As I am sure most of you know the Heisman trophy is more or less a glorified “Best QB or RB” and that is because after Charles Woodson won it in 1997 those are the only two positions that have won it. We all know why that is, but I am creating my own Heisman race that’ll be focused on the best defensive players because they deserve it and definitely don’t get enough credit for their efforts.
Meet The Candidates
Of course throughout the season some players will be added and some will drop off, but hopefully by the end of the season we will have somewhere between 7-10 candidates, for now lets start with five.
ED Oliver, DT, Houston
Obviously I can’t do this list without adding the best defensive player in most peoples eyes as he is thought to have a chance at the number one overall pick in this years draft. He possesses quick explosion out of his stance and has active hands with a motor that doesn’t seem to quit. In two years he has racked up 38.5 TFL, and 10.5 sacks. He also lead his entire in tackles in their win against Rice with 13 tackles.
Week 1 Stats: 13 tackles, 5 Solo, 3.5 TFL, 2 QB Hurries
Season Stats: 13 Tackles, 5 Solo, 3.5 TFL, 2 QB Hurries
Jeffery Simmons, DT, Miss State
If you have read any of my previously articles covering the SEC you already know how I feel about this guy, but for those who don’t I will explain. For me Simmons and Oliver are really like 1A and 1B in overall talent. While Simmons did necessarily light it up like Oliver did in week one he still had a major impact with record 3.5 TFL in their win over Stephen F. Austin. What I love most about Simmons is he does possess quickness and never-ending motor that Oliver has, and is slightly more built to be a Defensive Tackle. Again though it’s 1A and 1B.
Week 1 Stats: 4 Tackles, 3 Solo, 3.5 TFL
Season Stats: 4 Tackles, 3 Solo, 3.5 TFL
Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Ya we got the other Bosa. Really if you’re a Big 10 fan/coach it’s honestly just been a six year blur of someone named Bosa destroying your tackles and eventually your Quarterback. Much Oliver and Simmons, Bosa had himself a nice opening day. Recording 2 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries including recovering one in the endzone for a touchdown. If we think about it rationally usually Defensive Ends are the ones who first overall when it comes to defense. Nick Bosa could do that and have bragging rights over his bro during game night with the family.
Week 1 Stats: 4 Tackles, 2 Solo, 2 TFL, 2 Sacks, 2 FR, 1 TD
Season Stats: 4 Tackles, 2 Solo, 2 TFL, 2 Sacks, 2 FR, 1 TD
Devin Bush, LB, Michigan
Here is a linebacker who really can do it all. He can go sideline to sideline, he’s a great blizter–one of the best at linebacker–and doesn’t lack in coverage either. Watching him against Notre Dame was just really impressive as he really was all over the field. He does get knocked by scouts because he is a little smaller for a linebacker, but his mix quick instinct and athleticism more than makes up for that.
Week 1 Stats: 6 Tackles, 3 Solo, 1 TFL, 1 sack
Season Stats: 6 Tackles, 3 Solo, 1 TFL, 1 sack
Andraez ‘Greedy’ Williams, CB, LSU
Greedy came on as a freshman and did a phenomenal job as he recorded six interceptions and 10 pass breakups. Really isn’t a willing tacklers, but isn’t running away either so he is on my bubble of the five I have listed, but still very good in coverage which I can’t ignore. His name wasn’t said much in their domination over Miami, but as a cornerback sometimes not getting your name called at all is actually a good thing.
Week 1 Stats: 1 Tackle, 1 Solo
Season Stats: 1 Tackle, 1 Solo
