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Midseason First and Second Team All-American Projections

By Zach Bigalke

Oct 22, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball against North Carolina State Wolfpack linebacker Airius Moore (58) during the first quarter at Papa John
Oct 22, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball against North Carolina State Wolfpack linebacker Airius Moore (58) during the first quarter at Papa John /
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Oct 15, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) is tackled by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) and defensive back Bryce Lewis (30) during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) is tackled by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) and defensive back Bryce Lewis (30) during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

ILB: Zach Cunningham (Vanderbilt)

Zach Cunningham has become the face of the Vanderbilt defense, helping bring a team that has gone 7-17 over the past two seasons to at least .500-level ball. After notching 103 total tackles in 2015, Cunningham already has 85 this season. The redshirt junior ranks sixth nationally in tackles for loss per game. But his biggest play so far this year was this stop for no gain that preserved a win against Georgia:

Cunningham recovered a fumble in the season opener against South Carolina, though it wasn’t enough to spark a victory. But for a player that has one last chance at making a bowl game before his NFL career begins, Cunningham is doing everything in his power to elevate the Commodores. His All-American level of play is a big reason why Vanderbilt is playing better than it has since Derek Mason took over for James Franklin.

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