I’ve been compiling my annual Freaks list of college football’s top workout warriors in the sport for almost 15 years now. I set out to showcase the guys who create some of the biggest buzz inside their programs by displaying the rare physical abilities that wow folks who are typically used to observing gifted athletes. This list is compiled with the help of many coaches, players and sports information directors around the nation. One caveat: I try to avoid having multiple players from one program, but this year I had three instances where I felt I needed to bend that rule. This year we’re doing a top 40 countdown. Check out Nos. 40–21 and Nos. 20–11 and continue with Nos. 10–1 below.

10 best defensive players in college football this season