0 of 3
Icon Sportswire/Getty Images
Many factors would dictate how to build the perfect defense for the 2022 college football season.
One thing is inarguable, though: Alabama edge-rusher Will Anderson Jr. is the first name in the lineup.
Beyond shaping the personnel around Anderson, this exercise has a variety of important questions. Do you prefer a three- or four-man front? Are you selling out to build an elite pass-stopping group or run-stuffing unit, or is high-end balance the priority?
To some degree, we’re side-stepping a few direct answers by including 13 players. After all, no defense only relies on 11 starters for every personnel grouping and game situation.
The choices are naturally subjective. But we’re assembling a defense that aims for balance—a unit that can contain any offense, no matter its talent or scheme.
1 of 3
Steph Chambers/Getty Images
Edge: Will Anderson Jr., Alabama
As a sophomore, Anderson set an (official) FBS record with 34.5 tackles for loss and registered an FBS-best 17.5 sacks. In addition to securing the Nagurski Award and unanimous All-American honors, Anderson finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting. He’s an elite defender in every situation.
DT: Jalen Carter, Georgia
Jordan Davis garnered most of the attention on Georgia’s defensive line in 2021, but Jalen Carter had a fantastic year, too. He collected 37 tackles with 8.5 for loss and three sacks, showcasing his impact as a high-level run-stopper and pass-rusher.
DT: Bryan Bresee, Clemson
Bryan Bresee is more of a projection than an established star. That’s because a torn left ACL limited him to four appearances in 2021. However, Bresee has 9.5 takedowns for loss and 5.5 sacks in 16 career games.
Edge: Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Washington
Bresee will be returning from an injury, and Zion Tupuola-Fetui did the same in 2021. He notched seven sacks in a four-game 2020 campaign, but a torn left Achilles sidelined him until October and ultimately disrupted the entire year. Tupuola-Fetui’s upside is worth the risk, especially with the versatility in our group of linebackers.
2 of 3
Adrian Kraus/Associated Press
OLB: Nolan Smith, Georgia
If you have concerns about Tupuola-Fetui, consider Nolan Smith the straightforward replacement. Though he isn’t as dynamic of a pass-rusher, Smith is extremely dependable in run support. He amassed 56 stops with 10 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks, also forcing three fumbles for national champion Georgia in 2021.
ILB: Noah Sewell, Oregon
The brother of former Oregon standout Penei Sewell, Noah Sewell seems destined for All-American honors of his own. During the shortened 2020 season, he provided 45 tackles with 6.5 for loss in seven games. Last year, Sewell amassed 114 stops with 8.5 in the backfield and four sacks, adding five pass breakups and two forced fumbles. He’s an absolute rock in the middle of the defense.
ILB: Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington
The same goes for Edefuan Ulofoshio. Yes, he’s totaled only 10 appearances over the last two years because of the pandemic and an arm injury. Despite that, he’s racked up 98 stops, and you don’t need a third hand to count the number of tackles he’s missed. Ulofoshio is as reliable as middle linebackers get.
OLB: Trenton Simpson, Clemson
Trenton Simpson is an elite athlete in a linebacker’s frame. He tallied 6.5 stops for loss and four sacks as a true freshman in 2020, then posted 12 tackles for loss and six sacks last season. Simpson would be especially valuable in pass-rushing situations.
3 of 3
Harry How/Getty Images
CB: Eli Ricks, Alabama
As a true freshman in 2020, Eli Ricks snagged an LSU-best four interceptions and returned two of them for touchdowns. Last year, opposing quarterbacks rarely even challenged the 6’2″ cornerback before a shoulder injury ended his season in October. Ricks has since transferred to Alabama.
CB: Clark Phillips III, Utah
Utah ceded 573 passing yards and six touchdowns to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. However, very little of that production can be attributed to Clark Phillips III, who enjoyed a breakout year in his first full college season. Phillips collected 62 tackles, two interceptions, 13 pass breakups and two forced fumbles.
NB: Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M
Though he could move to a more traditional safety role in 2022, Antonio Johnson has primarily aligned in the slot for Texas A&M so far. He finished second on the defense with 79 tackles last season and added 8.5 stops for loss and five pass breakups.
S: Jordan Battle, Alabama
It’s stunning that Jordan Battle elected to stay in college for another year. He’s an incredibly smart, hard-hitting safety who seemed ready for the NFL. Nevertheless, the Crimson Tide are undoubtedly thrilled to keep Battle, who accumulated 87 tackles and three interceptions with two pick-sixes in 2021.
S: Brandon Joseph, Notre Dame
Brandon Joseph didn’t garner as many headlines on a mediocre Northwestern team last season, but that should change in a major way in 2022. The ball-hawking safety left for Notre Dame, where he should immediately slot into the starting lineup. Joseph has recorded 132 tackles and nine interceptions over the last two years.
All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from NCAA.com, cfbstats.com or B/R research. Follow Bleacher Report CFB writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
