Risers In The CFB Saturdays College Football DT Rankings: December 16, 2020

As the season winds down and with a larger sample size to see the best players, we have updated the College Football DT rankings. A few notes before we discuss the rankings themselves.

• The rankings will be updated throughout the season.
• Players who have not played college football are not eligible for the rankings.
• Players are graded on their college ability, not their pro potential.
• We are judging players on their film, production and physical tools.

You can view the college football DT rankings here.

Here is a look at a few of the defensive tackles who have made big moves up in the rankings.

Daviyon Nixon – Iowa

Nixon has had a breakthrough season in 2020. That should come as no surprise when people learn Nixon’s story. The star defensive tackle was diagnosed with a learning disability in high school and had to accept the help he needed to be in position to play Big Ten football. Nixon’s path wound through Junior College where he continued to improve academically and as a player to finally be able to enroll at Iowa and begin to unlock his football potential. Nixon’s been breaking through obstacles for some time now, the football part of it just the latest step. On the field, Nixon brings an excellent combination of size, strength and overall athleticism. He has good football instincts and is able to put his athletic gifts to work as a pass rusher and against the run. Nixon has continued to improve his technique and has become one of the best defensive tackles in the country.

Nixon had his moments in 2019 as a sophomore, he recorded 29 tackles with 5.5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks over 13 games. 2020 has been something else entirely, Nixon has continued to improve and has elevated his game to new heights. Through eight games this season, he has made 45 tackles with 13.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, a fumble forced, a pass breakup and an interception which he returned 71 yards for a touchdown. The interception and ensuing return was a sight to behold, the 6’3″ 305 pound defensive tackle displayed excellent athleticism, balance and agility to make the play and then dodge would be tacklers to complete the pick six. Nixon has proven that he will work hard and achieve his goals on and off the field, people like that are easy to root for and tough to bet against.

Haskell Garrett – Ohio State

A few months ago, football was the last thing Haskell Garrett was thinking about. He was shot through the face in an off campus altercation when he attempted to intervene and help a woman. Fortunately, the wound was not life threatening and Garrett was able to recover fairly quickly. The Buckeyes have worked him in slowly but he is playing more snaps as the season moves forward and is making all of those snaps count. Garrett is a high motor defensive tackle who has a quick first step, plays with power and has developed a few quality pass rushing moves. When he is in the game #92 is easy to notice, he has made himself a nuisance in the opposing backfield consistently and has helped the Buckeyes be one of the best run defenses in the country.

Ohio State had to cancel one game due to Covid issues in the program and had two games cancelled by their opponents, limiting the opportunities for Garrett to make an impact. In the five games that Ohio State has played, he has made 12 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, a sack and an interception which he deflected and caught in the opposing endzone for a touchdown. Garrett has been one of the key players up front for an Ohio State defensive line that is the strength of the team’s defense. As he plays more and is further removed from his traumatic injury expect Garrett to continue to make more of an impact for the Buckeyes.

Zi’Yon Hill – Louisiana

The Ragin’ Cajuns have had a strong 2020 season and the team’s defense has been critical to their success. Junior defensive tackle, Zi’Yon Hill, is one of the leaders of that defense. He is a force on the interior for Louisiana who creates disruptive plays and opens up plays for his teammates. Hill is a quick defensive tackle who has the twitch and anticipation to beat blockers to the football. He does a good job of recognizing plays and puts himself in good position to succeed. The intelligence and quickness have helped Hill become one of the best defensive linemen in the Sun Belt Conference.

Hill has played in nine games for Louisiana in 2020 and has been an impactful player. He has accounted for 42 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks and 2 QB hurries on the season. Hill did not play in the season opener against Iowa State as he was still recovering from a shoulder injury that hampered him in 2019. He started the season slow, but has come on late in the season, recording all four of his sacks over the last four games. The junior has a bright future on the defensive line and is a perfect fit in Louisiana’s defensive scheme.

Click here for the Top 25 DT Rankings.

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