Top FBS True Freshmen DLs of 2019

It’s time for the 2019 Pypeline True Freshmen Defensive Linemen of the Year. These are players that stepped on campus and made an immediate impact with their team. With these guys wreaking havoc on the line, the future is bright for each of these teams.

Defensive Line

DE George Karlaftis – Purdue

Karlaftis was a big time recruit who decided to stay home. This season he had 54 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks. Next season, he will be among the best returning defensive players in CFB.

DE Kayvon Thibodeaux – Oregon

Thibodeaux was the #1 recruit in the 2019 class and lived up to the hype. This season he had 35 tackles, 14 TFL, 9 sacks, 3 pass breakups, and 1 forced fumble.

DE Drake Jackson – USC

Jackson was a bright spot for the Trojans this season. He had 46 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks. At 6’4″ 275 lbs, he has the size and athleticism to be a top DE in CFB next season.

DT Norell Pollard – Virginia Tech

Pollard, a 3 recruit from Florida, was one of the best True Freshman in CFB this season. He had 22 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 TD. Remember the name in 2020.

DE Tre’Shaun Clark – Liberty

Clark made a big impact in Lynchburg Va this season. He had 35 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 1 PBU, and 1 forced fumble. Bright future ahead for this young player.

DE Zach Harrison – Ohio State

Harrison, a 5 recruit, lived up to the hype when he had the opportunity this season. Harrison had 24 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks this season.

DE Tremon Morris-Brash – UCF

Morris-Brash was a big time pickup for the Knights, and he showed how much potential he has with his play this season. He had 25 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 FR, and 1 forced fumble.

DT Jowon Briggs – UVA

Briggs was a big pick-up for Bronco Mendenhall and the Hoos. This season in 6 games, he had 19 tackles, 3 TFL, and 1 sack. Expect 2020 to be a big breakout season for him.

DT Debraylon Carroll – Rice

I saw a lot of potential in Carroll, in limited action this season. He had 13 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 1 sack. He’s a run stuffer who will be a leader on the Owls defense in 2020.

DT D.J. Dale – Alabama

Dale played sparingly in 8 games this season. He provided a nice spark off the bench and this season prepared him for a bigger role next year. He had 17 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 1 sack in 2019.

DE Trace Ford – Oklahoma State

Ford had 29 tackles, 4 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF, and 4 pass breakups. He was disruptive and wreaked havoc all over the field.

DT Tyler Davis – Clemson

Davis made a HUGE impact for the Tigers this season. He had 42 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 2 pass breakups, and 1 fumble recovery.

DE Alex Wright – UAB

Wright is largely unknown by the casual CFB fan, but he’s a name everyone will soon learn. This season, he had 29 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 forced fumble.

Other Notable Defensive Linemen

DT Siaki Ika – LSU

7 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss

DT Zacch Pickens – South Carolina

16 tackles

DT Brett Johnson – California

26 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery.

DT Tru Thompson – Florida State

15 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack

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