, Auburn DE
Not only is Big Kat Bryant an annual all-name team selection, but he also has All-SEC potential in Kevin Steele’s defense. He hasn’t necessarily dominated yet, but his playing time was limited because of Auburn’s generational defensive line led by Marlon Davidson and Derrick Brown. With those guys and Nick Coe gone, Bryant is going to get every opportunity to become the next great Auburn defensive lineman. His 9 quarterback hurries will absolutely spike, as will those pedestrian sack numbers. The ability is there, and now, so is the opportunity.
18. Demani Richardson, Texas A&M S
Yes, it’s a good sign that a true freshman defensive back had 71 tackles. If a true freshman is starting for an above-average SEC team, that’s also usually a good sign. You know what else is a good sign? When your first career interception comes off fooling Tua Tagovailoa:
Frosh picks off Tua.
2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣9️⃣ #AllAmericanBowl 🇺🇸 alum Demani Richardson (@therealdemani) with the interception.#GigEm 👍
— All-American Bowl (@AABonNBC) October 12, 2019
Certainly Richardson thrived helping out in the run game in Mike Elko’s defense. That’s exactly the type of player he wants on the back end of his defense. Richardson, who reportedly added some size this offseason, is going to lock down the safety position as long as he’s in College Station. A big Year 2 is ahead.
17. Jaycee Horn, South Carolina CB
A strong, physical corner who isn’t afraid to make a hit on the open field, Horn is entering his third year as a key piece of Will Muschamp’s defense. In 1,426 career snaps, Horn has only allowed 2 touchdowns. He has 17 career pass breakups to go with his 6 tackles for loss and 2 forced fumbles. No, he doesn’t have an interception yet. Don’t get hung up on that. Making plays like these against elite receivers are why he’s one of the league’s best cover corners:
Throwback to September. South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn ( @jayceehorn_10 ) gets a nice break on this route and punches through the ball to finish the play! Keep an eye out for Jaycee in 2020 we’re tapping into a whole new level this offseason! #SFSP 🏁 pic.twitter.com/BXrcds4p3H
— Oliver Davis II (@I_Am_OD3) December 20, 2019
Give me a guy who can make that play instead of trying to intercept every pass. Muschamp has his best secondary yet, and Horn is a huge reason that’s the case.
16. Malik Herring, Georgia DL
Herring, like many of his Georgia teammates on this list, might not have lit up the stat sheet in 2019, but don’t downplay his impact. Nick Bolton is the only returning SEC defender who graded higher than Herring last year (PFF). Why? At 280 pounds, Herring showed that he can get pressure on SEC quarterbacks. Pro Football Focus had him charted for 41 career pressures and a win rate of 16.1%, which is insanely good. He’d be even higher on this list if he had played more than 488 career snaps. But yeah, the guy with 1 career missed tackle is an important piece of Georgia’s No. 1 run defense and No. 1 overall defense.
15. LaBryan Ray, Alabama LB
It’s a shame that Ray suffered that late-September injury. Coming off a 2018 season in which he had 5.5 tackles for a loss, I thought he flashed that breakout potential in the limited action we saw from him in 2019 before he got hurt against South Carolina. Shoot, even in that South Carolina game he hurt people. This is just … I don’t know, man:
What a damn rep by DE LaBryan Ray vs Sadarius Hutcherson
😳Stack n Shed violence 😳 pic.twitter.com/OA09bA8UVu
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) August 16, 2020
Sadarius Hutcherson is no slouch, either. He was a 3-year starter and Ray tossed him like a rag doll. That’s why Alabama fans are excited to see what he can do now that he’s healthy. He’s the versatile, destructive defensive end who should thrive working alongside someone like Christian Barmore. If not for that injury, Ray would be even higher on this list.
14. Henry To’o To’o, Tennessee LB
I was trying to find this and I couldn’t: How many Power 5 teams that have a winning conference record with a top-30 defense can claim that their leading tackler was … a true freshman? Tennessee can thanks to the stud young linebacker. To’o To’o put on some size this offseason, as well. There’s reason to think that a guy who started with 72 tackles is only going to improve those instincts. The freshman All-American would have been a candidate to hit the 100-tackle mark with a 12-game regular season, but if what we saw last year was any indication, we probably shouldn’t rule that out in a 10-game schedule, either.
13. Boogie Watson, Kentucky LB
One of the many all-name team selections is also an elite SEC defender. A late-bloomer, Watson is. He’s coming off a redshirt junior season in which he had 11.5 tackles for loss (6.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles) for a Kentucky defense that finished No. 14 in FBS in 2019. No returning SEC player had more sacks than Watson last year. That didn’t even include his team-best 7 quarterback hurries. It’s not surprising that he’s the SEC’s highest-graded returning pass-rusher, according to PFF. Watson’s new mark to hit? Cap off his career like Josh Allen did.
12. Christian Barmore, Alabama DT
Is part of this based on his breakout potential? Sure. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have visions of Quinnen Williams with someone as versatile as Barmore at the defensive tackle position. We didn’t get a ton of Barmore last year (1 start), but the results were telling. Pro Football Focus had him graded as an 88.1 on pass-rushing and an 83 against the run. Again, the versatility. Six tackles for loss with 5 quarterback pressures in such limited work was a darn impressive feat from that position. Entering Year 3, the best is yet to come from Barmore now that he’ll be in a more full-time role.
Top players on PFF’s board with less than 500 career snaps:
▪️ Christian Barmore, Bama DT – 269
▪️ Ar’Darius Washington, TCU S – 475
▪️ Jayson Oweh, PSU EDGE – 397
▪️ Tyreke Smith, OSU EDGE – 426
▪️ Journey Brown, PSU RB – 443
▪️ Zamir White, Georgia RB – 157 pic.twitter.com/5LXr4JHr5W— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 13, 2020
11. Jordan Davis, Georgia DL
Georgia’s “no-name defense” is loaded with guys like Davis who might not fill up the stat sheet, but they certainly make their presence felt. At 330 pounds, Davis’ ability to get off blocks is why Georgia fans can’t wait to see him healthy in Kirby Smart’s defense in 2020. Davis takes on blocks and frees up his teammates in a way that allows players like Monty Rice and Azeez Ojulari to get downhill. He’s never going to have gaudy numbers for that reason, and because he probably won’t play more than a couple dozen snaps per game. Georgia doesn’t lead the nation in run defense and allow 2 rushing scores in 2019 without Davis.
10. Monty Rice, Georgia LB
I could have gone with Azeez Ojulari here, and I know Georgia fans are excited about Nakobe Dean. Both of those guys could be here by season’s end, but I went with Rice in part because he was the leading tackler for the nation’s No. 1 defense. Rice is as sure a tackler as there is in the conference, and he graded as the No. 4 Power 5 pass-rusher over the past 2 seasons. He might not make the flashiest of plays, but when you watch how disciplined Georgia’s “no-name defense” is, you clearly see Rice’s impact. You could make a case that he’s the most valuable piece of that defense, and that includes Richard LeCounte (more on him later).
You can’t teach these instincts:
ILB Monty Rice (@RiceMonty)#GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/kaPH3ARlw1
— GEORGIA HEROES (@GeorgiaHeroes) November 10, 2019
9. Kaiir Elam, Florida CB
No, I don’t think that Elam got the credit he deserved last year. Yes, I do think Derek Stingley’s emergence was a big part of that. It probably didn’t help that C.J. Henderson was a top-1o pick who often started ahead of Elam, who only played 310 snaps (via PFF). That’s why he’s not ranked higher than a few other corners that I’ll get to in a minute. But don’t get it twisted. Elam is already true lockdown corner. He allowed just 5 first downs all of last year, and he finished with PFF’s 4th-best season by an SEC true freshman corner since 2014. The ball skills are already there (3 interceptions, 4 pass breakups), which is why Florida fans are fired up about his next 2 seasons in Gainesville.
8. Eric Stokes, Georgia CB
I have a lot of respect for a 3-star guy who finds a way to play for a defense that’s loaded with blue-chip recruits. Stokes is that guy. There’s a reason Kirby Smart can’t keep him off the field. A disciplined, competitive lockdown corner, Stokes showed his value in a major way last year. He only allowed 1 touchdown and quarterbacks had a 48.4% completion percentage when targeting him (PFF). That’s what elite corners do. He might not be a former 5-star recruit with NFL bloodlines like Derek Stingley Jr. or Patrick Surtain II, but make no mistake, Stokes is plenty capable of consistently shutting down No. 1 SEC wideouts. Don’t let the lack of interceptions fool you.
7. Patrick Surtain II, Alabama CB
As someone who was critical of Surtain as a true freshman, especially after his struggles against Oklahoma, I thought he settled into his role much better as a sophomore. He had 8 pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions and he recovered a fumble. Surtain flashed that pro potential for an Alabama pass defense that somewhat quietly finished No. 1 in Power 5 in turnovers forced per game. Surtain was a big part of that. He’ll undoubtedly benefit from what should be a healthier, more experienced group of pass-rushers in Alabama’s front 7. That first-round buzz will follow Surtain all season.
Patrick Surtain II pic.twitter.com/ELDCWHFgHD
— Sleeves (@allsleevesdead) May 8, 2020
6. K.J. Britt, Auburn LB
The linebacker position is loaded in the SEC in 2020, and Britt is a major reason that’s the case. He’s the best returning defender in Kevin Steele’s defense after a year in which the run-stuffing extraordinaire racked up double-digit tackles for loss as a first-time starter. Do I have questions if it’ll be more difficult to play that position without Marlon Davidson and Derrick Brown taking on double teams up front? Absolutely. But I trust Britt’s instincts and Steele’s ability to confuse offensive fronts for that production not to take a dip.
5. JaCoby Stevens, LSU S
LSU’s most important “I’m staying in school” announcement was Stevens. Granted, there weren’t a ton of those in Baton Rouge. Nevertheless, Stevens is the leader of that group. He might not have the upside of an Isaiah Simmons, but in terms of trusting a guy to make plays regardless of where he lines up, Stevens is that guy. He’s coming off a year in which he had 85 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks and 3 interceptions. One has to think that Bo Pelini is going to maximize that versatility as much as possible, especially for a unit that has some major turnover on the back end. Pelini said NFL teams will be “getting in line” to draft Stevens because of how many things he can do. A big year is ahead for the LSU senior.
4. Richard LeCounte, Georgia S
Yeah, we’re in the “these teams are extremely lucky that these guys returned” part of the list. Georgia is certainly glad to not have to replace both J.R. Reed and LeCounte. The preseason All-American had 4 interceptions (2nd in SEC), 3 fumble recoveries (T-1st in SEC) and he forced 2 fumbles for the No. 1 scoring defense in the nation. Oh, and he defended 7 passes and had 61 tackles, 4.5 of which were for a loss. Stat-sheet stuffer, leader, game-changer, etc. LeCounte has instincts that you can’t teach. Last year was truly a breakout season, and while it might have made sense for him to ride his 2-interception Sugar Bowl performance into the sunset, LeCounte would rather cap his college career by leading Georgia to a national title. Certainly he’s got a legitimate shot to do that.
3. Dylan Moses, Alabama LB
Alabama missed Moses badly last year. His season-ending injury last August was a tough pill to swallow considering how good he was as a sophomore and how much he was relied on to be the quarterback of Alabama’s defense. As a result, the Crimson Tide had many more moments than usual in which they struggled against the run, and veterans like Terrell Lewis said that communication wasn’t at the level it needed to be. But now, Moses is back to pick up where he left off in 2018 when he led Alabama in tackles. He’s the alpha that group needs. Moses’ ability to work sideline to sideline is why he’ll have Round 1 buzz all year, but more importantly, it’s the biggest reason Alabama’s defense should return to form. The only reason he isn’t the top linebacker listed is because he’s coming off a major injury.
2. Nick Bolton, Mizzou LB
Yes, I believe Bolton is the best returning linebacker in the conference. Yes, I slept on him for far too long. I can admit that. I can also admit that it took me rewatching him make plays like this to realize just how special he was:
The Missouri Tigers have a top 3 LB in college football and nobody talks about him man.
Nick Bolton (career stats) [22 games]
(125 tackles & 9.5 TKL)
{2 sacks}
[2 interceptions]
(7 pass deflections)
{1 defensive touchdown} pic.twitter.com/pjL5MXtTT9— TM (@CFBLive247) July 20, 2020
And before you tell me his tackling form was sloppy because he didn’t wrap up, make note of the fact that he had 107 tackles in 12 games, which led all SEC players in the regular season. By the way, he’s elite in coverage, too. Who cares if Bolton is only 5-11? Well, I suppose Mizzou does because that’s why the big Texas schools passed on him. His instincts are already at an All-American level. He had 12 more run stops than the next-closest returning SEC defender (ESPN), he’s the highest-graded returning SEC linebacker in coverage (PFF) and he and Micah Parsons were the only 2 Power 5 linebackers who earned a 90-plus grade last year. Don’t be like me and sleep on Bolton for far too long.
1. Derek Stingley Jr., LSU CB
Yes, Alabama fans. Stingley allowed those big plays to DeVonta Smith (one of which was when he was looking to the sideline when the ball was snapped). More than a few plays factored into these rankings. For those who were willing to look beyond that, they saw Stingley do a LeBron James thing. That is, enter with massive expectations as the homegrown, can’t-miss player … and somehow exceed those expectations immediately. We don’t often see true freshmen start as SEC corners, much less become first-team All-Americans. Stingley was No. 2 in FBS with 21 passes defended, and he led the SEC with 6 interceptions.
Derek Stingley is a very special player! #LSU #DBU pic.twitter.com/WU6M0V6OMX
— Oliver Davis II (@I_Am_OD3) October 26, 2019
There are a few things about Stingley that scream “special talent,” especially when you see him in person. One is that in the rare instance that he makes a mistake, he bounces back (just like that interception after he muffed a punt earlier in the Auburn game and with that game-ceiling interception following Van Jefferson’s success against him in the Florida game). He understands the importance of making the right play, and not necessarily the flashiest play, though you wouldn’t realize that by looking at his numbers. Pro Football Focus graded Stingley as the most valuable non-quarterback since they started grading college players. Even if his interception numbers inevitably take a hit with teams avoiding him, don’t assume that means he’s regressing. Stingley could finish his career as the best cornerback in SEC history. I wouldn’t bet against that.
1 player from a top 15 defense that returns 9 starters. We must have really good coaches ;)
Good coaches and a soft schedule. Florida was the best offense you faced last year (#29 in FBS).
Top 15 scoring defense****
Not gonna argue over semantics, I could have said top 2 pass defense lol. That being said, DeAndre Square will be on this list at the end of the season (fingers crossed we make it that far).
Semantics? You said top 15 defense, and I JUST looked at all of the major categories and if we averaged them out, Kentucky is outside the top 15.
I thought it was important to make that distinction because half of this list come from a defense who is top 15 or top 10 in at least one major defensive category.
UK was 21 in total defense…
No Dimitri Moore or Odeyingbo on this list? Shame.
Are those Candy players?
They’re both better than the UT player on here.
Just a little bit of ribbing. Hopefully we’ll get to find out!
All good!
I don’t understand your logic in your statement on Monty Rice. “I could have gone with Azeez Ojulari here, and I know Georgia fans are excited about Nakobe Dean.” Are they worthy of being on the list or not? Did you just have to slot in a UGA player but had to choose from those 3? If any of the three are worthy of that 10 spot how is it that they aren’t worthy of being on the list overall? I just don’t get the logic of “This guy is as good as this number 10 player, but somehow not as good as 11-25”
Must be a quota system.
Also that Monty Rice highlight is really a Jermaine Johnson highlight if you watch it closely. Doesn’t show up on the stat sheet but Rice is chasing the running back into the endzone if Johnson doesn’t completely destroy that play.
I’m not sure you can say this is a particularly great looking year for SEC linebackers, and then rank a Mizzou LB with 2 sacks over 22 games as the best one.
OK. You can pick any 10 of these guys to be on your roster. Who would have Nick Bolton in their top 10?
Connor is being consistent with an article he wrote on Bolton awhile back. But here’s the thing: defenses are designed for the middle linebacker to make the most tackles against the run.
So the fact that your backup middle linebacker comes in and becomes the leading tackler on the team just means that he’s doing his job. It doesn’t mean, for example, that he has elite sideline to sideline pursuit.
No question, he’s a solid football player. But he’s not top 10 on this list.
He is a top 10 SEC defender.
Changes positions 1/2 way thru the season and becomes a 2019 All American, top graded LB in coverage in the nation, and SEC’s leading tackler. What’s not to love here?
Well the Athletic has Bolton on their 1st Team All-American list, so it’s not just O’Gara who knows he’s one of the best in the entire country, and certainly in the SEC.
Who would have Bolton in their top 10? Anyone who pays attention, I guess. Maybe you should try that?
Here is how I would rank the top 10. The first two are top 10 draft choices. The first five should be first round draft choices.
1. Derek Stingley Jr., LSU CB
2. Dylan Moses, Alabama LB
3. Malik Herring, Georgia DL
4. Kaiir Elam, Florida CB
5. JaCoby Stevens, LSU S
6. Richard LeCounte, Georgia S
7. Patrick Surtain II, Alabama CB
8. Zachary Carter, Florida DL
9. K.J. Britt, Auburn LB
10. Monty Rice, Georgia LB
In all games, Nick Bolton ranked 2nd in the SEC in tackles. But against teams with a winning record he drops to a tie for 24th. And against AP-ranked teams, there isn’t a single Missouri player in the top 49 SEC tacklers. Both of Bolton’s interceptions were aginst teams with losing records.
No one can predict who will have what kind of year, but if Bolton has the type of year people are expecting he’ll be one of the top 2 LB’s drafted from the SEC. He’s better than Monty Rice right now, that could change of course but there’s no reason to put Rice above Bolton heading into this season. Also tbh, all three are very good and it’s really spitting hairs between Bolton, Moses and Rice anyway. You can split them between one cherry picked stat, split hairs between physical characteristics or even split hairs depending on bias but it’s still just spitting hairs.
Honestly, Bolton may be as good as Britt and Rice. Maybe he’s even better, although not statistically when you look inside the overall numbers. Just as Bolton may have had to play more snaps to get his stats (I didn’t look at that), Britt and Rice may have been aided by having better defensive linemen in front of them.
But none of those three are in the same class as Moses. He’s a first round draft choice.
Carter over Davis? Lol. No bias here
Couldn’t tell you which one is better personally but I think the burden of proof is on those in the Davis corner. Carter has better stats in every category…
Davis has no meaningful stats.
The player who compares to Carter is Azeez Ojulari. Carter’s and Ojulari’s stats are fairly similar but I suspect that Carter may have played a lot fewer snaps (he only started two games). Given a choice, I’d choose Carter because he’s got more size than Ojulari (6-4/263 vs 6-3/240). Bias? Sure, why not.
Bolton wasn’t the “backup” Middle LB, he was the Strong Side backer, what you fail to notice is the SEC’s best Middle LB, Cale Garrett had a season ending injury early on, and Bolton played both LB positions afterwords in the nickel.
Cale Garrett is a really good football player and better than Bolton. But the SEC’s best linebacker?
In 2018 Garrett was fifth in tackles overall and oddly, even better — third — against both winning teams and AP-ranked teams. Because of his injury, he didn’t rank in the top 48 SEC tacklers in 2019.
Devin White was easily the best SEC ILB in 2018. In 2020 I expect it will be Dylan Moses, and it ain’t close.
You’d rank Bolton No. 2 if he played for any other team other than Mizzou. Drew Lock was evaluated the same way by SEC fans and he’s the starting quarterback for Denver in his rookie year.
Maybe, but I honestly don’t think he’d be starting at Alabama, Georgia, Florida, LSU or Auburn.
His rookie year was last year. He will start in his second season. Many of the SEC fans didn’t back Lock because both his best games & his worst came against inferior competition. Joe Flacco was the starter last year and Paxton Lynch was a 1st round pick by Denver. Neither choice screams confidence in Elways ability to grade quarterbacks.
Imo Smoke Monday or Roger McCreary should be on this list. Both very good DBs.
I don’t think I’m being a homer when I say that Smoke Monday is a beast. He’s gonna wreck shop this year if healthy.
Monday, McCreary, Sherwood, and Tutt are all really good. Add in the great Freshman class coming in…and I think Auburn will have one of the best secondaries in college football this year.
Guys say Sherwood could be better than Monday too.
Regarding Bolton, crappy teams always have linebackers who make lots of tackles, because the defense musters few three-and-outs and are on the field all the time.
I’m just hoping he has a great year and gets drafted, that’ll make three of my former students professional athletes.
Jabril Cox could have easily been on this list a la Jamie Newman…he’ll be on it by the end of the season.
No Israel Mukuamu on this list? LOL. Just ask the Dawgs
I thought he should of made it
Gotta point there, cootpig…thanks for reminding us!
It’s SDS for God’s sake.
Just hope he doesn’t rip us off again like last year to make the list. Good point though and I think he’s more deserving on this list than Jaycee Horn?
At first I was a little disappointed that UK only had one player mentioned but after I think about it, their defense plays well as a unit but they don’t have that big name player. Quinton Bohannan may have been the one that could have made the list.
I don’t typically watch a ton of UK football, but in the handful of games I’ve seen over the past couple of years, I was thinking the same thing. Obviously, Josh Allen was a beast, but other than that, there’s been no big-time players. They’re a very well coached group that play very disciplined assignment football. I say this completely as a compliment, but watching Kentucky play reminds me of watching a really small but successful high school team play. There’s little to no stars on the field, but they play well together and are a joy to watch.
Thanks for the compliment, I think I know one UK game you will be watching this year. Good luck.
I DONT SEE BJ OJULARI ON THIS LIST ANYWHERE. YOU SDS WRITERS NEED TO LISTEN TO OEAUX WHEN HE SAYS THIS KID IS SPECIAL!
Tyler Shelvin would have been hands down the number one star on this list had he not opted out. Having no DL in the top 10–is this a sign that SEC defenses are going to be exposed by great offensive lines and QBs, such as the one at Clemson? You gotta win the battle in the trenches to dominate a game.
Well, you have to remember that interior DL don’t get flashy stats, and the game has shifted away from that more and more. Now the kind of defense that holds down a Clemson is one that pressures the quarterback and has long, elite DBs like Surtain or Elam.
Interior DL (DT) are vital to the success of any Def. When an Off has to double tm dominant DTs, it leaves those “flashy” pass rushers 1-on-1 with OTs to make splashy plays (see Aub 2 studs from last yr).
Knowledgeable fans and experts realize the value of interior linemen. Even if they don’t dot the stat-sheet, they can dominate a gm. Collapsing the pocket up the middle is a QBs worst fear. That forces either a QB bailout (to be devoured by edge rushers) or quicker than ideal passes (where those long elite DBs can pick them off) Don’t knock dominant DTs. They are vital for good Def play.
No I absolutely understand the impact–just look at Clemson’s DL production and how only a defense with Derrick Brown and Marlon Davidson could slow down LSU. I’m just saying the above is why those linemen don’t really get a lot of credit. John Atkins was one of the most important players on UGA’s 2017 defense, and you rarely heard his name mentioned at all that year. He’s the one who could eat up blocks for the likes of Roquan to roam freely.
Da bear apu ika has the quickest first step I have seen since putt dorsey… pair him with Logan on the inside! Peeee you! LSU still has the best d line in the country even after losing Shelvin. BJ Ojulari is a human highlight reel on one end and Travez Moore was only a top 5 player in the country on the other side… that is if he can beat out Anthony, Ali Gayle, and a host of others… D Line is deepest its ever been at lsu.
Wish I had this as my defense.
Guys like Bogle, Diabate, Cox, Slaton etc will be beasts this yr
Wait yall left off Marco Wilson a senior stud CB lol
Marco elam Davis its gon be hard to pass on fla esp for Georgia newbie
No more Thomas Wilson or Mayes