College Football's Hardest Hitters
Derek Samson - SportingNews.com
Aug 13, 2009
Sporting News will take a periodic look at each conference's top player in a category that won't win him an award -- but should. Today's category: Hardest hitter.
ACC:
Nate Irving, LB, N.C. State. Unfortunately, Irving broke his leg in an offseason car accident, and his status for 2009 is unknown. Irving is scheduled to meet with doctors today to determine whether he can return this season or must wait until 2010. If Irving is out, the ACC honors go to Georgia Tech safety Morgan Burnett.
Big East:
Aaron Webster, SS, Cincinnati. The 6-3, 205-pound senior's hitting ability has been described by national publications as unbelievable and the fiercest in the Big East.
Big Ten:
Greg Jones, LB, Michigan State. The linebacker was named the Big Ten's preseason defensive player of the year, and that league has been known to produce a vicious 'backer or two.
Big 12:
Jordan Lake, FS, Baylor. If linebacker Joe Pawelek doesn't deliver the punishment, Lake is right behind him to do it.
Conference USA:
Van Eskridge, FS, East Carolina. During home games, Eskridge is the second-hardest hitter in the stadium behind the local police.
MAC:
Nick Bellore, LB, Central Michigan. He has 250 career tackles -- and he's only entering his junior season.
Mountain West:
Nick Sanders, CB, TCU. He's the best hitter on perhaps the nation's best defense. The Froggers won't be a secret much longer.
Pac-10:
Taylor Mays, FS, USC. Not only is he one of the best all-around defenders in the game, he's the best hitter in the country.
SEC:
Rennie Curran, LB, Georgia. When a YouTube video is labeled "Rennie Curran busting heads" you've got a decent rep. But Curran's Greatest Hits can be found here.
Sun Belt:
Boris Lee, LB, Troy. Lee gained 25 pounds last offseason, and opponents felt every ounce of it. Sorry guys: It appears he's added another 10 pounds this offseason.
WAC:
Duke Ihenacho, FS, San Jose State. There's a little debate here, because he might not even be the best hitter in his family. His brother, Carl, is a defensive end for the Spartans and nearly removed Boise State QB Kellen Moore's upper torso last year.
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