College Football Predictions 2011: The 25 Most Dynamic Defensive Players

For the fans who love the dark side, this one is for you.

Game-sealing interceptions, sure tacklers, sack masters and bone-crushing hits are all part of a great defense.

Some of these players also act as punt/kickoff return men, so their contributions only make watching them that much more exciting.

Therefore, when the 2011 season kicks off, be sure to keep an eye out for these dominant defenders.

Cliff Harris: CB, Oregon

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EUGENE, OR - OCTOBER 2: Cornerback Cliff Harris #13 of the Oregon Ducks intercepts a pass in front of cornerback Corey Gatewood #2 of the Stanford Cardinal in the third quarter of the game at Autzen Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won

2010 STATS

INTERCEPTIONS: Six returned for 92 yards and one TD.

TACKLES: 33 (24 solo and nine assisted)

PASS DEFLECTS: 23

KICK RETURNS: Seven attempts for 143 yards and a 20.4 yards average.

PUNT RETURNS: 34 attempts for 546 yards and four TDs.

A second-team All Pac-10 selection as a sophomore at corner, and a first-team selection as a punt returner, Cliff Harris is one of the more versatile players in the country.

In 2011, Harris has first-team All-Conference and All-American potential.

That said, the Ducks defense should hit the ground running in the fall.

Sean Baker: S, Ball State

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MUNCIE, IN - OCTOBER 25: Wide receiver Marvon Sanders #27 of the Eastern Michigan Eagles is brought down by defensive back Sean Baker of the Ball State Cardinals on October 25, 2008 at Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Ima

2010 STATS

INTERCEPTIONS: Six returned for 54 yards.

TACKLES: 88 (52 solo and 36 assisted including one sack).

PASS DEFLECTS: 10

FORCED FUMBLES: Two, (also recorded one blocked kick).

Finished second on the team in tackles, and tied for fifth in the nation in interceptions.

For his career he has totaled 16 picks and 243 tackles.

If Baker can maintain his consistency through his senior year, he'll easily be one of the top safeties for the 2012 NFL draft.

Evan Harris: LB, Miami-Ohio

2010 STATS

INTERCEPTIONS: Six returned for 137 yards and one TD.

TACKLES: 94 (48 solo and 46 assisted). Also recorded two sacks and two QB hits.

PASS DEFLECTS: Nine

Earned second-team All-MAC in 2010, Evan Harris finished second on the team in tackles and tied for fifth in the country in interceptions.

An all-around performer at LB, the Red-Hawk D is built around Harris, who should earn first-team All-MAC in 2011.

Roosevelt Nix: DT, Kent State

2010 STATS

TACKLES: 43 (19 solo and 24 assisted), including 20 for 128 yards lost.

SACKS: 10 for 88 yards lost, as well as eight QB hits and two pass break-ups.

FORCED FUMBLES: Four as well as two blocked kicks.

The MAC freshman and defensive MVP of the year, Nix led the Golden Flashes in tackles for loss, sacks and forced fumbles.

He also earned a first-team selection on the freshman All-American team.

With Roosevelt's unlimited potential, be sure to watch the Kent State defense every chance you get.

Jayron Hosley: CB, Virginia Tech

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Jayron Hosley #20 of the Virginai Tech Hokies intercepts a pass in the second quarter against the Stanford Cardinal during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Streeter

2010 STATS

INTERCEPTIONS: Nine returned for 110 yards.

TACKLES: 39 (34 solo and five assisted).

PASS DEFLECTS: 17

KICK RETURNS: Nine attempts for 190 yards and a 21 yard average.

PUNT RETURNS: 40 attempts for 239 yards and one TD.

A first-team All-ACC selection in 2010, Jayron Hosley led the country in interceptions and was third in the ACC in punt return yards.

His versatility helped Virginia Tech take the ACC by storm after the Hokies' 0-2 start, and a berth in the Orange Bowl.

With that said, the Hokies will need Hosley to defend their ACC title.

Jonathan Massaquoi: DE, Troy

2010 STATS

TACKLES: 76 (49 solo and 27 assisted) including 20.5 for 111 yards lost.

SACKS: 13.5 with four QB hits and one pass deflect.

FUMBLE RECOVERIES: Three, including one forced fumble.

In addition to earning first-team All-Sun Belt conference, Massaquoi finished third in the country in sacks, and led the Trojans in tackles for loss.

In 2011, look for Massaquoi and the Trojans to build on their 8-5 2010 campaign, as well as a possible conference championship.

Curnelius Arnick: LB, Tulsa

2010 STATS

TACKLES: 115 (63 solo and 52 assisted), including nine for 41 yards lost.

SACKS: Five for 33 yards lost including one QB hit and one fumble recovery.

INTERCEPTIONS: Four returned for 134 yards, as well as four pass break-ups.

Earned an Honorable Mention selection to the All-Conference USA team, and led the Golden Hurricane in tackles.

He also led all linebackers in the conference in interceptions.

Coming off a 10-3 season, Tulsa will be near the top of the pack contending for a conference title.

That said, Arnick will need to stay on track to give Tulsa an edge on defense.

Josh Robinson: CB, UCF

2010 STATS

INTERCEPTIONS: Two

TACKLES: 59 (45 solo and 14 assisted).

PASS DEFLECTS: 15

PUNT RETURNS: 23 attempts for 304 yards and a 13.2 yards average.

Despite his two picks, Robinson still earned first-team All-Conference USA.

In being the shutdown CB that he is, he also led the conference in punt return yardage.

If the Knights are to repeat as conference champions, the dynamicism of Mr. Robinson must continue.

Robert Lester: CB, Alabama

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Defensive back Robert Lester #37 of the Alabama Crimson Tide intercepts a pass against the Mississippi State Bulldogs November 13, 2010 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

2010 STATS

INTERCEPTIONS: Eight returned for 102 yards.

TACKLES: 52 (29 solo and 23 assisted).

SACKS: One sack and two QB Hits.

PASS DEFLECTS: 12

He was not used as a specialist return man for the Tide, but Lester's ability to give WRs multiple looks makes him very dynamic.

Whether it's man-press, giving a cushion, dominating the zone or jamming at the line, the SEC has another stellar CB.

He earned second-team All-SEC as a sophomore in 2010, and finished second in the country in interceptions.

'Bama will be tough once again, and having half the field on D taken away will be tough for the rest of the conference.

Nate Fellner: S, Washington

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SEATTLE - OCTOBER 30: Tight end Zach Ertz #86 of the Stanford Cardinal is tackled by Nate Fellner #29 and Sean Parker #1 of the Washington Huskies on October 30, 2010 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. Stanford defeated Washington 41-0. (Photo by O

2010 STATS

INTERCEPTIONS: Five returned for no yards.

TACKLES: 79 (52 solo and 27 assisted).

PASS DEFLECTS: 13

FORCED FUMBLES: Two

Finished tied for second in the Pac-10 in interceptions, Fellner also led the team with his five picks and 13 pass deflects.

For the Huskies to build on their 7-6 campaign last season, Fellner must maintain his high level of play.

Don't be surprised if Washington is in the race for the conference title come season's end.

Vinny Curry: DE, Marshall

2010 STATS

TACKLES: 94 (43 solo and 51 assisted), including 18 for 97 yards lost.

SACKS: 12 for 81 yards lost, including 16 QB hits and three pass breakups.

FORCED FUMBLES: Two and recovered one.

Earned first-team All-Conference USA in 2010 in addition to finishing sixth in the country with 12 sacks.

He also came in second on the team in tackles and first in tackles for loss.

Even though the Herd had a down year last fall, with Curry on defense, there is hope for 2011.

Brandon Lindsey: DT, Pittsburgh

2010 STATS

TACKLES: 51 (31 solo and 20 assisted), including 17.5 for 96 yards lost.

SACKS: 10 for 62 yards lost, as well as six QB hits and one pass breakup.

FORCED FUMBLES: Three

Selected to second-team All-Big East, Lindsey finished 14th in the country with his 10 sacks.

He also led the Panthers in tackles for loss, which helped their top-15 ranked defense in points allowed per game.

Look out for Lindsey in 2011, as the Panthers are coming off a solid bowl win over Kentucky.

Miles Burris: LB, San Diego State

2010 STATS

TACKLES: 80 (54 solo and 26 assisted) including 20 for 104 yards lost.

SACKS: 9.5 for 61 yards lost.

He may not be as versatile as some of the other players, but his ability to rush the passer is as good as it comes.

With that said, he's always making plays in the backfield, which allowed him to lead the Mountain West in sacks.

Thus, he earned first-team All-Conference and has the Aztecs building momentum for 2011.

Jared Crick: DT, Nebraska

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LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 13: Jared Crick #94 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers runs down D.J. Beshears #20 of the Kansas Jayhawks during first half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty I

2010 STATS

TACKLES: 70 (36 solo and 34 assisted), including 17 for 92 yards lost.

SACKS: 9.5 for 87 yards lost, as well as 10 QB hits and two pass breakups and one forced fumble.

A repeat performance from 2009, Crick again earned first-team All-Big 12 in 2010.

In being one of the more athletic defensive tackles, Crick goes a bit overlooked due to the likes of Ndamukong Suh (aside him in 2009) and Pierre Allen.

Also, with the play of Prince Amukamara, the Nebraska defensive line is not as well-known.

Therefore, expect an even bigger season from Crick in 2011.

Ja'Gared Davis: LB, SMU

2010 STATS

TACKLES: 90 (62 solo and 28 assisted), including 16 for 68 yards lost.

SACKS: Nine for 53 yards lost, as well as two pass breakups.

Earned first-team All-Conference USA and finished third in the conference in sacks.

Not to mention, he finished fourth on the team in tackles and first in tackles for loss.

SMU football is back on track and with the help of Davis, 2011 looks just as promising.

Coryell Judie: CB, Texas A&M

2010 STATS

INTERCEPTIONS: Four returned for 31 yards.

TACKLES: 57 (29 solo and 28 assisted).

PASS DEFLECTS: Eight

KICK RETURNS: 20 attempts for 605 yards including two TDs.

One of the more versatile players in the Big 12, Judie earned second-team All-Conference and led the Aggies in interceptions.

He also finished sixth in the country with a 30.3-yard average per kickoff return.

Therefore, if the Aggies are to improve on their 2010 season, Judie's versatility will be even more prevalent.

Aaron Brown: LB, Hawaii

2010 STATS

TACKLES: 83 (53 solo and 30 assisted), including 9.5 for 38 yards lost.

SACKS: Five for 27 yards lost, including three QB hits and two forced fumbles (one recovery).

INTERCEPTIONS: Three returned for 57 yards, as well as nine pass deflects.

Finished third on the team in tackles and along side teammate Paipai Falemalu, led all WAC LBs in sacks.

For the Warriors to take back the WAC, Brown and company need to continue their defensive play as they led the WAC with 23 interceptions.

Prentiss Waggner: CB, Tennessee

2010 STATS

INTERCEPTIONS: Five returned for 73 yards and three TDs.

TACKLES: 57 (38 solo and 19 assisted).

PASS DEFLECTS: Nine

FUMBLE RECOVERIES: Three returned for 45 yards.

Led the Vols in interceptions and the nation in defensive scoring.

He's a ball magnet that can give the Vols defense a boost since he knows his way to the end zone, which is needed in the SEC.

That said, with his ability to score, don't be surprised if he gets some time on offense and/or some chances as a kick/punt returner.

Greg Reid: CB, Florida State

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CHAPEL HILL, NC - OCTOBER 22: Greg Reid #5 of the Florida State Seminoles leaps over North Carolina Tar Heels defenders Kennedy Tinsley #36 and Hunter Furr, #40 at Kenan Stadium on October 22, 2009 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Scott Hallera

2010 STATS

INTERCEPTIONS: Three

FORCED FUMBLES: Three

TACKLES: 65 (54 solo and 11 assisted).

PASS DEFLECTS: 17

KICK RETURNS: 31 attempts for 742 yards and a 24-yard average.

PUNT RETURNS: 43 attempts for 314 yards, including one TD.

Led the 'Noles in forced fumbles and pass deflects, which helped him earn Honorable Mention All-ACC.

In addition, he came in sixth in the nation after returning 43 punts for 314 yards.

In 2011, Florida State has the potential to return to the ACC Championship game, so with that said, look for Reid to improve on his numbers.

Dan Molls: LB, Toledo

2010 STATS

TACKLES: 143 (39 solo and 104 assisted), including 10.5 for 61 yards lost.

SACKS: Five for 49 yards lost including one QB hit, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.

INTERCEPTIONS: Three returned for 58 yards, as well as seven pass deflects.

Second on the team in tackles, tackles for loss and third for LBs in the conference in sacks, Dan Molls has a bright future in Toledo.

He was also tied for third out of all LBs in the conference in interceptions.

After Toledo went 8-5 in 2010 (7-1 in conference), 2011 has conference-contender implications.

With Molls, the Rockets' D will be in good shape, so the MAC should be even more interesting in 2011.

Julian Miller: DE, West Virginia

2010 STATS

TACKLES: 54 (28 solo and 26 assisted), including 14 for 47 yards lost.

SACKS: Nine for 33 yards lost including two QB hits and three pass breakups.

FORCED FUMBLES: Three

After a year in which Lindsey earned second-team All-Big East honors, he led the team in sacks (second in the conference) as well as tackles for loss.

For the Mountaineers to regain supremacy atop the Big East, Miller needs to continue pressuring the QB.

The Panthers lose Jabaal Sheard to the draft, so expect Miller to lead the defensive line in 2011.

Blidi Wreh-Wilson: CB, Connecticut

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EAST HARTFORD, CT - NOVEMBER 27: Blidi Wreh-Wilson#5 of the Connecticut Huskies avoids the Cincinnati Bearcats after he intercepted a pass in the fourth quarter on November 27, 2010 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut. The Huskies defeated

2010 STATS

TACKLES: 57 (48 solo and nine assisted).

INTERCEPTIONS: Four returned for 153 yards, as well as five pass deflects.

Finished fifth in the Big East (first on the team) in interceptions and first in return yardage, while also coming in fourth on UConn in solo tackles.

The Huskies had a exceptional year as they earned their first BCS berth in 2010, but will need Wilson to play just as well, if not better to repeat in 2011.

Jake Knott: LB, Iowa State

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

BOULDER, CO - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback Cody Hawkins #7 of the Colorado Buffaloes delivers a pass and has it knocked down by Jake Knott #20 of the Iowa State Cyclones at Folsom Field on November 13, 2010 in Boulder, Colorado. Colorado defeated Iowa State

2010 STATS

TACKLES: 130 (69 solo and 61 assisted), including one sack.

INTERCEPTIONS: Four returned for 26 yards, as well as nine pass deflects.

FORCED FUMBLES: Four, including one recovery and one QB hit.

By leading the Cyclones in tackles, picks, pass deflections and forced fumbles, Knott earned second-team All-Big 12 honors.

He also led all LBs in the conference with his four picks, which shows his versatility.

He's a sure tackler and a great coverage LB who can help the Cyclones get back to bowl season in 2011.

Come next season, don't count out Knott and Iowa State, as they were on the cusp of bowling in 2010.

Kenny Tate: S, Maryland

2010 STATS

TACKLES: 100 (58 solo and 42 assisted), including 8.5 for 43 yards lost.

SACKS: 3.5 for 30 yards lost, as well as one QB hit.

INTERCEPTIONS: Three returned for 81 yards, including seven pass deflects.

FORCED FUMBLES: Four, including one recovery.

Kenny Tate earned first-team All-ACC, led the team in forced fumbles and was second in tackles.

Also, Tate led all DBs in the conference with his 3.5 sacks.

For 2011, Tate will once again lead the Terps as a senior, so don't be surprised if Maryland contends for an ACC title.

Devin Taylor: DE, South Carolina

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 04: Devin Taylor #98 and Cliff Matthews #83 of the South Carolina Gamecocks force a fumble by quarterback Cam Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers during the 2010 SEC Championship at Georgia Dome on December 4, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia.

2010 STATS

TACKLES: 46 (33 solo and 13 assisted), including 13 for 53 yards lost.

SACKS: 7.5 for 39 yards lost, including 11 QB hits and two fumble recoveries.

INTERCEPTIONS: One returned for 24 yards, as well as nine pass deflects.

After leading the team in tackles for loss, pass deflects and QB hits, he also came in second with his 7.5 sacks.

That said, his sacks ranked him fourth in the conference, which earned him a second-team All-SEC selection.

Come time for the Autumn Wind, Taylor will be alongside No. 1 recruit Jadeveon Clowney.

Therefore, look for the Gamecocks to once again be conference title contenders.