Sooner quarterback Sam Bradford was the overwhelming choice for our offensive player of the year and now this week the focus will be on the defense. Like the offense Oklahoma's defense isn't short on qualified candidates. As a whole Oklahoma's defensive unit second in the conference in points allowed (18.2) as well as yards allowed (324.0) per game. Here's a look at our candidates.
Auston English
An injury forced English to miss three games and while he only recorded 35 tackles (20 solo) he did lead the team, and conference, in sacks with 9.5. Of his 35 tackles 13 were for loss which was also a team high.
Curtis Lofton
Lofton registered 82 solo tackles and 60 assisted for a total of 142 tackles including 9.5 for loss. Lofton also forced 4 fumbles and snagged three interceptions. Always seeming to be in the right place at the right time Curtis Lofton returned both an interception and a fumble for touchdowns.
Reggie Smith
Reggie ranked fourth on the team with 78 tackles (57 solo) but made his mark in the secondary. On the season Smith had 3 interceptions and 11 pass breakups. He also had a fumble recovery against Miami that he returned 61 yards for a touchdown.
DJ Wolfe
Moving to safety was the best thing that could have happened to Wolfe. He led the team in interceptions with four. He ranked third on the team in tackles with 83 (48 solo), had four tackles for loss and recovered two fumbles. He also made the Mohawk look cool again.
There you have it! It's our rundown of the top defensive players. Now it's your turn. Help us decide who should be MVP by casting your vote in the poll located on the right sidebar.