**2008 All-American Defense**

**Defensive Ends-

George Selvie- (rJR. South Florida, 6-4 242lbs.)- The USF “Bull’s” rusher threw down the opposition in 07′ on his way to a 14.5 sack season. His size might be a little more suited for the LB position at the next level but it has yet to stop this tackle machine in college. While Terrell Suggs’ 24 sacks at Arizona State his junior year will probably never be duplicated, Selvie could at least make it interesting.

Tyson Jackson- (rSR. LSU, 6-5 295lbs.)- Had a bit of a down 2007 campaign, however, Jackson’s sack and forced fumble in the BCS National Championship game reminded the nation of his serious potential. With LSU losing defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, Les Miles is counting on a monster season from the Edgard, Louisiana native.

**Defensive Tackles-

Terrance Taylor- (SR. Michigan, 6-0 318lbs.)- If there is one defensive player to be featured for the Wolverines in 08′, it will be their star in the three-point stance. Taylor is one of the few returning names for new coach Rich Rodriguez and how well he plays could determine Michigan’s ability to stop the run against backs such as Wisconsin’s PJ Hill and Ohio State’s Chris Wells.

Geno Atkins- (JR. Georgia, 6-1 290lbs.)- While battery mate Jeff Owens also had a eye-opening season in 2007, it is Atkins who has the athleticism and knowhow to potentially be the SEC”s top defensive lineman on a real BCS championship contender. The team’s Defensive Newcomer of the Year Award winner could have 10 sacks at season’s end and 50+ tackles.

**Linebackers-

James Laurinaitis- (SR. Ohio State, 6-2 240lbs.)- Fans in Columbus are looking to an add acronym, maybe TBD”LB”TL, to the Buckeye dictionary after the three-year career already put together by Laurinaitis. A Bronco Nagurski and Dick Butkus Award winner in consecutive years, can he win them both in his senior season? Will he help capture the championship which has avoided Columbus? Two big questions to watch from now until January.

Rey Maualuga- (SR. USC, 6-2 260lbs.)- An absolute disaster for opposing offenses with his great frame and lateral skills, this Rose Bowl MVP winner is set to keep PAC-10 teams off the scoreboard by knocking down any threat in the middle of gridiron. Sept. 13th vs. Ohio State will be a true test of how far he has come in his time at Southern California.

Sean Weatherspoon- (JR. Missouri, 6-1 235lbs.)- While quarterback Chase Daniel and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin get all the press in Columbia, this Tiger quietly racked up 127 tackles, three sacks, eight pass break-ups and an All-Big 12 selection on his way to helping Missouri capture the 07′ Cotton Bowl. He might not have the recognition of the two linebackers listed before him but his season could be just as special and to his team he is just as important.

**Cornerbacks-

Malcolm Jenkins- (SR. Ohio State, 6-0 198lbs.)- From little known New Jersey product to All-American, Jenkins has certainly come a long way in the scarlet and gray. His four interceptions, including one in the national championship, are a prime example of his knowledge of the position and ability to read the quarterback from beyond the line of scrimmage. OSU’s biggest weakness in the previous two title games was their secondary, Jenkins will need to be the anchor for another chance at the glass hardware.

Vontae Davis- (JR. Illinois, 6-0 204lbs.)- Who knew the top two corners in the nation would come from Middle-America? Davis is a shutdown back and a pure stud on an emerging presence in college football. With the heavy losses to the Illini secondary, the junior will be asked to add onto his 76 tackles, four interceptions and eight pass break-ups compiled last year but with his skill-set it should not be a problem.

**Safeties-

Myron Rolle- (JR. Florida State 6-2 218lbs.)- After a scary-good freshman season, Rolle’s encore season was simply above-average for a player of his talents. A true ball-hawk with linebacker type strength and corner speed, he is the future of NFL secondary players. The soul of the Seminoles’ defense will return to form and could win ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Nic Harris- (SR. Oklahoma, 6-3 226lbs.)- For some reason he just sounds like a prototypical Oklahoma defensive star and thankfully for the Sooners he has the stats to back it up. Harris can do a lot of good things at the strong safety position and with a full season under his belt, he will turn a lot of heads in some big-time games.

**Punter-

Kevin Huber- (SR. Cincinnati, 6-2 224lbs.)- This kid can kick the living daylights out of the ball. He averaged 47 yards per punt, put 20 inside the 20-yard line and crushed 25 for 50-yards or more. The punter is an overlooked position at the college game and his leg will be a big part of the Bearcats’ success in 2008.