In football, quarterbacks and skill position players often receive the lion’s share of attention and accolades, especially during awards season.
Yet, one defensive player stands out in the history of the Heisman Trophy, a rarity in a field dominated by offensive stars.
Former Michigan standout Charles Woodson remains the only defensive player to have claimed the prestigious award, narrowly defeating Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning for the 1997 Heisman Trophy.
Over the past 24 years, quarterbacks have consistently captured the Heisman Trophy. However, this doesn’t diminish the impact defensive players have had on the game.
ESPN’s Bill Connelly has made a compelling case for Ndamukong Suh as a standout defensive talent, ranking him as the best college football player of the 2000s.
Suh, a monstrous defensive tackle for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, was a dominant force during his senior season in 2009.
Despite his remarkable performance, which included 20.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks, Suh finished fourth in that year’s Heisman voting. Alabama running back Mark Ingram ultimately won the trophy.
“I realize we don’t give Heismans to defensive players, but it’s still utterly inexcusable that he didn’t win the Heisman that year. Best player of the 2000s and one of the best of all time,” Connelly stated of Suh’s impact.
At the conclusion of his collegiate career, Suh’s trophy cabinet was brimming with accolades, including the Lombardi Award, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and AP College Football Player of the Year honors.
Following his college career, Suh was selected as the No. 2 pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, just behind Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford.
In the NFL, Suh continued to make an impact, amassing 600 tackles (over 130 tackles for loss) and 71.5 sacks during his decorated career.
“#1. DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
Key accomplishments: 2009 Lombardi Award, 2009 Outland Award, 2009 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, 2009 AP college football player of the year, 2009 Heisman finalist; 49.5 career tackles for loss, 24 career sacks, 4 interceptions, 2 touchdowns.
A four-star prospect from Oregon, Suh enjoyed three good years before posting one of the most devastating individual seasons in college football history. Suh was unblockable in 2009. Despite triple-teams, countless holding penalties (called and uncalled) and entire game plans designed to avoid the middle of the field, he made 20.5 TFLs with 12 sacks. His performance in the Big 12 championship game against Texas — seven TFLs, 4.5 sacks — was among the best ever. I realize we don’t give Heismans to defensive players, but it’s still utterly inexcusable that he didn’t win the Heisman that year. Best player of the 2000s and one of the best of all time.” -Connelly
In case you’re wondering, rounding out Connelly’s top five is Baker Mayfield, Cam Newton, Vince Young, and Ed Reed. (Tim Tebow came in at #6.)
What are your thoughts on Connelly’s bold move to name Suh the best college football player of the 2000s?
Do you agree with the choice? … What would YOUR top five look like???