Ranking the Top 10 SEC Defensive Tackles Entering the 2015 College Football Season

Oct 11, 2014; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats defensive tackle Melvin Lewis (90) safety A.J. Stamps (1) and linebacker Josh Forrest (45) tackle Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks running back Kaylon Watson (37) in the first half at Commonwealth Stadium. Kentucky defeated Louisiana-Monroe 48-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

After redshirting in 2013 and fighting his way up, the tackle from Compton, Calif. has worked for and earned everything he got. It showed in 2013 with 14 solo tackles and his involvement in 37 tackles overall along with a forced fumble and two and a half tackles for a loss.

Those stats do not seem amazing, but Lewis’s rapid development and physical advantages as a 6’4″ 320 pound lineman who runs a sub-five second 40 time should position him very nicely to be an elite tackle for the Wildcats going into this year.

If he can meet those expectations, Kentucky’s defense should dramatically improve, which would put them in a bowl game this year.

Unfortunately, the rest of the defense has to step up to help out somewhat, and that has been a major problem up to this point. If Lewis can’t get any help, Kentucky will still be in trouble.

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7

Melvin Lewis

Senior, Kentucky Wildcats

Given Kentucky’s significant struggles on defense throughout the season, the emergence of Melvin Lewis at defensive tackle somewhat flew under the radar.

But he is the main tackle for the Wildcats and Mark Stoops now coming out of the spring, and for good reason.

After redshirting in 2013 and fighting his way up, the tackle from Compton, Calif. has worked for and earned everything he got. It showed in 2013 with 14 solo tackles and his involvement in 37 tackles overall along with a forced fumble and two and a half tackles for a loss.

Those stats do not seem amazing, but Lewis’s rapid development and physical advantages as a 6’4″ 320 pound lineman who runs a sub-five second 40 time should position him very nicely to be an elite tackle for the Wildcats going into this year.

If he can meet those expectations, Kentucky’s defense should dramatically improve, which would put them in a bowl game this year.

Unfortunately, the rest of the defense has to step up to help out somewhat, and that has been a major problem up to this point. If Lewis can’t get any help, Kentucky will still be in trouble.

Next: #6: Christian LaCouture; LSU