Texas A&M Football: 5 bold predictions for 2018 season
By Jeff Shull
4. Tyrel Dodson leads SEC in tackles and has eight sacks
Tyrel Dodson was already one of the SEC’s best defenders as a sophomore in 2017. He was fifth in the league with 104 tackles and also recorded 10 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and three interceptions. Dodson was arguably the Aggies’ best defender in his first full year as the starter.
He will take an expected level of improvement into his junior season and become maybe the best defensive player in the league, at least from a statistical standpoint. He will lead the SEC in tackles and continue to wreck havoc as a blitzer.
Part of this prediction also stems from the fact that the Aggies expect to have a beast defensive line in 2018. It might be the best unit on the team right now. Their dominance up front was noticeable in the Spring Game. A linebacker’s best friend is a defensive line that can eat up blocks and prevent offensive linemen from getting to the next level.
Dodson will be able to roam free and make plays. He might even earn himself first or second round consideration in the 2019 NFL Draft, should he decide to leave.