Leroy Jenkins
08-24-2014, 01:08 PM
Defensive Player of the Year
LB Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State: The junior gave some consideration to coming out early for the NFL draft after last season, but he made a wise decision to stay. He's not planning to be around as a senior, however, and for good reason. This is the best linebacker in the SEC: over Georgia's Ramik Wilson, over Tennessee's A.J. Johnson, over all of them. McKinney will take on more of a leadership role this fall, and has the athleticism to be effective on any down. McKinney led MSU in tackles last season with 71, tackles for loss with seven, and sacks with 3.5. He could easily double his production in the latter two categories in 2014, particularly if the Bulldogs' defensive line performs well in front of him.
LB Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State: The junior gave some consideration to coming out early for the NFL draft after last season, but he made a wise decision to stay. He's not planning to be around as a senior, however, and for good reason. This is the best linebacker in the SEC: over Georgia's Ramik Wilson, over Tennessee's A.J. Johnson, over all of them. McKinney will take on more of a leadership role this fall, and has the athleticism to be effective on any down. McKinney led MSU in tackles last season with 71, tackles for loss with seven, and sacks with 3.5. He could easily double his production in the latter two categories in 2014, particularly if the Bulldogs' defensive line performs well in front of him.