Breakout Defensive Candidates For The 2024 College Football Season
As June winds down and we draw closer to games, some players will burst onto the scene. Some are no-brainers, and others are going under the radar because players in front of them are running out of eligibility or transferring to other programs.
By the time we reach the halfway point of the 2024 season, these guys will be household names. With all that being said, let's look at the list.
Breakout Defensive Candidates
Cashius Howell, ED, Texas A&M
The average college football fan won't know Howell unless you watched the Mac last season, but he was the real deal at Bowling Green, registering 9.5 sacks for the Falcons. Howell has a strong motor and a quick burst off the edge and gets the chance to play across from Nic Scourton, who will receive a lot of attention. You don't know the name now, but you will soon.
Trey Moore, ED, Texas
Similarly to Cashius Howell, Trey Moore isn't a name you won't know unless you watched the Conference USA last season. Over the past two seasons, Moore has been a terror off the edge for the Roadrunners, registering 22 sacks and 101 tackles. Now he can show what he's got at Texas against better competition in the SEC.
Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Oregon
Caldwell will be a brick wall in the middle of the Duck's defense as a run-stuffer. He also has solid movement skills for an interior defensive lineman and plays with a high motor. Dan Lanning will get the most out of Caldwell.
A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State
The former five-star prospect got buried in the loaded Georgia secondary, but make no mistake, this dude can flat-out play. Harris has worked his way up the Nittany Lions' depth chart and looks to be the No. 1 corner on defense with two of the nation's top pass rushers in Abdul Carter and Dani Dennis-Sutton Jr.
Jaylen Sneed, LB, Notre Dame
The former four-star is in his third season in South Bend but has been impressive in spring practice. While he only has one start over a 17-game stretch with 21 tackles and a sack, I expect his production to take a massive leap.
Ja'Den McBurrows, CB, Michigan
Michigan looks to have one of the best cornerbacks in Will Johnson Jr, but don't forget about the Wolverine's nickelback. Per PFF, he was targeted 13 times but only gave up five receptions for 40 yards, forcing two incompletions and an interception.
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