The Top 10 College Football Sack-Artists for 2010 (Video)

There's not a much more pleasing sight than watching the opposing quarterback go down in the backfield. 

While turnovers and touchdowns are the ultimate goal of a defense, a sack can quickly put a halt to a drive and get your boys off the field. 

When it comes to pass-rushing there are an elite few who do it better than the rest. These are the guys that attack the quarterback with relentless pressure, have an array of moves to get past blockers, and are game-breakers that can dictate outcomes. 

They can be simply described as sack-artists. 

Why? Because when they rush the passer, it can only be described as art. 

Here are the top 10 sacks artist to watch for in 2010. 

Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

One of the best pass-rushers in all of college football, Kerrigan might play for lowly Purdue, but he still managed to lead the Big Ten in sacks with 13. He's also got an uncanny ability to force turnovers, tying a school record with seven forced fumbles in 2009.

Some would argue that his stats are inflated by a weaker non-conference schedule than players from Big Ten powerhouses, but look no further than his performance against Ohio State to see that he's legit. Kerrigan had three sacks, four tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in that contest.

Pernell McPhee, DE, Mississippi State

Pernell McPhee led the team in tackles for loss and has a chance to be the best defensive end in the SEC his senior season.

Every year he's gotten bigger and stronger, and his explosiveness, speed, and athleticism haven't suffered at all.

He punishes ball carriers, relishes the opportunity to bring the quarterback down, sets the edge, pursues like an animal, has a great motor, and has sound technique.

Marcell Dareus, DE, Alabama

Dareus is best known for the hit he laid on Colt McCoy in the 2009 BCS Championship game that ended McCoy's collegiate career and helped Alabama cruise to the title.

He's the best pass-rusher on the Tide's roster. Now that he's entering his junior year, he will be getting a lot more playing time and that could make him super productive. The problem is he's under scrutiny during an NCAA investigation and could become ineligible.

Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska

Jared Crick began the 2009 season as the body that occupied space beside Ndamukong Suh and took up some additional space. By the end of the year, he'd earned his own reputation as an exceptional defensive tackle.

Crick was named First-Team All-Big 12 as a sophomore and now in his junior year is primed to become one of the leaders of the Cornhuskers' defense and a serious force in the middle.

Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

Adrian Clayborn is arguably the top playmaker in the Big Ten. He's a great pass-rusher, solid in run support, and the leader of Iowa's defense. Last season, he capped a campaign that ranked him as one of the league-leaders in sacks, tackles, and forced fumbles with an MVP performance against Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl.

He's a dominating force and only got better as the season went along. While Greg Jones might be the most nationally-recognized defender in the Big Ten, Clayborne is just as important to the Hawkeyes and another monster year could make him the best in the conference.

Bruce Miller, DE, UCF

Miller tends to be overlooked in the national discussion of the top defensive ends even though he's a preseason All-American and finds himself on quite a few watch lists of note.

He was third in the nation in sacks last season with 13 and is one of the top bull-rushers in the game. Miller has incredible strength and hits his ball-carrier with the type of power you generally only see at the pro level. He's got one of the best motors you'll find and plays with as much aggression as anyone. 

Robert Quinn, DE, UNC

With 11 sacks and 19 tackles for a loss, Quinn was in the backfield about as much as any player in the country in 2009. With the troubles surrounding teammate Marivn Austin, there will be a lot more pressure on Quinn this time around. 

He sort of flew under the radar last season, but he won't get that courtesy in 2010, especially if Austin is forced to sit out the year. The real question is how good will Quinn be when he's the focus of the offensive line.

Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri

Smith emerged as one of the best defensive ends in the country as a redshirt freshman in 2009, earning First-Team freshman All-American honors while breaking the MU single-season sack record with 11.5 sacks. 

He's a relentless pass rusher with elite athleticism and a pair of long, massive arms. There's still work to be done on his technique, but the ceiling is nearly endless with this kid and his best days are far from being reached. 

Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh

Romeus has emerged as the top defender in the Big East and possesses the ideal combination of size, speed, quickness and strength you look for in a defensive end. He moves very well and has a good array of moves to shed blockers.

Romeus is also a versatile player who can play anywhere along the D-line and be a success. He's a lock to be an All-American in 2010 and should be a huge part of Pitt's defense.

Von Miller, DE, Texas A&M

Von Miller was voted First-Team All-American by Sporting News and Sports Illustrated. He was the first Aggie since 1999 to year such accolades. His 17 sacks were tops in the country and his nearly 20 tackles for loss were good enough for fifth.

Miller can line up at linebacker or defensive end; it really doesn't matter with this guy. Wherever you put him on the field, he's going to cause havoc for opposing quarterbacks.