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Projecting the top 10 defenses of 2019
From Feb 14
From Feb 14
10. CLEMSON TIGERS
The biggest and best parts of Clemson’s front seven in 2018 will be going on to the NFL Draft, so there could be a bit of a drop off for the Tiger defense. I’ll keep them in the top 10 for two reasons. First of all, Dabo Swinney has proven he can recruit and develop players at a high level. Second of all, the secondary should be quite good with cornerback A.J. Terrell and safeties Isaiah Simmons and Tanner Muse returning.
The biggest and best parts of Clemson’s front seven in 2018 will be going on to the NFL Draft, so there could be a bit of a drop off for the Tiger defense. I’ll keep them in the top 10 for two reasons. First of all, Dabo Swinney has proven he can recruit and develop players at a high level. Second of all, the secondary should be quite good with cornerback A.J. Terrell and safeties Isaiah Simmons and Tanner Muse returning.
9. MICHIGAN WOLVERINES
The Wolverines, like Clemson, could fall out of the top 10 due to many key losses on the defensive side of the ball. However, I’m banking on Don Brown workin his magic with 2019’s unit. 2018 didn’t end on a high note for the Michigan defense, but the Wolverines still return some integral pieces in linebacker Josh Uche, safety Josh Metellus, and linebacker John Ross.
The Wolverines, like Clemson, could fall out of the top 10 due to many key losses on the defensive side of the ball. However, I’m banking on Don Brown workin his magic with 2019’s unit. 2018 didn’t end on a high note for the Michigan defense, but the Wolverines still return some integral pieces in linebacker Josh Uche, safety Josh Metellus, and linebacker John Ross.
8. GEORGIA BULLDOGS
The Bulldogs finished just outside the top 10 in the nation in total defense last season, but they’ll be able to creep up there in 2019. Kirby Smart just doesn’t coach average defenses. Leading the charge for Georgia’s defense in 2019 will be returning contributors Richard Lecounte III, linebacker Tae Crowder, and safety J.R. Reed. Expect the defense to be as good as ever in Athens next year.
The Bulldogs finished just outside the top 10 in the nation in total defense last season, but they’ll be able to creep up there in 2019. Kirby Smart just doesn’t coach average defenses. Leading the charge for Georgia’s defense in 2019 will be returning contributors Richard Lecounte III, linebacker Tae Crowder, and safety J.R. Reed. Expect the defense to be as good as ever in Athens next year.
7. SOUTHERN MISS GOLDEN EAGLES
The Golden Eagles finished the season ranked No. 3 in total defense. A decent amount of that success goes to Southern Miss’ two fantastic cornerbacks in Ky’El Hemby and Ty Williams. Hemby intercepted six passes, and Williams picked off three. With several key players from this defense coming back, Southern Miss will be a stingy force in the C-USA this fall.
The Golden Eagles finished the season ranked No. 3 in total defense. A decent amount of that success goes to Southern Miss’ two fantastic cornerbacks in Ky’El Hemby and Ty Williams. Hemby intercepted six passes, and Williams picked off three. With several key players from this defense coming back, Southern Miss will be a stingy force in the C-USA this fall.
6. LSU TIGERS
The Tigers get some legitimate superstars back on defense this year. Grant Delpit may be the best safety in the entire country, which is clear from his 5.0 sacks and five interceptions. In the front seven, defensive lineman Rashard Lawrence and linebacker Michael Divinity Jr will be back. Between those three players alone, LSU returns a lot of production. Ed Orgeron’s defense should be as salty as ever.
The Tigers get some legitimate superstars back on defense this year. Grant Delpit may be the best safety in the entire country, which is clear from his 5.0 sacks and five interceptions. In the front seven, defensive lineman Rashard Lawrence and linebacker Michael Divinity Jr will be back. Between those three players alone, LSU returns a lot of production. Ed Orgeron’s defense should be as salty as ever.
5. MIAMI HURRICANES
After Mark Richt’s retirement, former Miami defensive coordinator Manny Diaz became the head coach. His defense returns some key players for the 2019 season too. Star linebacker Shaq Quarterman is back to make plays all over the field. Jonathan Garvin will be there to rush the passer, and Trajan Brandy is there to patrol the secondary. Miami’s defense will need another great season to bounce back after a disappointing one in 2018.
After Mark Richt’s retirement, former Miami defensive coordinator Manny Diaz became the head coach. His defense returns some key players for the 2019 season too. Star linebacker Shaq Quarterman is back to make plays all over the field. Jonathan Garvin will be there to rush the passer, and Trajan Brandy is there to patrol the secondary. Miami’s defense will need another great season to bounce back after a disappointing one in 2018.
4. WASHINGTON HUSKIES
Chris Petersen’s teams have had great success on the defensive side of the ball at Washington. That trend shouldn’t change in 2019 with defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike and linebacker Benning Potoa’e returning. The defense will give Washington a shot to win yet another conference championship under Petersen.
Chris Petersen’s teams have had great success on the defensive side of the ball at Washington. That trend shouldn’t change in 2019 with defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike and linebacker Benning Potoa’e returning. The defense will give Washington a shot to win yet another conference championship under Petersen.
3. MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS
After really struggling in Knoxville, Bob Shoop reminded people just how great he is as a defensive coordinator. He coached the top unit in the country in terms of total defense. Even though Montez Sweat leaves, the Bulldogs still have enough talent to keep teams out of the end zone. Linebacker Erroll Thompson will be one of the players who steps up to lead that unit next season.
After really struggling in Knoxville, Bob Shoop reminded people just how great he is as a defensive coordinator. He coached the top unit in the country in terms of total defense. Even though Montez Sweat leaves, the Bulldogs still have enough talent to keep teams out of the end zone. Linebacker Erroll Thompson will be one of the players who steps up to lead that unit next season.
2. ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
The Crimson Tide had an unusually weak year on defense by their standards. They still finished 16th in the nation in total defense. It’s unlikely that Nick Saban allows that again in 2019. With studs like linebacker Dylan Moses, defensive lineman LaBryan Ray, and cornerback Patrick Surtain returning, Alabama will get back to being dominant on the defensive side of the ball.
The Crimson Tide had an unusually weak year on defense by their standards. They still finished 16th in the nation in total defense. It’s unlikely that Nick Saban allows that again in 2019. With studs like linebacker Dylan Moses, defensive lineman LaBryan Ray, and cornerback Patrick Surtain returning, Alabama will get back to being dominant on the defensive side of the ball.
1. IOWA HAWKEYES
One of the best defensive players — if not the best — in the country returns to the Hawkeyes in the form of A.J. Epenesa. Coming off a season where he racked up 10.5 sacks, Epenesa will continue to burn opposing offensive lineman. He’s not alone on the defensive line. Chauncey Golston will be on the other side to help pressure the quarterback. Iowa shouldn’t see a drop off on the defensive side of the football.
One of the best defensive players — if not the best — in the country returns to the Hawkeyes in the form of A.J. Epenesa. Coming off a season where he racked up 10.5 sacks, Epenesa will continue to burn opposing offensive lineman. He’s not alone on the defensive line. Chauncey Golston will be on the other side to help pressure the quarterback. Iowa shouldn’t see a drop off on the defensive side of the football.
