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We are 14 days away from the first games of the College Football season, so in honor of that each day I will present a list for College Football Here is the schedule :

Top 14 QB's in the Nation Done
Top 13 Defensive Players In The Nation
Top 12 Teams in FCS (Division 1-AA)
Top 11 Most Overrated Players In The Nation
Top 10 Players at Each Position In College Football
Top 9 Games Of the Past Decade
Top 8 Reasons That neither OSU, USC, Georgia, or Florida will win the National Title
Top 7 Storylines For the College Football Season
Top 6 Toughest Schedules in The Nation
Top 5 Teams of The Decade
Top 4 Overrated Teams in the Nation
Top 3 Moments of the 2007 College Football Season
Top 2 Teams in College Football heading into 2008
Top Player in the History of College Football

 Well I am already behind schedule, so I need to do 2 blogs today so here they are Top 13 Defensive Players in the nation

1. James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State Senior

Laurinaitis is the best defensive player in the nation, hands down in my opinion. He flies all over the field making plays, as evidenced by his awards he has racked up the past 2 years. Over the pastr 2 seasons he has recorded, 236 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, and 7 picks. He has received first team all-american honors each of the past 2 seasons, and won the Nagurski award 2 seasons agao, and the Butkus this past season. Laurinaitis shows no signs of slowing down and appears to be on track for more awards and honors. I feel he is the best defensive player in the nation.  

2. William Moore, SS, Missouri, Senior

IMO, William Moore is among the most underrated players in the country. Last year he had one of the best season's of any safety of all time. He had 115 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 8 interceptions, 5 pass break up's 2 forced fumbles and 1 TD. An all-around safety Moore is great in run support, but can also make plays in coverage. I think that with another big season like the last he could pass Laurinaitis for #1 on this list.

3. George Selvie, DE, USF, Junior

Last year Selvie came out of nowhere to have a big time season. He ended up with 58 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, 9 QB hurries, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 blocked kick. Very impressive numbers for a DE, and his 31.5 tackles for loss led the nation. Selvie is very athletic and uses his speed to get by offensive tackles easily. While a season like the last would be hard to duplicate, still expect big things from Selvie, and possibly to see him line up at OLB at times. 

4. Patrick Chung, SS/Rover, Oregon, Senior

Chung is maybe the least familiar name on this list, as he rarely get's the publicity he deserves. Chung had a great season a year ago, leading his team with 117 tackles. Think about that, 117 tackles, of which 71 were solo. Chung had more solo tackles then the safety who many claim are better than him (Taylor Mays) had total tackles all year. Chung is great in run support, and at 6-0  210lbs, he has great size to lasy the lumber to some receivers. Chung tackleslike a linebacker, and covers like a corner. Last year he even put his name in the draft before pulling out, so he was a surprise to come back. Chung has 6 picks, and I expect a big season again from the 2 year starter, and maybe this time around he will garner more respect.

5. Rey Maulauga, ILB, USC, Senior

Now if this was a list of the most feared players Maulauga would be number 1 hands down, but it isn't it's a list of the best defensive players, so he is at #5. While Maulauga can hit harder than any player I have seen since Jack Tatum, he lacks coverage skills, and is a bit inconsistent. If you saw how he played in the Rose Bowl, then you would be saying how is he not #1, but go back and watch other games, like against Arizona State, or Oregon. Thoug he may make some plays in those games, he is often out of position and rarely making those big hits he is known for. Nonetheless Maulauga is a great LB, who had 79 tackles last year to lead the talent laden USC team. I expect a jump in that number this year, with much of that talent graduated, and possibly some more all-american honors, but until Maulauga improves against the pass, and becomes more consistent he won't get much higher on this list.   

6. Scott McKillop, ILB, Pitt, Senior
 

Last year McKillop was maybe the best ILB in the country. He led the nation with 151 tackles, and was alos tops averaging 12.58 tackles per game. The reason McKillop is not higher on this list is his athletic ability and coverage skills. He is a great tackles and is solid at pass rushing and run stopping as evidenced by his 9 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks, but he is sometimes a liabillity in coverage, and is very average athletically. Still he is a great defensive player and anchored the Pitt "D" last year, and I expect him to do the same this season. 

7. Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State, Senior 
 

Jenkins is the best cover corner in the nation, and his ability at CB is very impressive. At 6-1 202lbs Jenkins has the size of a safety, and uses it well, in press coverage, and tackling. Jenkins had 55 tackles, 4 picks, and 4 tackles for loss a season ago, very good numbers for a corner. It was impressive he even had those 4 picks, as teams rarely threw his way. I expect another big season from Jenkins, and some all-american honors as well. 

8. Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois, Junior
 

Davis may be the most talented player on this list. Last year Davis stepped up big time ending the year with 76 tackles, and 4 picks, and he became one of the nation's most feared corners. Davis is 6-0 204lbs, and really has great 4.3 40 speed. Need prove watch his play against USC, where he ran down speedster Joe McKnight. Davis is another lockdown corner, but is less polished than Jenkins. Once he becomes more polished in coverage, he may shoot up this list. 

9. Greg Middleton, DE, Indiana, Junior
 

Middleton had a breakout season last year, and he ended the season leading the nation in sacks with 16. Middleton added 17 tackles for loss, 1 TD, 50 tackles, and 1 forced fumble. The reason Middleton is not higher on this list is because he needs to improve his run stopping ability. A very good pass rusher, at times he is easily stooped against the run, and once he improves that he can become a much better player.

10. Eric Berry, SS/FS, Tennessee, Sophomore
 

Berry had one of the most impressive freshman seasons, I have seen in quite a while. Last year in year 1 of college, Berry was dominant, and was one of the top players in the SEC. He ended the year with 86 tackles 5 picks, 1 TD, 2 tackles for loss, and 1 forced fumble. In year 2 I expect to see a big leap from Berry, who though is small in stature does a great job tackling, and is very good in coverage. His speed allows him to track down ball carriers, and stay with wideouts. Berry is a player who dpending on much he improves, could go way up on this list.  

11. Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida, Junior
 

Last year, was Spikes' first as a starter, and he really impressed me. He had 131 tackles, and 16 tackles for loss, as a Sophomore. Very impressive number's and Spikes' ability to fly all over the field, and make sure tackles allows him to do so. Spikes also needs to improve his pass coverage, but not as much as other's, because his pure athletic ability allows him to stay with receivers. As he learns more, and more, Spikes can only improve as a player, so watch out.   

12. Gerald McRath,OLB, USM, Junior
 

McRath is not a household name, but sure should be. Only a junior, McRath's first 2 seasons have been incredibly productive. As a Frosh, McRath had 104 tackles, and played very well, but last season he made the leap into stardom. McRath was C-USA defensive player of the year, and rightfully so. He had 139 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks. I think that in year 3, McRath should continue improving, and receive many honors. Expect McRath to be a name you will soon hear more about.

13. Taylor Mays, FS, USC, Junior
 

I personally am not a big Taylor Mays fan, and I had trouble putting him on here over the likes of Vance Walker, Maurice Evans, Alphonso Smith, Victor Harris, Sean Weatherspoon, Aaron Curry, and even his own teammate Kevin Ellison, but still, it is impossible to ignore Mays. May's has produced decently on the field, but has been nothing astounding. Last year he had 65 tackles and 1 pick, but the numbers that stand out are these two. 6-4, 225. That is May's size. For a safety that is big, and the scary part is he pulls it off easily, reportedly running a 4.24 40 at USC, and you know what if you watch him play you wouldn't be surprised. May's also is a big hitter, not at teammate Rey Maulauga's level, but pretty close. If May's can improve in coverage, I think he will become a big time star, and maybe even move into the top 5, so watch out. I think a perfect comparison is that he is the Matt Stafford, of the defensive side of the ball, a crazy athlete, who has played solid, but not spectacular football, but seems primed to absolutely blow up.

Top 12 Teams in FCS (Division-1AA)

#1. Appalachian State 
Appy State, despite losing some talent seems primed for a 4th straight national title. Heisman drak horse, QB Armanti Edwards returns, after after a season which hethrew for 1,948 yards and 17 touchdowns and ran for 1,588 yards and 21 scores. Along with him Appy State returns all-american players in Pierre Banks, and DE's Anthony Williams, and Gary Tharrington. 

#2. James Madison 
James Madison has a QB, that is a very good dual threat player, Rodney Landers threw for 1,678 yards and ran for 1,273 last season and scored 25 TDs last year, very impressive numbers, and he should lead this team to a good year. Madison also has a veteran "O" line to help lead them to success, this year.

#3. Eastern Washington
Despite the loss of head coach Paul Wulff, EWU should be very good this season. EWU returns a very good offense basically intact led by QB Matt Nichols(3,744 yards and 34 TDs), and RB Dale Morris (930 yards 12 TD's). On "D" Greg Peach is back after an 11 sack year, and aside from him this "D" is very inexperienced.

#4. North Dakota State
Last year NDSU upset Minnesota and Central Michigan so we know this team can be good, and they are led bye one of the best RB's in FCS, RB Tyler Roehl. This is the first year they can be playoff eligible, and expect them to make the most of it.  

#5. Richmond
Dave Clawson is now at Tennessee, but this is an experienced team with 16 starters back, and should continue their playoff success, this season behind Justin Rodgers, and co. 

#6. Montana
Montana has a great team led by all-americans up front in JD Quinn, and Brent Russum. The "D" will be the key, as only 4 starters return, and all will need to play well to offset the loss, of many great players.  

#7. Umass
Umass will be led by the best pocket passing QB, in the game in Liam Coen, who had 3,091 yards, 30 TD, 14 INT. He will need to break in an almost new offense aside from him and his line, though. 

#8. Delaware
Delaware will be led by OSU transfer Rob Schoenhoft, a 6-6 235 kid, who reminds many of Joe Flacco. The offense will rebuild, but on "D" 8 starters return, so the Blue hens should still compete for a solid season. 

#9. Youngstown State
The Panthers were a bit mediocre last year, and lost a lot of talent, but many expect a big season from the team, led by star OT, Brad Samsa.
 

#10. Sam Houston State
Rhett Bomar will lead this team at QB, and should be among the best in the nation. Aside from him the "D" has talent in Chris Brown, and Nolan Bucek. 

#11. Elon
If they can shore up a horrid "D" from last year watch out, because QB Scott Riddle returns after throwing for 3,817 yards, 31 TD, 13 INT, and top target Terrell Hudgens returns after a big year last season with 114 catches and 18 TD's.

#12. Northern Iowa 
The defense returns 6 starters, and RB Corey Lewis is back after a big seaosn (1,513 yards, 16 TD). Aside from Lewis though, the offense is inexperienced.

 

August 16, 2008  10:56 PM ET

Good blog, but there are a bunch of spots where I don't agree with you, mainly with not putting Malulaga in the top 3 and putting Taylor Mays so low, also, Grambling State is gonna be good this year, not top ten good, but I think that top 15 is very possible

August 16, 2008  11:33 PM ET

Yea I knew everyone would disagree, but how can you put May's higher than 13, he had only 62 tackles, and at times he just seems to sit back and wait for play's to come to him. Just watch William Moore, he flies everywhere, making plays, and is very consistent. As for Maualuga he is a great run stopper, and pass rusher, but his coverage skills are mediocre, and at times he just seems to disappear when playing a team that has a good offense, that can spread the field.

August 17, 2008  11:02 PM ET

Did you watch the kid? He was on a defense with a ton of other great players, and that's why the tackle count is low, but the guy ran a 4.3 40 the other day and is bigger than most LBs at 6-4 225, but being agressive is the last thing you have to be worried about with him.

August 19, 2008  12:04 AM ET

Good list. McKillop is where he should be.

I'm a huge fan of George Selvie. He wreaks havoc on O-lines.

August 19, 2008  05:35 PM ET

Laurinaitis is #1? Jesus, do I get tired of the Big 10 bias with this guy. He's a good player and all, but he shouldn't be #1.

In fact, I bet he doesn't get drafted in the NFL higher than the 2nd round.

In fact---I bet Maualuga, Selvie and a couple SEC defensive players get drafted higher. I betcha that.

Every time Ohio State or Penn State has a linebacker that makes a few nice plays, they're suddenly the greatest in the nation, and first ballot All-Americans. Meanwhile, come draft day, they're rarely First Round Picks. And when they are, they're usually busts. Not always, but usually.

August 20, 2008  09:18 PM ET

McCoy is authenic,if he gain! 7 lbs its a wrap! IMO;he should be rated higer now,but that's ok,because I definately have him finishing atop of the popular list!
Rico certainly did not ride Mayo's coattail.,he's a dang good LB on his own accord my friend. Check the film,McCoy led the first 6 of 13 games for his team from the weakside, Mayo played MLB, that's where the real action is baby!.The McCoy kid finished second on his team w/108 tckls, in the SEC.His hips are great /see snap at contact! He has great speed and cover as good as any. Strenght/:see:LSU,played against H.Johnson 6'8" / 340lbs,all game,still got his man! Oh yeah,he delivers a heck of a blow!!
All I'm saying is "don't sleep on this one", he's definately one of the beter LB's!!

 
August 21, 2008  01:39 PM ET

Hmmm most recently AJ Hawk to the Packers at 5, starting and I believe leads the Pack in tackles....Why so biiter?

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