SEC WEEK 2 NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

  • Taiwan Johnson, Arkansas (4 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3 TFL vs. Nicholls State) — The Razorbacks’ offense made headlines, but it was the defense that consistently pushed Nicholls State off the field in Fayetteville. Johnson’s career-high sack and tackles-for-loss total was an impressive tally.
  • Myles Garrett, Texas A&M (2 sacks vs. Lamar) — After being credited with a sack in his college debut last week at South Carolina, this five-star true freshman end notched a couple in Saturday’s game to take the SEC lead in the category. Defensive coordinator Mark Snyder has a gem.
  • Shane Ray, Mizzou (3 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 TFL at Toledo) — Ray and Markus Golden repeatedly jumped the snap against the Rockets leading to destruction in the Toledo backfield. The Rockets gave up just six total sacks all of last season but the Tigers got to quarterbacks Phillip Ely and Logan Woodside three separate times.
  • Owen Williams, Tennessee (5 tackles, 2 sacks vs. Arkansas State) — Williams was a constant force as the Vols won their second straight.

LINEBACKERS

  • Neiron Ball, Florida (6 tackles, 2 sacks, FF, 2.5 TFL vs. Eastern Michigan) — Ball led a feisty defense that held Eastern Michigan to just seven first downs and 125 total yards. His play at the linebacker position tied in nicely to Florida’s stronghold up front.
  • Cassanova McKinzy, Auburn (10 tackles vs. San Jose State) — One of the leaders on the Tigers’ defense, his transition to the middle of Ellis Johnson’s front seven has been flawless.
  • A.J. Johnson, Tennessee (9 tackles, 1 TFL vs. Arkansas State) — The SEC’s active leader in tackles is well on his way toward another 100-stop campaign.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

  • Johnathan Ford, Auburn (8 tackles, INT vs. San Jose State) — Ford collected one of Auburn’s three picks, the first of his career.
  • Dwayne Thomas, LSU (7 tackles, TFL, INT, 0.5 sacks vs. Sam Houston State) — The Tigers man-handled the Bearkats with two interceptions and six sacks during a 56-0 shutout and Thomas was one of his unit’s top players.