Behind The Box Score

A few years removed from Mario Williams being selected first overall in the NFL Draft over names such as Reggie Bush, Vince Young, Jay Cutler and Matt Lienart, the defensive end position is becoming one of the most important not only on defense but overall. Getting adequate pressure on the quarterback is essential in a changing game and there are a select few that excel at it. The modern defensive end is big, fast and athletic. Vernon Gholston is the perfect prototype, at 6’3″ 245 lbs and running a 4.5, the position is becoming one where the best athletes excel. To be a stellar defensive end, you must be strong, fast and able to have the athletic ability to get around the offensive line. These select group of young men showcase that ability and that leads to the number of sacks they put up and help the defense thrive. With such an intriguing position, don’t be surprised if the list goes over ten, enjoy!

1. Jerry  Hughes, DE, TCU- Recording 15 sacks on the number one defense in the country last season, Hughes is a tremendous specimen that is overall a beast. Throwing offensive tackles to the side, Hughes was a scary sight for any quarterback to see a year ago. Hughes had one of the nine sacks on Sam Bradford last season in a game where the Horned Frogs held the Sooners to 35, their regular season low. Hughes, from Sugarland, Texas has been candy for coach Gary Patterson’s defense and his production showed. Racking up 84 tackles in his junior season, Hughes will again be key for  TCU run at a BCS bowl. Rushing the passer has become an essential part of the modern game, and Hughes is the best at it.

2. Greg Hardy, DE, Ole Miss- Only playing in eight games last season, Hardy was once again a force on the defensive line. Racking up 8.5 sacks, Hardy only added to the sack accolades he has recorded. Already the active leader in sacks, Hardy possesses skills unlike many other. Standing at 6’4″ 265 lbs, Hardy is the top pass rusher in the SEC. With crazy speed and athleticism, Hardy could easily top this list if he can stay on the field. Nursing a foot injury last season, Hardy had trouble getting on the field. If he can stay healthy and play every game this season look for the Rebels to make a run at a national championship. “The Sack Assassin,” as I like to call him, Hardy is second on my list.

3. Sergio Kindle, DE, Texas- Playing outside linebacker last season, Kindle, who could also play running back, was converted to defensive end to make up for the loss of star pass rusher Brian Orakpo. Defensive coordinator Will Muschamp is hoping Kindle can provide that same fire coming off the right end. At 6’4″ 242, Kindle also is speedy running a 4.5, and will be counted on to anchor a defense that looks to take the nation by storm. Just coming off a car accident where Kindle ran into an apartment, the senior must be responsible on and off the field to lead this Longhorns D.

4. Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida- Along with MLB Brandon Spikes, Dunlap helped lead a Gators defense that was one of the best in the country. Running kicks back in high school, Dunlap has athleticism unlike any other. Getting around the line with ease, the senior compiled 9.5 sacks a year ago. Urban Meyer has all the confidence in the world when he sends Dunlap onto the field and there is good reason. Also running a 4.5, Dunlap gets great pressure on the passer which forces errant passes. With a great secondary and linebacker corps, Dunlap is the best defensive end on the Florida defense and will have another strong season that could include 12+ sacks.

5. Thaddeus Gibson, DE, Ohio State- Gibson, also a converted linebacker, was the sack leader for the Buckeyes a season ago and should only improve. As a sophomore, Gibson didn’t start every game but still compiled five sacks. An improving run defender, Gibson does whatever possible to get better. Sacking Colt McCoy twice in the Fiesta Bowl, Gibson showed his great potential. Also at 6’3″ 245 lbs, Gibson is a stud and the nation will soon know his name. Thaddeus means “Courageous Heart,” and this young man has it, coming from a rough area in Euclid, Ohio, and will give just that to a defense led by the line.

6. Antonio Coleman, DE, Auburn- In the midst of a dissapointing 5-7 season, Coleman was a force on the Tiger defense. Racking up six sacks, Coleman was one of the top defensive ends in the SEC. Having three of the top six defensive ends, Coleman is another one of the athletic beasts in a conference that has a surplus. At 6’3″ 257 lbs, Coleman is a man of muscle that will help Gene Chizik’s transition into the head coaching position. Coleman is also a senior and will  likely be in the first round in a 2010 draft that will have many great players selected.

7. George Selvie, DE, South Florida- Coming off a junior year where Selvie had a relatively dissapointing season only racking up 5.5 sacks, Selvie wil have to improve this year if the Bulls want to win the Big East. At 6’4″ 245 lbs, Selvie has been a beast all four years on campus. Causing problems for the Big East, Selvie will likely rebound this season and lead a tough South Florida defense. Selvie needs to be consistent this season to move up and if he can, Selvie may be one of seven defensive ends taken in the first round in next year’s draft. Racking up tackles at ease in 2007, Selvie must continue the solid production in order to get a better signing bonus.