The Big East's best: No. 24, Derrell Smith
June, 2, 2010
6/02/10
10:45
AM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
Continuing the countdown of the Top 25 players in the Big East for 2010, taking into account past performance and potential for this coming season.
No. 24: Derrell Smith, LB, Syracuse, Sr.
2009 numbers: Led the Orange with 81 tackles while also recording 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in 10 games.
Postseason ranking: Not ranked.
Making the case for Smith: While teammate and fellow Syracuse linebacker Doug Hogue had gaudier sack and TFL numbers, I felt like Smith was the heart and soul of the Orange defense. A guy who has played all over the field during his career, he found a home at middle linebacker, where he can put his smarts and athleticism to use.
Had he not missed the final two seasons with an injury, Smith would have been in the running for Big East defensive player of the year and other postseason awards. His four forced fumbles and two recoveries shows his knack for hawking the ball. The 6-foot-1, 236-pounder should be in line for a big campaign his senior season.
Previously:
No. 25: Zach Hurd, OG, Connecticut
No. 24: Derrell Smith, LB, Syracuse, Sr.
2009 numbers: Led the Orange with 81 tackles while also recording 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in 10 games.
Postseason ranking: Not ranked.
Making the case for Smith: While teammate and fellow Syracuse linebacker Doug Hogue had gaudier sack and TFL numbers, I felt like Smith was the heart and soul of the Orange defense. A guy who has played all over the field during his career, he found a home at middle linebacker, where he can put his smarts and athleticism to use.
Had he not missed the final two seasons with an injury, Smith would have been in the running for Big East defensive player of the year and other postseason awards. His four forced fumbles and two recoveries shows his knack for hawking the ball. The 6-foot-1, 236-pounder should be in line for a big campaign his senior season.
Previously:
No. 25: Zach Hurd, OG, Connecticut
Brian Bennett | email
College Football- ESPN.com Big Ten blogger
- Joined ESPN.com in 2008
- Wrote for The Courier-Journal
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Andrea Adelson
Adelson joined ESPN.com in 2010 after spending time as a college football columnist at The Orlando Sentinel. She has covered college football since her days as a University of Florida student, and lives in Orlando, Fla.
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