Heisman Trophy 2018: 5 defensive players who could spoil the party

By Dana Becker | Dec 12, 2017

LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 14: Defensive lineman Nick Bosa #97 of the Ohio State Buckeyes rushes offensive lineman Brenden Jaimes #76 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers* of the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) /

Washington State is known for the “Air Raid” offense under the direction of Mike Leach, but the success the Cougars had this past season was in large part to an improved defense.

And leading that unit was lineman Hercules Mata’afa.

Mata’afa was honored within the Pac-12 by being named to both the first team as a defensive tackle and defensive end. The 6-2, 252-pounder had 21.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks this year in 10 games.

Overall, the junior recorded 43 tackles, including eight solo stops and three sacks in a win over Utah late in the season.

The Hawaiian also had 2.5 sacks vs. Nevada and two sacks vs. California.

Washington State and Mata’afa will try to contain the Michigan State offense when the two collide in the Holiday Bowl.

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