The Most Difficult Players to Replace in 2013: Defensive Edition
By Kyle Kensing
October 27, 2012; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive end Dion Jordan (96) pre game warm up against the Colorado Buffaloes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Names assuredly announced in month’s NFL draft leave sizable voids on their former college rosters. Coaches left to replace the below group are faced with somehow duplicating the efforts turnover-creating play makers, aggressive blitzers and uniquely gifted stars. These are the most difficult players to replace on the defensive end in 2013.
Khaseem Greene, LB, Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers boasted a 14.2 point-per-game scoring defense in 2012. Only Alabama, Notre Dame and BYU were better. Khaseem Greene was the driving force powering the Scarlet Knights with 136 tackles. He also forced six fumbles.
Greene’s tenacity and ball carrier pursuit abilities have garnered the linebacker plenty of attention from NFL scouts as moves closer to draft day.
Travis Johnson, DE, San Jose State Spartans
An uptempo offense highlighted San Jose State’s downright shocking run to 11 wins and a Top 25 ranking, but the Spartans also employed an impressive defense. With Travis Johnson bringing heat on the rush, the Spartans were No. 21 in tackles for loss and had the No. 24 scoring defense.
Johnson was responsible for 13 sacks and 21.5 of SJSU’s 92 tackles for loss.
Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia loses a lot on the defensive end, but All-American linebacker Jarvis Jones Jones was a monster rushing off the edges and making opposing, would-be blockers look downright silly.
Jones led the nation in sacks (14.5), tackles for loss (24.5) and fumbles forced (7).
Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon Ducks
An athlete like Dion Jordan is rare. At 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, Jordan has great college defensive end size. But running a 4.6-second 40-yard dash, Jordan has speed like a defensive back.
His multifaceted skill set allowed him to play all over the field for an Oregon defense that ranked 25th in points allowed. Such a versatile play maker is transcendent.
Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah Utes
Star Lotulelei anchored the Utah defense from the defensive line. Last season was Lotulelei’s best. He made 10 tackles for loss and five sacks.
While his statistics were not the gaudiest, Lotulelei did his job to the utmost. Opposing coaches were forced to tailor their blocking game plans around Lotulelei. His foot speed at 6-foot-4, 330 pounds is unlike most players his size.
Kevin Minter, LSU Tigers
Oct 20, 2012; College Station, TX, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Kevin Minter (46) tackles Texas A
LSU loses a bevy of defensive talent to the NFL in this month’s draft, including Barkevious Mingo and Sam Montgomery. However, Kevin Minter’s presence might be the most difficult for John Chavis to replace in 2013. LSU is a factory for defensive talent, but Minter stepped up to another level in 2012.
Minter was one of the most active ball pursuit linebackers in all of college football last season, racking up 130 tackles. He also provided pressure with 10 tackles for loss.
Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Heisman Trophy runner-up Manti Te’o may have suffered a challenging few months, but that doesn’t erase his four years of production in South Bend.
Te’o earned his spot on the stage of the Downtown Athletic Club with his third consecutive season of at least 113 tackles, and was among the nation’s leaders in interceptions with seven. Beyond his numbers, Te’o was an on-field leader for the one of the best defenses in college football.
Phillip Thomas, S, Fresno State Bulldogs
Fresno State won a share of the Mountain West Conference championship, thanks largely to one of the best turnover differentials in college football. Phillip Thomas was a one-man turnover creating machine in the Bulldog secondary.
His eight interceptions led the FBS, and he forced another four fumbles. Thomas’ departure for the NFL leaves a huge void in the Fresno State defense.