By: JC Nevils
After a decade of hibernation, the highly anticipated video game is
finally making its comeback this summer. With that has come
numerous wish lists along with predictions of what will be new in
the game. After revealing the offensive side a week ago, I will now
predict the highest rated players at each position defensively, whom
no matter who you’re playing against will give you a shot to win.
Let’s get started.
1. S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
The Alabama transfer is by far the best safety in the entire
country. As a true freshman he amassed 107 tackles, two
interceptions, one forced fumble, and one recovery, which led to
first-team All-SEC honors as well as SEC Freshman of the Year.
He’ll be just as good as a Buckeye.
All-American safety Caleb Downs has his black stripe removed!
“Thank y’all for accepting me here, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Go Bucks!”
The superstar sophomore is now “officially” a Buckeye! pic.twitter.com/7yQYRdUvxq
— The Silver Bulletin (@tSilverBulletin) March 26, 2024
2. CB Travis Hunter, Colorado
Not only is Travis Hunter the best defensive back in the
nation, but he may just be one of the best wide receivers as well.
The dual threat playmaker is an extraordinary athlete, whom only a
few, if any, can pull off. Look for him to be a Jim Thorpe Award finalist
and early pick in next year’s draft.
Never seen a CB turn into a WR like Travis Hunter on this play vs Omarion Miller 🔥
🎥 : @KingDarius_NS pic.twitter.com/JqWd8Pgt74
— We Coming 🦬 (@SkoBuffsGoBuffs) March 21, 2024
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3. LB Harold Perkins, LSU
The top linebacker spot goes to Mr. Harold Perkins. The talent
oozes off of the screen immediately when you turn on an LSU
game. His Freshman year may have been a tad bit better, but only
because he was asked to do more in coverage, in which he also
starred. He had a PFF coverage grade that was ranked top-15 among
all Power Five linebackers. Look for him to be a menace off of the
edge as he was his first season.
This hit by Harold Perkins 😲😬@LSUfootball pic.twitter.com/axiFDXadMx
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 9, 2023
4. EDGE James Pearce Jr, Tennessee
While only playing sparingly his first season on campus,
he most certainly broke onto the scene as a true sophomore. Not
many around the country knew of him except for Vol Nation, but I
don’t think they even expected this type of play this quickly. He
finished 2023 with 27 tackles, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and an
interception for a score. The versatile edge rusher will undoubtedly
be someone to lookout for as a top pick in next year’s NFL draft.
James Pearce Jr. beats the over-setting blocker inside with the club swim. Pearce Jr. doesn’t lose contain after winning inside & gets the sack! #passrush #rockytop pic.twitter.com/WgUUCkpqTT
— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) September 3, 2023
5. DL Howard Cross III, Notre Dame
While not being the biggest in size coming in at only 6-1, 284
pounds, he makes up for it with his explosiveness along with
experience, as he his going into his sixth season. Cross III simply
dominates his opponent. He tied for second among all defensive
tackles in run-defense stops with 29 while ranking fifth with 39
pressures. He gives off Aaron Donald vibes in my eyes as a prospect.
Ascending @NDFootball DT Howard Cross III has get-off & short-area maneuverability to “win early” when shaded as one-gap penetrator.
A couple physical traits that allow @HowardCrossIII to make plays like this👇are his great ankle flexibility & balance.
Cross has smaller-man… pic.twitter.com/YCYrkcZhN0
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_Sooners) October 2, 2023