4. Alex Highsmith, DE, Charlotte
Highsmith started the season on the Chuck Bednarik Award (Defensive Player of the Year) watch list
Highsmith resembles Josh Sweat with his 6;4, 242-pound frame. His production matches his physique, as Highsmith became the first Niner in school history to earn All-America honors after he ranked 4th in the nation in sacks (14.0) and 5th in tackles for loss (21.5).
He added 75 tackles and forced a fumble.