The Top 5 Players of 2008: Defensive Backs

There were some great defensive backs in college football during the 2008 season. Defensive backs must have excellent speed, agility, and good catching skills. I decided to combine the cornerbacks and safeties together for this list. So, here they are.... the top 5 defensive backs of 2008:


Trojans Free Safety Taylor Mays Along With Head Coach Pete Carroll

1. Malcolm Jenkins (CB - Ohio State) - Malcolm Jenkins improved on his amazing Buckeye's career in 2008. The 6'1" - 201 lbs senior posted 57 tackles (34 solo), 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 INTs in 2008. Jenkins was honored with consensus First-Team All-Big Ten and First-Team All-American. He also received the Jim Thorpe Award for the top defensive back in the nation. Jenkins is the number one defensive back prospect coming into the 2009 NFL Draft.
2. Taylor Mays (FS - USC) - Taylor Mays has become one of the most feared safeties in college football. The 6'3" - 230 lbs Mays recorded 53 tackles (38 solo) in 2008. He received unanimous consensus All-American honors, and was a 2008 Jim Thorpe Award finalist. Mays was also on the Lott Trophy and Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch Lists. Mays was a key factor in USC's defense being ranked second nationally, arguably one of college football's best-ever defenses.
3. Eric Berry (CB - Tennessee) - Eric Berry had a phenomenal sophomore season in 2008. The 5'11" - 195 lbs cornerback posted 74 tackles (44 solo), 3 sacks, led the nation with 7 INTs, and 2 TDs. Berry was named 2008 All-SEC First-Team, First-Team All-American, 2008 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, 2008 National Defensive Sophomore of the Year, and 2008 Tennessee Sports Writer's Association Player of the Year. Berry was also awarded the Jack Tatum Award for best defensive back in college football.
4. Vontae Davis (CB - Illinois) - Vontae Davis added another great season to his college resume in 2008. Davis , 6'0" - 205 lbs, recorded 78 tackles (53 solo), 3 forced fumbles, and 2 INTs. Davis garnered much attention coming into the 2008 season with Playboy All-American honors, and named Big Ten's Best Athlete by The Sporting News. He was also named the #4 cornerback in the nation by Lindy's. Davis was a pre-season candidate for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Jim Thorpe Award, and the Chuck Bednarik Award.
5. Sean Smith (CB - Utah) - Sean Smith became a very reliable cornerback for the Utes in 2008. Smith was named First-Team All-MWC and led Utah in passes defended with 14. Davis posted 41 tackles (20 solo), 1 sack, 5 INTs, and 1 TD in 2008. He gave a stellar performance in Utah's victory versus Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Davis had 6 tackles, a pass break up, and a 10-yard sack that led to a Utah field goal in the bowl game.

These are the top 5 defensive backs in college football for the 2008 season. Please check in tomorrow..... I'll have the top 5 best kickers and punters!