Quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers get most of the attention in college football these days, but football is still, at its core, a game dominated by defensive stars.
With this in mind, we’re examining the top defenders to keep an eye on around the nation this upcoming season.
From a pass-rushing stud out the great state of Texas to a back-end baller from the south to a tackling machine up north, these are the most dangerous defensive stars heading into the 2016 college football season.
1. Myles Garrett, defensive end, Texas A&M
NFL scouts are drooling over Garrett, but they’ll have to wait another year before he is available to them.
"Myles Garrett is what everyone thought Jadeveon Clowney or Randy Gregory would be. He's a beast" – AFC West scout to me this morning
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) July 28, 2016
For now, the pass rusher will delight college football fans this season by abusing offensive lines like they’re made out of paper, leading to copious amounts of sacks and tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
Key to Garrett’s success is a lightning-quick first step that he uses to leave offensive tackles in the dust.
He has 24 career sacks since stepping onto the field as a freshman in 2014 and was unstoppable at times last year with 59 tackles, 19.5 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and an interception to earn All-America honors.
Look for Garrett to exceed these totals in 2016 on his way to an award-filled final campaign
2. Derek Barnett, defensive end, Tennessee
While he doesn’t have the quickness off the edge that Garrett possesses, Barnett’s overall game will produce some spectacular results.
Hitting the field as a freshman, Barnett has been a handful for offensive tackles ever since. Dominant against the run as well, he has tallied 19 sacks, 33 tackles for a loss and 142 total tackles in two seasons.
Entering his junior season, Tennessee’s star defender will look to improve upon the 10 sacks he tallied last year. Key to this development is the fact that he’ll be coached by Bob Shoop, who helped Carl Nassib lead the nation in sacks last season.
3. Malik McDowell, defensive tackle, Michigan State
One of the most imposing defenders entering the season, the 6-foot-6, 280-pound defensive tackle out of Michigan State is set to put his stamp on one of the best defenses in college football.
McDowell’s teammates and coaches are expecting a monster year from the big man.
). “That shows on the football field, so I’m extremely excited for him this year.”
With 41 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a pick-six last year, McDowell showed off a diverse skill set not usually seen from an interior lineman. One of the most disruptive defensive tackles in the nation, he’ll be tough to slow down in 2016.
4. Derwin James, safety, Florida State
You’ll be hard pressed to find a more diverse safety amongst the top football programs in America than James, who can literally do it all. Though “minor surgery” has been performed on his foot, James is expected to be ready for practice, which begins for the Seminoles on August 9.
Hitting the field last year as a true freshman, the 6-foot-3, 213-pound defensive back became an instant star for Jimbo Fisher’s defense. James finished the season with 91 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and 4.5 sacks.
Lining up all over the field, he’s going to be a nightmare for opposing offenses to scheme around. Look for an evolution of sorts for James in his sophomore season, as he’ll be asked to become more of a force on the back end as well as continuing to utilize his insane ability to make plays around and behind the line.
5. Desmond King, cornerback, Iowa
The top cornerback in college football, King was at a shut-down level last season. He registered eight interceptions (No. 2 in the nation) and an eye-popping 72 tackles (46 solo).
King was also dominant covering the slot, which highlights his value at the next level, where he’s primed to become a potential top-five pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
When playing in the slot last year, Iowa CB Desmond King allowed a 23.0 passer rating to opposing QBs, best in #B1G. pic.twitter.com/p0b77GzQH4
— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 28, 2016
Entering his senior year, the Hawkeyes’ undisputed leader on defense should enter the vaunted territory reserved for all top cornerbacks, as quarterbacks will be smart to avoid throwing his way at all costs.
6. Jonathan Allen, defensive end, Alabama
A true speciman, at 6-foot-3 and a rock-solid 290 pounds, Allen brings solid technique to pair with his rare physical talents.
Alabama DE Jonathan Allen said the guy he wants most to play like in the NFL is the #Packers' Julius Peppers.
— Chase Goodbread (@ChaseGoodbread) July 13, 2016
Combining strength and violent intentions, Allen should continue to evolve into a legitimate star on Alabama’s front line with the departures of A’Shawn Robinson and Jarran Reed. Last season as a junior, he emerged with 12 sacks and 14.5 tackles for a loss.
A three-down player due to his abilities against the pass and the run, Allen could produce even bigger totals this upcoming season.
7. Jourdan Lewis, cornerback, Michigan
A diminutive player (5-foot-10, 180 pounds dripping wet), Lewis isn’t your prototypical No. 1 cornerback. That said, he plays much bigger than his size.
He is one of the biggest ball hawks in college football, despite only tallying two interceptions last year. This is seen in the 20 pass breakups he accounted for. His fine play helped the Wolverines earn the top passer rating against in all of college football for the 2015 season.
Blessed with quickness and instincts that make up for his lack of size, Lewis is one of the most dangerous defenders quarterbacks will face this upcoming season.
8. Anthony Walker, linebacker, Northwestern
The only inside linebacker to earn a spot on this list, Walker is a tackling machine.
Though slightly undersized (6-foot-1 and 235 pounds), the Northwestern star racked up a well-rounded set of stats last year: 120 total tackles, 19 for a loss, four sacks, four passes defended, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one interception.
The hype surrounding Walker this year is immense. Northwestern is at the forefront of this hype machine, pegging him as a superhero called “The Franchise.”
Northwestern promoting star linebacker @__AWalkJr as "The Franchise," with superhero comic book, lunch box & shirt pic.twitter.com/BH7aDKaPsn
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) July 19, 2016
If anyone can live up to this pressure, it would be Walker. Entering his junior season, he appears poised to break out in a major way.
9. Jalen Tabor, cornerback, Florida
It’s rare that a defensive player can be considered an offensive weapon, but Tabor fits the mold.
Though he’s only started 14 games the past two seasons, Tabor has been making his presence known for the Gators since hitting the field as a freshman in 2014.
Last year he made four interceptions, took two back for touchdowns and defended 14 passes. He also showed a knack for making plays at or behind the line of scrimmage, with one sack and four tackles for a loss.
Now that former teammate Vernon Hargreaves has left for the NFL, it’s Tabor’s time to shine as the No. 1 corner for Florida.
10. Jamal Adams, safety, LSU
Entering his third season at LSU, Adams should continue ascending.
He was used as a rotational defensive back as a true freshman in 2014 and emerged as a full-time starter last year, tallying 129 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, four sacks and a forced fumble in his first two campaigns.
Former NFL scout and current NFL Network analyst, Daniel Jeremiah, recently compared Adams to All-Pro NFL safety, Eric Berry.
“His combination of physicality, instincts and energy is very enticing. I love his aggression and passion for the game. He is one of the top defensive players in the country, and he will be a household name by the end of the upcoming season.”
We concur.
Adams should be a cornerstone player for Les Miles’ dominant defense, and it’s going to be fun watching him roam the field this fall.