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Our Defensive Player Of The Year is Michigan EDGE Rusher Aidan Hutchinson
Aidan Hutchinson has been the leader of the Michigan Football team in 2020. Since way back in the spring of 2021, it was apparent that he had taken on a leadership role and was ready to take his game to the next level. Harbaugh mentioned Aidan Hutchinson during Big Ten Media Days in the spring and said that Aidan had approached the Michigan Strength staff and asked them to "wring him out every day." Aidan wanted them to get as much out of him as they possibly could ahead of the 2021 college football season, and that work ethic certainly has paid dividends.
The Top 2022 NFL Draft Prospect
Aidan Hutchinson's dominance in 2021 has elevated his draft stock. His ability as a High Impact Player has also elevated Michigan's defense from one of the worst in CFB in 2020 under former defensive coordinator Don Brown to a top 10 level in 2021 under new Defensive Coordinator Mike Macdonald. In the new Mike Macdonald Baltimore Ravens 3-4 base scheme, Michigan plays a lot of one high man and cover three that rely on consistent pressure, especially from the edge of the defense.
Michigans All-Time Single Season Sack Leader
With one or two games left (College Football Playoff), he can add to his 14 total sacks on the season, a Michigan Football record. He took over the No. 1 spot from legendary Michigan defensive end LaMarr Woodley, who had 12 sacks in 2006. Hutchinson leads all of college football in QB pressures in 2021.
Football Scout 365 2021 College Football All-Defensive Team
EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan
See Above Analysis
IDL Neil Farrell JR., LSU
Farrell is a dominant inside force who can play inside or out. His 10 TFL's and 2 sacks on the LSU defensive line provided one of the very few bright spots in Baton Rouge in 2021.
IDL Devonte Wyatt, Georgia
Wyatt has 25 QB pressures to go along with his 3 Sacks on the season from his interior DL position. He also has 7 TFL's and has forced 2 fumbles.
EDGE Will Anderson JR., Alabama
The leader of the tide defense, Will Anderson, is second to only Aidan Hutchinson in QB pressures (70) while leading the nation in sacks (15).
LB Nakobe Dean, Georgia
Dean leads the Bulldogs in TFL's with 8.5, and has compiled 5 total sacks.
LB Devin Lloyd, Utah
Lloyds 22 TFls leads the nation in 2021. He also has 8 total sacks.
CB Roger McCreary, Auburn
McCreary ranks 2nd in the nation in pass breakups (15) and has recorded 2 INT's on the season.
CB Ja'Quan McMillian, ECU
McMillan has recoded 11 pass breakups in 2021 to go along with his 5 INT's (Tied for 2nd nationally).
CB Marcus Jones, Houston
Jones is a dynamic player who is also a special teams ace. He leads the nation in pass breakups (17) and ranks 2nd with 5 INT's (tied).
S Verone McKinley III, Oregon
McKinley is a ball hawk at safety; he has 11 pass breakups and leads the nation with 6 INT's in 2021.
S (Rover) Jalen Pitre, Baylor
More of a rover near the LOS, Pitre makes big-time plays. He has recorded 17.5 TFL's, 2.5 sacks, forced 3 fumbles, intercepted 2 balls while breaking up 7 more.