Who was the best FCS defensive end during the 2016 season? It's a debatable question, of course, and here we are to debate it. Let's rank the top 10 defensive ends in the FCS.
With the help of our lead FCS writer Brian McLaughlin, we've compiled a list of the top 10 FCS defensive ends based on their performance during the 2016 season. (We threw in a couple of honorable mention selections, too).
Everything comes into play for these rankings — from the easy-to-see stats like sacks and tackles for loss, to less obvious attributes like each player's importance in their defensive scheme.
These rankings are subjective — stats are important, but they don't always tell the whole story. So while we think we've come up with a pretty good list, we want to hear your opinions. Think we missed a defensive end or ranked someone too high or low?
Leave us a comment and let us know who we missed on.
Now, on to our rankings!
Honorable Mention
Javancy Jones, Jackson State
We'll see one of Javancy Jones' teammates later on this this, but Jones had a nice year in 2016, totaling 19.5 tackles for loss and four sacks.
Jonathan Petersen, San Diego
One of the leaders this season in terms of sacks, Petersen brought down opposing quarterbacks 12.5 times and had 23 total tackles for a loss.
Sully Laiche, Nicholls
Just a freshman, expect to see some big things from Nicholls' Sully Laiche, who had 9.5 sacks this season and 13 tackles for loss.
