Top 10 Defensive Tackles/Nose guards

[mat1992 2,235]

Towson has played all different types of schemes since joining FCS/A-AA in 1987. Defensive tackles/3-4 defensive ends and nose guards can be overlooked, because you can't really judge them on sacks or tackles. Towson has had a plethora or really good ones going back to the late eighties.

1)Rodney Smith, nose guard (1986-89). It's interesting that after all these years I'd have Rodney Smith as my top interior defensive linemen. I covered his last year and he was named AP HM All-American that year. Also named second-team All-American by the Sporting News. Still third all-time leader in sacks at 30.5, which is amazing at the nose. Also amazing is the fact that he had 276 tackles to rank 8th all-time.  Just around 6-0, 245 and wound up playing fullback in the Arena Football League. Son Caleb had a nice career as a WR at Towson.

2)Justin Yelverton, nose guard (1999-2002). Powerful nose guard who helped stop the run. Named first-team All-PL in 2002 and second-team in 2001. Few defensive lineman have received as many accolades. Still had 16 sacks to rank 10th all-time.

3)John Desir, DE/T.  Third-team All-CAA in 2015 and 2014. Big powerful player with long arms made him seem bigger than 6-5, 320. Started 2013 and 2014 and combined for 121 tackles. Had 43 tackles in 2015. Moved to nose guard in 2014 and 15 to take Arnold Farmer's place.

4)Matt Morgan, DT was named third-team All-CAA in 2012. Started out at defensive end his first two seasons and then moved inside to tackle in 2011 and 12. Had 26 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2011. Had 30 tackles and three sacks in 2012.

5)Mike Curcio (1991-93). Juco transfer from Nassau C.C. who was very productive at nose guard, recording 66 tackles and six sacks with 16 for loss in his first two seasons. Had 41 tackles and five sacks in 1993 to end a strong three year career.

6)Arnold Farmer, NG (2010-13). At 6-1, 325. The prototype nose guard and one of the strongest players in the history of the program. In 2012, had 25 tackles, blocked a field goal attempt against Delaware and had two forced fumbles. Had 37 tackles and two blocked kicks in 2013 as a senior. Crime that he never made all-conference.

7)John Devoti (1997-00). An outstanding interior lineman who was named second-team all-PL in 2000 and second-team in 1999. A sturdy 6-2, 260 tackle with great quickness. Recorded 67 tackles, nine for loss and six sacks in 1999. 

8)Zain Harps Upshur (2014-18).  At 6-1, 300 was a tough run-stuffer, but quick enough to make plays in the backfield. As a senior, had 36 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble and five quarterback hurries. Had 36 tackles as a sophomore playing all the positions on the D-line.

9)Mike Collier, DT (2000-04). Tough inside lineman who was around 6-1, 315. Ran well for his size. Had 69 tackles and 16 TFLs with six sacks in 2003. As a senior, he earned third-team All-PL with 46 tackles and five sacks. Had 11 sacks and 107 tackles in his career.

10)Dan Ross, DT (1995-98), Athletic DE in 3-4 and nose guard who also played attack in lacrosse. Had 137 tackles, 14 sacks, four fumble recoveries and five pass breakups in four seasons. Father played from 1969-71. Could have played in any era.

 

[TigerFan54 102]

Bill Fisher, who played at Minnesota as a freshmen, transferred in at the end of the Phil Albert era. Those teams struggled, but Fisher could be a beast.

[mat1992 2,235]

2 hours ago, TigerFan54 said:

Bill Fisher, who played at Minnesota as a freshmen, transferred in at the end of the Phil Albert era. Those teams struggled, but Fisher could be a beast.

Yeah, he was considered. Probably should have had him late.