|
By Frank Coyle Special to SportsLine
|
Oct. 7, 1999
This year's group of outside linebackers features several blue chip players who may hold the key to the national title in their big-play ability.
Penn State's LaVar Arrington has the ability to take over and dominate games and has several key games scheduled over the second half of the season which will present an opportunity for him to shine in big-game situations. He could be a factor in the Heisman Trophy race with an impressive close to the '99 season. Michigan CB Charles Woodson set the precedent for defenders in the Heisman race two years ago when he won the coveted award in an incredible display of defensive play.
Corey Moore has been the catalyst for the Hokies of Virginia Tech to field one of the toughest defenses in the nation over the first half of the year. His ability to come off the corner as an edge pass rusher has harassed every opposing passer this season. The Hokies are in a position to run the table this season and receive a bid to the Sugar Bowl which matches the No.1 vs. the No. 2 clubs for the national title.
1. LaVar Arrington, Penn State
2. Corey Moore, Virginia Tech
3. Raynoch Thompson, Tennessee
4. Na'il Diggs, Ohio State
5. Julian Peterson, Michigan State
6. Sekou Sanyika, California
7. Keith Bulluck, Syracuse
8. John Abraham, South Carolina
9. Roylin Bradley, Texas A&M
10. Lester Towns, Washington
11. Orantes Grant, Georgia
12. Matt Beck , California
Coyle, a full-time NFL scout, has published Draft Insiders' Digest, an NFL Draft and free agency publication for the last 9 years.
He attends practices, games and individual workouts across the country as well as breaking down game films to study the nation's top players. He writes for numerous pro weeklies on the NFL Draft and free agency in addition to game matchups and player profiles.
Coyle attends NFL mini-camps in May and June and numerous training camps throughout the summer. He is a frequent guest on sports talk shows from coast-to-coast, and has also been a personnel consultant to several NFL teams in recent years.
Penn State's LaVar Arrington is a Heisman Trophy contender. (AP)
Junior, 6-2, 235, Junior
Gifted defender has shown rare skills over the past two seasons with the ability to make impact plays in any aspect of play.
Senior, 6-0, 230
Lightning quick defender has been a force off the edge as a pass rusher with a fast first step and a relentless pursuit of the passer.
Senior, 6-2, 220
Fast outside backer has been a sideline-to-sideline defender over the last three seasons showing the ability to chase and cover and make big plays.
Junior, 6-3, 235
Talented junior defender has all the skills to be a one of the elite players for next spring's NFL Draft.
Senior, 6-4, 240
Big play defender has played both linebacker and defensive end and has been a key performer as a pass rusher on the Spartans tough defense.
Cal's Sekou Sanyika is a polished defender. (Allsport)
Senior, 6-3, 235
Athletic linebacker has been one of the most complete defenders on the west coast over his career with the ability to play every aspect of defense well.
Senior, 6-3, 225
Hard-hitting defender has been one of the most productive linebackers over the past three seasons combining speed and power to be one of the top Big East performers over that time.
Senior, 6-4, 245
Tough defender has been a stellar performer for the Gamecocks despite their poor record, showing quickness off the corner as a rusher and strong run support.
Junior, 6-1, 225
Fast junior defender has been a force off the corner as a pass rusher and a performer who has carried on the Aggies impressive wrecking crew tradition.
Senior, 6-2, 235
Athletic linebacker has played both inside and outside and shows the speed to make plays at the sidelines and drop in coverage.
Senior, 6-1, 220
Quick outside defender has been a reliable performer for the Bulldogs showing the ability to cover backs and fill the hole in run support.
Senior, 6-3, 235
Savvy veteran defender has been one of the steadiest linebackers in the nation over his career displaying sure tackling and fine instincts.