College Football's 60 Best Defenders for the 2012 Season

Last week, we covered college football’s best offensive players for the 2012 season. Now, it’s time to shift over to the defensive side of the ball, where there are plenty of players who deserve attention. 

The current group of linebackers and defensive ends at the college level is almost historically deep, and it’s one that’s stockpiled with an incredible amount of talented impact players. Of course, there are also still plenty of defensive tackles, cornerbacks and safeties that are worthy of praise as well. 

So which defensive players will be the top impact playmakers to watch out for this season?

Here’s a look at college football’s top 60 defenders for 2012.

1. Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

Very few players have ever made the type of impact in the SEC in their first season that Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones did in 2011. 

Jones made college football's toughest and most talent-stocked league look like his own personal playground last season. The USC transfer proved to be a perfect fit at outside linebacker in Georgia's 3-4 scheme, as he led the SEC with 13.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss. 

The 6'3'', 241-pound junior possesses the type of power, explosiveness, instincts and overall recognition skills to develop into an elite edge-rusher.

Georgia's defense should be one of the strongest units in the country in 2012, and there's no doubt that Jones will be the premier Bulldog defender to watch this season. 

2. Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU

Sam Montgomery may not be the biggest defensive end in college football, but Montgomery's lack of prototypical size didn't stop him from excelling in 2011. 

After returning from a knee injury that cut his 2010 season down to just five games, you could tell that Montgomery was a hungry player who had something to prove last year. The 6'4'', 245-pound junior racked up nine sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss, and he displayed the type of hustle and non-stop motor that you want to see from an undersized pass-rusher. 

Even though fellow LSU defensive end Barkevious Mingo may have more natural physical ability, Montgomery is the type of determined and tenacious defender that is capable of raising the intensity level and leading a defensive line to success.

3. Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame

Manti Te'o is one of the most intimidating players in college football, and he's the type of linebacker that no opponent ever wants to have to deal with.

Te'o has been a tackling-machine during his three seasons spent in South Bend, racking up 324 total stops and seven sacks. 

The former 5-star rated recruit from Hawaii has certainly lived up to his billing and his potential, and he will leave Notre Dame with a reputation as one of the best defenders in school history. 

Look for Te'o to be the leader of what should be one of the most dominant defensive front-sevens in the country this season. 

4. Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

Jadeveon Clowney spent his senior year at South Carolina's South Pointe High School being treated like one of the biggest football recruits of all-time. 

The 5-star blue-chip prospect had monumental expectations to live up to at South Carolina, but the pressure didn't phase him at all.

As a true freshman, Clowney racked up 32 tackles, six sacks and five forced fumbles, and he easily proved that his high school hype was legitimate. 

The 6'6'', 256-pound Gamecock possesses rare physical ability and elite pass-rushing skills, and if he continues to develop, he may eventually end up as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft.

5. David Amerson, CB, N.C. State

David Amerson solidified his status as one of college football's best ball-hawking defensive backs with his breakout 2011 campaign. 

Amerson picked off an ACC record 13 passes during his All-American sophomore season, which means he'll now be one of the most feared defenders in college football in 2012. 

Don't expect the 6'3'', 194-pound junior to get tested very often this season, since opposing quarterbacks won't be eager to challenge the lockdown corner. 

Even if his interception total decreases dramatically, though, Amerson should still be a top-10 pick in the 2013 NFL draft. 

6. Chris Borland, LB, Wisconsin

After winning Big Ten Rookie of the Year honors as a freshman in 2009, Chris Borland spent most of his second season sitting on the bench, nursing a shoulder injury. After  rehabilitating his body, Borland returned with something to prove last season, and he turned out to be one of the biggest impact defenders in college football. 

The 5'11'', 245-pound junior finished tied for seventh in the country with 143 total tackles, including 19 tackles for loss, and he also notched 2.5 sacks and caused five fumbles. 

Borland could be this year's version of former Boston College tackling machine Luke Kuechly. 

7. Eric Reid, FS, LSU

Over the past few years, the SEC has produced some of the best NFL safety prospects such as Alabama's Mark Barron, Tennessee's Eric Berry and LSU's LaRon Landry. Not surprisingly, the conference is once again home to the best safety prospect for the 2013 NFL draft—LSU's Eric Reid. 

Reid is one of the most athletic and instinctive safeties in the country, and he's already proven that he's an All-American caliber shutdown defender. The 6'2'', 207-pound junior is the son of former LSU track star Eric Reid, Sr., and you can tell that he was the beneficiary of some of his father's athletic genes.

After being overshadowed by former teammate Tyrann Mathieu in 2011, Reid now has the chance to prove that he's the real MVP of the LSU defensive backfield.

8. Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State

Johnthan Banks not only has the look of a future top-15 NFL draft pick, he also looks like a future 2012 All-American. 

Banks is a big, athletic and experienced cornerback who has already proven that he can go toe-to-toe with the best receivers that the SEC has to offer. 

The 6'2'', 185-pound senior is just four interceptions away from the Mississippi State school record of 16, and he's already tied the school record with three pick sixes. 

That just goes to show you the type of special and valuable game-changer that Banks really is. 

9. Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

Bjoern Werner is one of the strongest, toughest and most physically dominant defenders in the country, and he's ready to ascend to true national star status in 2012. 

Last year, Werner totaled seven sacks and 37 tackles, including 11 tackles for loss, and he played a critical role in Florida State's overall defensive success. 

The Seminoles will once again have one of the strongest defenses in the country this season, and the German native will be the key linchpin player up front. 

The 6'4'', 265-pound junior has developed into an elite edge player, and he'll be counted on to be a standout performer in 2012. 

10. Kevin Reddick, ILB, North Carolina

Kevin Reddick easily could have joined fellow North Carolina defenders Quinton Coples and Zach Brown in the 2012 NFL draft. If he had declared, he would have likely been a second-round pick. 

Instead, Reddick, who has already totaled 190 career tackles, decided to return to Chapel Hill for his senior season and make up for the Tar Heels' disappointing 2011 campaign. 

The 6'3'', 240-pound senior is one of the most athletic and physical inside linebackers in college football, and he has the lateral agility and recognition skills to make plays from sideline to sideline. 

North Carolina should have one of the ACC's strongest defenses in 2012, and there's no doubt that Reddick will be the unit's key heart and soul player. 

11. Sean Porter, OLB, Texas A&M

The Texas A&M defense clearly missed the presence of linebacker Von Miller last season, but luckily for the Aggies, Sean Porter proved to be a perfect doppelganger for Miller.

Porter totaled 79 tackles, including 17.5 tackles for loss, and he led the team with 9.5 sacks. 

The 6'2'', 230-pound senior earned first-team All-Big 12 honors for his 2011 campaign. Now, he'll be looking to make a name for himself in the SEC in 2012. 

Although the opposing offenses will be bigger and stronger in the new league, look for Porter to step up and shine during his one season spent in college football's powerhouse conference. 

12. Chase Thomas, OLB, Stanford

When Stanford linebacker Shayne Skov went down with a season-ending knee injury last September, it quickly became apparent that fellow linebacker Chase Thomas was capable of stepping up and filling the massive void he left. 

Thomas was a true terror on the outside of Stanford's 3-4 front, leading the Cardinal with 8.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss. 

The 6'4'', 248-pound senior will return to Palo Alto to man his outside spot once again in 2012, but this time, he'll have Skov inside to take some of the pressure off of his shoulders. 

13. Carrington Byndom, CB, Texas

Texas arguably has the strongest secondary in college football for the 2012 season. The Longhorns have three defensive backs, cornerbacks Carrington Byndom and Quandre Diggs and safety Kenny Vaccaro, who have All-American potential. 

Byndom looks like a player who's about to join some of the school's former standouts such as Earl Thomas, Michael Griffin, Aaron Ross and Michael Huff as the next Texas defensive back to be taken in the first round of the NFL draft.

The 6'0'', 180-pound junior is a long, athletic corner who can stick to receivers in man-to-man coverage as well as make plays on the ball. Byndom is coming off a huge 2011 season in which he racked up 57 tackles, picked off two passes and broke up another 14 throws.

14. Dion Bailey, OLB, USC

USC's offense, led by quarterback Matt Barkley and receivers Robert Woods and Marqise Lee, will be the center of attention this season. However, if the Trojans really want to make a run to the BCS championship game, they're going to need a big effort out of their defense as well. 

Luckily, the unit will have plenty of veteran leadership in 2012, especially with the return of co-team-leading tackler Dion Bailey. 

At 6'0'', 210-pounds, Bailey may be a linebacker that was born into a safety's body, but he had no trouble handling himself against big, physical running backs last year.

The strongside 'backer racked up 81 total tackles and also picked off two passes in 2011, and he'll be looking to produce at an even higher rate as a sophomore this season.  

15. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

There have been plenty of Tongan defensive tackles such as Haloti Ngata, Stephen Paea and Sione Pouha who have gone on to have success in the NFL.

Utah's Star Lotulelei is the next Tongan tackle who is expected to have a big pro career. 

Lotulelei is one of the best run-stuffers to grace the college fame since Ngata left back in 2006, and he's the type of mammoth interior force who can clog up running lanes and eat up double teams. 

Last year, the 6'4'', 320-pound senior won the Pac-12's Morris Trophy given to the conference's top defensive lineman, and he'll be looking to successfully defend his title in 2012. 

16. Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU

Barkevious Mingo has only been playing organized football since his junior year in high school, but you certainly wouldn't be able to tell that from the way he played last season. 

Mingo emerged as one of the most dangerous defensive ends in the country in 2011, notching eight sacks and 15 tackles for loss. 

The 6'5'', 240-pound junior still has to add some more bulk and fill out his frame in order to compete with the bigger, stronger linemen he'll face in the NFL. However, he possesses rare ability, and he's one of the most naturally gifted edge-rushers in the nation. 

Mingo and fellow defensive end Sam Montgomery will form college football's most powerful defensive end combination for 2012. 

17. Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon

Oregon's offense has received most of the credit for the team's terrific three-year run under coach Chip Kelly. But if the Ducks want to win another Pac-12 title in 2012, they're going to need their defense to play a crucial role as well. 

The good news is that the defense has plenty of talent sprinkled all over the field, and one of the unit's must-watch players is defensive end Dion Jordan. 

Jordan is a former tight end who has handled his switch to the defensive side of the ball flawlessly. 

The 6'7'', 241-pound senior earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors last year after racking up 7.5 sacks and 42 tackles, including 13 stops for a loss. Now, Jordan will be looking to build on his 2011 campaign and put together an All-American performance in 2012. 

18. William Gholston, DE, Michigan State

William Gholston may be the cousin of one of the biggest draft busts of all-time, 2008 No. 6 overall pick Vernon Gholston, but don't expect NFL scouts to hold that against him. 

That's because the Michigan State defensive end is built like a prototypical NFL defensive end, and he has the physical makeup and skill-set to flourish in either a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense at the next level.

Gholston is a former coveted 5-star recruit out of Detroit's Southeastern High School, who has managed to live up to high expectations in East Lansing.

Although he's let his emotions get the best of him at times, the 6'7'', 278-pound junior is still an overpowering force who is almost impossible to contain.

19. Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida

Sharrif Floyd was one of the most heralded prospects in Florida's top-ranked 2010 recruiting class, and he now seems like he's finally ready to fully live up to his 5-star recruiting label. 

Floyd really made some big improvements from his freshman season to his sophomore season, and he showed flashes of true dominance in 2011. The 6'3'', 305-pound junior totaled 46 tackles, including 6.5 stops behind the line, as well as 1.5 sacks. 

The athletic and powerful lineman is versatile enough to line up all over Florida's defensive front, and he'll once again be one of the most important members of what should be a top-10 ranked defense in 2012. 

20. Alex Okafor, DE, Texas

After primarily playing inside at defensive tackle back in 2010, Alex Okafor had the opportunity to move back out to his more natural position of defensive end last season. It turned out to be a switch that paid off in a huge way for the Texas defense. 

Okafor looked like a natural edge-rusher in 2011, as he totaled 56 tackles, including 14 stops for a loss, seven sacks and 14 quarterback hurries. 

The 6'4'', 265-pound senior will now be counted to be the anchor of Texas' defensive line in 2012,

It will be interesting to see just how badly both him and fellow end Jackson Jeffcoat  embarrass opposing offensive linemen this season. 

21. Devin Taylor, DE, South Carolina

Devin Taylor is one scary looking dude. 

The 6'8'', 267-pound defensive end has the type of frame that will surely have NFL scouts interested, and he possesses the physical skills to develop into a top-level pass-rusher in 2012. 

Taylor has racked up 111 tackles, 15 sacks, 27 tackles for loss and 10 pass breakups over the past three years.

Although he's been overshadowed by teammate Jadeveon Clowney, the senior is still one of the top pass-rushers in college football for the 2012 season. Plus, he has the potential to develop into one of the most talked about prospects available for the 2013 NFL draft. 

22. C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama

Alabama has produced some outstanding linebackers in recent years such as Dont'a Hightower, Courtney Upshaw, Rolando McClain and Demeco Ryans.

Now, the Tide will have a new star linebacker, C.J. Mosley, to flaunt in 2012.

Mosley is a former 4-star rated recruit out of Alabama's Theodore High School, who has had to work his way up an extremely crowded defensive depth chart over the past few years. 

The 6'2'', 232-pound junior is the type of explosive and instinctive playmaker that could be the biggest star on the Tide's defense this season. 

23. Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

Jonathan Hankins is probably the closest thing that you're going to find to an immovable object in college football this year. 

Hankins is a huge and supremely strong 6'3'', 317-pound junior who overpowered a ton of opposing blockers and made life miserable for plenty of running backs in 2011. 

The intimidating interior force finished the year with 67 total tackles, including 14 tackles for loss, along with three sacks. 

That goes to show that Hankins is more than just a big body who takes up space. He actually possesses the quickness to penetrate behind the line and cause major disruptions in opposing backfields. 

24. Shayne Skov, ILB, Stanford

Shayne Skov was ready to rise to star status in 2011, but unfortunately, a serious knee injury he experienced in just the third game of the season kept him sidelined for most of the year. 

Now, Skov will return to the gridiron looking to remind everyone that he is one of the Pac-12's most frightening defenders. 

The 6'3'', 242-pound bears a striking physical resemblance to former USC and current Texans linebacker Brian Cushing. 

Like Cushing, Skov plays a strong and physical brand of football, and he's the type of inside run-stopper who loves to bang around in the box.

25. Arthur Brown, ILB, Kansas State

Arthur Brown's career at Miami certainly didn't work out as planned. However, Brown was able to redeem himself back in his home state of Kansas last year when he burst into Kansas State's starting defensive lineup and made an instant impact. 

The 6'1'', 228-pound senior earned first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2011 after totaling 101 tackles and two sacks, as he proved to be a valuable addition in the middle of the field. 

Although QB Collin Klein may be the most important member of the Wildcats, Kansas State won't be able to compete for a Big 12 championship unless Brown plays at the highest level he's capable of in 2012. 

26. Jon Jenkins, NT, Georgia

Georgia has been spoiled with two of the best 3-4 nose tackles in the nation—Jon Jenkins and Kwame Geathers. 

Jenkins and Geathers are two huge, strong and dominant run-stuffing tackles who are both perfect fits for Georgia's three-man front. 

A one-time highly touted JUCO recruit, Jenkins has managed to really make a name for himself in Athens, and he has the chance to earn himself a nice NFL payday with a big senior season. 

The 6'3'', 351-pound senior will give Georgia a huge advantage in defending the run in 2012, and the Bulldogs will likely finish in the top 15 nationally in run defense once again this season. 

27. Kenny Vaccaro, FS, Texas

Texas' offense may be far from perfect, but there's no question that the Longhorns will have the defense to compete for a conference championship in 2012. 

Coach Mack Brown always seems to find a way to convince highly ranked junior NFL prospects to stay for their senior years, and he did it again this offseason, convincing safety Kenny Vaccaro to return to Austin. 

Vaccaro was the star of the secondary in 2011, totaling 82 tackles, eight pass breakups, two sacks and two interceptions. 

The 6'1'', 218-pound senior is a big, physical safety who knows how to diagnose plays and shut down the opposing offense. 

28. Corey Lemonier, DE Auburn

Corey Lemonier is the type of well-sculpted physical specimen who would certainly pass the eyeball tests of NFL scouts. 

Lemonier is a chiseled and powerfully built 6'4'', 246-pound junior who is just as strong and explosive as he looks. The tough Tiger edge-rusher led the team with 9.5 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss and 15 quarterback hurries in 2011, which helped solidify his status as one of college football's top pass-rushers. 

Auburn's defensive line has plenty of experienced veterans returning, and Lemonier will be the face of a front-four that should be one of the most improved units in the country in 2012. 

29. Denicos Allen, OLB, Michigan State

Now that Tyrann Mathieu's been booted from LSU, the media will be looking for a new college football defensive star to give an animal nickname to. 

My vote goes to Michigan State's explosive strongside linebacke Denicos Allen, who's the exact same type of persistent playmaker that Mathieu was in 2011. 

30. T.J. McDonald, FS, USC

USC's defense returns all four starters to what should be one of the most impressive secondaries in college football in 2012. 

The leader of the group is safety T.J. McDonald, who passed up the chance to earn millions in the NFL in order to return to Los Angeles and win a conference championship and a national title. 

The 6'3'', 205-pound senior has racked up 163 tackles and six interceptions over the last three years, and he's shown that he can be a valuable stalwart in the back end of the Trojans defense. 

McDonald is one of the top senior safety prospects for the 2013 NFL draft, and he'll be counted on to be a key leader of the USC defense again this year. 

31. Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State

Brandon Jenkins noticeably regressed after a fantastic breakout sophomore campaign in 2010. However, Jenkins still put together a strong season, racking up eight sacks and 12 tackles for loss. 

What made his performance even more impressive was that opposing offensive lines were so focused on containing him and shutting him down. 

The 6'3'', 260-pound senior has an explosive burst off the edge, and he possesses the speed and quickness to blow by many of the tackles he's faced at the college level. 

Jenkins is one of the most talented playmakers on a Florida State defense that's loaded with future NFL players. 

32. Tony Jefferson, FS, Oklahoma

Oklahoma's secondary should be one of the best units in the nation in 2012, and one of the big reasons why is safety Tony Jefferson. 

Jefferson has been one of the Sooners' most productive defenders since entering the starting lineup as a freshman back in 2010, totaling 139 tackles, 6.5 sacks, six interceptions and 10 pass breakups over the last two years. 

The 5'11'', 212-pound junior is a fearless and confident free safety who loves to hit and who has no trouble tracking down ball-carriers. 

With Jefferson leading the way in the back end, Oklahoma's pass defense should be superb in 2012. 

33. Jesse Williams, NT, Alabama

It didn't take long for Jesse Williams to break into Alabama's starting defensive lineup. After arriving in Tuscaloosa as one of the top-ranked JUCO prospects of the 2011 recruiting class, Williams quickly stepped into a starting role at defensive end in the Tide's three-man front. 

The 6'4'', 320-pound senior's Australian rugby background proved to be beneficial, as he had no trouble adapting to the physical and strong offensive lines he routinely faced on a weekly basis in the SEC in 2011. 

Williams will now make the move to a full-time nose tackle, where he's expected to be the anchor of one of college football's strongest run defenses this season. 

34. Jelani Jenkins, OLB, Florida

Many Florida fans were expecting Jelani Jenkins to develop into a star when he first arrived in Gainesville as a blue-chip prospect out of Maryland's Our Lady of Good Counsel High School.

Jenkins has managed to live up to those expectations and become the star difference-maker that his potential hinted at. 

The 6'0'', 230-pound junior has transformed himself into one of the top playmaking weak-side linebackers in the nation.

The intelligent and instinctive 'backer has shown the same type of flashes of raw ability in college as the ones that initially made him a nationally-recognized recruit during his high school days. 

35. Gerald Hodges, OLB, Penn State

It's going to be a strange season at Penn State in 2012. No one seems to be expecting much from the Nittany Lions this season, especially after the NCAA overstepped its bounds and crushed the program with crippling sanctions. 

Still, there are many players in Happy Valley who will be looking to display their determination and their fortitude during these trying times, and one of them is defensive MVP linebacker Gerald Hodges. 

Hodges is coming off a sensational campaign in 2011, one in which he notched 106 tackles and 4.5 sacks. The 6'2'', 234-pound senior is one of the best linebackers that Penn State has had in years, and he'll be playing with something to prove in 2012. 

36. Jackson Jeffcoat, DE, Texas

Jackson Jeffcoat is the son of former first-round draft pick Jim Jeffcoat, so throughout his whole life, he's always had to live up to ridiculously high expectations. Jackson has thrived under the pressure, though, and he's managed to make a name for himself instead of just relying on the fact that he's the son of a former pro football player. 

The 6'5'', 245-pound junior was rated as one of the elite recruits of the 2010 class, and he's had no trouble living up to that label with the Longhorns. 

The explosive edge-rusher piled up 66 tackles, including a team-high 21 stops for a loss, as well as eight sacks and eight quarterback hurries in 2011. He should have an even bigger campaign this year. 

37. Michael Buchanan, DE, Illinois

In each of the last two years, Illinois has produced a defensive line prospect who turned out to be a surprising first-round pick. This year, the Illini may have another hidden gem in defensive end Michael Buchanan. 

With All-American teammate Whitney Mercilus hogging up most of the attention in 2011, Buchanan was overshadowed in a big way last season. However, he still put together a season that was worthy of praise. 

The 6'6'', 240-pound senior finished the year with 64 tackles, including 13.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. 

By the time the 2013 NFL draft rolls around next April, Buchanan should be one of the class' top-rated 3-4 rush linebacker prospects. 

38. Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M

Linebacker Sean Porter may have led Texas A&M with 9.5 sacks in 2011, but Porter wasn't the one who led the Aggies with 17.5 tackles for loss—that was defensive end Damontre Moore. 

Now that the team has switched from a primarily 3-4 scheme to a 4-3 system, Moore will make the move from his hybrid "Joker" position and stick his hand in the ground as an outside 7-technique end.

The 6'4'', 250-pound junior may be undersized, but that shouldn't stop him from being a handful for SEC offensive tackles to deal with in 2012. 

Moore is a smart and instinctive defender who knows how to hunt down ball-carriers. 

39. Nico Johnson, ILB, Alabama

Alabama's dominant defense lost a ton of important players from the 2011 season, including six players who were drafted by NFL teams this year. Luckily, the Tide are still stocked up with plenty of elite talent on the defensive of the ball due to the coaching staff's tremendous recruiting efforts over the last few years. 

One of the unit's top leaders for the 2012 season will be 6'3'', 245-pound senior inside linebacker Nico Johnson. 

Johnson is the team's leading returning tackler after piling up 46 total stops last year, and he'll now get the chance to step out of the shadows of his former teammates Courtney Upshaw and Dont'a Hightower. 

40. Kawann Short, DT, Purdue

Once defensive end Ryan Kerrigan left Purdue for the NFL, it allowed another Boilermakers defensive lineman, DT Kawann Short, to step out of his shadow and receive some of the individual attention he deserved in 2011. 

Short proved to be a beastly run-stopper last season, as he piled up 54 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss. However, he also proved that he could break his way through blockers and get to the quarterback, as he racked up 6.5 sacks as well. 

The 6'3'', 315-pound senior could be a starter for some NFL teams right now, but instead, he'll team with Bruce Gaston to give Purdue one of the scariest sets of defensive tackles in the country for the 2012 season.

41. John Boyett, FS, Oregon

Oregon safety John Boyett has led the Ducks in tackles in two out of the past three seasons, and he'll be favored to do it for a third time in 2012. 

Boyett has compiled 276 total tackles, nine interceptions and 29 pass breakups during his time in Eugene, and he'll now be looking to finish his career off with his best season yet. 

The 5'10'', 202-pound senior isn't overly big or fast, but he's an intelligent safety who has a great football IQ, and he's got the instincts that you look for in a playmaker in the secondary. 

If he plays as well as expected, Boyett should compete for All-American honors in 2012. 

42. John Simon, DE, Ohio State

Ohio State's defense had to break in a ton of new starters in 2011, but luckily for the Buckeyes, they had a true leader to rely on in defensive end John Simon. 

Simon stepped his game up in a big way last season ,and it's hard to imagine where the unit would have been without him. 

The 6'2'', 260-pound senior finished with 53 tackles, including 17 stops for a loss, as well as seven sacks. 

There's no doubt that Simon's presence up front completely changes the complexion of the Ohio State defense, and he's one of the team's most valuable veteran leaders for 2012. 

42. Johnny Adams, CB, Michigan State

Michigan State's defense will feature an All-American candidate at all three levels this season. In the secondary, that candidate is cornerback Johnny Adams. 

Adams is entering his third year as a starter, and so far, his career in East Lansing has been a huge success. 

The 5'11'', 177-pound senior returned from a shoulder injury that cut his 2009 season short and has proceeded to excel in the Spartans secondary ever since. 

With 122 tackles, eight interceptions and three sacks already on his resume, Adams will now be looking to put a nice bow on a great collegiate career in 2012. 

44. Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

Alabama suffered some devastating defections in the defensive backfield this offseason, as three of the four starters from the 2011 season moved on to the NFL, including top-20 NFL draft picks Mark Barron and Dre Kirkpatrick. 

This is the Tide that we're talking about, though, so you know there are plenty of future impact playmakers who are just waiting for their shot. One player with great potential who will be handed a full-time starting role in 2012 is CB Dee Milliner.

Milliner is a 6'1'', 199-pound junior who has the physical tools to be one of the star defenders in the SEC this season, and he might just be Alabama's next big-time NFL defensive back prospect. 

45. Dominique Easley, DE, Florida

Like fellow Florida defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd, Dominique Easley was one of the most talked about recruits in the 2010 class, and he arrived in Gainesville with huge expectations to live up to. 

After a relatively quiet freshman season, Easley really took major steps towards becoming an impact player in the trenches in 2011, racking up 37 tackles, including 7.5 tackles for loss. 

The 6'2'', 280-pound junior has to continue to strengthen his knee after tearing his ACL last November. However, if Easley's leg holds up this season , he should be in store for a huge campaign in 2012. 

46. Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State

Although his cornerback counterpart, Brodrick Brown, received most of the attention and recognition in 2011, if you actually watched the Oklahoma State defense play last season, it was easy to tell who the team's most talented defensive back really was. 

Cornerback Justin Gilbert has the type of size, speed, coverage skills and overall playmaking ability to be one of college football's biggest star defenders in 2012. The 6'0'', 194-pound junior picked off five passes last season, including throws from both of this year's two top NFL draft picks—Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III. 

Gilbert isn't only one of the best cornerbacks in the country; he's also one of the best returners as well, and he will be one of the most valuable impact players for the Cowboys in 2012. 

47. Malliciah Goodman, DE, Clemson

Clemson has produced plenty of notable defensive ends in recent years such as Andre Branch, Da'Quan Bowers, Phillip Merling and the late Gaines Adams. 

The Tigers' latest pass-rushing prodigy—Malliciah Goodman—might just be better than all of his recent highly-touted predecessors. 

Goodman is truly one of the most physically impressive specimens in college football, and he's the type of raw pass-rushing prospect that NFL scouts could very easily become enamored with. 

The 6'4'', 280-pound senior hasn't been a highly productive sack artist yet, but 2012 could be his breakthrough season. 

48. Robert Lester, SS, Alabama

Robert Lester is built exactly how you would expect an Alabama defensive back to look. The 6'2'', 210-pound senior has a tall, long and muscular frame, and what makes him a special player is the way that he can roam around the field at his size. 

Lester is one of the best athletes to suit up for the Alabama defense during the Nick Saban era, which is saying a lot considering the type of elite talent that's come through Tuscaloosa in recent years. 

The Tide secondary will obviously miss its three departed starters from 2011, especially top-20 NFL draft picks Mark Barron and Dre Kirkpatrick. However, Lester appears ready to step up and become a valuable leader in their absence. 

49. James Gayle, DE, Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech hasn't had a truly dominant defensive end since Darryl Tapp back in the mid-2000's. However, the Hokies will have two legitimate top-line pass-rushers, James Gayle and J.R. Collins, on the edges of their defensive line this season. 

The two junior ends are both coming off impressive 2011 performances, and the two of them will now be counted on to take the next step in 2012. 

Gayle was a player who didn't receive a large amount of publicity or fanfare last year. Still, he had an extremely solid overall season, finishing with 38 tackles, including 12.5 tackles for loss, 20 quarterback hurries and seven sacks in 2011. 

50. Tom Wort, ILB, Oklahoma

Oklahoma lost its leading tackler and its best overall linebacker with the departure of Travis Lewis.

The Sooners still have Tom Wort, though, and he appears fully capable of becoming the new leader of the linebacker corps in 2012. 

Wort finished fourth on the team with 71 stops in 2011, and he also notched 3.5 sacks, picked off two passes and returned a fumble for a touchdown. 

The 6'0'', 237-pound junior has the potential to be an All-Big 12 performer this season, and he should develop into one of Oklahoma's most coveted NFL prospects.

51. Trevardo Williams, DE, Connecticut

Connecticut's defensive line lost two key starters from 2011—defensive tackle Kendall Reyes, a second-round pick in this year's draft, and Twyon Martin.

The good new for the Huskies is that they will still have the Big East's top pass-rusher, defensive end Trevardo Williams, to lead the charge in the trenches this season. 

Williams piled up 12.5 sacks and 43 tackles, including 15 tackles for loss in 2011. 

Although he may be undersized, the 6'1'', 231-pound senior still knows how to blow by offensive tackles and cause major problems in the opposing backfield. 

52. Bacarri Rambo, FS, Georgia

Bacarri Rambo will reportedly have to sit out the first four games of the 2012 season due to a positive drug test, but once he returns, he'll be the leader of one of the strongest secondaries in the country. 

Georgia returns three starters from last year's defensive backfield, but none of them are as good as Rambo. 

The 6'0'', 210-pound senior earned All-American honors last season after totaling eight interceptions, eight pass breakups and 55 tackles.

Rambo has a nose for the football, and if he can maintain his focus on the field, he'll again be one of the most disruptive safeties in the country in 2012. 

53. Stansly Maponga, DE, TCU

TCU's defense is definitely going to get tested by some powerful offenses in the Big 12 this season, and it will be interesting to see how well the usually sturdy Horned Frogs will handle themselves. 

One of the spotlight players on Gary Patterson's defense will once again be defensive end Stansly Maponga. 

Maponga earned first-team All-Mountain West honors in 2011 after notching 55 tackles and nine sacks, and he'll be looking to make a similar impression on his new conference this year. 

The 6'2'', 265-pound junior will be playing on Sundays some day, but first, he'll be looking to make a name for himself against BCS-caliber competition in 2012. 

54. Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

Florida State dismissed starting cornerback Greg Reid back in July, which means that the Seminoles will no longer have one of the best corner combos in college football this season. 

Thankfully, the other half of that duo, Xavier Rhodes, will be back and ready to have a big junior campaign in 2012. 

The 6'2'', 217-pound junior has the type of size, speed, instincts and awareness that you look for in a true No. 1 cornerback, and he was a major reason the team ranked 20th nationally in pass defense last season. 

Rhodes has the potential to be a high pick in the 2013 NFL draft, but first, he'll be looking to play a key role in Florida State's run at an ACC championship. 

55. Khaseem Greene, OLB, Rutgers

If you're looking for a player to watch who could become a big breakout star in 2012, then take a look at Rutgers weak-side linebacker Khaseem Greene. 

Greene is a big, feisty and explosive tackling-machine who is one of the most sound and steady defenders in the nation. 

56. Jake Knott, OLB, Iowa State

Iowa State's defense usually doesn't feature any All-American caliber players, but the Cyclones will have one lining up in 2012 with the return of Jake Knott. 

Knott will enter his final season having already accumulated 271 tackles over the past three years, and he really doesn't have much else to prove. 

The 6'3'', 239-pound senior arrived in Ames as a lightly recruited 2-star prospect, but he's managed to transform himself into one of the most consistent and productive defenders in the nation. 

Look for Knott and fellow Cyclone 'backer A.J. Klein to become two of the biggest names in the Big 12 this season. 

57. Jamie Collins, DE, Southern Miss

Believe it or not, there are actually great defensive players that will be competing outside of the spotlight of the BCS conferences this season. One of the best non-BCS players in the country is Southern Miss edge-rusher Jamie Collins. 

Collins may not play at a powerhouse program, but he possesses evident NFL potential, which he displayed throughout the 2011 season. 

The 6'4'', 239-pound senior racked up 98 total tackles, including 19.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage, as well as six sacks last year. Now, he'll be looking to put together a similar type of showcase performance as a senior in 2012. 

58. Rod Sweeting, CB, Georgia Tech

The Georgia Tech secondary will feature two players that NFL scouts will be paying close attention to this season—cornerback Rod Sweeting and safety Isaiah Johnson. 

Sweeting is an especially intriguing player, as he has a rare combination of size, speed, ball skills and coverage ability. 

The 6'0'', 184-pound senior can match up with any receiver in the country. He's the type of corner that can both lock down an opposition's top target as well as intimidate a quarterback from throwing away from one particular side of the field. 

59. A.J. Johnson, OLB, Tennessee

This season, the two biggest stars of Tennessee's defense will be sophomore linebackers A.J. Johnson and Curt Maggitt. 

Both Johnson and Maggitt should be in the running for All-SEC honors in 2012, but it will be the former who will really be worth keeping an eye on. 

The 6'2'', 240-pound sophomore hunted down plenty of ball-carriers in 2011, earning Freshman All-American honors after notching 80 total tackles. 

Johnson has the potential to grow into one of the SEC's next star defenders, and it will be interesting to see how him and Maggitt feed off each other this season. 

60. Merrill Noel, CB, Wake Forest

David Amerson may be the king of the ACC cornerback crop, but don't be surprised if his conference counterpart, Wake Forest's Merrill Noel, steals away some of the spotlight from him in 2012. 

Noel had an eye-opening freshman campaign in 2011, earning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors after leading the conference with 19 passes defended and notching 66 total tackles. 

The 5'10'', 180-pound sophomore could have played at bigger schools such as Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia or Michigan. However, his decision to be a Demon Deacon has seemingly paid off, since he's already the biggest star player on the team. 

Other Defensive Tackles to Watch

Akeem Spence, Illinois

Bennie Logan, LSU

Joe Vellano, Maryland

Jordan Hill, Penn State

Kwame Geathers, Georgia

Scott Vallone, Rutgers

Sheldon Richardson, Missouri

Sylvester Williams, North Carolina

Tim Jernigan, Florida State

Vai Lutui, Kansas State

Other Defensive Ends to Watch

Cassius Marsh, UCLA

Craig Roh, Michigan

Damion Square, Alabama

Kaleb Eulls, Mississippi State

Kareem Martin, North Carolina

Margus Hunt, SMU

Ryne Giddins, South Florida

Stephon Tuitt, Notre Dame

Walter Stewart, Cincinnati

Wes Horton, USC

Other Linebackers to Watch

Alonzo Highsmith, Arkansas 

Bruce Taylor, Virginia Tech

Christian Jones, Florida State

Jake Ryan, Michigan 

Jonathan Bostic, Florida

Jonathan Brown, Illinois 

Jordan Hicks, Texas

Kevin Minter, LSU

Kyle Van Noy, BYU

Mike Taylor, Wisconsin

Other Cornerbacks to Watch

Antone Exum, Virginia Tech

Brodrick Brown, Oklahoma State

Jordan Poyer, Oregon State

Micah Hyde, Iowa

Nickell Robey, USC

Nigel Malone, Kansas State

Prentiss Waggner, Tennessee

Quandre Diggs, Texas

Ricardo Allen, Purdue

Tevin Mitchell, Arkansas

Other Safeties to Watch

Brian Blechen, Utah

C.J. Barnett, Ohio State

Craig Loston, LSU

Dexter McCoil, Tulsa

D.J. Swearinger, South Carolina

Hakeem Smith, Louisville

Isaiah Johnson, Georgia Tech

Jahleel Addae, Central Michigan

Lamarcus Joyner, Florida State

Matt Elam, Florida