Joel Klatt's Midseason Top Five Defensive Players for the College Football Defensive Player of the Year Award
Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt has revealed his midseason picks for the top five defensive players in college football, with a special focus on the Defensive Player of the Year contenders. Klatt's list is a snapshot of the best defensive players through the first half of the season, and it's sure to change as the season progresses. But for now, here's his top five, along with a brief explanation of why each player deserves consideration for the prestigious award.
- Rueben Bain, DL - Miami Hurricanes
Bain is having a career year, leading a stacked Miami defense. With 26 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception, one pass deflection, and one forced fumble, Bain is a force to be reckoned with. At this pace, he's a strong contender for the Defensive Player of the Year award.
- Arvell Reese, LB - Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State defense was already stacked last year, and Reese has stepped up to the challenge, rising to the level of Caleb Downs in the secondary. With 38 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and two pass deflections, Reese is a menace to opposing offenses and a strong candidate for the award.
- Cashius Howell, DE - Texas A&M Aggies
Howell is a versatile player who can do it all, from defensive line to linebacker to edge rusher. With 14 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and eight sacks this season, Howell is a dominant force and a serious contender for the Defensive Player of the Year award.
- David Bailey, LB - Texas Tech Red Raiders
Bailey is playing the best football of his career after transferring from Stanford. With 18 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, and two forced fumbles, Bailey is a strong candidate for the award and a key player for the Red Raiders.
- Caleb Downs, S - Ohio State Buckeyes
Downs is arguably the best defensive back in the country, leading a dominant Ohio State defense alongside Reese. With 28 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one interception, Downs is a challenge for any quarterback and a strong contender for the Defensive Player of the Year award.
These players are making a strong case for the Defensive Player of the Year award, and as the season progresses, the list of contenders will likely change. But for now, these five players are at the top of their game and deserve recognition for their outstanding defensive performances.
