Edge Defenders
1. Gregory Rousseau, Miami
2. Carlos Basham Jr., Wake Forest
3. Xavier Thomas, Clemson
4. Hamilcar Rashed Jr., Oregon State
5. Joe Tryon, Washington
6. Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan
7. Markaviest “Big Kat” Bryant, Auburn
8. Quincy Roche, Miami
9. Shaka Toney, Penn State
10. Kwity Paye, Michigan
Last year was a breakout season for Gregory Rousseau, as the redshirt freshman saw his first significant action and rewarded his coaches with 15.5 sacks, the second-most in school history. His 19.5 tackles for a loss were the most since Calais Campbell tallied 20.5 for the Hurricanes in 2006. He was the only freshman in FBS to rank in the top 40 in sacks and the only freshman in FBS to record double-digit sacks. Things might even get easier for him, with Quincy Roche now lining up across from him. Roche joins Miami as a transfer from Temple, where he registered 13 sacks a year ago, placing him third in the nation. Roche was also named the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Coming in second in sacks last season, sandwiched between the new Hurricanes teammates, was Rashed Jr. The Oregon State pass rusher was a First-Team All-American selection by Sports Illustrated, and his 22.5 tackles for a loss last season led the nation and set a school record.