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AJ: Connor Strachan. Lots of people are going to vote for Zach Allen and Lukas Denis, but I think it’s going to be the returning linebacker that makes the difference for the Eagles. I loved the play of John Lamot last year, Kevin Bletzer showed glimpses, and Max Richardson will be a welcome return, but Strachan should be the field general at the linebacker position. He showed glimpses of being dominant in 2016, but I think he has a ton to prove this year and will really shore up a position that was a huge question mark last season.
Peter: Lukas Denis. With BC playing in a conference dominated by sheer talent at the QB position (i.e. VT’s Josh Jackson, Clemson’s Kelly Bryant), the Eagles are going to need a solid secondary to defend against the pass. I think that Lukas Denis will be a dominate performer and operate as the perfect senior leader of the secondary unit and prove why he was selected as a second-team Water Camp All-American last year.
Rich: Lukas Denis. Denis made a name for himself last season, finishing in a tie for second nationally with 7 interceptions, along with 83 tackles, good for third on the team. 2017 was his first full season as a starter, and I expect the ball-hawking senior to continue his progression as the leader of the secondary. BC has churned out a number of NFL ready DBs in recent years, and Denis may be the best of the bunch.
Matt: If no one else is going to, I’ll give Zach Allen my vote. The senior defensive end racked up 100 tackles while Harold Landry was sidelined with an injury. Allen probably would have been a first round pick if he had declared for the draft after his junior season, but has a chance to play himself into a top 20 pick with another strong season this year. He’ll be overlooked in the ACC because of Clemson’s defensive line, but he will often draw the attention of opponents’ offensive lines.
Eric: Zach Allen. Not only probably the most dominant player on D, but one that’s irreplaceable too.
Who do you think will be the defensive MVP, leave your thoughts in the comments!