Evans does a tremendous job of putting up numbers physically, but he's not as talented as many of the other defensive ends entering 2008. He's a very compact player with short arms and legs that, at times, hamper his ability to separate from blockers.
His lack of a true, consistent speed burst is a problem that presents itself against quality tackles in the pass game. Against the top four teams in the Big Ten (Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio St.), Maurice Evans was only able to get to the quarterback twice (both against Wisconsin).
Evans is a force at defensive end, and though there are flaws in his game he is definitely the best end in the Big Ten.
George Selvie (6'4", 242 pounds)
While Evans lacks a true speed burst, the only accurate way to describe South Florida Bull George Selvie's pass rush is explosive. The lean junior blasted on to the college football big screen in 2007 with a nation leading 31.5 tackles for loss.
He also racked up 14.5 sacks, good for second in the country.
As the reigning sack master in college football, Selvie is a specimen. In college football lingo, he's a perfect candidate to be the first guy off the bus. Tall, athletic, and with plenty of room to grow, the sky is the limit for this kid.
Selvie's repertoire of moves isn't refined yet, but his spin move and swim are quite adequate for freeing him up to pounce on quarterbacks. He is also capable of running slants and stunts down inside to put quick pressure on offensive fronts and change the pace of the game.
With that said, George Selvie's best move is without a doubt his speed rush off the corner. On the snap of the ball he is shot from a cannon, running the hump before most offensive tackles have a shot at getting a hand on him.
Selvie is truly impossible to block one-on-one.
Although pass rushing is Selvie's forte, the junior is surprisingly strong in his run defense. He plays sound technique football; staying home against runs opposite him, squeezing down the line against inside runs, and holding his edge against runs at his end position.
His game is almost flawless; almost. Selvie's production began to taper off at the end of 2007 due to the excessive amount of double teams used against him and a newly found propensity for teams to run plays away from his position.
These two strategies combined to significantly lessen his impact, and after the UCF blowout Selvie was limited to only three sacks and 10 tackles for loss. Still stellar numbers, but they amount to less than a third of his total production from over half his season.
When given the chance, Selvie is truly a monster, and he'll go into 2008 with weighty expectations atop his shoulders.
The Verdict
Maurice Evans, the high motor guy who at times seems powerful enough to run through a brick wall.
George Selvie, the dynamic athlete who makes a meal out of quarterbacks.
Both guys are special players, and essential to the success of their respective programs. Penn State seems poised to lead the nation in sacks yet again, while South Florida appears to be West Virginia's toughest Big East competition.
George Selvie is a truly talented player who is capable of getting to the quarterback at the drop of a hat, and his speed makes him a threat to disrupt on every play.
Maurice Evans is the anchor of a solid Penn State defense and he is truly a special player in the Big Ten for 2008. This Nittany Lion is definitely going to be spending ample time in backfields across the Midwest.
Despite having a strong sophomore campaign and a great motor, Maurice Evans can't truly be called the best defensive end in college football; not as long as Georgie Selvie lines up for USF.
Selvie is a great blend of size and speed and he is without a doubt the most threatening player to the opposition's quarterbacks. The junior mixes solid technical execution with outstanding physical traits to get the job done.
George Selvie is a great college football player and his blend of great pass rushing, quarterback destroying skills, and run stopping, scheme-specific performance make him college football's Best Defensive End in 2008.
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