2013 College Football Predictions: Preseason Second-Team All-American Defensive Players: With the 2013 college football season ready to begin, I recently named my First-Team All-American selection on the defensive side of the ball. While these players will likely be among the contenders for the top individual honors in the game, there are more than 12 players that could walk away with hardware at the end of the year. With that in mind, here are my Second-Team All-American picks for the defensive side of the ball heading into the 2013 college football season.
Defensive End: Stephon Tuitt, Notre Dame
With his massive frame and surprising quickness, Tuitt is a space-eater and a playmaker in Notre Dame’s 3-4 base. In addition to engaging multiple blockers and opening up lanes for the Fighting Irish linebackers, Tuitt notched 12.0 sacks of his own in 2012.
Defensive End: Jackson Jeffcoat, Texas Longhorns
Two years ago, Jeffcoat tallied 17.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, and he was on pace to top both totals last year before going down with an injury. With strength to spare and plenty of moves, Jeffcoat is a bull off the edge.
Defensive Tackle: Anthony Johnson, LSU Tigers
Johnson was relegated to a reserve role last year, but his knack for penetrating into the backfield and making plays was still obvious. After managing 10.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks off the bench, Johnson should be a serious playmaker as a starter in 2013.
Defensive Tackle: Louis Nix, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
He is the wrecking ball in the middle of a Notre Dame defense that allowed the fewest points in the country last year. Nix will make a big play in the backfield from time to time, but his claim to fame is his ability to occupy multiple blockers and give his team that upperhand in the trenches.
Linebacker: Shayne Skov, Stanford Cardinal
Sometimes a player’s value goes beyond the stat book. Skov has been the emotional leader for an elite Stanford defense, and while he doesn’t make all the plays, he has a knack for making all the big ones. His teammates feed of his energy and heart, and if he can stay fully healthy, his numbers will be pretty impressive, as well.
Linebacker: Ryan Shazier, Ohio State Buckeyes
Blessed with an unfair combination of size, strength and speed, Shazier has the physical gifts to be the next great pass-rusher at the linebacker spot. He had 116 tackles and 5.0 sacks as a sophomore last, and the sky is the limit.
Linebacker: Max Bullough, Michigan State Spartans
Bullough is a hard-nosed, hard-hitting force in the middle of an excellent Spartans’ defense. He has always been a reliable tackler, and after 111 stops, including 12.5 for loss, last year, his range and instincts are actually getting better.
Cornerback: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon Ducks
His speed and athleticism allows him to fly around the secondary and make all kinds of plays. Last year’s list included 60-plus tackles, four picks and six forced fumbles.
Cornerback: Aaron Colvin, Oklahoma Sooners
Whether he is delivering hard hits in support of the run defense, blitzing off the edge or intercepting a pass, Colvin does just about everything well. He may not have the top-end speed, but he is as fundamentally sound as they come at the corner spot.
Safety: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama Crimson Tide
He thrived after being thrown into the fire as a sophomore, leading the Crimson Tide with five interceptions. His combination of natural instincts and athletic ability has Clinton-Dix primed to be a big playmaker.
Safety: Deone Bucannon, Washington State Cougars
He is an experienced playmaker that does it all on the field. Heading into his senior season, Bucannon has topped 80 tackles in each of his first three seasons and has averaged 3.0 sacks and three picks per year.
Punter: Kyle Christy, Florida Gators
Christy was often the best weapon for a hapless Gators’ offense, averaging a school-record 45.8 yards per punt. His ability to swing field position is a must for a Florida team that wins with defense.
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