Best college defense. Top 10 College Football Defenses for 2021 Season: Rankings and Analysis

Which college football teams have the best defenses heading into the 2021 season. How do Alabama, Georgia, and Clemson stack up defensively. What makes these top defenses so formidable.

Table of Contents

Alabama Crimson Tide: The Gold Standard of College Football Defense

The Alabama Crimson Tide once again claim the top spot for college football defenses heading into the 2021 season. Despite a somewhat rocky start in 2020, Alabama’s defense finished strong, ranking third in successful play rate against Power Five opponents from Week 7 onward. Even with the loss of key players like cornerback Patrick Surtain II and interior defensive lineman Christian Barmore, the Crimson Tide’s defense looks poised for another dominant year.

What sets Alabama’s defense apart? It starts with an elite secondary featuring some of the best players at their respective positions:

Josh Jobe: Top-tier outside cornerback who allowed the fewest yards per coverage snap in press coverage among Power Five players last year
Malachi Moore: Standout slot cornerback who, as a true freshman, posted the highest slot coverage grade in the FBS from Week 7 onward
Jordan Battle: Sixth-highest graded safety in the Power Five during his sophomore season

The defensive front is anchored by edge defender Will Anderson Jr., a potential breakout star. As a freshman, Anderson led the FBS with 60 pressures – more than double any other true freshman. His 17.4% pressure rate ranked eighth nationally, showcasing his disruptive potential.

Can anyone challenge Alabama’s defensive dominance? The Crimson Tide have consistently ranked in the top 10 for team defense grade in the PFF College era, and 2021 looks to be no exception.

Georgia Bulldogs: Raw Talent with Elite Potential

The Georgia Bulldogs enter the 2021 season with a defense brimming with potential. While some key positions feature relatively untested players, the overall talent level suggests this unit could rank among the best defenses of the PFF College era.

What are the X-factors for Georgia’s defense? The spotlight falls on two new starting outside cornerbacks:

Derion Kendrick: A Clemson transfer with shutdown potential against most receivers, though he has struggled against elite competition
Kelee Ringo: A former top-5 recruit with outstanding physical tools who has yet to see game action

Beyond the cornerbacks, Georgia’s defense features several standout players:

Tykee Smith: Transfer slot cornerback from West Virginia with the third-best slot coverage grade in the FBS over the past two seasons
Adam Anderson: Edge defender with an impressive 90.9 pass-rush grade, 24.5% win rate, and 23.7% pressure rate in limited snaps

Under head coach Kirby Smart’s guidance, Georgia’s defense has consistently been in the conversation for best in the country. Will 2021 be the year they claim the top spot?

Clemson Tigers: Rising Stars and Defensive Dominance

The Clemson Tigers boast a defense loaded with young talent, particularly along the defensive line. Two players to watch are 2020’s top recruits:

Bryan Bresee (No. 1 overall recruit): Posted an 81.2 pass-rush grade and 14.1% pass-rush win rate as a freshman, ranking in the top 6 among Power Five interior defensive linemen
Myles Murphy (No. 7 overall recruit): Led the FBS with a 92.5 run-defense grade in his freshman season

How will Clemson’s defense evolve with these young stars gaining more experience? The combination of elite recruiting and proven on-field performance suggests the Tigers’ defense could reach new heights in 2021.

Analyzing the Impact of Elite College Football Defenses

While offense often takes center stage in college football, the importance of a strong defense cannot be overstated. How do elite defenses contribute to a team’s success?

Creating turnovers and short fields for the offense
Limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities
Providing rest and support for the offensive unit
Demoralizing opposing teams and disrupting their game plans

Elite defenses can be the difference between a good team and a national championship contender. As we examine the top defenses heading into the 2021 season, it’s clear that programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Clemson have prioritized defensive excellence as a key component of their sustained success.

The Role of Coaching in Developing Top College Football Defenses

Behind every great college football defense is a talented coaching staff. How do top programs consistently field elite defenses year after year?

Recruiting: Identifying and attracting top defensive talent
Player development: Honing skills and maximizing potential
Scheme adaptability: Tailoring defensive strategies to personnel and opponents
Culture building: Instilling a defensive mindset and work ethic

Coaches like Nick Saban at Alabama, Kirby Smart at Georgia, and Brent Venables at Clemson have established reputations for defensive excellence. Their ability to consistently field top-tier defenses speaks to the importance of coaching in college football success.

Emerging Defensive Stars to Watch in the 2021 Season

While established players often headline defensive rankings, breakout performers can dramatically impact a team’s defensive success. Who are some under-the-radar players poised for stardom in 2021?

Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama): Already productive as a freshman, Anderson could become one of college football’s most dominant edge rushers
Kelee Ringo (Georgia): The former top recruit has the physical tools to become an elite cornerback if he can translate his potential to on-field performance
Bryan Bresee (Clemson): After an impressive freshman campaign, Bresee could emerge as one of the nation’s top interior defensive linemen

Keep an eye on these players and others as they look to make their mark on college football’s defensive landscape in 2021.

The Evolution of College Football Defenses: Adapting to Modern Offenses

As college football offenses continue to evolve, defenses must adapt to keep pace. How are top defensive programs adjusting their strategies to combat modern offensive schemes?

Increased emphasis on defensive back versatility
Development of hybrid linebacker/safety positions
Focus on pass-rushing specialists to disrupt spread offenses
Improved conditioning to handle up-tempo offensive styles

The defenses that can successfully adapt to these offensive trends while maintaining their core strengths are likely to find the most success in the 2021 season and beyond.

The Impact of Transfer Portal on Defensive Recruiting

The transfer portal has become an increasingly important factor in college football roster construction, including on the defensive side of the ball. How are top programs leveraging transfers to bolster their defenses?

Filling immediate needs with experienced players
Adding depth and competition to key positions
Bringing in players familiar with specific defensive schemes
Capitalizing on player development from other programs

Examples like Derion Kendrick transferring from Clemson to Georgia and Tykee Smith moving from West Virginia to Georgia highlight the potential impact of defensive transfers. As the transfer portal continues to evolve, its influence on defensive rankings and performance is likely to grow.

Measuring Defensive Success: Beyond Traditional Statistics

While traditional defensive statistics like points allowed and yards given up remain important, advanced metrics are providing new insights into defensive performance. What are some key advanced metrics used to evaluate college football defenses?

Success rate: Percentage of plays where the defense prevents the offense from gaining meaningful yardage
Havoc rate: Percentage of plays where the defense records a tackle for loss, forced fumble, or pass defended
Expected points added (EPA): Measuring the impact of defensive plays on the likelihood of scoring
Pressure rate: Percentage of pass plays where the defense disrupts the quarterback

These advanced metrics, combined with traditional statistics and expert analysis, provide a more comprehensive picture of defensive performance. As we evaluate the top defenses heading into the 2021 season, considering these multifaceted approaches to measurement helps paint a clearer picture of each unit’s strengths and potential.

The Importance of Defensive Depth in a Long Season

While star players often grab headlines, the depth of a defensive unit can be crucial to sustained success throughout a grueling college football season. How do top programs build and maintain defensive depth?

Consistent recruiting across all defensive positions
Developing young players through practice and limited game action
Cross-training players to provide versatility
Managing player workloads to prevent burnout and injuries

Programs like Alabama and Clemson have become adept at rotating players and maintaining performance levels even when starters are unavailable. This depth not only helps weather injuries and fatigue but also prepares younger players for larger roles in future seasons.

The Future of College Football Defense: Trends and Predictions

As we look beyond the 2021 season, what trends might shape the future of college football defense? Here are some possibilities to consider:

Increased specialization in defensive positions
Greater emphasis on defensive players with offensive skills
Evolution of defensive schemes to counter emerging offensive trends
Growing influence of analytics in defensive strategy and player evaluation

While the fundamentals of sound defense are likely to remain constant, the most successful programs will be those that can anticipate and adapt to the changing landscape of college football.

The Role of Defensive Coordinators in Shaping Elite Defenses

Behind every top college football defense is a skilled defensive coordinator. How do these coaches impact their team’s defensive performance?

Designing and implementing defensive schemes
Making in-game adjustments to counter offensive strategies
Developing individual players’ skills and football IQ
Collaborating with head coaches and other staff to create a cohesive team strategy

Defensive coordinators like Pete Golding at Alabama, Dan Lanning at Georgia, and Brent Venables at Clemson have played crucial roles in their teams’ defensive success. Their ability to maximize player talent and adapt to offensive challenges is a key factor in their programs’ consistent defensive excellence.

Challenges Facing Top Defenses in the 2021 Season

Even the best college football defenses face significant challenges. What are some of the key obstacles top defensive units will need to overcome in 2021?

Adapting to rule changes that may favor offenses
Countering increasingly sophisticated offensive schemes
Managing player turnover due to graduation and early NFL draft entries
Maintaining performance consistency throughout a long and grueling season
Balancing aggression with discipline to avoid costly penalties

How well defenses navigate these challenges will play a significant role in determining their success and their team’s overall performance in the 2021 season.

The Impact of Non-Conference Schedules on Defensive Rankings

When evaluating college football defenses, it’s important to consider the quality of opposition faced. How do non-conference schedules impact defensive rankings and perceptions?

Stronger non-conference opponents can provide a better gauge of a defense’s true quality
Weaker schedules may inflate defensive statistics
Early-season non-conference games can help defenses identify areas for improvement
High-profile non-conference matchups offer opportunities for defenses to make statement performances

As we assess the top defenses heading into the 2021 season, it’s crucial to consider the context of each team’s schedule and the quality of offenses they’ll face throughout the year.

The Relationship Between Defensive Success and NFL Draft Prospects

College football’s top defenses often serve as a pipeline to the NFL. How does defensive success at the collegiate level translate to professional opportunities?

Showcasing individual skills against high-level competition
Demonstrating versatility in multiple defensive schemes
Building a track record of performance in high-pressure situations
Developing under coaching staffs with NFL connections and respect

Players from top defensive programs often find themselves highly sought after in the NFL draft. This creates a virtuous cycle where defensive success attracts top recruits, leading to sustained excellence and continued NFL interest.

The Role of Team Culture in Defensive Excellence

Beyond schemes and individual talent, team culture plays a crucial role in defensive success. How do top programs cultivate a culture of defensive excellence?

Establishing clear expectations and standards for defensive performance
Fostering competition and accountability among players
Celebrating defensive achievements alongside offensive success
Developing player leadership within the defensive unit

Programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Clemson have built reputations for defensive excellence that extend beyond any individual player or season. This cultural emphasis on defense contributes significantly to their consistent presence among college football’s elite.

As we look ahead to the 2021 college football season, the landscape of top defenses promises excitement, innovation, and high-level performance. From established powerhouses to rising stars, these defensive units will play a crucial role in shaping the narrative of the season and determining which teams ultimately compete for national championships.

College Football: Ranking the top 10 defenses entering the 2021 season | College Football

Offense trumps defense when it comes to wins and losses in football. However, that’s not to say any team can get by with a lackluster defense. After all, a team has to stop their opponents from scoring to win games.

[Related: Top 10 offenses in college football ahead of 2021 season]

There is, of course, a clear advantage to having an elite, lockdown defense over an above-average one. And there are a few teams this college football season that might just meet those standards.

Below are PFF’s top 10 defenses heading into the 2021 college football season, chosen based on a variety of factors, including PFF’s College Football Preview Magazine, PFF grades and other advanced stats.

1. ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE

Last year’s Alabama defense got off to a rough start but rallied and ranked third in successful play rate against in the Power Five from Week 7 on. And despite losing a couple of marquee players in cornerback Patrick Surtain II and interior defensive lineman Christan Barmore, this Crimson Tide defense looks special again.

The secondary boasts one of the best outside corners (Josh Jobe), slot corners (Malachi Moore) and safeties (Jordan Battle) in the country. No one in the Power Five allowed fewer yards per coverage snap playing in press last year than Jobe. Moore was thrown into the deep end as a true freshman last year but emerged down the stretch. From Week 7 on, Moore put up the highest slot coverage grade in the FBS, and no one made more plays on the ball in the slot (10). Battle is coming off a sophomore year in which he was the sixth-highest-graded safety in the Power Five.

The defensive front is anchored by edge defender Will Anderson Jr., who is a “breakout to elite” candidate for 2021. Anderson came to Alabama as a five-star recruit who ranked in the top 20 of the 2020 class, according to 247Sports, and he finished his first season with a whopping 60 pressures. Not only was his total more than double that of any other true freshman, but it was also the most in the FBS. Anderson’s 17.4% pressure rate ranked eighth.

Alabama has never ranked outside the top 10 in the FBS in team defense grade in the PFF College era, and it’d be a shock if that streak ended in 2021.

PFF’s 2021 College Football Preview Magazine offers a one-of-a-kind deep dive into every team and every conference in the FBS. You’ll get PFF grades, position breakdowns, betting predictions, accuracy data and more, making it the only resource you’ll need to prepare for the 2021 college football season.

2. GEORGIA BULLDOGS

Georgia’s defense is raw, but it has the potential to be among the best in the PFF College era.

The X-factors of the unit are the two new starting outside corners, Derion Kendrick and Kelee Ringo. Kendrick comes over from Clemson, where he notoriously locked up the average and above-average wide receivers of the world but struggled against talented route-runners in big moments.

In his three games against Ohio State and LSU, Kendrick gave up 286 yards and five touchdowns. But in his 21 other games, he allowed only 259 yards and one score, which are true shutdown numbers. He is still fresh to the position after switching from wide receiver just two years ago. Yet, he has the traits to be great.

Ringo, the fourth-ranked recruit in the 2020 class, didn’t play a down in Year 1 but also possesses incredible potential. He is the whole package from a physical tools standpoint. Now, he needs to put those traits into action.

The rest of the defense can confidently be projected to produce at a high level in 2021. The best player is slot corner Tykee Smith, who transferred this offseason from West Virginia. As an underclassman in 2019 and 2020, Smith recorded the third-best slot coverage grade in the FBS. He is physical with great eyes in coverage.

Another player to keep an eye on is edge defender Adam Anderson. The 2018 five-star recruit hasn’t started a game, but he’s racked up just shy of 200 pass-rush snaps in his college career, recording a 90. 9 pass-rush grade, 24.5% win rate and 23.7% pressure rate.

Kirby Smart has groomed this group to routinely be in the conversation for the best in the country, and that’s going to be the case again this year.

3. CLEMSON TIGERS

The Tigers’ defense is loaded with rising stars, including 2020 No. 1 overall recruit Bryan Bresee and 2020 No. 7 overall recruit Myles Murphy, who were each standout performers along the defensive line as true freshmen. Bresee posted an 81.2 pass-rush grade and a 14.1% pass-rush win rate, both of which ranked sixth or better among Power Five interior defensive linemen. Meanwhile, Murphy posted a 92.5 run-defense grade (first in FBS) last season. He also had the most tackling attempts overall without a miss (31).

The secondary is headlined by safety Nolan Turner, the most valuable returning player at the position in the ACC, and cornerback Andrew Booth Jr., who shut down almost every receiver he faced in a mostly reserve role in 2020. Clemson led the Power Five in expected points added (EPA) allowed per play three times over the past four years. And the team finished second in the other season. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables is a mastermind, and he’s going to have a plethora of talent to work with yet again.

4. CINCINNATI BEARCATS

Cincinnati was barely on the outside looking in for the College Football Playoff in 2020, and the Bearcats have every chance to be in the conversation again this fall despite losing a handful of key players on defense as well as coordinator Marcus Freeman.

New defensive coordinator Mike Tressel isn’t going to deviate much from what this group grew accustomed to. The defensive line is led by edge defender Myjai Sanders and interior defensive linemen Curtis Brooks, who rank first and fourth, respectively, at their positions in pass-rush grade among AAC returners.

Sanders is one of the best edge defenders in the country. The 6-foot-5, 258-pound speed rusher posted a 90.1 pass-rushing grade in 2020 that featured four or more pressures in all but one of his games. The Bearcats also welcome back Cincinnati native Jowon Briggs on the interior. The Virginia transfer and former top-100 recruit is full of power and has all the traits to be a consistent pocket pusher.

In the secondary, Cincinnati houses one of the top Thorpe Award candidates in college football in cornerback Ahmad Gardner, who has yet to allow a touchdown in his career and is one of the top press-man corners in the country. Opposite him is one of the five highest-graded returning corners in the conference, Coby Bryant, who combined for 11 pass breakups and interceptions in 2020.

There are plenty of other rising talents on this defense, but long story short, last year’s star-studded defense is back in full force for 2021.

5. WASHINGTON HUSKIES

While edge defender Zion Tupuola-Fetui ruptured his Achilles this offseason, don’t write this unit off just yet. Cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Kyler Gordon rank first and third, respectively, among all returning Pac-12 corners in PFF Wins Above Average (WAA) generated over the past two seasons, and Gordon did that despite seeing just a handful of starts.

Meanwhile, linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio claims the top spot at his respective position over the same period, and edge defender Ryan Bowman ranks second at his position despite playing in only two games in 2020. The Huskies also replaced Elijah Molden with Brendan Radley-Hiles, an Oklahoma transfer and one of the best slot corners in college football. Washington’s defensive scheme remains despite the departure of defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, and the talent is there to execute it at a high level.

6. TEXAS A&M AGGIES

The Aggies have a special defensive line, anchored by 6-foot-4, 290-pound edge defender DeMarvin Leal. He has so much power and impressive twitch. Leal notched an 80.0-plus grade as both a run defender and a pass rusher in 2020, something only four other Power Five edge defenders accomplished this past year. Interior defensive lineman Jayden Peevy and edge defender Tyree Johnson are two other impactful players alongside Leal.

The other top two players on this defense belong to the secondary. The first is safety Demani Richardson, a 2019 top-100 recruit who improved last season after struggling in coverage as a true freshman. His coverage grade increased by over 20 grading points to 76.7 (23rd in Power Five). He’s also one of the best tackling safeties in college football. He missed just 2.7% of his attempts in 2020, ranking second in the Power Five.

Cornerback Myles Jones enters 2021 coming off a late-career breakout. He earned a 76.2 coverage grade in his senior year in 2020, the 10th-best among SEC outside cornerbacks. Taking out his bad day against Alabama, when he got beaten for five catches, 142 yards and a touchdown, his grade jumps to the second-best in the SEC (allowed only 118 yards in the other seven games).

7. UAB BLAZERS

The Blazers are the slight favorites to take home the Conference USA title in 2021, and their defense is a major reason why. Last year’s group was the fifth-highest-graded nationally and ranked fourth in successful play rate allowed.

UAB did lose star edge defender Jordan Smith and starting cornerback Brontae Harris to the NFL, but the defense returns every other key contributor. Interior defender Tyree Turner (90.0 PFF grade in 2020) and edge defender Alex Wright (78.8 PFF grade in 2020) lead the way up front. The secondary is highlighted by Damon Miller and Will Boler, who led UAB to the 13th-highest-graded safety room in coverage last season, and slot cornerback Dy’jonn Turner owns the highest slot coverage grade in the Group of Five since 2019.

8. LOUISIANA RAGIN’ CAJUNS

Led by defensive coordinator Patrick Toney, one of the rising defensive minds in college football, Louisiana fielded a top secondary in the Group of Five in 2020 and will do so again in 2021.

The coverage unit was the driving force behind the team’s success. Louisiana ranked top 10 nationally in team coverage grade and fifth in expected points added (EPA) allowed per pass (-0. 21). The Ragin’ Cajuns bring back every contributing defensive back from that group, so there is no reason to expect a dip in performance for 2021.

Safety Bralen Trahan leads the pack, ranking as one of the 10 best returning players at the position this fall. He’s assignment-sound and a true playmaker on the back end. He racked up 11 combined pass breakups and interceptions in 2020, which led all FBS safeties, and posted an 89.4 coverage grade for the year.

The Ragin’ Cajuns are also set up to be strong up front. Interior defensive lineman Zi’Yon Hill is the leader of the line and will look to build on an excellent 2020 season that saw him rank sixth in the FBS in PFF grade and finish as one of five interior defenders with 80.0-plus grades as a run defender and a pass rusher.

9. PITTSBURGH PANTHERS

Significant question marks surround Pittsburgh’s offense, but there’s nothing to be worried about on the other side of the ball. Pat Narduzzi’s defense has hit its stride the past two seasons. Since 2019, Pittsburgh is tied for sixth in the FBS in successful play rate against and tied for 16th in expected points added (EPA) allowed per play.

The Panthers do lose a quality starting outside cornerback in Jason Pinnock, but they gain Damarri Mathis, who missed all of 2020 after an incredible 2019 campaign. He allowed the third-lowest catch rate among Power Five corners that year (36.8%) while combining for 10 pass breakups and interceptions. He’ll rejoin the starting lineup opposite Marquis Williams, who impressed in his first year in a full-time role with the fourth-best forced incompletion rate in the Power Five (24.2%). Those two are bound for success in this press-quarters defense.

Pittsburgh has been a defensive line factory as of late, and that’ll continue into 2021. Only three Power Five interior defensive linemen ranked inside the top 10 in both run-defense grade and pass-rush grade in 2020. Two are in the NFL, and the other is Pittsburgh’s Calijah Kancey, who at the time was a redshirt freshman with no previous college snaps to his name. Alongside him are Keyshon Camp and Devin Danielson — two more quality players.

As noted in the 2021 PFF College Football Preview Magazine, the Panthers utilize tremendous blitz packages, and they have one of the best blitzing off-ball linebackers in Cam Bright, who has produced 46 pressures and an 87.1 pass-rush grade since 2019.

10. LSU TIGERS

LSU has a higher ceiling and a lower floor than some other teams in these rankings. Last year’s unit ranked a lowly 68th in expected points added (EPA) allowed per pass, busted far too many coverages and was simply inconsistent. The group will undergo some schematic changes that’ll possibly be reminiscent of the team’s 2019 unit, but regardless, there’s too much talent on this LSU defense for them to not be significantly improved from 2020.

Manning the two outside corner starting spots is Derek Stingley Jr. and Eli Ricks — arguably the best cornerback tandem of the PFF College era. They are responsible for the first- and fourth-highest-graded seasons by a Power Five true freshman cornerback in that time span (Stingley in 2019 and Ricks in 2020).

Stingley saw 30 targets over his seven outings last season, allowing just seven first downs while forcing five incompletions, three of which came against Missouri despite him playing most of the game with an ankle injury.

LSU also added Mike Jones Jr., college football’s best off-ball linebacker in coverage. He is an exceptional athlete who is coming off a year in which he posted a 90.2 coverage grade and showcased his blitzing prowess with 11 pressures on 48 rushes.

B.J. Ojulari and Ali Gaye headline the defensive line. Ojulari’s true freshman year in 2020 was a tale of two halves. Through his first five games, he recorded an 86.7 PFF grade and an astounding 28% pass-rush win rate. In his last five games, he had a 55.7 PFF grade and an 8% pass-rush win rate. That being said, the first-half version of Ojulari was no fluke. He’s capable of being an elite player in 2021. Gaye was a highly-ranked JUCO recruit and lived up to that billing for the Tigers in 2020. He finished the year with an 83.4 pass-rush grade that ranked fourth among SEC edge defenders and 17th in the Power Five.

LSU barely secures a top-10 spot here. The potential is clearly there for the defense to be great, but we’re less confident in the Tigers’ unit than others on this list.

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College Fantasy Football D/ST Rankings 2021: Top defenses, sleepers to know

With all of the moving parts of a college fantasy football lineup, it can be virtually impossible figuring out just which defense to pick during your draft. There are obvious choices at the top, but there’s also sneaky sleepers that could be just as stout over the course of the year. CFBDynasty just released their 2021 D/ST rankings so you don’t have to do all of the research on your own.

Whether it’s because of elite defenses or awful offenses, the Big Ten is always a low-scoring conference, and they possess eight of the top 22 defenses in the rankings. The SEC comes in second with six. You shouldn’t ignore the other conferences, but a top Big Ten or SEC defense likely won’t disappoint.

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Don’t just dominate your defense selection, make the right pick at every position! Join CFBDynasty today and get the full 2021 D/ST rankings. In addition to their valuable draft cheat sheets, you’ll get full positional rankings guides, college DFS rankings, full strategy assistance, waiver wire help, mock drafts, and the best player updates you can find. Use Promo Code “sportingnews” and get 15 percent off your subscription!

DOMINATE YOUR NFL FANTASY DRAFT: Ultimate 2021 Cheat Sheet

2021 College Fantasy Football D/ST Rankings

Rank	Team	Conf
1	Cin	AAC
2	Clem	ACC
3	OHSt	B10
4	Ala	SEC
5	UGA	SEC
6	Ohio	MAC
7	App	SBELT
8	LSU	SEC
9	SDSU	MWC
10	PSU	B10
11	Wisc	B10
12	ND	INDEP
13	Fla	SEC
14	Minn	B10
15	TxAM	SEC
16	Wash	P12
17	KY	SEC
18	NW	B10
19	MSU	B10
20	Mich	B10
21	Oreg	P12
22	Iowa	B10
23	Lib	INDEP
24	UCF	AAC
25	Aub	SEC

College Football DT Rankings – Player Rankings

Over the next few weeks we will be unveiling our College Football player rankings by position. Today we will take a look at our College Football DT rankings. A few notes before we discuss the rankings themselves.

The rankings will be updated throughout the season.
Players who have not played college football are not eligible for the rankings.
Players are graded on their college ability, not their pro potential.
We are judging players on their film, production and physical tools.

You can view the college football DT rankings here.

Top of the Class

Marvin WIlson (Florida State) is in the top spot. He only played in nine games last year but was a dominant player who could have moved on to the NFL and been a first round draft pick but chose to return for his senior season. He has good size (6’5″ 311 lbs) and moves very well at that size. He is strong at the point of attack but also has the athleticism to beat blockers with speed and quickness. Wilson has strong hands that he uses to fight off offensive linemen. He has an array of pass rush moves to get past blockers, consistently getting into the backfield to make plays. Wilson missed three games last year but still had an impressive season. He will be the leader of the Florida State defense in 2020 and should be even better this season.

Jaylen Twyman (Pittsburgh) comes in at #2 in our rankings and is a phenomenal player in his own right. He is 6’2″ 290 lbs and needs to continue to get stronger to be better at the point of attack against the run, but its his devastating pass rushing ability that has him ranked here. Twyman has a quick first step and great athleticism which allows him to get penetration regularly. He has violent hands and an array of pass rush moves that allow him to get to the quarterback. He closes quickly and will make a living sacking quarterbacks. Twyman had 10.5 sacks as a defensive linemen in 2019 and we expect his production to only increase in 2020.

Tyler Davis (Clemson) had a big freshman season and is #3 in our college football defensive tackle rankings. He was Clemson’s best defensive lineman as a true freshman. Davis (6’2″ 295 lbs) plays with great explosiveness and leverage. Even as a freshman he was able to play bigger than he is because of his ability to play with good pad level. Davis is a smart player who is gap sound and did a good job developing his pass rush moves last year, we expect him to be even better technically in 2020. With his combination of speed, burst and technique Davis will be unstoppable as he gets stronger and more experienced.

LaBryan Ray (Alabama) is our #4 player, while he was injured most of last year, he had a big 2018 season and we expect more of the same in 2020. He has a great frame at 6’5″ 294 lbs and is an explosive athlete. He has speed you would not expect from a player that big and can rush the passer well. Ray plays with a good motor and has gotten better at using his hands and technique to supplement his athletic ability. Unfortunately he did not play much last season but we expect he will bounce back in 2020 and make up for lost time. Ray has as much ability as anyone on this list and should have a dominant season for the Tide.

The Next Group

Darius Stills (West Virginia) comes in #5 in the college football defensive tackle rankings after an ultra-productive 2019 season. The 6’1″ 292 lb Stills has a great first step combined with an array of pass rush moves he uses to defeat blocks and get in the backfield. He has good lateral quickness for a tackle and is able to change directions well to adjust to the play and the blocking scheme. Stills racked up 15 TFL in 2019 and was a regular in the opposing backfield. He needs to continue to get stronger to be better against the run, and remained disciplined as he can get up field too quickly at times, leaving a vacancy behind him. Nonetheless, Stills is the best defensive tackle in the Big 12 and on his way to another big season in 2020.

Jay Tufele (USC) holds the #6 spot after backing up his encouraging freshman campaign with a strong sophomore season. Tufele (6’3″ 305 lbs) is a strong player who can overpower offensive linemen with his strength. He really progressed from 2018 to 2019 as a run defender and has gotten better at shedding blocks over the course of his career. Tufele has good quickness for big guy and does a good job of pursuing the ball carrier. He showed improvement as a pass rusher in 2019 but still needs to get better with his technique. Tufele is already among the best defensive tackles in college football but could get a lot better in 2020.

Levi Onwuzurike (Washington) check is at #7 after a strong junior season for the Huskies. Onwuzurike is an excellent run defender who plays with good strength, quickness and awareness. Onwuzurike plays the nose tackle position in the Washington 3 – 4 defense which limits his opportunities to collect stats. He does a great job of taking on multiple blockers, using his hands well to shed blocks and using his agility to create angles to the ball. He has good pass rush moves but the defensive scheme limits his opportunities to get to the quarterback as he is often double teamed. Onwuzurike could probably do more damage playing as a three technique or five technique where he would be more of a pass rusher but he still shines at the nose. He is a versatile defender who offenses must account for every play.

Tyler Shelvin (LSU) comes in at #8 but has the upside to climb this list. Shelvin is a massive nose tackle at 6’3″ 346 lbs but moves very well for a guy that big. He has good burst off the snap and is able to put instant pressure on the offensive line. He is a strong player who is virtually unmovable in the run game. Shelvin takes on double teams and holds his ground well, allowing his teammates to clean up the play. Shelvin uses his hands well and could be an effective interior pass rusher given the opportunity. With a lot of defensive talent moving on to the NFL look for Shelvin to become the leader of the LSU defense this season.

Names To Remember

Jerome Johnson (Indiana) holds the #13 spot in the rankings, after a strong junior campaign. Indiana has undergone a major turnaround under Tom Allen and had a successful season in 2019. The 6’3″ 294 lb Johnson was a big part of that success for the Hoosiers. Johnson has good strength and quickness making him an ideal three technique. He has gotten better with his technique each season and this development combined with his raw ability has allowed him to shine. He sheds blocks well and is an asset on run defense, but also gets good penetration to rush the passer. Johnson is the cornerstone of the Indiana defense and we expect he will have a stellar senior season.

Alim McNeil (NC State) checks in at #15 in the college football defensive tackle rankings. The 6’2″ 315 lb tackle is built like a tank and is nearly impossible to move in the run game. His raw strength combined with his ability to use his hands to disengage blockers make him a force on run defense. He has good quickness and speed for a defensive tackle and can chase down plays run away from him. He is still a developing pass rusher but with a year to refine his skills should be strong in that area as well. McNeil has a great skill set and with another year to add polish to his game he will be a headache for opposing offenses.

Jermayne Lole (Arizona State) is our #17 ranked player but has gotten significantly better each year. He finished the 2019 season with a whopping 72 tackles and 10 TFL as a sophomore. The 6’2″ 284 lb Lole has good quickness on the defensive line making him excellent at penetrating gaps. He uses his arms well to keep offensive linemen away from his frame allowing him to disengage blockers and make plays. He has good athleticism and can play multiple spots along the defensive front. He needs to get stronger at the point of attack but we expect he will given the improvement he has already shown (gained almost 15 pounds between his freshman and sophomore year). Look for Lole to be a big player for the Arizona State defense in 2020.

Tommy Togiai (Ohio State) is in the #21 spot but he is a candidate to shoot up the rankings with more playing time. The 6’2″ 300 lb Togiai has great natural strength and is difficult to move off his spot. Togiai’s first step quickness leaps off the tape, as he was often the first defensive lineman moving on a team that featured many NFL draft picks including Chase Young last season. Togiai uses his quickness and strength to get a few yards in the backfield as the play begins and practically establish a new line of scrimmage. He has surprising speed for a guy his size and pursues plays well. He really shines in shorter areas where he can use his burst to close on the ball carrier. As his pad level and technique improve look for Togiai to become a star for the Buckeyes.

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Can the Oklahoma Defense Become Top 10 Nationally?

The Sooners defense has improved by leaps and bounds after new defensive coordinator Alex Grinch’s arrival in January of 2019. As a result, is the Oklahoma defense top 10 nationally? The most compelling evidence would be the attitude of the players and coaches. By the same token, there seems to be confidence, not cockiness. Equally important, there seems to be much more depth on this defense than in previous seasons. To that end, many upper-classmen may be pushed by talented younger players for playing time. In light of this let us begin the debate, can the Oklahoma defense become top 10 nationally?

Defensive line

To demonstrate, clearly the defensive line is the strength of the team. Equally important, the line not only is talented but deep. According to Grinch, the Sooners have 14 players he is comfortable playing at any time on the defensive front. At the same time, this is one of the most talented groups in many years at Oklahoma.

Nik Bonitto and Isaiah Thomas created a dynamic tandem off the edge with 95 combined pressures in 2020. Bonitto was credited with the nation’s top pressure rate and ranked first nationally among 257 edge rushers in pass-rush grade. Thomas played both defensive end and defensive tackle, accumulating a team-high 8 1/2 sacks in 2020.

Jalen Redmond is back healthy and ready to contribute. Redmond will make his debut return and has the flexibility to play multiple positions in the line in certain packages. Perrion Winfrey was a key cog in the Sooners defensive line last season, earning second-team All-Big 12 selection. Winfrey will once again anchor the front unit and relentlessly pursue the football.

LaRon Stokes is also back in the mix. He was named the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year in 2019 and made five starts in 2020, missing three games due to injury. Although these are a few of the stars of the defensive line, there is a bevy of young talent waiting for opportunities. Among that young talent is Reggie Grimes, Ethan Downs, Nathan Rawlins-Kibonge. The Sooners also have talented backups that will push for playing time. Those include Josh Ellison, Jordan Kelley, Isaiah Coe, and Kori Roberson.

Linebackers

The Sooners return a physical specimen in David Ugwoegbu. At 6’2 and weighing 251 pounds, his body is reminiscent of former OU linebacker and NFL first-round pick Kenneth Murray. Ugwoegbu may not be as athletic as Murray, but he’s every bit as good at shedding blocks and making tackles. Oklahoma will also get a sixth year out of Caleb Kelly who has unfortunately been sidelined for two years due to injury. Kelly was a five-star recruit out of high school. Even if he isn’t the athlete he was before his injury struggles, he adds depth and experience to this linebacker unit.

DaShaun White also returns to the fold for another season. White is a linebacker with tremendous athleticism and is great in run sets. This could finally be the year that White becomes the linebacker that many think he can be. Bryan Mead will return in 2021 to provide depth for the linebacking corps. Mead provides experience and depth to a talented group. Shane Whitter, a freshman last year with tremendous upside, will provide valuable depth as well.

Brian Asamoah rounds out the list of returning production at the linebacker position. He’s a head hunter, can play sideline-to-sideline, and can secure the edge and make plays at the line of scrimmage. He is the prototypical outside linebacker and an important piece to the puzzle for next season. Not to mention a pair of incoming freshmen that are turning heads. Clayton Smith and Danny Stutsman may push more experienced players for playing time.

This linebacker group is the best to come through Norman in almost a decade, couple that with a veteran defensive line a group of defensive backs that are no longer a liability and you’ve got a window that’s wide open for a national title run.

Secondary

Oklahoma’s defensive backfield has gotten bigger every year since Grinch arrived as defensive coordinator. Longer arms and taller frames are now what he’s looking for. Now heading into his third spring practice Grinch has populated the Sooner secondary with the kind of bodies he thinks can elevate the OU defense to a championship level.

Just in the past two recruiting cycles, OU has added 6’2 Bryson Washington, 6’3 Justin Harrington, 6’2 Key Lawrence, 6’2 Joshua Eaton, 6’1, Latrell McCutchin, 6’4 Jordan Mukes, and 6’1 Damond Harmon. Potential starting corners in 2021 are 5’11 Woodi Washington and D.J. Graham, but in all likelihood, one corner will be Jaden Davis. Davis appears to be the team leader on the defensive side. True freshman Billy Bowman could certainly figure into the picture.

The Final Word

In the recent past, Oklahoma defenses were a laughing stock of the college football landscape. At long last, the Sooners have finally found continuity on the defensive side of the ball. For the first time in what seems like a lifetime, the Sooners have depth on defense. Most notably in the defensive line and linebacker positions.

In conclusion, all the pieces are in place to make a solid run for the national title. This then becomes Oklahoma’s ticket to the program’s first College Football Playoff victory and the Sooners best hope to win their first national championship in 21 years.

Enjoy the ride, Sooner fans. For the first time in a very long time, you have reason to be excited about an Oklahoma defense.

2021 Defensive Depth Chart: Fall Camp Edition

Kevin Steele’s defense finally gave out last fall. After carrying Malzahn’s program for four years, it struggled to rebuild following so many critical losses to the NFL Draft most notably Derrick Brown and Marlon Davidson.

However, many pieces of the 2021 unit saw critical action for the first time last fall and were able to get their first real taste of what it’s like to play in the SEC. That gives new Auburn defensive coordinator Derek Mason a group with plenty of experience who with a true off-season should be able to take a step forward. Mason was also aggressive in the portal adding a number of potential impact players to every position group sans inside linebacker. Throw in the fact that three of Auburn’s top rated signees in the 2021 class were on defense and it’s easy to see why there’s a lot of excitement around this unit heading into fall camp.

All that experience and talent made it difficult to sort out the depth chart. There are a handful of guys you can confidently write in but there will be plenty of big time position battles over the coming weeks. Here’s my take on things as fall camp kicks off.

Defensive End

#25 Colby Wooden | 6’4” | 278 lbs | Sophomore
#50 Marcus Harris | 6’2” | 279 lbs | Sophomore
#93 Daniel Foster-Allen | 6’4” | 258 lbs | Freshman (RS)
#58 Tobechi Okoli | 6’5” | 252 lbs | Freshman

Wooden is one of those handful of players you can confidently expect to have a starting role in this defense. The redshirt sophomore broke out last fall leading the team in tackles for loss. He was stupidly left off the All-SEC team at SEC Media Days which should only add more fuel to his fire. The big area of improvement for Wooden in 2021 will be keeping his level of play at the same level from the 1st quarter to the 4th. He had some dominant 1st quarters last fall but at times faded away as the game went on. I imagine a year of conditioning will help him greatly and allow him to be an even bigger impact player this fall.

Behind him is one of my favorite transfer portal additions. Like Wooden, Marcus Harris had an explosive redshirt freshman season. There weren’t many good players on that Kansas team but Harris was one of them. He will likely compete for the starting position opposite Wooden and it wouldn’t shock me if he won the job. I have him backing up Wooden to form a formidable 1-2 bunch at defensive end.

Nose Tackle

#94 Tyrone Truesdell | 6’2” | 335 lbs | Senior (6th Year)
#90 Tony Fair | 6’0” | 330 lbs | Senior (6th Year)
#44 Lee Hunter | 6’4” | 321 lbs | Freshman
#48 Marquis Robinson | 6’3” | 310 lbs | Freshman
#76 Jeremiah Wright | 6’5” | 338 lbs | Sophomore (INJURED)

Against physical, run heavy teams such as Texas A&M, South Carolina and maybe Georgia, I expect Auburn to spend a lot of time in their base 3-4 package. That means they need an anchor in the center of the defensive line to stonewall the interior run game. The Tigers have a handful of guys capable of providing that type of impact and will likely need all three to play plenty this fall.

I have the veteran Truesdell earning the starting role at this spot. He didn’t have a great 2020 campaign but I think he was one of the players most affected by the lack of a regular conditioning program over the summer. That’s not the case this season and he’s back up over 330 pounds. I actually think he’ll play less snaps this fall but that’s a good thing as it will keep the big man fresh and hopefully allow him to be more effective when on the field.

A reason he won’t see as many snaps is that he’ll be sharing that nose spot with big ole Tony Fair a massive transfer from UAB. Fair, like Truesdell, has had up and down performances over his career. But when this man is on and locked in he’s the exact type of player you need in the center of your odd fronts. Like Truesdell, playing less snaps will give him a chance to improve his play.

Finally, I think it’s going to be hard to keep Lee Hunter off the field. The big man out of Mobile, AL reportedly had an excellent summer coming off a solid spring. He’s athletic enough that he could slide over and play an end position in Auburn’s 3 man looks or stay on the field in nickel packages. The good news is with Truesdell and Fair on the roster, Auburn doesn’t have to rush him onto the field until he’s ready. Looking toward the future, I am really excited about the duo of Lee Hunter and Jeremiah Wright.

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Tackle

#3 Zykeivous Walker | 6’4” | 289 lbs | Sophomore
#92 Marquis Burks | 6’3” | 314 lbs | Junior
#49 Dre Butler | 6’5” | 298 lbs | Junior
#89 JJ Pegues | 6’3” | 308 lbs | Sophomore
#91 Ian Mathews | 6’5” | 267 lbs | Freshman

This position appears up for grabs as the Tigers kick off camp. Marquis Burks was one of the surprises of spring emerging as the starter opposite Wooden. However, I think with a summer in Auburn’s strength and conditioning program, former top 100 recruit Zykeivous Walker takes a major step forward this month. Either way, both are going to play significant snaps. Marcus Harris will likely be a factor as well in this battle.

Behind those two are intriguing players. I was incredibly high on Dre Butler coming out of JUCO but he struggled at times last fall when he got a chance to see the field. JJ Pegues is undoubtedly one of the most interesting players to follow this fall camp. He flipped positions late during spring practice and it showed in A-Day but there’s no denying he’s a special athlete. I think he’s going to need this fall to get acclimated to his new position before becoming a major factor in 2022.

STUD (Strongside Outside Linebacker)

#29 Derick Hall | 6’3” | 251 lbs | Junior — OR —
#99 T.D. Moultry | 6’2” | 253 lbs | Senior (5th Year)
#37 Romello Height | 6’3” | 214 lbs | Freshman (RS)

Probably the player I am most excited to see this fall is Derick Hall. Hall looks the part and drew rave reviews from his new position coach Bert Watts during the spring. But he’s yet to show he can be a consistent threat off the edge as a pass rusher. I think there’s a very good chance that changes this season. If it does, it’d be a huge boost to Auburn’s defense.

Behind Hall are two big time athletes who are looking to put it together. Moultry has stuck around despite failing to live up to his recruiting hype. He continues to be a leader in the locker room and to put in the work in the weight room. For him, it’s just all about being able to execute on Saturdays. This is his last shot. If there’s a kid on this defense that deserves a strong 2021 season it’s Moultry.

As for Height, he’s still pretty undersized so I am skeptical he sees much action this fall unless its in specific pass rush situations. I still maintain though that he has as high an upside as any pass rusher on Auburn’s roster.

David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

RUSH (Weakside Outside Linebacker)

#55 Eku Leota | 6’4” | 250 lbs | Junior
#45 Caleb Johnson | 6’3” | 276 lbs | Junior
#39 Dylan Brooks | 6’4” | 227 lbs | Freshman

I think all three of these guys see the field this fall. I have the Northwestern transfer Eku Leota at number one but he will have to beat out Caleb Johnson who had an excellent spring. No one on Auburn’s roster has as many career sacks as Leota and the Wildcats loved using him in clear passing down situations. Johnson is versatile enough he could put his hand in the ground and play defensive end if needed. These two will likely see the bulk of the snaps at the weak side OLB spot.

Auburn’s top rated signee of the 2021 class is hoping to crack the rotation this fall as well. There’s no question that Dylan Brooks has the skillset to be an elite edge rusher in the SEC. However, he’s a little undersized and a little raw. With the addition of Leota and the improvement of Johnson, Brooks won’t be relied on to immediately have to play meaningful snaps. Auburn can bring him along slowly and get him ready to be an impact player in 2022 and beyond.

MIKE (Middle Linebacker)

#0 Owen Pappoe | 6’1” | 226 lbs | Junior
#31 Chandler Wooten | 6’3” | 232 lbs | Senior
#30 Desmond Tisdol | 6’0” | 236 lbs | Freshman (RS)
#43 Kameron Brown | 6’0” | 239 lbs | Sophomore

Owen Pappoe has more than lived up to his lofty ranking coming out of high school. The former 5-star has been a starter day 1 for the Tigers and asked to do pretty much everything. He’s now hoping to close his career out with a big 2021 season and push his stock up even higher for the NFL Draft.

Behind him is veteran Chandler Wooten who returns to the field after missing all of last season due to COVID concerns. I thought he looked slimmer during A-Day and you have to expect he’ll see plenty of action behind Pappoe.

Desmond Tisdol was a big National Signing Day win for former Auburn LB coach Travis Williams but there hasn’t been much buzz on the former blue chip prospect. Given what Auburn has at the top of the depth chart, I don’t expect to see him much on the field but he could be an important impact player on special teams. More importantly, Auburn needs him ready to compete for playing time next fall.

WILL (Weakside Linebacker)

#9 Zakoby McClain | 6’0” | 219 lbs | Senior
#32 Wesley Steiner | 6’0” | 229 lbs | Sophomore
#35 Cam Riley | 6’5” | 219 lbs | Sophomore
#3 Joko Willis | 6’3” | 196 lbs | Freshman (RS)

While Owen Pappoe sports the loftier ranking and higher NFL upside, last season Zakoby McClain was Auburn’s best linebacker. He was one of the best in the country and he’s aiming to get revenge for his All-SEC snub last fall. In Mason’s scheme, he has a chance to put up even more insane numbers.

I have three of the best athletes on Auburn’s roster listed behind him. First there’s Wesley Steiner who might be the only player on the roster who can challenge Owen Pappoe for the “Freak” label. He was working with the 2nd team unit during the spring and earned a lot of praise from Pappoe at SEC Media Days. He’s very likely one of Auburn’s starters next fall.

While there’s been hype for Steiner, the 2020 LB signee that saw the most action last fall was Cam Riley. He’s a gifted athlete in a long, thin frame who could slide out and play outside linebacker if needed. Joko Willis is similar. Another really good athlete who can do a lot of different things. Very interested to see how Derek Mason uses both this year and beyond.

Cornerback

#23 Roger McCreary | 6’0” | 188 lbs | Senior
#18 Nehemiah Pritchett | 6’1” | 179 lbs | Junior
#24 Eric Reed Jr. | 6’0” | 200 lbs | Sophomore
#15 A.D. Diamond | 6’0” | 153 lbs | Freshman

Honestly, putting together a two deep for the secondary was incredibly difficult. The Tigers have so many players who could see significant action that it’s just guesswork right now. However, there are two players you can 100% pencil in as starters: Roger McCreary and Smoke Monday.

McCreary passed up the opportunity to be a 3rd or 4th round draft pick to return to the Plains. New Auburn secondary coach Zac Etheridge told AuburnUndercover’s Nate King, they plan to match up McCreary against the best wide receiver on the opposing offense every week. That could mean he’s on the outside facing a big framed beast like Treylon Burks one week and sliding inside matched up against a shiftier slot man like Jahan Dotson the next. Doesn’t matter, Auburn’s staff has that type of confidence in McCreary and he’s got a chance to earn a 1st round grade this season.

Last year’s starter opposite McCreary is listed behind him. That right there should show how dang good this Auburn secondary could be this fall. Nehemiah Pritchett broke out in 2020 after Jaylin Simpson went down with an injury. He put together a quietly dominant season as a cover corner. In the spring, Auburn slid him inside to the nickel where he could certainly start this fall. Whether it’s at nickel or cornerback, I fully expect to see plenty of Pritchett this season.

Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images

Cornerback

#5 Dreshun Miller | 6’2” | 194 lbs | Senior
#36 Jaylin Simpson | 6’1” | 175 lbs | Sophomore
#14 Ro Torrence | 6’3” | 195 lbs | Sophomore

One of Auburn’s biggest transfer portal wins was landing Dreshun Miller. The former West Virginia star was one of the top graded returning cornerbacks this season per Pro Football Focus. He’s another long athlete who can matchup with the more physical wideouts in this league. This job won’t be handed to him but the Georgia native has been very honest about the fact he’s coming to AU to be one and done. He wants to win a starting gig and prove to the NFL he’s worth an early round selection.

But he’ll be pushed for that spot. Jaylin Simpson faced a similar situation last fall when he beat out Nehemiah Pritchett and Marco Domio to win the starting job opposite McCreary. Unfortunately, following a stellar debut against Kentucky, Simpson went down with a leg injury that hampered him all fall. He’s healthy and hungry to prove why he was Kevin Steele’s top choice last season.

There’s a lot of different mixing and matching Derek Mason can do with this secondary each week depending on the matchups. Someone who could have a role in that game plan is the National JUCO Defensive Player of the Year. Auburn flipped Ro Torrence from Tennessee earlier this summer and the big bodied DB is hoping to crack a loaded rotation. I think it’s safe to say that he’s one of the most physically imposing DBs on the team and his ability to excel in press coverage could make him an option when facing bigger bodied wideouts. Maybe like a former top ranked tight end who transferred to play wide receiver? Just something to think about….

Nickel/Field Safety

#13 Ladarius Tennison | 5’10” | 197 lbs | Sophomore
#19 Byrdarrius Knighten | 6’1” | 201 lbs | Senior (5th Year)
#1 Donovan Kaufman | 5’10” | 200 lbs | RS Freshman
#11 Zion Puckett | 6’0” | 209 lbs | RS Sophomore
#38 Ahmari Harvey | 6’0” | 172 lbs | Freshman

I decided to combine these two positions as it appears Derek Mason sees them as interchangeable. A lot about who will line up where will be matchup and personnel dependent. When the Tigers are in a 3 down front with a nose tackle, you will likely see whomever the top Nickel player is lined up at field safety. When Auburn goes to their nickel or dime package, that player could rotate down as the Tigers insert one or two more DBs.

I have former blue chip recruit Ladarius Tennison as the top man in this group. He started at nickel for the final couple of games but spent all spring at the field safety spot. However, Zac Etheridge told AuburnUndercover’s Nate King that they like Tennison more at the nickel so I think when Auburn is in their 2-4-5 package you’ll likely see him move down. But in their base 3-4 set, he can move back to safety.

Behind him are the two safety transfers. Both Knighten and Kaufman have the skillset to play either the nickel or field safety spot. I have Knighten ahead of Kaufman because I am higher on the FCS transfer and think he’s someone that could be a surprise impact player for the Tigers. With that said, I have seen at least 3 outlets all report on who were top summer performers and I have only seen two names on all those lists — Jarquez Hunter and Donovan Kaufman. At minimum, Kaufman will likely be one of Auburn’s top kick returners.

Puckett could have easily been listed as Smoke’s backup but I put him here because I believe he will be competing for one of the starting roles. Auburn’s highest ranked defensive back, Puckett has battled injuries thus far in his career but is reportedly 100% ready to go this fall. It’s going to be hard to crack the rotation but there’s been a lot of positive buzz about his summer.

Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Boundary Safety

#21 Smoke Monday | 6’3” | 199 lbs | Senior
#22 Trey Elston | 6’1” | 193 lbs | Senior
#16 Malcolm Askew | 5’11” | 186 lbs | Senior
#26 Cayden Bridges | 6’2” | 181 lbs | Freshman

While battles rage across Auburn’s secondary, Smoke Monday will return as one of the Tigers most veteran players and leaders. The former 4-star had an up and down season last fall. He unfairly gets overly criticized at times because as the last line of defense when you screw up everyone knows it. At the same time, Monday really needs to improve his range and man coverage. The good news is I think he’ll be asked less to matchup with guys 1 on 1 under Mason. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him lead the team in picks due to Auburn running more zone coverages.

War Eagle!

Championship Defensive Playbooks | NetCamps

2002 Ohio State Defense

The undefeated 2002 Buckeyes (14-0) rode this defense, lead by defensive coordinator Mark Dantonio, to the Fiesta Bowl where they beat arguably one of the best college football teams in history (University of Miami) snapping their 34 game win streak.