Poll: The 2014 Boston College Football Defensive MVP
By Joe Micik
While we are on our way to figuring out the offensive MVP — which should be a runaway — the 2014 Boston College football Defensive MVP should be a closer race.
Or will it be?
Statistically speaking, the defense was much better than it had been in 2013, despite losing a handful of starters. There were a number of players who directly contributed to this effort, and which the best on the defense all deserve some credit, who was the best amongst them?
Review what some of the top defenders on the Eagles in 2014 did, and have your say in the poll below as to who was the most valuable player.
2014 Boston College Football Defensive MVP Candidates
Justin Simmons, junior, defensive back. Simmons led Boston College’s defense in tackles in 2014 with 76, including 63 solo which also topped the charts. He made two interceptions on the season, including a notable one against Wake Forest to seal the game late in the fourth quarter. In addition, he broke up five passes and recorded a sack.
Josh Keyes, senior, linebacker. Keyes finally got into the starting lineup this season and made the most of his time. He was fourth on the team with 66 tackles, but he led the Eagles with 11.5 tackles for a loss and also collected four sacks this season. Following a strong performance in the USC game, Keyes was named the FWAA National Defensive Player of the Week and was named to the coaches’ All-ACC third team.
Steven Daniels, junior, linebacker. Daniels was second on the team this season with 72 tackles, while also notching seven tackles for a loss, one and a half sacks, an interception a pass broken up, and two fumbles recovered. The junior did a little bit of everything for the Eagles on that side of the ball this season.
Boston College Eagles
Kevin Kavalec, sophomore, defensive end. Kavalec made the most of his increased playing time because of the loss of some of 2013’s talent, as well as the unfortunate loss of Mehdi Abdesmad. He collected 40 tackles but was a key figure in the Eagles’ pass rush, making 10.5 tackles for a loss and recording 3.5 sacks this season.
Kavalec was the ACC defensive lineman of the week following the Wake Forest game in October.
Brian Mihalik, senior, defensive end. Mihalik was one of the surprise performers of 2014, also making good use of his time on the defensive line. He gathered 31 tackles during the season, also including a team-leading 4.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for a loss. Additionally, Mihalik had an interception, a pass broken up, and another hit on the quarterback.
He was ACC defensive lineman of the week for his performance against NC State and received the Boston College Defensive Coaches Award.