CSD Mag Positional Rankings: Defensive Line
Over the past month or so, I’ve rolled out 15 “teasers” for the CSD Mag (if you missed any, you can find them all under the football tab) Now, it’s time to start rolling out the full thing, starting with my “positional rankings” The categories for these are: QB, RB, WR, OL, DL, LB, DB, and ST (Special Teams). They will be released in that order.
All stats via sports-reference.com, and all recruiting rankings via 247sports.com
CSD Mag Defensive Line Unit Rankings
#1 – Clemson
Clemson has led the NCAA in tackles for loss ever year since 2013, and I don’t see that stopping any time soon. In 2016, the Tigers gave up just 3.7 yards per carry, and sacked the opposing quarterback 49 times. DT Christian Wilkins will contend for a spot on the All-American team, and former end Dexter Lawerence should too. The 6’5″, 340 pound sophomore will shift inside after a big season in 2016. The defending national champs also bring back run stopper Clelin Ferrell and pass-rusher Austin Bryant.
#2 – Ohio State
Ohio State returns pretty much everybody from a defensive line that was among the best in the nation last season against the run, allowing just 3.4 yards per carry. Tyquan Lewis, last year’s Big Ten Defensive POTY returns for his senior season, as well as sack machine Sam Hubbard and Nick Bosa, who was the #1 defensive end in the class of 2016. Those three, as well as veteran Jalyn Holmes, make up what is probably the best group of edge rushers in the country.
#3 – Florida State
Florida State led the country in sacks last year, getting behind the opponent’s line a remarkable 3.9 times per game. They do lose DeMarcus Walker from the unit, Walker led the Seminoles in allowing just 3.6 yards per carry. Josh Sweat will step into Walker’s role at weak-side D-End. The five-star recruit sacked the opposing quarterback seven times last year, and his fellow edge rusher will be Brian Burns, who got behind the line of scrimmage for a sack 8.5 times.
#4 – Alabama
Of course Alabama finds it’s way onto this list. The Tide have dominated defense ever since Nick Saban took over in Tuscaloosa. Alabama definitley has the best defensive line depth in the country, with 11 four or five star players jockeying for playing time. The unit is led by five-star junior Da’Ron Payne, who was one of the key pieces to ‘Bama’s #1 ranked run defense last year. Da’Shawn Hand is another five-star that should start alongside Payne and JuCo transfer Isaiah Buggs.
#5 – Miami
The ‘Canes allowed just 3.4 yards per carry last year, and reached the opposing quarterback 37 times. Miami doesn’t have a clear-cut star on the defensive line, but Mark Richt’s squad has a plethora of high-three and four star to work with to make Miami into a force to be reckoned with again this year, as they lose zero starters from last years line.
#6 – North Carolina State
#7 – Michigan
#8 – Utah
#9 – Georgia
#10 – Boston College
#11 – Florida
#12 – LSU
#13 – Washington
#14 – Kansas State
#15 – Auburn
#16 – Penn State
#17 – Wisconsin
#18 – Houston
#19 – Iowa
#20 – Texas
#21 – Wake Forest
#22 – USC
#23 – Ole Miss
#24 – Virginia Tech
#25 – Washington State