2013 College Football Picks: Preseason First-Team All-American Defensive Players: The 2013 college football season is fast approaching, and for the first time in a long time, a defensive player is getting a ton of preseason Heisman hype. Of course, that player is South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, and on the heels of Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o finishing second in the Heisman voting last season, the defensive side of the ball is finally getting some much-overdue credit. However, Clowney isn’t the only excellent defender in college football these days, and in order to highlight the best of the best, here are my preseason First-Team All-American defensive selections.
Defensive End: Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina Gamecocks
After finishing last season with 13.0 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss and decapitating a Michigan running back in the Outback Bowl, Clowney is on the short list of Heisman contenders heading into the 2013 season.
Defensive End: Devonte Fields, TCU Horned Frogs
Helped the Horned Frogs adjust to life in the Big 12 to the tune of 10.0 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss. By the way, Fields was only a freshman so the best is yet to come.
Defensive Tackle: Will Sutton, Arizona State Sun Devils
Sutton completely controls the line of scrimmage and makes more big plays than another defensive tackle in the country. Last year alone, he notched 13.0 sacks, 23.5 tackles for loss and forced three fumbles.
Defensive Tackle: Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh Panthers
He splits double teams and makes big plays in the backfield on a routine basis. In fact, Donald has tallied 34.5 tackles for loss over the past two seasons, including 18.5 last year.
Linebacker: C.J. Mosley, Alabama Crimson Tide
Mosley’s sideline-to-sideline speed is second to none, and he can do it all on the field. He is a reliable tackler, solid in coverage and a proven playmaker. There is a reason his teammates voted him the MVP of last year’s national title-winning team.
Linebacker: Anthony Barr, UCLA Bruins
Believe it or not, Barr was a running back in 2011. In his first year as a linebacker for UCLA, he tallied 13.5 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss and 83 tackles. His speed and agility off the edge and in space allows him to make a ton of big plays, and he is just learning the ins and outs of the position.
Linebacker: Chris Borland, Wisconsin Badgers
He isn’t the flashiest player, but Borland is consistent as linebackers come. Keep in mind that over the past two years, he has piled up 247 tackles, 29.0 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, two interceptions, 13 passes defensed and eight forced fumbles.
Cornerback: Bradley Roby, Ohio State Buckeyes
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: Jason Verrett, TCU Horned Frogs
He is college football’s version of a shutdown corner. Last year, he intercepted six passes, and he led the country with 22 passes defensed. Verrett was tested early and often in TCU’s first year in the pass-happy Big 12, but he was more than up to the task.
Safety: Ed Reynolds, Stanford Cardinal
In what was essentially his first year as a full-time starter, Reynolds’ ball-hawking instincts were on full display. He finished the year with six interceptions, and he took three back for scores. By the way, his three defensive touchdowns led the country.
Safety: Alden Darby, Arizona State Sun Devils
Alden does it all from the safety spot. Last year alone, he recorded 80 tackles, 2.0 sacks and three interceptions. Darby is solid in coverage and even better at helping out stopping the run, and more importantly, he is a playmaker while doing both.
Punter: Richie Leone, Houston Cougars
His 45.5 yards per punt average was among the best in the country, and Leone had 20 punts travel more than 50 yards. He also boomed a 60-plus yarder in five different games. The guy can shift field position with one swing of his leg.
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