Von Miller, Texas A&M, LB
2009 Stats:
Tackles: 43 / TFL: 19.5 / Sacks: 17
Von Miller was voted First-Team All American by Sporting News and Sports Illustrated. He was the first Aggie since 1999 to year such accolades. His 17 sacks were tops in the country and his nearly 20 tackles for loss were good enough for 5th.
Miller can line up at linebacker or defensive end; it really doesn’t matter with this guy. Wherever you put him on the field, he’s going to cause havoc for opposing quarterbacks
Greg Jones, Michigan State, LB
2009 Stats:
Tackles: 153 / TFL: 13.5 / Sacks: 9
Greg Jones was a consensus All-American in 2009 and the defensive MVP of the Big Ten. He was also the top linebacker in the country with an impressive number of tackles and sacks.
Jones sniffs out the ball and blows up plays so quickly that opponents often don’t even have time to react. He’s so quick to track down ball carriers and is very good at rushing the quarterback. MSU’s best weapon shouldn’t have any drop off in 2010.
Greg Romeus, Pittsburgh, DE
2009 Stats:
Tackles: 43 / TFL: 10.5 / Forced Fumbles: 2 / Sacks: 8 / INT: 1
Romeus has emerged as the top defender in the Big East and possess the ideal combination of size, speed, quickness and strength you look for in a defensive end. He moves very well and has a good array of moves to shed blockers.
Romeus is also a a versatile player who can play anywhere along the D-line and be a success. He’s a lock to be an All-American in 2010 and should be a huge part of Pitt’s defense.
Mark Herzlich, Boston College, LB
2009 Stats:
Tackles: 110 / Forced Fumbles: 2 / Sacks: 2 / INT: 6 / TD: 2
Herzlich is one of the best all-around defenders in the country and a playmaker who always finds a way to make a difference. A sure-handed tackler, solid in pass-coverage, a turnover machine, and a decent pass-rusher, you won’t find many defenders who do more than him.
Herzlich is the heart and soul of BC’s defense and should continue to be such as he enters his senior season with very high expectations.
Marvin Austin, North Carolina, DT
2009 Stats:
Tackles: 42 / TFL: 6.5 / Sacks: 4 / Forced Fumbles: 1
Austin is one of the best defensive tackles in the country. He’s a brick wall that demands a constant double team and clogs up a ton of space up front for others to take advantage of. His strength and balance are very impressive, as is his ability to penetrate into the backfield.
The Tar Heels defensive hinges on his success in the middle to free up the linebackers and defensive ends to make plays. Austin might not get much credit in the stats columns, but you can bet opponents are very aware of him.
