What Others Say: Chuck Carlton of the Dallas Morning News says, “In big-time college football, just about everybody is strong. Or fast. Or gifted. Few are all three. All those hours in Texas' weight room, just about every day, has produced an imposing athletic specimen.”
Alphonso Smith, Cornerback, Wake Forest (5'9", 160, Senior)
Smith leads the nation with 18 passes defended. His five interceptions so far this year leave him one short of tying the ACC record for career interceptions (20) held by Dre Bly. He has also seen time as a kick returner.
What Others Say: Commenting on Smith’s gambler mentality and knack for being in the right place at the right time, teammate tailback Brandon Pendergrass says, "Once you see him in the game, you know a play's about to be made."
Brandon Spikes, Linebacker, Florida (6'3", 243, Junior)
Despite missing the first game of the season with a foot injury, he leads the resurgent Gator defense with 74 tackles, including 8 tackles for loss. He also has three interceptions, and has returned two of them for touchdowns.
What Others Say: After Florida’s much improved defense dominated Georgia, teammate cornerback Joe Haden says, “We play the way No. 51 (Spikes) plays.”
My Pick: Brandon Spikes.
Maualuga, Hughes and Orakpo may not even be the best defensive players on their own teams. Smith may be out of luck because the award has only once been given to a player on a team with more than three losses, and Wake Forest currently sits at 6-5.
Spikes has emerged as leader on a Florida defense that has turned from last year’s liability into this year’s strength.
The award will be presented on Dec. 7 in Charlotte, NC.
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