4. Alex Highsmith, Charlotte
A walk-on at Charlotte, Highsmith matured into a game-wrecker.
In 2018, Highsmith garnered first-team All-Conference USA accolades after posting 60 tackles, a school-record 17.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and two forced fumbles.
In 2019 Highsmith repeated as first-team All-C-USA while earning third-team All-American honors from the Associated Press after finishing in the top five nationally with 21.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks in 13 starts.