The interior of the trenches are where many games are won in college football. On the defensive side of the ball, whether it’s stuff the run or collapse the pocket, DTs can have a massive effect on the outcome of the game. These are some of the best interior linemen in football. Without further ado, here are the Top 10 DTs in the ACC for 2019.
1. Tanner Karafa – Boston College
Karafa returning gives the Eagles a senior leader on the D-Line to help the younger players develop. Last season, Karafa had 47 tackles, 4 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss. The 6’3″ 290-pound senior has a good combination of size & quickness.
2. Marvin Wilson – Florida State
Big Marv was a bright spot for the Noles in 2018. Last season he had 42 Tackles, 3.5 sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss and 2 PBUs. He’s the type of player who will draw a lot of double teams & open up space for other players. At 6’5″ and 320 lbs with elite talent, Wilson has a chance to be a 1st round pick in the NFL Draft.
3. Larrell Murchison – NC State
Murchison is a senior who’s a leader on the Wolfpack defensive line. Last season, he had 34 tackles, 4 sacks, 8 tackles for loss, 2 PBUs and 1 interception. The Wolfpack have been known over the past few years for developing defensive linemen, and you can add Murchison to that list. Expect another big season in 2019.
4. Eli Hanback – Virginia
Hanback is a huge 6’4″ 300 pounder who’s also a tackling machine and run stopper. Last season, he had 46 tackles, 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss. Hanback often draws double teams, which opens up lanes for the talented Hoos linebackers to make plays.
5. Pat Bethel – Miami
Bethel is quick and twitchy for a defensive tackle. Last season, he had 23 tackles, 2 sacks and 6 tackles for loss. Expect the senior to put up bigger numbers in 2019, as the Canes will need a lot of production from him.
6. Aaron Crawford – UNC
Crawford is back in 2019 after his 2018 season only consisted of 1 game. He has 78 tackles in his career, 4 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. He’s a run stopper and will help the Tar Heels D-Line tremendously this season.
7. Derrick Tangelo – Duke
Tangelo is an underrated player and the Blue Devils D-Line as a whole is under the radar. Last season Tangelo had 46 tackles, 1.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss.
8. Sulaiman Kamara – Wake Forest
Kamara made a big impact for the Demon Deacons in 2018. While his stats won’t do him justice and show how much of an impact he made, he clogged up the middle & was good vs the run. He had 28 tackles & 1.5 tackles for loss last season.
9. Amir Watts – Pittsburgh
Watts is one of those players who has a big impact on the game even though the stat sheet doesn’t always show it. He’s a run stuffer & often draws double teams. Last season, he had 18 tackles and 3 tackles for loss.
10. Nyles Pinckney – Clemson
Pinckney has patiently waited for his opportunity. This season as a starter he will get to showcase his skills. Last season he had 26 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 4 QB hits. This season, expect 35+ tackles and at least 3 sacks.
Just Missed
- Jarrod Hewitt – Virginia Tech
- Jordan Williams – Clemson
- Corey Durden – Florida St
- GG Robinson – Louisville
- Jaylen Twyman – Pittsburgh
