No defensive back has won the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award since 2002, when former Ohio State safety Mike Doss shared the honor with former Penn State defensive end Michael Haynes. Unless you count former Michigan star Jabrill Peppers, a listed linebacker who played all over the field.
In total, only four defensive backs have won the award, meaning that despite the abundance of players at that position in the conference, a defensive lineman or linebacker is the safe choice.
Almost immediately, attention turns to Michigan.
Candidates:
Michigan DL Mason Graham
Mason Graham has been the definition of dependability for the Wolverines. He was a 2022 Freshman All-American and a second-team All-American last season. The first-team All-Big Ten standout has recorded 63 tackles (10 for loss), five sacks, two pass breakups and a forced and recovered fumble. There’s little doubt he’ll be a game-wrecker this season, and time will tell if it will help Michigan remain a contender despite heavy offseason losses.
Michigan DL Kenneth Grant
If Graham doesn’t win the award, Kenneth Grant could be the one to receive it. He is more noticeable than Graham due to his athleticism and could put together a highlight video that would give him a leg up on his teammate when it comes to picking a winner. Grant was a nuisance in the CFB National Championship Game against the Huskies, totaling one sack, one pass defense and two solo tackles.
Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter
Penn State could make the College Football Playoff for the first time this season. That likely means defense is a major problem. The star of the unit is Abdul Carter, a junior who recorded 48 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, five pass defenses, 4.5 sacks, an interception and a forced fumble. If the Nittany Lions win the conference, Carter is likely a surefire winner.
Carter will start as a defensive end. Last year he made 48 tackles, five and a half tackles for loss, four and a half sacks, five pass defenses, one interception and one forced fumble.
Ohio State CB Denzel Burke
Ohio State’s secondary was excellent last season, although injuries hampered the defensive side of the ball. With the transfer of Caleb Downs from Alabama, things should get even better. Quarterbacks will focus their attention on downs, and one could assume cornerback Denzel Burke will shadow the opposing team’s best receiver. If that’s the case, quarterbacks will have to place passes perfectly, which is a tall order at the college level. Burkle’s interception total could go from one to multiple times that, following a season that included nine passes intercepted and one forced fumble.
Ohio State S Caleb Downs
Speaking of downs, he has enough talent to break the bar of any defense in the country, and he’s chosen to honor Ohio State with that privilege. As a true freshman, he recorded 107 tackles and immediately became one of the best defensive backs in the country. He probably won’t be tested enough to throw interceptions, but he’s so good that a mention is obligatory.
Oregon CB Jabbar Muhammed
Defensive backs don’t win this award often, either. But it goes without saying that Jabbar Muhammed is an incredibly talented cornerback. And there are a few factors in his favor: the expectations placed on Oregon in the preseason, the high-profile matchups on the schedule, and a celebration that is sure to go viral and get his name out there. Put all of that together and you have a path for Muhammed’s rise to stardom, even though it should have happened last season.
Winner: Kenneth Grant
Michigan’s offense will take a step back, but the expanded College Football Playoff means the Wolverines have ample opportunity to defend the sport’s crown. While I think a repeat championship is unlikely, Michigan’s defensive line will wreak havoc and both Graham and Grant are top candidates. But as mentioned, Grant’s highlight tape and style of play will give him an edge over his talented teammate.
It’s officially a week away, folks. Hang in there!
