Clowney was actually a good college football player. I'm not considering NFL
Thibodeaux is pretty good. I don’t know about top 3, but top 15 for sure. The lack of production will matter to an extent. Thibodeaux dominates at times and sometimes you don’t even notice him.
I think what happened was that he had 9 sacks as a true frosh and then 10 sacks combined in the 2020 Covid season and this season. The hype went up and the production went down. But his wingspan must be around 6'8" and his ankle could have been affecting his get-off / lower leg strength this year.
But after 2021, I definitely favor Michigan's Hutchinson.
I'm impressed with myself for remembering, if I'm indeed correct.
Thompson was all but invisible as an underclassman. I remember people clamoring for him to play, then being nonplussed when he did. He was pretty solid when he moved inside as an upperclassman. He was OK outside as a contain DE, but wasn't quick enough to be much of an outside rusher.
Smalls has the coming season to show me something before I give up on him. He's still an underclassman.
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There’s plenty of metrics to look at as to why he’s so good and has been good.
Things football fans will say about Kayvon Thibodeaux three years from now, Alex.
But after 2021, I definitely favor Michigan's Hutchinson.
I'm impressed with myself for remembering, if I'm indeed correct.
Thompson was all but invisible as an underclassman. I remember people clamoring for him to play, then being nonplussed when he did. He was pretty solid when he moved inside as an upperclassman. He was OK outside as a contain DE, but wasn't quick enough to be much of an outside rusher.
Smalls has the coming season to show me something before I give up on him. He's still an underclassman.