There is a lot of talent in college football that flies under the radar. And that definitely applies to Conference USA. These are the top defensive lineman in Conference USA:
1. DE DeAngelo Malone – WKU
Malone is an amazing player who’s one of the top returning players in college football. In his career he has totaled 184 tackles, 31 tackles for a loss, 18.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 interception.
2. DE Keion White – Old Dominion
White was a 2-star tight end recruit who has transitioned to one of the top defensive ends in college football with major NFL potential. White is 6’4″ 270 pounds and hard to handle for offensive linemen. In his career he has had 62 tackles, 19 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble.
3. DE Jacques Turner – Southern Miss
Turner has been extremely productive in his CFB career. He’s totaled 99 Tackles, 30.5 Tackles for Loss, 15 Sacks and he’s forced 3 fumbles.
4. DE Leighton McCarthy – FAU
McCarthy is a LB/DE hybrid player who is versatile and extremely productive. In his career he has totaled 119 tackles, 22.5 tackles for a loss, 10.5 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble.
5. DE Markees Watts – Charlotte
Watts has been a big time playmaker for the 49ers. In his career he has made 65 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks, and has 3 forced fumbles
6. DE Darius Hodge – Marshall
Hodge has impressed me in his first two seasons. He is quick off the edge and constantly in backfields. In his career he’s made 54 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss, and has 9 sacks.
7. NT Dion Novil – North Texas
Novil is one of the top nose tackles in college football who people don’t mention enough. In his career he has made 98 tackles, 20 tackles for a loss, 4 sacks, and 3 pass breakups.
8. DE Juwuan Jones – WKU
Jones is a 6’3″ and 270 pound edge rusher who’s been great for the Hilltoppers. In his career he has totaled 98 tackles, 18.5 tackles for a loss, 12 sacks, 2 pass breakups and 1 forced fumble.
9. DE Willie Baker – LA Tech
Baker has 86 tackles, 21 tackles for a loss, and 7 sacks in his career.
10. DT Milton Williams – LA Tech
Williams had a huge season in 2019 with 59 tackles, 9 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries.
11. DT Jaylon Haynes – UTSA
Haynes has been very productive for the Roadrunners. In his career he has totaled 61 tackles, 14.5 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks, 2 pass breakups, and has 2 forced fumbles.
12. DT Juwan Ross – Old Dominion
Ross is an underrated player who’s been consistent for the Monarchs. In his career he has totaled 53 tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.
13. DT Noah Curtis – FIU
Curtis is a tackling machine. In his career he’s totaled 96 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, and 3.5 sacks.
14. DE Praise Amaewhule – UTEP
Amaewhule had a breakout season in 2019 as a freshman. He totaled 28 tackles, 3 sacks, 5.5 tackles for a loss, and 3 QB hits. He is certainly a name to remember.
