The 50 Best Defensive Players in College Football

Defense wins big games. Just look at the marquee matchups we have seen this season and how they turned out.

LSU vs. Oregon, Michigan State vs. Wisconsin and Oklahoma vs. Florida State all provided us with an opportunity to witness, yet again, the power of a strong defense.

The guys on this list are the best defensive players of the 2011 season.

It could change significantly by the end of the season, but keep in mind that it is based on this year, and not past season's performances or expectations.

Hit me up with anybody I may have overlooked.

No. 50: CB Larry Parker, San Diego State

Stats: 31 Tackles, 20 Solo, .5 TFL, 4 PBU, 2 FF, 5 INT

Much of the focus on San Diego State centers around the offense, but let's not forget about Parker.

He has the strength to play receivers up tight to the line, and the speed to turn and head down field when needed.

Five interceptions is a nice number, and he has the ability to make that a double digit total by season's end.

No. 49: DT Brandon Thompson, Clemson

Stats: 28 Tackles, 12 Solo, .5 Sacks, 3.5 TFL, FF

He may not be the best DT with the most impressive stats you have seen, but Thompson is developing into quite a ball player.

Clemson has been known for their defensive linemen throughout the last few years. Thompson has put himself in the running for the next great one with his style of play.

If he can improve his ability to play away from his frame, he will catch on somewhere in the NFL.

No. 48: LB Keenan Robinson, Texas

Stats: 39 Tackles, 23 Solo, 3 PBU, FF, TFL

Robinson is not on pace to match last season's numbers, but that is due to an improved defensive line for the 'Horns this season than any fault on his part.

He has been incredibly active all season long and should be poised for a big game against the hapless Kansas Jayhawks this weekend.

No. 47: CB Josh Robinson, UCF

Stats: 20 Tackles, 14 Solo, Return TD, 8 PBU, 2 INT

Robinson is a monster. He has a solid eight passes defended along with two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown.

C-USA features some tough quarterbacks to compete with this season. Robinson has displayed the ability to read their eyes and jump routes with regularity.

No. 46: DE Bruce Irvin, West Virginia

Stats: 21 Tackles, 11 Solo, 7 TFL, 2.5 Sacks

Irvin has the ability to dominate games, showing it in flashes at times this season.

By the end of the year, he will likely be nearer the top of this list, but given the losses the Mountaineers had in the offseason on the defensive side of the ball, he has struggled to find his footing.

Now that they are into the meat of conference play, Irvin should see his numbers improve as he adjusts.

No. 45: CB Jayron Hosley, Va. Tech

Stats: 27 Tackles, 13 Solo, .5 TFL, FF, 3 INT, 5 PBU

Hosley isn't leading the conference in interceptions this season, but he still displays all the physical tools one would expect from a top flight corner in the ACC.

He plays defense with tenacity, and though his size (5' 10") leaves him with some difficult matchups, he is almost never out of position.

He has missed two games this season due to injury, but if he can get back on the field I expect him to make many more big plays before the season is over.

No. 44: LB Lavonte David, Nebraska

Stats: 64 Tackles, 25 Solo, INT, FF, 6.5 TFL, 2 Sacks

David has been the only one of Nebraska's defensive All-American trifecta not to suffer some injury this season.

The Huskers have not lived up to expectations on defense for numerous reasons, but David has proved himself to be one constant on this team.

He nearly single-handedly turned around the Ohio State game by ripping the ball out of the ball carrier's hands when the Huskers seemed headed for defeat.

Nebraska will need a big game from their star this weekend when Michigan State comes into town.

No. 43: LB Jarvis Jones, Georgia

Stats: 39 Tackles, 22 Solo, PBU, 9 TFL, 3 Sacks

Jones has been one of the more consistent performers for the Bulldogs this season.

The team faces a stiff challenge this weekend against Florida. The way Jones and the rest of the linebackers handle the Gators' explosive rushing game will decide the game and possibly the SEC East.

No. 42: LB Chris Borland, Wisconsin

Stats: 71 Tackles, 30 Solo, 10 TFL, 1.5 Sacks, 2 PBU, INT

Borland missed the entire Big Ten season last year with a shoulder injury.

He's back this year, but he has moved to middle linebacker, a position that calls for him to be more disciplined and the leader of the Badger defense.

He has done just that, leading the team in tackles, seven ahead of fellow 'backer, Mike Taylor.

His speed allows him to make plays all over the field and he has proven to be hard to block when he crashes the gaps.

No. 41: S Micah Hyde, Iowa

Stats: Tackles 43, Solo 28, 3 INT, 6 PBU, 1.5 TFL

The elder statesman of the Iowa defense, Hyde was the hero of last season's Insight Bowl.

The team is obviously struggling this season, but Hyde has been one of the more consistent defenders for the Hawkeyes.

He has a nose for the ball, and is a solid tackler who punishes receivers coming across the middle.

No. 40: S Bacarri Rambo, Georgia

Stats: 32 Tackles, 20 Solo, 5 INT, 6 PBU, TFL

Georgia is quietly making progress as a unit, winning every game since they lost their first two of the season. Rambo has been a major contributor.

He is the vocal leader of this defense and has shown the ability to back up his talk with big plays.

One question, though: If he hadn't changed his name from (I kid you not) Bacarri Fudge to Bacarri Rambo, would he still be a great football player?

No. 39: DT Jerel Worthy, Michigan State

Stats: 16 Tackles, 10 Solo, 5.5 TFL, 3 Sacks

Worthy has the capability to be a disruptive force int he backfield. Just ask Montee Ball and Russell Wilson.

He needs to become more consistent but when he is playing at the top of his game, he is good enough to change the complexion of a game on his own.

No. 38: CB Trey Wilson, Vanderbilt

Stats: 16 Tackles, 13 Solo, 3 INT, 2 Return TD, 5 PBU

Wilson returned two-thirds of his interceptions this season for touchdowns granted he only has three picks. Still, that's fourteen more points than some teams' quarterbacks have scored.

He has shown the ability to lock down on a receiver. Even though the going has gotten tougher in SEC play, he is still a threat to screw up any pass thrown his way due to his athletic ability and awareness.

No. 37: S Tony Jefferson, Oklahoma

Stats: 41 Tackles, 24 Solo, 4 INT, 4 TFL, 2 Sacks, PBU

OK, so he looked bad last weekend. The entire Sooner secondary did, but Jefferson has been solid other than that miserable performance.

He is the only player this season to have three interceptions in a game. Not only that, he did it on three straight drives by Ball State.

What he has been doing the rest of the season is a mystery to me, but Jefferson is clearly one of the better safeties in the conference when playing up to his potential.

No. 36: LB Zach Brown, North Carolina

Stats:  53 Tackles, 32 Solo, INT, 7 TFL, 4.5 Sacks, 4 PBU, FF

Brown has been a force for a North Carolina team that still has a ton of talent on defense.

He started the season with 2.5 sacks in the first two games, but did not register another until he got two in the Tarheels' last game against Clemson.

As noted by his 4 PBU, he has been effective when needed in coverage as well. He has had to step up in a big way with the unit's vocal leader, Kevin Riddick out with injury.

No. 35: LB Jake Knott, Iowa State

Stats: 66 Tackles, 42 Solo, INT, PBU, 3.5 TFL, 2 FF

What is with Iowa State and their player names? First, Steele Jantz, now Jake Knott. Is this a bad movie or what?

Anyway, Knott has been anything but bad this season, evident from his stat line. He has become quite the playmaker, and one of the better ones at linebacker in the Big 12.

No. 34: LB Courtney Upshaw, Alabama

Stats: 27 Tackles, 19 Solo, 2 FF, 11.5 TFL, 4.5 Sacks, INT, Ret TD

Upshaw is on pace to match his tackle totals from last year, but at this rate will blow his TFL numbers from '10 out of the water.

He finished last season with seven sacks. At times he is completely unblockable and wreaks havoc in backfields on a regular basis.

Just another star on a defense filled with them.

No. 33: CB Nigel Malone, Kansas State

Stats: 31 Tackles, 24 Solo, 4 PBU, 4 INT, Return TD

Malone has been a solid piece of Bill Snyder's latest great defense. It seems like Snyder knew what he was talking about.

With all the prolific offense the Wildcats have yet to face in Big 12 play, Malone is going to need to continue playing at an extremely high level for them to continue their surprise run at the conference crown.

No. 32: DT Brett Roy, Nevada

Stats: 44 Tackles, 26 Solo, 12.5 TFL, 6 Sacks, 4 PBU

You may not have heard of him, but you should have. Roy is fourth in the country in TFL, and has been a force for Chris Ault's Wolf Pack.

The senior DT has made a name stopping guys in the backfield. If he continues this level of play, he will make a living doing it as well.

No. 31: DE Andre Branch, Clemson

Stats: 47 Tackles, 24 Solo, 11.5 TFL, 7 Sacks, PBU, FF

When Branch tallied five TFLs in Clemson's upset of Va. Tech, he earned himself a place in the school record books. He became the only Tiger to ever ring up that many on the road.

That game against the Hokies was definitely his best of the season, but he remains consistent and seems to be the next in line of great Clemson D-linemen.

No. 30: LB Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State

Stats: 36 Tackles, 19 Solo, INT, 5.5 TFL, 4 Sacks, 3 PBU

Dude is good. However, he needs to harness his energy and play smart rather than running full speed and overplaying at times.

As demonstrated by his interception against USC, he can read the offense. He is clearly the leader if this team.

He is expected to go in the first round of the '12 NFL draft.  If he plays to the level which he is capable, he could go pretty high.

No. 29: DE Nordly Capi, Colorado State

Stats: 20 Tackles, 16 Solo, 9 TFL, 7.5 Sacks, 6 FF, PBU

Capi has slowed considerably in recent weeks, but came into this season like "Gangbusters."

He sits at third in the country in sacks and continues to scare the pee out of offensive linemen on a  routine basis.

However, after racking up eight in his first five games, he hasn't tallied another in the Rams' past two contests.

No. 28: LB Audie Cole, N.C. State

Stats: 59 Tackles, 27 Solo, 3 FF, FR, 2 PBU, 7.5 TFL, 2.5 Sacks

Cole is a Butkus Award finalist and he deserves it. The man hits hard, wraps up and drives anything in his immediate vicinity to the ground.

He finds ways to make plays in the backfield and as a linebacker is unusually good at getting off blocks.

Cole, who played quarterback and defensive back in high school, has shown tremendous potential. He is starting to live up to it this season.

He had two really big games against Cincinnati and Georgia Tech, but has been solid the rest of the season, if not spectacular.

No. 27: LB Jeremy Grove, East Carolina

Stats: 76 Tackles, 29 Solo, PBU, 1.5 TFL

Grove does not get much love, simply because he plays in C-USA. However, he deserves a shout out here because he is a true freshman.

That's right, it's his first year playing at this level, and he already has 76 tackles.

No. 26: DT Logan Harrell, Fresno State

Stats: 49 Tackles, 28 Solo, 11.5 TFL, 5 Sacks, 3 PBU, FF

Harrell has been great for a weak Bulldog squad, battling Brett Roy for the title of best DT in the WAC.

His strength has been on display when he bull rushes his way into the backfield for a TFL. He has accumulated plenty of those thus far.

While his sack numbers are right on pace to match last season's, he has had to deal with more double teams and blocking schemes than in the past due to his ability to knife through the line.

This guy will be playing on Sundays.

No. 25: LB Dont'a Hightower, Alabama

Stats: 47 Tackles, 24 Solo, 2 PBU, 6 TFL, 1.5 Sacks, INT

Yes, there are going to be plenty of representatives from Alabama on this list.

Hightower is merely one of eleven guys that form one of the best defenses in the country, but he is a big part.

After suffering a minor fracture to his hand in camp, Hightower has once again emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the middle of the Crimson Tide defense.

The hand seems to be a non-factor, as he has terrorized defenses since the beginning of the season.

Last week he had arguably the best game of his career, tallying his first career interception, seven tackles, a sack, two PBU and three quarterback hurries against Tennessee.

No. 24: DE Quinton Coples, North Carolina

Stats:  31 Tackles, 14 Solo, 6.5 TFL, 4.5 Sacks, FF

This team was absolutely in shambles heading into the season. Coples has done his part to keep them from tanking.

The man is being projected extremely high in everyone's 2012 mock drafts, and is one of the better ends in the conference.

His speed is incredible off the edge, and though he could use some polish on run defense, he has shown the ability to wreck an offensive coordinator's afternoon with his pass rush.

No. 23: LB Travis Lewis, Oklahoma

Stats: 51 Tackles, 29 Solo, PBU, FF, 2 TFL

Lewis got jokes. After Nebraska's 48-17 loss to Wisconsin in their first Big Ten conference game, he tweeted:

"

"I feel bad for nebraska . . Couldn't win In the big 12, then go to the big 10 and can't win. maybe conference usa would be a better fit"

"

Of course, there were no such tweets coming from Lewis last weekend.

After overcoming an injury late in camp, and the loss of friend and teammate Austin Box in the offseason, Lewis has rebounded and is producing at a high level once again.

No. 22: DT Kendall Reyes, UConn

Stats: 26 Tackles, 16 Solo, 11 TFL, 4 Sacks, PBU

Reyes plugs gaps better than anyone in the Big East.

The Huskies are struggling this year after winning the conference in 2010. It's understandable after losing most of their offensive production.

However, Reyes is doing his part to help Paul Pasqualoni have a successful first season.  His 11 TFL is good enough for best in the Big East.

No. 21: CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama

Stats: Tackles 18. Solo 18, 2 TFL, 8 PBU, 2 FF

Kirkpatrick is the real deal at corner.

He can get in a receiver's face and be physical, but also has the speed to turn and run down the field when needed.

He has a ridiculous wingspan and seems to be progressing before our eyes.

He has not picked a ball yet, but his eight passes defended suggest that might be because offensive coordinators have figured out where not to throw the ball against 'Bama.

No. 20: S Mark Barron, Alabama

Stats: 37 Tackles, 25 Solo, 5 PBU, 3.5 TFL

Barron garnered all kinds of preseason accolades, and thus far is living up to them.

In a defense that doesn't seem to have enough big plays to go around for all the studs on the unit, Barron stands out as the man you don't want to mess with.

The guy hits with authority and seems to know where to be on every play.

While he has yet to tally an interception this season, he has shown the ability to help in coverage, as well as stuff the run.

No. 19: LB Sean Porter, Texas A&M

Stats: 46 Tackles, 32 Solo, 10.5 TFL, 7.5 Sacks, PBU, FF

Porter is arguably the best linebacker in the Big 12 this season. He is second in the conference in TFL and leads in sacks.

His ability to shoot the gap and make the big stop in the backfield makes him scary. But the fact that he does it without another star on defense with him makes it that much more impressive.

No. 18: LB Antonio Allen, South Carolina

Stats: 60 Tackles, 37 Solo, 3 INT, 2 Return TD, 2 FR, 3 FF, PBU, 6.5 TFL

Allen has been another integral part of a South Carolina defense that is absolutely phenomenal, when consistent.

Allen has demonstrated the ability to be strong in coverage, taking away three picks already this year.

The ability of the Gamecocks' D-line to occupy blockers allows Allen and his compadres to roam the field with impunity making plays.

No. 17: LB Denicos Allen, Michigan State

Stats: 37 Tackles, 17 Solo, 11 TFL, 6 Sacks

Michigan State has guys all over the field that can make plays. Allen seems to be making more than most, however.

While he does not have a ton of tackles due to the stout nature of the Spartans D-line, he has shown the ability to be a disruptive force on blitzes. Six sacks is pretty significant at this point in the season for a linebacker.

The D-line may get most of the press, but Allen has made enough big plays this season to warrant a spot on this list.

No. 16: DE Sam Montgomery, LSU

Stats: 27 Tackles, 13 Solo, 7 TFL, 4 Sacks, FF

Montgomery was emerging as one of LSU's best pass-rushing threats last season before being sidelined with a knee injury for the season.

He's back this season with a vengeance as a sophomore and part of one of the most explosive defenses in the country.

Keep an eye on this guy over the rest of the season.

No. 15: LB Sean Spence, Miami

Stats: 65 Tackles, 35 Solo, FF, 9.5 TFL, 3 Sacks

9.5 TFL is a pretty respectable number for the season, much less halfway into it.

After missing the opener against Maryland due to all the turmoil surrounding the program this season, Spence has come on strong.

He has appeared to make the step toward being a more complete ball-player, rather than just a playmaker at the position.

After leading the ACC in TFL last season, he is on pace to do so again this year.

No. 14: DL Devon Still, Penn State

Stats: 37 Tackles, 20 Solo, 12 TFL, 3 Sacks, PBU

I have knocked Still before for his tendency to miss plays and be awkward trying to play away from his frame. Not anymore.

The guy has taken the next step this season, becoming a force in the middle of a very stout defense.

No. 13: LB Arthur Brown, Kansas State

Stats: 53 Tackles, 29 Solo, INT, 5.5 TFl, 2 Sacks

Brown holds the distinction of being the first player to pick off Robert Griffin III this season. That's a pretty big distinction since Griffin has only thrown two all year.

He has made a name for himself this season on a defense with no defined stars, yet they seem to come up with all the right plays.

Must be the purple unis.

No. 12: LB Danny Trevathan, Kentucky

Stats: 77 Tackles, 36 Solo, 6 TFL, 2 Sacks, 2 FF, 3 PBU

This man is a tackling machine, second on his team to only DB Winston Guy. He is not the fastest guy on the field, but has great instincts which allow him to make plays all over the field.

However, he somehow got left off the Dick Butkus award list. I understand not everybody makes those lists, but it seems like somebody made an egregious error.

No. 11: DE Corey Lemonier, Auburn

Stats: 28 Tackles, 19 Solo, 10 TFL, 6 Sacks, 2 FF, Block

Guess who leads the SEC in sacks. Auburn's sophomore defensive end is also second in the conference in TFL.

Over the course of this season, Lemonier has grown, becoming more reliable, more tenacious and more disciplined.

In a conference replete with stellar defensive talent, Lemonier is starting to shine as one of its best.

No. 10: CB Morris Claiborne, LSU

Stats: 30 Tackles, 17 Solo, 3 INT, 4 PBU, TFL, Return TD

Unlike Tyrann Mathieu, Claiborne is eligible for the draft in '12. Like Mathieu, he is an elite defender who terrorizes opponents regularly.

Throw in his kick return ability, and you have the complete package.

No. 9: LB Manti Te'o, Notre Dame

Stats: 64 Tackles, 35 Solo, PBU, 8.5 TFL, 3 Sacks

Te'o broke his nose last year against Army. Any of you that have experienced a broken nose that it is excruciatingly painful.

Te'o, undeterred by a little thing like a broken bone in his face, proceeded to start the next week against USC.

That kind of toughness is what makes Te'o the best ILB prospect in the 2012 draft. Not to mention his tackling ability, leadership skills and insatiable desire to destroy opposing ball carriers.

No. 8: CB David Amerson, N.C. State

Stats: 40 Tackles, 28 Solo, 3 PBU, 8 INT, Return TD

See that man flying through the air, leaping tall defenders with a single bound? Yep, that's our guy Amerson.

He is leading the country in interceptions and seems to come up with them on a pretty regular basis. Just don't throw his way, or things could go badly for you.

By the way, he only needs three picks to tie Dre Bly for the most in ACC history. Think he'll get them?

No. 7: DE Frank Alexander, Oklahoma

Stats: 36 Tackles, 20 Solo, INT, 4 PBU, 2 FF, 11.5 TFL, 7.5 Sacks

Yeah, Alexander is a force.

The man that got to wear the honorary number 12 in the biggest game of the Sooners' season has been absolutely dominant this year.

 He is second in the Big 12 in sacks and first in TFL.

This defense may have given up a plethora of points last week, but with guys like Alexander hungry for redemption, they will make life miserable for Kansas State this week.

No. 6: DL Vinny Curry, Marshall

Stats: 45 Tackles, 25 Solo, 17 TFL, 9.5 Sacks, 3 FF, 2 Blocks

Marshall is struggling, but obviously Curry is not.

The man has amassed enough sacks to sit at second in the country, even without a whole lot of help from his teammates.

Given the rest of the Thundering Herd's schedule involves tangles with UAB and Memphis, Curry should make this total significantly better.

No. 5: LB Sammy Brown, Houston

Stats: 52 Tackles, 31 Solo, 16.5 TFL, 7.5 Sacks, PBU

Brown is the national leader in TFL and has shown no signs of slowing down. The guy is averaging more than two TFL per game.

Houston is undefeated, and with guys like this and quarterback Case Keenum leading the way, it's no wonder.

No. 4: DL Whitney Mercilus, Illinois

Stats: 38 Tackles, 21 Solo, 15 TFL, 10 Sacks, 5 FF, PBU

Mercilus now has more sacks (10) than fingers (9.5).

Illinois' freak of nature that now leads the nation in sacks lost part of his finger during a weightlifting accident last spring.

Obviously this has not slowed him down.

No. 3: LB Luke Kuechly, Boston College

Stats: 118 Tackles, 61 Solo,  INT

16.85. Yep, that's the amount of tackles this guy is racking up...per game! He is on pace to blow last season's total out of the water.

For Boston College, Kuechly has been the only bright spot, but what a spot.

The man is not the fastest guy on the field, but has great instincts and a nose for he ball that allows him to make an inhuman amount of tackles.

As a matter of fact, he leads the nation and is 20 tackles ahead of the next guy.

No. 2: CB Tyrann Mathieu, LSU

Stats: 42 Tackles, 29 Solo, 4 FF, 2 FR, 2 Return TD, 2 INT, 5 TFL, 1.5 Sacks, 5 PBU

By now, everybody know about the "Honey Badger." Mathieu is one of the most dynamic defenders in today's game.

If he can stay away from the synthetic cannabanoid, he has a great career ahead of him. Every time the ball comes within his reach, he is a threat to make a great play and take it away.

He will punish you for carelessness, there is no better way to put it. He is simply better than most guys on the field.

We shall see if his reputation holds up against a Crimson Tide.

No. 1: DE Melvin Ingram, South Carolina

Stats: 31 Tackles, 19 Solo, Rushing TD, 2 INT, 2 Ret TD, 2 FR, 2 PBU, 9 TFL, 5.5 Sacks

It's not often a defensive lineman is fortunate enough to score on a fake and a fumble recovery in the same game.

Ingram's done it.

He is also half a sack behind the SEC leader, and has spent this season as a disruptive force on SC's uber-talented D-line.

The way this man stuffs a stat sheet, he certainly deserves to be at the top of this list.