It's been four years since college football implemented the playoff format to determine a national champion; a standard cycle for a college athlete/student. There have been some great teams come through and many great players as well.
I decided to devote way too much time going through the sixteen teams that have graced the College Football Playoff realm and putting together an 'All-Playoff' roster of the greatest players from those teams -- based on their statistics, number of appearances, outstanding performances, success and name recognition.
This team is based off of facts but is put together with some subjectivity included. With that said, ladies and gentleman, your College Football All-Playoff Defense (2014-2017)....
DL - Kevin Dodd, Clemson
In the 2015 playoffs, Kevin Dodd recorded 11 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and FOUR sacks against the Oklahoma Sooners and Alabama Crimson Tide. He got drafted by the Tennessee Titans in Round 2, Pick 33 of the 2016 NFL Draft.
DL - Jonathan Allen, Alabama
In four playoff game appearances, Allen recorded 17 total tackles, SEVEN tackles for loss, FIVE sacks, and recovered a fumble.
Photo by Chris Carlson
DL - Carlos Watkins, Clemson
In Watkins' four playoff games, he was responsible for 15 total tackles, FIVE tackles for loss, THREE sacks, and THREE pass deflections.
DL - Da'ron Payne, Alabama
Payne played in four playoff games and recorded 17 total tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, ONE interception, ONE pass deflection and caught a one-yard touchdown pass against Clemson in the 2018 Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day.
LB - Roquan Smith, Georgia
In the two playoff games Roquan Smith played for the Bulldogs, he accounted for 24 total tackles, ONE sack, and 3.5 tackles for loss against the Heisman Trophy winner, Baker Mayfield, and eventual National Champions, Alabama.
LB - Reuben Foster, Alabama
Foster got to play in five college football playoff games for the Crimson Tide and over that span he recorded 36 total tackles, TWO tackles for loss, ONE pass deflection, and ONE sack.
LB - Ben Boulware, Clemson
Boulware played in four playoff games for the Tigers and registered 22 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, ONE sack, ONE interception and TWO pass deflections. He also won the Defensive MVP award for his performance in Clemson's National Championship victory over Alabama in the 2017 title game.
LB/DB - Ryan Anderson, Alabama
In four game appearances in the playoff, Anderson recorded 15 total tackles, FIVE tackles for loss, TWO sacks, ONE interception that he also returned for a touchdown, ONE forced fumble and TWO fumble recoveries.
DB - Eli Apple, Ohio State
Apple played in two playoff games and recorded 12 total tackles, THREE pass deflections and ONE interception.
Photo from ScarletandGame.com
DB - Cordrea Tankersley, Clemson
Appearing in four playoff games for Clemson, Cordrea Tankersley registered 18 total tackles, ONE tackle for loss, THREE pass deflections, and ONE interception.
DB - Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama
Minkah Fitzpatrick, along with former teammate and All-Playoff Offense member, Calvin Ridley, played in six College Football Playoff games in his career with the Crimson Tide. He is responsible for 22 total tackles, TWO tackles for loss, FOUR pass deflections, and ONE interception.
*To see All-Playoff Offense, click here.
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