Eckrich Midseason All-SEC: Defense
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The midway point of the 2021 college football season has been reached. Contenders are emerging and Georgia appears to be the team to beat thanks to the best defense the sport has seen in years.
However, there is still meaningful football to be played. During the bye week, KSR is taking a moment to step back and see where everything stands in the Southeastern Conference.
After touching on the offense, our focus switches to the defensive side of the ball. Georgia is well represented on the midseason All-SEC team after only allowing five touchdowns in seven games.
Defensive tackle
UGA’s Jordan Davis is getting a strong Heisman Trophy push and that is a byproduct of Kirby Smart and defensive coordinator Dan Lanning putting together a ferocious defense that is loaded with a plethora of former top-100 recruits who are now upperclassmen.
However, sophomore Jalen Carter might be the best player. The former five-star recruit leads the team in tackles for loss (6) and has recorded 22.5 sacks/QB hurries. He is a monster that is also worthy of Heisman buzz.
After the pair of Georgia teammates, LSU’s Jaquelin Roy and Tennesee’s Matthew Butler are other interior players putting together strong seasons.
Defensive end
Kentucky’s Josh Paschal has been one of the top playmaking defensive players in the SEC and that has shown up with 9.5 tackles for loss and a blocked kick that swung the momentum in the upset win over Florida. The redshirt senior should be getting some All-American buzz.
Florida’s Zachary Carter has been the best player for defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and looks the part as a redshirt senior. DeMarvin Leal is a force for Texas A&M. These three veterans are pacing the league at defensive end and each has a legitimate All-SEC resume.
EDGE
Will Anderson Jr. leads the country in tackles for loss (15) as the sophomore has been one of Alabama’s best players through seven games. However, the EDGE spot has plenty of talented players.
South Carolina’s Kingsley Enagbare looks like a first-round pick. Georgia has Adam Anderson and Nolan Smith making a bunch of noise. Sam Williams has been a menace rushing the passer for Ole Miss.
There is a ton of depth at outside linebacker. Picking just a few for All-SEC would be a tall order as of now.
Off-ball linebacker
There is no denying that Georgia’s Nakobe Dean has been the best Mike linebacker in college football. The junior from Mississippi has made plays all over the field and sets the tone for the Bulldogs.
Dean’s backup, Channing Tindall, might be the second-best inside linebacker in the SEC. The senior leads the Bulldogs with 33 tackles. We also can’t sleep on Quay Walker.
Meanwhile. Tennessee’s Jeremy Banks, Kentucky’s DeAndre Square, Auburn’s Zakoby McClain, Ole Miss’ Chance Campbell, and Arkansas’ Bumper Pool are other players having potential All-SEC caliber seasons.
Nickel
A position that is constantly ignored within all-conference teams, but absolutely shouldn’t be. Whether a slot cornerback, third safety, or hybrid linebacker, all defenses use some type of nickel defender.
In the SEC, three quality candidates are pushing for the top spot.
Georgia’s Latavious Brini should get the edge at the moment. The senior filled in when the Dawgs lost West Virginia transfer Tykee Smith to injury and has performed masterfully with five pass breakups.
At Texas A&M, Antonio Johnson has been the best player for the Aggies on defense. Cordale Flott is making plays for a banged-up LSU secondary.
The SEC has a plethora of quality nickel players.
Cornerback
Auburn’s Roger McCreary is one of the best cornerbacks in college football and the former three-star recruit should be a first-round pick in the NFL Draft. After him, there are plenty of strong candidates for the next cornerback spot.
Georgia’s Derion Kendrick and Kelee Ringo are both former five-star recruits who have played like it at times this season. Alontae Taylor has made a ton of plays for Tennessee. Cam Smith has seven passes defended for South Carolina.
McCreary leads the way, but there are plenty of talented cornerbacks in the SEC.
Safety
Once again, Georgia has the best player in the conference at a position. Lewis Cine might be the finest free safety in college football. The junior from South Florida is well on his way to All-American honors.
South Carolina’s Jaylan Foster is tied for the national lead with four interceptions and leads the Gamecocks in tackles by a wide margin. Jordan Battle is playing at an absurd level for Alabama. Leon O’Neal Jr. is making big plays for Texas A&M.
At Kentucky, the Wildcats have a tremendous starting duo with Tyrell Ajian and Yusuf Corker.
The conference is loaded at safety.
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