Defensive Linemen:

  Jorge Cordova, Nevada, Currently this 6'2 250 lb defensive end is second in the nation with 11 sacks. He has emerged as the Wolfpack's best defensive player. Over the past three years he has averaged 68 tackles and 6 sacks. His size and speed should easily translate to the NFL. Look for him to be drafted by the second round.

 Greg Richmond, Oklahoma State, He shared the team sack lead with Kevin Williams (Minnesota's first round draft pick in 2003) last year with 7 sacks. This year he already has 9.5 sacks. At 6'2, 240 lbs he has the size to not be pushed around by offensive linemen. He seems to have taken up right where Williams left off last year. Based on his performance I believe that he should be drafted by the end of the second round.

Linebackers:

  David Lusky, Eastern Michigan, He's second in Division 1A with 101 total tackles and looks like he will break his total of 141 from 2002. At 6'1, 234 lbs he has sideline to sideline speed and is a sure handed tackler. His father Robert played for the Vikings so he has an NFL pedigree. He should be drafted in the late rounds and will make a roster as a special teams player who will contribute on a handful of plays.

  Keyaron Fox, Georgia Tech, This 6'3, 220 lb senior could be a valuable asset to any team in the NFL. His main position is linebacker but he also lines up as a defensive end in certain packages. This flexibility has allowed him to average 94 tackles and 3 sacks over the past two years. He's on pace to finish the year with 140 tackles. His athleticism should alow him to be drafted before the fourth round.

Defensive Backs:

  Terrell Smith, Duke, Duke is not known for producing many NFL players but Smith may become the most well known. Currently he is a safety but he has also played the cornerback position. His size and weight, 5'11, 175 lbs project him to be a better safety. Currently he averages 13 tackles per game. He led the Blue Devils with 106 tackles last year. He's not the next Roy Wiliams but he should be able to become a starting safety in the NFL. Look for him to be drafted before the third round.

  Dexter Reid, North Carolina, During preseason he was ranked the #5 safety in the country by the Sporting News. He's currently averaging 12 tackles per game, which is less than the 14 per game he averaged last year. At 6' 187 lbs he's tall and fast enough to keep up with wide receivers and to help in run support. He is a well rounded athlete and should be drafted in the mid rounds.

Division 1AA Spotlight:

  Jared Allen, Idaho State, Defensive End, This 6'6 275 lb monster is currently leading the nation in sacks with 12.5. He set sack records as a freshman and junior with 4 and 10.5 respectively. Last year he had led the linemen on his team in tackles with 63. He has the speed to break into the backfield and put pressure on the quarterback. With his non stop motor I believe he'll be drafted before the fifth round and break into a team's defensive end rotation.

That wraps it up for this edition of Defensive Names To Know For 2004.  Look for part three coming soon.