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PFF releases highest-graded B1G defensive players from Week 1 action
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With Week 1 in the books, Pro Football Focus has begun releasing grades from this weekend’s action. One of those is the highest-graded defenders in the conference.
The names on the list may not surprise, but the teams on the list might. Only one of the top graded players is from a team that came away with a victory in Week 1.
Highest-graded Big Ten defenders in Wk 8
1. Jayson Oweh, Penn St ED – 89.2
2. Tarique Barnes, Illinois LB – 88.2
3. Olakunle Fatukasi, Rutgers LB – 87.0
4. Drew Beesley, Michigan St ED – 86.9 pic.twitter.com/J1t2eFygnV— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 26, 2020
Penn State edge rusher Jayson Oweh finished just slightly ahead of Tarique Barnes for the top spot. Oweh entered this season with plenty of expectations as he may end up as a first-round pick in the NFL when he’s done in Happy Valley. He finished Saturday’s heartbreaking loss with two tackles.
Barnes’ team also lost in Week 1. He was a small bright spot as the Fighting Illini were routed by Wisconsin. Barnes did not come into Champagne as a top-flight recruit.
As a freshman, he was seen mostly in special teams. But this season, it looks like Barnes is ready to break out as he finished with 11 tackles and a sack.
Olakunle Fatukasi is part of Rutgers’ defensive unit that forced seven turnovers against Michigan State. That number caught just about every college football fan’s eye. The Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week finished the win with 10 tackles, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.
Michigan State edge rusher Drew Beesley also helped his team when it came to takeaways. The senior finished Saturday’s loss with six tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.