SEC Football: PFF Highlights Several Conference Stars as Top Defenders

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Several defensive stars across the SEC have been named as top defenders, according to Pro Football Focus’ grading system.

Highest Graded Defensive Players in College Football⭐️ pic.twitter.com/PjDAcWC4fa

— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 26, 2024

Tennessee’s Joshua Josephs was fantastic defending the Oklahoma run game last week which helped him earn one of the highest grades for the season to this point. Josephs finished with hree solo tackles, a tackle for loss, and a fumble recovery in the Volunteers big road victory over the Sooners.

Ole Miss senior defensive end Jared Ivey has been one of the more important pass rushers this season for an improved defensive team. He has posted eight tackles, two sacks and two tackles for loss this season despite missing last week against Georgia Southern.

Sep 21, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels linebacker Chris Paul Jr. (11) reacts after a defensive stop during the first half against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Fellow teammate, linebacker Chris ‘Pooh’ Paul, Jr. has eased himself into the rotation at linebacker and is the graded out as the fifth highest defender in the country. The Arkansas transfer has forced 29 tackles, six for loss and two sacks this season.

Instead of pursuing NFL dreams after the Longhorns loss in the national semifinal against Michigan, Texas safety Jahdae Barron had every reason to leave after accomplishing so much. Perhaps the taste of College Football Playoff championship being so close to his fingertips swayed his decision to remain in college.

While he could be playing on Sundays, Barron remains in college as one of the highest graded defenders in the country with a score of 90.2 which is spent mostly in pass coverage. Through four games, he has recorded 12 tackles and one interception with SEC play beginning this week against Mississippi State.

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