50 Best of the Non-BCS: Number 36
The Verdict: Boise State and their "gimmicky" offense have gotten a lot of attention over the past few years, but college football fans have a tendency to forget that the Bronco defense remains one of the top units in the entire country, regardless of conference. It all starts up front for the Broncos, who are led by the 6-foot-4, 258-pound junior from La Habra, California. A first team All-WAC selection last year and an honorable menton freshmen All-American during 2007, Wintersyk was a terror for offensive linemen around the WAC last season, recording 11.5 tackles for a loss and 40 total tackles (most for a Boise State defensive lineman.) While he isn't known for a high sack total or his pass rush ability, Wintersyk plays with tremendous leverage and disruptive force on the line, making him an ideal run stuffer for teams trying to go off-tackle. Not just a 'high-motor' player, he's a fantastic athlete for his size who also shows a real penchant for batting balls down at the line. A possible hybrid player at the next level, Wintersyk gives Boise's 2009 defense an excellent chance to propel the Broncos to their second BCS bowl game in four years.
Past Players: [#50: Navy LB Ross Pospisil] [#49: Fresno State RB Ryan Mathews] [#48: Wyoming DT John Fletcher] [#47: BSU WR Briggs Orsbon] [#46: EMU QB Andy Schmitt] [#45: Marshall TE Cody Slate] [#44: LA Tech WR/KR Philip Livas] [#43: CSU Gaurd Shelly Smith] [#42: Wyoming FS Chris Prosinski] [#41: SMU receiver Emmanual Sanders] [#40: UTEP QB Trevor Vittatoe] [#39: CMU DE/DT Frank Zombo] [#38: Nevada RB Vai Tuau] [#37: Marshall DE Albert McClellan]
