Top 10 impact college football defenders in 2017

Harold Landry, defensive end, Boston College

Last year’s sacks leader is back for more. Landry was unstoppable off the edge for the Eagles, earning 16.5 sacks and a nation-leading seven forced fumbles. He also brought down ball-carriers 55 times, 22 of which occurred behind the line of scrimmage.

A player who possesses good size (6-foot-3, 250 pounds) and length, he knows how to get around the edge and dominate offensive tackles. But this isn’t a one-trick pony we’re talking about here. Landry is also an imposing threat in the run game. He uses leverage well and doesn’t often find himself out of position trying to skirt around the outside.

It was surprising, in fact, that Landry decided to come back to Boston College for his senior season, as it’s likely he could have been a high pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. But the All-American had good reason for returning.

An impact player who is also a high-character guy with a non-stop motor and leadership qualities, Landry will be a name to follow this season, and in the seasons to come.