The under-the-radar star on each Top 25 college football team

Posted on 4/17/19 at 12:17 am

Posted by AUFan2015

Oneonta, Alabama

Member since Oct 2013

1847 posts

Posted on 4/17/19 at 12:17 am

ESPN

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No. 2 Alabama: Defensive back Xavier McKinney

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If not for all the talk of Deionte Thompson being one of the best safeties in college football last season, we might not have overlooked McKinney so much. According to one NFL scout, McKinney actually projected as the better pro prospect. And for Alabama's secondary to make the improvement it needs, he'll have to make that outlook a reality. He has shown the ball skills and the ability to play in the box and stop the run. If he can do that consistently and provide a stabilizing force on defense, we could see a lot of the problems that came up against Clemson get solved. -- Alex Scarborough

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No. 4 Georgia: Linebacker Tae Crowder

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This is going to be a young but talented linebacker corps, and coach Kirby Smart is going to need Crowder to be the shepherd. As the projected starting Mike linebacker, the senior will be in charge of calling the entire defense. Last season, he racked up big plays with six tackles for loss and a pair of interceptions, but it's the week-in, week-out effort that Georgia needs. If he can provide leadership and help his younger teammates along, this could once again be one of the better defenses in college football. -- Scarborough

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No. 8 Florida: Linebacker David Reese II

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Ask those inside the Florida football facility for their most valuable player who gets no national pub and the easy answer is Reese. The quarterback on defense, his role as most indispensable was made clear in a loss to Kentucky early last season, when the Gators clearly missed not only his presence but his leadership. His 11-tackle performance in the win over LSU only solidified that premise. Over the past two seasons, he has a combined 179 tackles. -- Andrea Adelson

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No. 11 Texas A&M: Defensive lineman Justin Madubuike

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The Aggies took a huge step forward in run defense last season, and their depth and physicality at defensive tackle was a big reason for that. With some key players from that group gone (namely Kingsley Keke and Daylon Mack), it puts even more on the shoulders of a veteran such as Madubuike, who performed admirably in 2018. The physicality and attitude he brings inside is critical to the Aggies' success up front; he has been a consistent force for them. If he can continue that and get even better -- along with defensive tackle Bobby Brown III taking another step forward -- defensive coordinator Mike Elko, will be a happy camper. -- Sam Khan Jr.

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No. 12 LSU: Linebacker Michael Divinity Jr.

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Divinity is a proven talent, and it's why the Tigers tabbed him to move into All-American Devin White's old spot. Divinity lined up last season at outside linebacker, but with White gone, Divinity will take his skills inside -- at least most of the time. He has embraced the challenge this spring and taken some cues from his predecessor as he grows into the role. Divinity also will have chances to rush the passer from his old spot, because the Tigers don't want to take away one of his strengths. His success -- wherever he lines up -- is critical to the LSU defense this season. -- Khan

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No. 23 Auburn: Offensive lineman Prince Tega Wanogho

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A lot of Auburn's issues on offense trace back to the line. When it came to protecting the quarterback and opening up holes in the running game, there was a lot left to be desired. But the good news is that left tackle Wanogho is back, forgoing the NFL draft this offseason. If he can make strides, he could become a stabilizing force on the offensive line, making running back JaTarvious Whitlow that much better, while protecting the blind side of whoever the starting quarterback might be. -- Scarborough