College Football Preview 2011: Jared Crick and 10 Best Defenders in the Big Ten
As a conference known for its tough, blue-collar players, it's no wonder that the Big Ten consistently produces high-quality defenders. With many games being played in foul weather, points are usually at a premium in Big Ten matchups, which puts plenty of pressure on the defensive units.
Although a host of All-Big Ten defensive performers left for the NFL this spring, the conference has reloaded on that side of the ball thanks to great recruiting and the migration of the Nebraska Cornhuskers from the Big 12. While there may be a perceived lack of elite defensive talent, few teams can boast defensive depth like the Big Ten.
Nebraska defensive tackle Jared Crick is certainly the early favorite to take home Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2011, but there is no shortage of other contenders. Here are the Big Ten's 10 best defenders.
10. DT Mike Martin, Michigan
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Mike Martin will be entering his third season as a starting nose tackle at Michigan in 2011. At 299 lbs., Martin's role on defense is to occupy blockers, which is why his contributions can be overlooked at times. The Michigan defense was miserable in 2010, but that had little to do with the play of Martin.
As a 2010 All-Big Ten second team selection, Martin entertained the thought of entering the NFL draft. When he was notified that he had a middle-round grade, Martin decided to return to Ann Arbor for his senior season. The new Wolverine coaching staff, led by head coach Brady Hoke, had to be ecstatic to retain a cornerstone around which the rest of the defense can be built.
With 37 tackles (six for loss) and 2.5 sacks in 2010, Martin's tangible productivity doesn't jump out at you. His importance was certainly not ignored by the University of Michigan last season, however, as he won the Richard Katcher Award as Michigan's best defensive lineman. It would be nearly impossible for the Michigan defense not to improve in 2011, and when it does, Martin will be spearheading the charge.
9. LB Lawrence Thomas Michigan State
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It may seem crazy to list a player who has never played a collegiate down among the best defenders in the Big Ten Conference, but it should tell you just how talented Lawrence Thomas is. Rivals.com listed Thomas as the fifth-best linebacker prospect in the 2011 recruiting class, and he is quite possibly the best recruit in the entire Big Ten.
Although Thomas is currently slated to play inside linebacker, at 6'4" inches and 232 lbs., he projects to be able to play any of the three linebacker positions, as well as defensive end. Thomas' time of 4.62 in the 40-yard dash suggests that he can be a fast and athletic linebacker, but his athleticism would undoubtedly be elite at defensive end. Because of his physical tools and muscular frame, Thomas has been compared to Washington Redskins star Brian Orakpo. While he'll have to further develop his pass-rushing skills, that is great company for Thomas to be in.
The main thing standing in Thomas' way as far as 2011 goes is his status as a true freshman. Despite the possibility that he may already be the most talented defensive player in the conference, Thomas will have to contend with veteran teammates for playing time. As the old saying goes, though, the cream always rises to the top. If Thomas impresses the coaching staff early in the season, there's no reason why he won't grab a starting job, regardless of what position it is.
8. S Jordan Kovacs, Michigan
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Much like teammate Mike Martin, safety Jordan Kovacs will be vital in the renaissance of the Michigan defense in 2011. As a redshirt junior, Kovacs will be counted upon to lead the Wolverines secondary and build upon his fine 2010 season.
Kovacs was second in the Big Ten last year with a total of 116 tackles. While some of this can be attributed to the general ineptitude of Michigan's front seven, it is also a testament to Kovacs' ability as a run defender. Kovacs also registered two interceptions and one sack on the season, leading to an All-Big Ten honorable mention.
While some blame should fall on Kovacs for Michigan's abominable pass defense in 2010, he really didn't get much help from his teammates. As long as Kovacs continues to play to his strength in run coverage and is at least responsible against the pass, he is poised to improve upon his already stellar production from last season.
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7. CB Johnny Adams, Michigan State
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Entering the 2010 season as a third-year sophomore due to being granted a medical redshirt in 2009, Johnny Adams was somewhat of an unknown commodity in the Big Ten. Adams did see action in 12 games as a true freshman in 2008, but significant shoulder injury derailed his progress.
Despite the question marks, Adams blossomed last season, starting all 13 games at cornerback for the Spartans. Adams filled up the stat sheet and was among the Big Ten's best in a number of categories. He was ninth in the conference in passes defended with 10, and sixth in both interceptions and pass break-ups with three and seven respectively. Adams also set a career high in tackles with 50, leading to an All-Big Ten second team selection.
With 4.4 speed in the 40-yard dash, Adams has been able to cover up his mistakes in the past with his great wheels. After bulking up to 180 lbs., and working on his coverage techniques this offseason, however, Adams looks to be a much more complete corner. Adams was impressive in Michigan State's spring practices, earning the moniker “Johnny Lockdown” due to his penchant for shutting down the Spartans receivers. If Adams improvement translates to the regular season, the Spartans will have a Defensive Player of the Year candidate on their hands.
6. CB Shaun Prater, Iowa
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As the lone returning 2010 All-Big Ten first team selection, Iowa's Shaun Prater certainly has a leg up on his competition for Defensive Player of the Year honors. Prater, much like Mike Martin, opted to return for his senior season rather than enter the NFL draft when he was informed that he would likely not be picked prior to the fourth round.
Prater had a spectacular 2010 season, racking up 68 tackles, six pass break-ups and four interceptions. It won't be easy for Prater to replicate those numbers in 2011, however, as a stacked Iowa defense will have to go through a retooling process. Defensive linemen Adrian Clayborn, Christian Ballard and Karl Klug and defensive backs Brett Greenwood and Tyler Sash have all graduated or moved on to the NFL.
Prater will have the benefit of Micah Hyde at the other corner spot, though, which should afford him the opportunity to make some plays. One of the main advantages Prater holds over many of the players on this list is his experience, as 2011 will mark his third year as a starter for the Hawkeyes. Prater may also thrive due to the increased leadership role he will almost assuredly be given following the departure of so many key defenders.
5. CB Ricardo Allen, Purdue
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Few sophomores can boast the amount of accomplishments that Purdue's Ricardo Allen can. As a true freshman in 2010, Allen was named to the All-Big Ten second team. As if that weren't enough, Allen was also honored with a selection to the Freshman All-America second team.
There aren't many Big Ten players, on either side of the ball, who can match Allen's explosiveness. Allen led the Boilermakers in interceptions last season with three, two of which he returned for touchdowns. Also, Allen's 129 return yards following interceptions were the fifth most in the entire nation. Despite his great speed, Allen isn't purely finesse, however, as he was third on the team in tackles in 2010 with 73.
While there are loads of talented defensive backs in the Big Ten, Allen's physicality may be what sets him apart from the rest. At 5'9", Allen isn't an imposing figure, but what he lacks in size is more than made up for in tenacity. In a conference as physically demanding as the Big Ten, Allen's toughness fits right in.
4. CB Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska
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The first member of the Cornhuskers' vaunted Blackshirts defense to make this list, Alfonzo Dennard is poised to step out from the shadow of his former teammate, New York Giants draftee Prince Amukamara. While Dennard was to the All-Big 12 second team last season, casual observers may not have noticed due to the presence of Amukamara.
Dennard was challenged often last season due to Amukamara's stranglehold on the opposite side of the field, and he flourished. Dennard was second on the Huskers and fifth in the Big 12 with four picks in 2010. He was an integral part of one of the nation's most prolific pass defenses last season, limiting opposing passers to completion percentage of less than 50 percent.
As good as the Nebraska secondary is, Dennard will benefit greatly from the front seven's ability to rush the quarterback. While opposing quarterbacks may try to stay away from Dennard this season, his interception numbers could see a jump if he capitalizes on mistakes caused by the pass rush like Amukamara did in past seasons. Amukamara's first name may be Prince, but Dennard will be considered a king in Lincoln if he can lead the Huskers to a Big Ten title in their inaugural season.
3. DT Jerel Worthy, Michigan State
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Perhaps no defensive player in all of college football is poised to make a bigger leap in their junior season than Michigan State's Jerel Worthy. At 6'3" and 305 lbs., it's clear that Worthy has all the tools to have a dominant 2011 seasons. Many NFL draft prognosticators agree as Worthy is projected go as high as the top five in the 2012 draft.
Worthy has received his fair share of accolades over his first two seasons in East Lansing, being named to the Freshman All-America first team in 2009, and earning an All-Big Ten honorable mention nod last season. Worthy led the Spartans in tackles for loss and sacks in 2010 with eight and four respectively. He also led all Michigan State defensive lineman in total tackles with 40. This came in a season in which a hyper-extended knee plagued him throughout the year.
Worthy is an explosive athlete for his size who is equally adept at rushing the passer as he is at stopping the running game. His potential is through the roof, and although he has shown plenty of glimpses, Worthy's full potential remains unfulfilled to this point. If Worthy is able to put it all together this season, the Spartans could be the beneficiaries of another Big Ten title.
2. LB Lavonte David, Nebraska
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Few players burst onto the scene in 2010 like Nebraska linebacker Lavonte David. Last season was David's first in the FBS as he spent his first two seasons of collegiate eligibility in junior college at Fort Scott Community College in Kansas. David was one of the main contributors to Nebraska's fantastic defense last season, reeling in an incredible amount of hardware in the process.
Not only was David named a Second-Team All-American, but he was also honored with the distinction of Big 12 Newcomer of the Year, All-Big 12 first team and Nebraska's defensive MVP. Additionally, David posted an incredible 152 tackles in 2010, setting a new Nebraska single-season record. David's arrival likely has Big Ten offenses shaking in their boots, while the sigh of relief from Big 12 offenses was practically audible.
With the abundance of high-powered passing attacks in the Big 12, David's frame of 6'1" and 220 lbs. was an asset as it aided in his pass coverage ability. With many of the Big Ten's offenses more focused on the running game, David might benefit from bulking up a bit. It's reported that he has already added 10 lbs. of muscle to his frame which, as long as it doesn't affect his lateral movement, should make David an even more complete player.
1. DT Jared Crick, Nebraska
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As deep as the Big Ten's talent pool may be on the defensive side of the ball, the sustained success of Nebraska defensive tackle Jared Crick simply cannot be equaled. The high-motor Crick is coming off back-to-back seasons in which he accrued 9.5 sacks and at least 70 total tackles and 15 tackles for loss.
Crick was a finalist for multiple postseason awards in 2010, and was named to the All-Big 12 first team and All-America second team as well. Crick was obviously among the best defensive players in the Big 12, and very little is likely to change when Crick and the Huskers make the jump to the Big 12 in 2011. In fact, Crick may have a bit less competition for Defensive Player of the Year honors in the Big Ten than he did in past years.
The Big Ten's defensive depth lies more in the defensive backfield than any other position, so pass rushers are at a premium. Although the Cornhuskers have some holes on offense, they will automatically be considered among the favorites to take home the Big Ten crown, in part because of the added dimension that Crick gives their defense. If Crick can simply repeat his performances from the past two seasons in 2011, the Nebraska defense could be nearly impenetrable.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
