Defensive dynamos: The WAC's top players on defense

Selecting the 10 best offensive players in the WAC was difficult because of a surplus of talented options. Today's task, selecting the top 10 defensive players, is a bit more difficult.

Nine of the 13 first-team All-WAC defenders in 2007 were seniors. And six of the second-team defenders were seniors.

That leaves some young players on some bad defenses. Whereas the league had three of the nation's top 12 offenses last season - and five of the top 38 - it had just two teams (Boise State and Hawaii) ranked in the top 73 in total defense.

In other words, expect some shootouts this season.

1. LB Adam Leonard, Hawaii

I want my defensive players to make big plays - and that's why Leonard gets the nod over his Warrior teammate. In addition to his 105 tackles, including 11 1/2 for loss, Leonard had four interceptions (two of which he returned for touchdowns) and eight pass breakups. The 6-foot, 235-pound senior also has five career fumble recoveries. Boise State has been spoiled in the past with defensive playmakers such as Korey Hall and Marty Tadman. Now Hawaii has its defensive game-changer.

2. LB Solomon Elimimian, Hawaii

Elimimian was the media's pick as preseason defensive player of the year, largely on the strength of his 141 tackles, including 12 for loss, last season. The 6-foot, 225-pound middle linebacker is certainly in the middle of everything for the Warriors. He has 35 career starts and 313 tackles. Hawaii has the league's best linebacker corps - and the Warriors' defense (surprise!) could be the reason they hold their position near the top of the WAC.

3. CB Kyle Wilson, Boise State

Maybe this is a potential pick. But Wilson, 5-foot-10, 185-pound junior, should be one of the best defenders in the league this year. With the unexpected departure of Orlando Scandrick and Marty Tadman's graduation, it's up to Wilson to be the leader in the defensive backfield. That means more tackles than last year's 35. That means more interceptions than last year's two. Wilson, who underwent knee surgery in the offseason, is definitely capable.

4. CB Christopher Owens, San Jose State

Owens led the WAC with six interceptions last season and has 12 for his career, leaving him tied for second nationally among active players. Without Dwight Lowery on the opposite side, it will be interesting to see if opponents go away from Owens. However, Oregon State transfer Coye Francies should start opposite Owens, giving the Spartans one of the top cornerback duos in the conference again.

5. DT Jon Monga, Fresno State

I also want production from my defensive players. Monga, one of the league's best run stuffers, recorded 6.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss last season despite playing defensive tackle, one of the hardest spots to put up huge numbers from. The Bulldogs need solid production from Monga as Fresno State tries to replace Tyler Clutts along the defensive front.

6. S Antonio Baker, Louisiana Tech

Talk about production. Baker had eight games with at least 10 tackles last season for the Bulldogs. He led the team with 118 tackles and earned first-team All-WAC honors. Baker also had three interceptions and seven pass breakups. If the Bulldogs continue to make strides under second-year coach Derek Dooley, Baker will be a big reason why.

7. S Shiloh Keo, Idaho

Thrust into the starting lineup as a true freshman, Keo has rewarded the faith the Vandals have shown in him. The team's most valuable player last season, Keo had 81 tackles, three fumble recoveries and four interceptions. A fierce competitor, Keo set school records in punt-return yardage and punt-return average last season. Coach Robb Akey is again expecting big things from the junior team captain.

8. DL Jarron Gilbert, San Jose State

The Spartans are moving the 6-foot-6, 280-pound senior to defensive tackle this season, where he should be a force. Gilbert, who began his career as a tight end, developed into a force on defense. He has 20 career tackles for loss, 12 sacks and 12 pass breakups in three seasons.

9. DE David Veikune, Hawaii

It's tough to argue that Veikune wasn't one of the most productive players in the conference last year. Despite starting just one game, the 6-foot-3, 250-pounder had seven sacks and earned first-team All-WAC honors. Can he maintain that level of production as he moves into the starting lineup?

10. DE Jeff Schweiger, San Jose State

This is a roll of the dice, I admit. Transfers rarely pan out the way you think they will. But the Spartans have high expectations for Schweiger (USC). Schweiger broke into the Trojans' defensive rotation as a true freshman and played in 25 games for USC - that means something. Schweiger is a San Jose native, whose father (also Jeff) played for the Spartans in the late 1970s.

Also considered: DE Ryan Winterswyk, Boise State; P Chris Keagle, Louisiana Tech; LB Quin Harris, Louisiana Tech; LB Jake Hutton, Utah State; DE Mike T. Williams, Boise State; S Derrick Richardson, New Mexico State.

Brian Murphy: 377-6444