Saturday Blitz
Fansided

SEC Football: Top 100 SEC players to watch in 2016

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
37 of 58
Next
Oct 25, 2014; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Russell Hansbrough (32) runs the ball as Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) makes the tackle during the second half at Faurot Field. Missouri won 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2014; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Russell Hansbrough (32) runs the ball as Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) makes the tackle during the second half at Faurot Field. Missouri won 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Zach Cunningham 2015 Season Statistics

  • Games Played: 12
  • Tackles: 103
  • Tackles for Loss: 16.5
  • Sacks: 4.5
  • Interceptions: 0
  • Pass Breakups: 3
  • Forced Fumbles: 4
  • Fumble Recoveries: 3
  • Notable: Named a First-Team All-SEC performer by both the Associated Press and the SEC coaches.

One of the most under-the-radar players in the Southeastern Conference, Vanderbilt inside linebacker Zach Cunningham is also one of the best defenders in the league.

Cunningham recorded 103 tackles, including 16.5 tackles for a loss (the most for a Commodores player since 1999), and 4.5 sacks to earn a spot on the All-SEC team. He also ranked No. 3 among SEC football players with four forced fumbles, and recovered three fumbles as well, which tied for the conference lead. At 6-foot-4 and 234 pounds, Cunningham is also athletic enough to contribute against the pass, and broke up three pass attempts in 2015.

Cunningham’s emergence was a major factor in Vanderbilt’s improvement defensively in 2015. After surrendering 33.3 points and 402 total yards of offense in 2014 (both of which lagged toward the bottom of the SEC leaderboard) the Commodores held opponents to 21 points and 350.5 total yards per game last year – both No. 6 in the league.

Next: Skai Moore

Home/Alabama Crimson Tide