Ranking 25 Most Dominant Defenders Heading into the 2015 College Football Season
Just as much as any star quarterback or running back, one elite player on defense can make the difference for a college football program.
Great linebackers can routinely stop the most powerful rushing attacks near the line of scrimmage. Opposing signal-callers will just stop throwing to the side of the field claimed by a lockdown defensive back—that is, if they can stand up through the onslaught of a powerful defensive lineman.
The game lost some outstanding defenders from last season to graduation or early entrance into the NFL, but dozens of dominant stars are still on campus, striking fear into offenses everywhere.
From the powerful interior linemen who control both coasts to the two famous juniors who lived in their opponents' backfields all last year, college football is filled with plenty of defensive difference-makers.
Ahead of the 2015 season, here is a look at the 25 most dominant defenders in the game, ranked by their individual impact on the field and the overall success of their respective defenses last season.
25. Louisville OLB Devonte Fields
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Fields' standout freshman season in 2012 earned him the nod for the Big 12's Preseason Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. But an injury, suspension for violating team rules and a dismissal after allegations that he assaulted his ex-girlfriend have kept him away from major college football for the better part of two years.
Now, Fields is back at the Power Five level with Louisville, which has given the talented outside linebacker a second chance. Bleacher Report's Ben Kercheval wrote in February that if Fields can stay out of trouble, he could have a huge comeback season for the Cardinals:
"The Cardinals have a dynamic playmaker in Fields who will only make the defense's pass rush more formidable. This could also be a good personality fit for Fields. (Head coach Bobby) Petrino and (defensive coordinator Todd) Grantham are both intense guys. Petrino specifically is notoriously strict in how he runs his program. That kind of atmosphere might be what Fields needs to maximize his ability, both on and off the field.
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24. LSU LB Kendell Beckwith
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A lot has changed this offseason for LSU's defense, which had to replace several key starters and its longtime coordinator. But the Bayou Bengals can trust they will have a star at the heart of their attacking defense in 2015.
While Beckwith was a 4-star prospect capable of playing defensive end or outside linebacker, he found his home in the heart of John Chavis' defense at middle linebacker. The junior is the top returning tackler for LSU and will be relied on as a leader for the 2015 season, the first under new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele.
"I mean, these guys are expected to be one of those dominant defenses like you are used to seeing," SEC Network Analyst Marcus Spears said on the Paul Finebaum Show in April. "And with Beckwith in the middle, they feel like they have the guy to orchestrate the defense and have it going the way they want it to go."
23. Oklahoma LB Eric Striker
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Striker is back for his senior season at Oklahoma, where his intense on-field passion made headlines off the field for his expletive-laden reaction against a racist fraternity chant.
On the field, Striker's energy and speed set the tone for the entire Sooners defense, which ranked in the top quarter of teams in the country for fewest yards allowed per play. Striker's 17 tackles for loss last season were tied for 18th-most nationally, and he had almost three times the number of sacks than any other Sooner.
With depth being an issue at linebacker in Norman, Oklahoma will rely on Striker to produce even more this season and continue to be the voice of the entire defense.
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22. USC CB Adoree' Jackson
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Perhaps the best athlete on this list, Jackson showed during his true freshman season of 2014 he has all the skills to be USC's shutdown cornerback. He recently capped his busy spring by winning the Pac-12's long jump title at the conference's track and field championships.
His athleticism makes him an excellent young defender, but it could also limit his impact on that side of the ball this season. The Trojans will have to juggle his time at cornerback with his growing responsibilities on offense and special teams.
"It’s going to be an ongoing process," USC head coach Steve Sarkisian told the Orange County Register's Michael Lev. "I think there’ll be games where we’ll see him more on offense than maybe others. It’s going to be matchups. It’s going to be game plans. It’s going to take a really good job by our entire coaching staff working together to put Adoree’ in the best positions to be successful."
21. Duke S Jeremy Cash
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One of the biggest defensive stars in school history, Cash has racked up All-ACC and All-American selections during his time with the rising Blue Devils program. The former Ohio State transfer decided to come back to Duke for his senior season and is expected to be the leader once again for the defense in ACC play.
Cash's value as a safety goes beyond pass defense. According to ESPN.com's Andrea Adelson, Cash was the only defensive back in the country last season to record at least 100 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and five sacks.
A dominant force on blitzes, this "strike safety" could shoot up the 2016 NFL draft boards with another standout season. Cash is a pure playmaker anywhere on the field for this Duke defense.
20. Georgia LB Leonard Floyd
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Jeremy Pruitt's 3-4 defense relies on the presence of a dynamic pass-rushing threat at "Sam" linebacker, and Leonard Floyd fits that role perfectly.
He terrorized opposing quarterbacks in the SEC last season, recording 55 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. His athleticism and strength are also key components of Georgia's run defense, where he has the ability to shut down running backs in an instant.
A shoulder injury kept Floyd out of Georgia's 2014 season finale and its practices this spring, but one could bet he will be back on the field this fall for a Bulldogs defense that has the potential to be something special.
19. Ole Miss S Tony Conner
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While it didn't have a strong end to the season against TCU, Ole Miss' "Landshark" defense still led the entire country in fewest points per game in 2014. Part of that success is owed to Conner, who finished second on the team in tackles and tackles for loss.
Conner has started all but one game of his career with the Rebels. A highly physical defensive back, Conner can shut down opposing offenses is a number of ways, and Bleacher Report NFL draft expert Matt Miller believes Conner could be one of the best draft-eligible safeties in the country this year.
"Conner doesn't get the spotlight he deserves, but it wouldn't surprise if he's in the conversation with Su'a Cravens (USC) and Jalen Ramsey (Florida State) at season's end," Miller said. "He's very physical at 6'0" and 217 pounds, and has the instincts to make plays in the box or bail in coverage."
18. Notre Dame LB Jaylon Smith
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Notre Dame's defense was average at best last season under first-year coordinator Brian VanGorder. Expect the production level to jump in 2015, when the Fighting Irish have a better grasp on VanGorder's system and experience in players such as Smith.
As a sophomore last season, Smith moved from the outside to the inside at linebacker and led the team in tackles by a gigantic margin. The second-team AP All-American had 111 tackles last season—43 more than second-leading tackler Max Redfield.
In addition to being a pure tackling machine, Smith is also adept at getting off of blocks and attacking quarterbacks in the backfield. He should have an even larger impact on the Notre Dame defense this season as the Irish look to contend for the national title.
17. Ohio State LB Darron Lee
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Ohio State has built its title-winning roster out of blue-chip recruits, but the defensive MVP of last year's Sugar Bowl was just a 3-star recruit out of high school.
Darron Lee went through a medically redshirted true freshman season and a position change to star for the Buckeyes in 2014. He had the second-most tackles for loss on the team and caught the attention of the college football world with a seven-tackle, two-sack performance in the semifinal win against Alabama.
The third-year sophomore, who could be one of many first-round selections from Ohio State in the 2016 draft, is set for even better things in 2015. This former high school quarterback and safety has found his place as one of the best linebackers in all of college football.
16. UCLA LB Myles Jack
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When he's not running over student council candidates, Jack is running over opponents on offense and defense for the Bruins. More than just a cool two-way position player, Jack is expected to be the heart of the UCLA defense in 2015, and he has the stats and ability worthy of that role.
With senior Eric Kendricks off to the NFL, Jack is the leading returning tackler for the Bruins and is expected to get even more snaps at linebacker this season. His athleticism and hard-hitting nature make him an all-around star who could be drafted in the top 10 of next year's draft.
Don't be surprised if Jack has his first 100-tackle season as the Bruins contend for a Pac-12 championship and a possible College Football Playoff berth.
15. Texas A&M DE Myles Garrett
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The former No. 2 overall recruit wasted no time in making an impact for Texas A&M, finishing second in the SEC in sacks behind Missouri's Shane Ray as a true freshman.
While Garrett's only multisack performances came against weak nonconference opponents Lamar, Rice and Louisiana-Monroe, he still fought his way into opposing backfields against SEC competition, taking down the quarterback in games against South Carolina, Mississippi State and Ole Miss.
With former LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis and 5-star defensive tackle Daylon Mack arriving in College Station this year, Garrett and the Aggies defense should take a leap forward in 2015. This is just the beginning for Garrett.
14. Ohio State S Vonn Bell
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In the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Sugar Bowl last season, Nick Saban got a great look at a 5-star prospect from the South who fit his Crimson Tide's defensive scheme perfectly. Unfortunately for the Alabama head coach, Georgia native Vonn Bell was making big plays for eventual national champion Ohio State.
Bell's fourth-quarter interception in the Sugar Bowl was just one of his six takeaways in the secondary last season, which led the Big Ten. The Ohio State safety has a reputation for coming up with big-time turnovers, starting with his leaping, one-handed interception against Clemson in the 2013 Orange Bowl.
The junior should be a Thorpe Award candidate from the get-go as the Buckeyes look to defend their national title. And when they need big plays out of their pass defense, expect to see Bell be the difference-maker.
13. USC LB Su'a Cravens
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This do-it-all safety is now in line to become the next great product of "Linebacker U." After leading the Trojans with 17 tackles for loss and three interceptions last season from the defensive backfield, Cravens is ready to move closer to the line of scrimmage this year.
"I came here to play safety but I'm a linebacker now so it's LBU and we got to hold down the defense because if they get past that first level we're the run stop," Cravens told FOX Sports West's Rahshaun Haylock. "DB's didn't come here to tackle. They came here to cover. We came here to tackle people so that's what we got to do. If not, you see big plays."
Cravens' game and frame translate well to the linebacker position. Even at a new position, Cravens is one of the Pac-12's most-feared defensive players against the run or the pass.
12. Alabama LB Reggie Ragland
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Reggie Ragland might not get the same amount of spotlight as Alabama's other recent defensive stars, but he has the numbers and talent to be one of the best linebackers the Tide have ever produced.
After turning down an early shot at the NFL, Ragland is back in Tuscaloosa as the top returning tackler (93) and the second-best in tackles for loss (10.5, behind defensive lineman Jonathan Allen). Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee rated Ragland as the No. 4 defender in all the SEC heading into the 2015 season.
"Known as one of the hardest hitters in the conference, Ragland will be an integral part of the latest edition of the Crimson Tide defense, which is loaded in the front seven," Sallee wrote.
11. Oregon DE DeForest Buckner
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Despite a junior season in which he shot up draft boards everywhere, Buckner opted to stay at Oregon for one more year, and that means trouble for the rest of the Pac-12.
Outside of his gigantic 6'7" frame, the one thing that stands out the most about Buckner is his versatility. Buckner can play anywhere on the defensive line for the Ducks, taking on all types of blockers to register 13 tackles for loss for the national runners-up last season.
A knee injury kept Buckner out of Oregon's practices this spring, but he's on track to return and have another strong season for the Ducks. His work on the defensive line could once again be the difference for the entire Oregon defense.
10. Virginia Tech CB Kendall Fuller
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Fuller, whose three older brothers either are playing in the NFL or have experience in the league, followed up his 2013 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year season by leading the Hokies with 15 pass breakups—the sixth-most in the entire country.
At 6'0" and 195 pounds with impressive quickness, Fuller can cover any receiver and already has the reputation of being one of the best shutdown defensive backs in college football.
With Virginia Tech replacing two starters at safety, Fuller will be faced with more pressure to lead the pass defense this season. Judging by his first two seasons, Fuller looks prepared for the task and then some.
9. Tennessee DE Derek Barnett
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Few defensive players exploded onto the scene in 2014 better than Barnett, who finished second in the SEC in tackles for loss (20.5) and third in sacks (10). While he wasn't the most talented prospect the Volunteers have picked up, his relentless motor went a long way in his huge true freshman campaign.
"Hustling to the football has always been my thing," Barnett told FOX Sports' Bruce Feldman, who called Barnett the nation's next breakout star. "I just don't want anybody to outwork me because I feel like even if I make a mistake, if I'm hustling to the ball, I can make up for it."
With Tennessee adding more highly rated players to its defensive front for the 2015 season, Barnett is in line to have an even bigger campaign. In the race against Myles Garrett for the conference's best young defensive end, Barnett has an impressive early lead with his complete body of work.
8. Michigan State DE Shilique Calhoun
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Calhoun could have gone to the NFL a year early and possibly become a first-round pick for some lucky franchise. But this Spartan decided to stay in school in order to improve on a season where he dropped opposing backs for a stunning total of 109 yards.
After Michigan State's highly defensive spring game, Spartans assistant Mark Snyder called Calhoun "unblockable," according to MLive.com's Mike Griffith. He recorded 2.5 sacks and was a constant menace to his offensive teammates, giving them a taste of what the rest of the Big Ten experiences week in and week out.
Michigan State's front seven has the potential to be one of the best in college football, and Calhoun's return plays a huge role in that status. Double-digit sacks and All-American honors seem like the tip of what Calhoun could accomplish in 2015.
7. Florida State DB Jalen Ramsey
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Florida State has a big year of transition ahead, but one player the Seminoles can trust to be a top player from the opening kickoff of the season is Jalen Ramsey, no matter where he plays.
Ramsey made waves as a freshman cornerback in Florida State's 2013 national championship run, but he moved to "Star" safety early in 2014 after an injury to Tyler Hunter. While he nabbed some All-American honors with his 79 tackles (9.5 for loss), 12 pass breakups and two interceptions, Ramsey is moving back to his natural position for 2015.
If Ramsey can be one of the best defensive backs outside of his natural position, just think of what he could do back at cornerback this season. The potential is limitless for this junior star.
6. Alabama DT A'Shawn Robinson
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Robinson is the anchor of not only Alabama's defensive line but its entire defense. He recorded 49 tackles (6.5 for loss) in a standout sophomore season where he was constantly forced to handle double-teams.
Even at 312 pounds, Robinson has the athleticism to play defensive end in Kirby Smart's 3-4 system. When he moves to the inside, he can open up opportunities for the Crimson Tide's stars at linebacker and in the secondary.
According to the Montgomery Advertiser's Marq Burnett, Robinson looked leaner this spring while still sporting that same amount of dominating strength. If that's the case, one of the game's most dominant defenses is going to be in perfect shape for 2015.
5. Baylor DE Shawn Oakman
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What is there left to say about Shawn Oakman? The 6'9" defensive lineman created such a viral sensation during the Cotton Bowl that the first suggestion Google gives after typing "Shawn Oakman" is "memes."
Oakman has been able to make a tremendous impact on the field—19.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks in 2014—basically because he is so physically imposing. With another offseason of practice to work on his technique, the common thought is that Oakman is only starting to scratch the surface of what he could be as a defensive lineman.
When it comes to physical domination, no one is better than Oakman. If he can match that with improved skills, he could be the No. 1 player on this list by season's end.
4. Ole Miss DT Robert Nkemdiche
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The stats—only four tackles for loss in 2014—don't tell the whole story with Nkemdiche, the former No. 1 overall recruit and the heart of Ole Miss' defense.
"The 6'4", 280-pounder from Loganville, Georgia, was routinely double-teamed, which opened up windows for his teammates to live in the opposition's backfield," Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee wrote. "He's as disruptive as any player in college football and is a critical piece of head coach Hugh Freeze's defensive puzzle."
To realize how much Nkemdiche means to the Rebels, one must look at the entire effectiveness of the swarming "Land Sharks" defense. Huge defensive plays start with huge efforts up front, and that's where Nkedmiche showcases the dominance that made him one of the most talked-about high school players of the last decade.
3. Florida CB Vernon Hargreaves III
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No one locks down opposing receivers better than Hargreaves, who took home the most All-American honors of any defensive back returning for 2015.
Hargreaves has recorded three interceptions and broken up 24 passes in each of his first two seasons in Gainesville, and opposing quarterbacks have learned to just avoid his side of the field.
While the last two seasons have been frustrating for Florida fans, Hargreaves is a bright spot that keeps shining. With a big year of transition ahead for the Gators and their new coaching staff, Hargreaves will be leaned on heavily in 2015 as one of the most-feared defenders around.
2. Ohio State DE Joey Bosa
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The runaway defensive star for the 2014 national champions, Joey Bosa kept piling on the big plays for the Buckeyes in his unanimous All-American sophomore season.
While his production tailed off in Ohio State's three postseason games, he remained a constant menace on the edge in every contest. With 21 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks in 2014, he was neck-and-neck with Missouri's Shane Ray and Clemson's Vic Beasley for the right to be called the best defensive lineman in the country.
Bleacher Report's Ben Axelrod wrote that, like Jadeveon Clowney during his early days at South Carolina, Bosa might have already secured his spot as the No. 1 pick for next year's NFL draft. But don't think that's going to stop him from reaching new heights for the Buckeyes in 2015.
1. Arizona LB Scooby Wright III
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The heated debate between Scooby Wright and Joey Bosa as the nation's most dominant defender for the 2015 is a great one, and both sides have valid claims. But Wright bested Bosa in all three major defensive categories—tackles, tackles for loss and sacks—while leading the entire country in two of them.
Wright never had a down game for Arizona last season on his way to winning the Nagurski, Lombardi and Bendarik awards. The fewest tackles he had in a contest was seven, and he forced the game-sealing fumble in one of them, a memorable upset win over No. 2 Oregon.
When it comes to consistent dominance on defense, no one was better than Wright in 2014. Heading into the 2015 season, he should be the most-feared defender for anyone facing Arizona this season.
Recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.
Justin Ferguson is an on-call college football writer at Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @JFergusonBR.
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