College Football's Top Returning Defensive Players

Filed in archive College Football on April 11, 2008

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We've gone over some of the best offensive players that are returning to the college gridiron next season, so now let's turn our attention over to a few of the best defensive players that you'll see during the 2008 college campaign.

George Selvie, South Florida: Selvie wreaked havoc from the DE position during his sophomore year, as he was second in NCAA football with 14.5 sacks. He also led the nation with an astounding 31.5 tackles for loss, or nearly 2.5 per game. That number is even more amazing considering he only had 58 total tackles all season.

Maurice Evans, Penn State: A d-lineman, Evans had a great sophomore campaign for the Nittany Lions. He was sixth in the nation and second in the Big 10 with 21.5 tackles for loss, eighth in the nation and third in his conference with 12.5 sacks, and fourth in the country and second in the Big 10 with 5 forced fumbles.

William Moore, Missouri: Moore is one of the leading returning safeties in America. His 8 interceptions led the Big 12 and ranked seventh in the country. He was among the top 30 in the country with 9 tackles for loss and was eighth in his conference with 115 tackles.

Greg Middleton, Indiana: Like Selvie, DE Middleton spent a lot of time in opposing backfields, earning the distinction of leading all of NCAA football with 16 sacks, and was among the top 25 with 17 tackles for loss.

Brandon Spikes, Florida: At linebacker, Spikes was second in the SEC with 131 total tackles, sixth in the conference with 16 tackles for loss and showed his versatility by defending 7 passes.

Jan Jorgenson, BYU: Defensive lineman Jorgenson had a great year, leading the Mountain West in sacks with 13.5 (fifth in the nation) and tackles for loss with 20 (twelfth in the nation).