LSU Football: Who Are the Top Defensive Players on 2012 Squad?

When it comes to talent on the defensive side of the football, look no further than the LSU Tigers.

Comprised of raw ability, speed and aggression, the defensive players that are set to return in Baton Rouge next season will make up one of the best, if not the best, defensive units in football.

With so much talent at every position, this lineup provides an All-Star-caliber cast. Not every player can hog the spotlight though, so it's only fitting to ask which players will shine the brightest in 2012?

5. Tharold Simon

Replacing a player like Mo Claiborne can be quite a daunting task.

However, if any man is up for the job, it's Tharold Simon. I've been nothing but impressed with Simon from day one, and I've always said that he's going to be a shutdown corner.

Now with Claiborne in the NFL, Simon will get his opportunity to prove that he's an outstanding corner. Simon is long and strong, and he has great closing speed.

And if a quarterback chooses to pick on him, Simon will make him pay. With all the great talent in the secondary last season, it was Simon who led the team in pass breakups with 13 and he had a pair of interceptions to go along with it.

Simon is a star in the making, and this will be the year he shines brightest.

4. Sam Montgomery

Sam Montgomery might very well be the most intense player on defense.

Wearing his heart on his sleeve and showing a pure passion for the game, Montgomery's enthusiasm was second to none in 2011.

Better yet, Montgomery backed up his emotions on the field. Last season was a breakout season for Montgomery, as he led the team in sacks with nine and ranked seventh in the SEC with 13 tackles for loss.

LSU will be sporting two of the best defensive ends in football next season, and with Barkevious Mingo on one side and Montgomery on the other, opposing offenses will have to pick their poison.

3. Eric Reid

Eric Reid can do it all.

He can cover, he can tackle and he can make the big play. Reid proved this time and time again last season, and I see no reason why he wouldn't do it again in 2012.

Earning the title as hardest hitter on the team is something to cherish, and I don't think anyone would argue with me giving Reid that title.

His hit on Vick Ballard at Mississippi State last year was one of the best highlights of the season, and he gave the Tigers the physical presence they needed against Trent Richardson and Alabama's rush attack in LSU's 9-6 victory.

Reid finished the season with 65 tackles and four interceptions in 2011, and I would be absolutely shocked to see him not top those numbers this year.

2. Barkevious Mingo

When it comes to the game of football, speed kills.

It's what separates the SEC from other conferences, and it'll continue to be the greatest weapon on the football field.

Another thing that separates the SEC from the rest of the pack is there quality of defensive linemen, and  Mingo is a fine example. Mingo is a 6'5", 240-pound defensive end with a 4.5 40-yard dash time.

Simply put, this guy's a freak. Mingo showed off those freakish abilities last year, and it helped him lead the team with 13.5 tackles for loss.

Every team that LSU plays will have to game plan around Mingo's abilities, because his abilities to disrupt an offense's flow are unparalleled.

1. Tyrann Mathieu

Not only is Tyrann Mathieu the best defensive player on the team, but some could make an argument that he's the best player in college football today.

Every few years you get a guy that comes around and just stands out, and that's Mathieu. And not because of his golden hair or his "Honey Badger" nickname either.

No, Mathieu stands out because of his natural ability to make plays in crucial moments. His football instincts are off the chart, and it's allowed him to force one turnover after another.

You've seen his stats time and time again, and I'm sure you've heard about him holding the school record for most forced fumbles a thousand times.

You aren't named as a Heisman finalist for nothing, and if Mathieu has another season this year like he did the last, Mathieu will be the second Heisman winner in school history.