2012 College Football Predictions: First-Team All-American Defensive Players With the college football regular season in the books, the top players in the country on the defensive side of the ball have had a chance to separate themselves from the pack. While many of the players I selected for my First-Team All-American squad were also on my preseason list, a few surprises emerged, as well, especially in the secondary. With that in mind here is a look at my picks.
2012 College Football Predictions: First-Team All-American Defensive Players
Defensive End: Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina Gamecocks
Before being bothered by a nagging foot injury, Clowney was on the short list of Heisman candidates. Despite the health issues, his 13.0 sacks were tied for the most in the country. He saved his best performance for the season finale when he basically ended the Heisman hopes of Clemson QB Tajh Boyd, sacking him 4.5 times.
Defensive End: Bjoern Werner, Florida State Seminoles
When star defensive end Brandon Jenkins went down, many thought Werner’s numbers would suffer as defenses began focusing on slowing him down off the edge. That theory was proven wrong in a big way as Werner’s 13.0 sacks were tied for the most in the country. He also knocked down seven passes for an FSU defense that was one of the best in the country.
Defensive Tackle: Star Lotulelei, Utah Utes
His numbers don’t do his dominance justice, but he ate up space and absorbed double teams as the nose tackle for Utah’s 3-4 defense. Lotulelei was unstoppable when opponents tried to block him one and one, and despite facing constant double teams, he managed 4.0 sacks and three forced fumbles.
Defensive Tackle: Johnathan Hankins, Ohio State Buckeyes
His dominance at the point of attack has vaulted Hankins into elite company at the defensive tackle position this season. Whether he was shedding double teams and stuffing the run or making plays in the backfield and pressuring opposing QBs, his blend of size, muscle and speed made Hankins a one-man wrecking ball for the Buckeyes’ defense.
Linebacker: Manti Te’o, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Te’o is the ultimate blend of production and intangibles. He recorded more than 100 tackles to go along with seven interceptions as he anchored the country’s stingiest defense. He is a strong, relentless tackler that makes players around him better. His leadership ability is just icing on the cake.
Linebacker: Jarvis Jones, Georgia Bulldogs
There isn’t a more explosive linebacker in the country than Jones. He finished the year with more than 70 tackles, along with 12.5 sacks and an interception. Jones doesn’t just make tackles, he makes big plays. His finest performance came in a win against Florida when he recorded 13 tackles and 3.0 sacks as the Bulldogs knocked off the Gators to ultimately win the SEC East.
Linebacker: Kevin Minter, LSU Tigers
Minter exploded this season, becoming the anchor of LSU’s linebacking corps. He finished the year with 111 tackles, 3.0 sacks and an interception. He was a dependable tackler all year, and although his 20-tackle, two-sack effort against Florida was his biggest statistical day on paper, his performance against Heisman frontrunner Johnny Manizel may have been his most impressive showing. Minter notched 12 tackles and an interception as the Tigers knocked off the Aggies at home.
Cornerback: Phillip Thomas, Fresno State Bulldogs
He may not be the top pro prospect at the position, but there is no denying Thomas’ production and ability to create turnovers. He led all players with eight interceptions this year, and his three interceptions returned for scores were tied for the most in the country. Thomas was a flat out ball hawk this season.
Cornerback: Dee Milliner Jr., Alabama Crimson Tide
Milliner was thrust into the role of Alabama’s No. 1 corner this season, and he more than met the challenge. He broke up 16 passes to go along with two interceptions, establishing himself as one of the top cover corners. Milliner held his own against the run, as well, notching 51 tackles.
Safety: Ed Reynolds, Stanford Cardinal
Although he is a capable tackler, Reynolds’ instincts and ball-hawking ability are what set him apart. He intercepted six passes this season, returning three for scores. Not to mention the fact that Reynolds’ 301 return yards after his interceptions were 130 more yards than the next closest player.
Safety: Kenny Vaccaro, Texas Longhorns
The Longhorns have missed plenty of tackles this year, but the hard-hitting Vaccaro has cleaned up plenty of messes. He has 87 tackles this year to go along with two interceptions and two forced fumbles. No defensive back stops the run any better than Vaccaro.
Punter: Ryan Allen, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
He won the Ray Guy Award last season, and Allen will likely repeat as the nation’s top punter after leading the country in yards per punt with a 48.0 average. Allen’s 85-yard bomb was also the longest punt of the year, and he had at least one punt of more than 50 yards in all but one game this season.
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