We are over halfway through the season and conference play is in full-swing. It's time to take a look at how our preseason Top 5 picks at each position have fared and discuss some risers and fallers.
Today we look at the defensive line.
Preseason Top 5
1) Adrian Clayborn, DE, Sr, Iowa - 33 tackles and 2.5 sacks aren't eye-popping, but Clayborn continues to be a dominating force and a focal point for opposing offensive lines.
2) Cameron Heyward, DE, Sr. Ohio State - Much like Clayborn, Heyward's stats (25 tackles, 2 sacks) don't tell the whole story. He's been the anchor of the Buckeyes stingy defense.
3) Marvin Austin, DT, Sr, North Carolina - Austin was the focal point of the NCAA investigation into agents and the party in South Beach. He was dismissed from the team in October and never played a down in 2010.
4) Robert Quinn, DE, Jr, North Carolina - Like Austin, he was part of the NCAA probe and ruled ineligible in October without playing a down.
5) Greg Romeus, DE, Sr, Pitt - Unfortunately a back injury has derailed his 2010 season. He played sparingly in the opener against Utah, then elected to have back surgery in September.
Risers and Fallers
Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Sr, Purdue - Who's been the most disruptive lineman in the Big Ten this year...Clayborn...Heyward? Neither. It's been Purdue's Kerrigan. He has 6.5 sacks, 45 tackles (16.5 for loss) and three forced fumbles through seven games.
J.J. Wyatt, DE, Jr, Wisconsin - Wyatt was good in 2009; he's been dominating in 2010. Wyatt has 39 tackles and five sacks so far this season.
Nick Fairley, DT, Jr, Auburn - Fairley put a stamp on an already sensational season with 2.5 sacks against LSU. All told he has 39 tackles, 7.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss on the season. Auburn's defense hasn't been great this season, but Fairley has been.
Da'Quan Bowers, DE , Jr, Clemson - Good news/bad news for Clemson fans: Da'Quan Bowers is finally living up to expectations, but this could be the last year they see him in a Clemson uniform. Bowers currently leads the nation in sacks with 10 and tackles for loss with 17.5.
Jared Crick, DT, Jr, Nebraska - At the end of the last season Cornhusker fans began waiving Jard Crick for 2011 Heisman signs. Crick has been solid, but he clearly misses his buddy Ndamukong Suh. The Cornhuskers are giving up 165 yards per game, over 72 yards per game more than 2009, and it all starts up front.