Football is an intimidating sport. The best players in the game have an ideal combination of size, strength and athleticism that gives them the power to instill fear in their opponents. Whether it’s a player’s hard-hitting ability or sheer size these athletes are as fierce as they come. Here is a look at the four most intimidating players in college football right now.
Reuben Foster, Alabama Crimson Tide
Linebacker
The Crimson Tide’s senior linebacker is an absolute beast at 6’1’’ and 240 pounds, and the highlight reel of big hits that he has assembled over the years would intimidate any opponent. Foster is one of the hardest hitters in the game and he has thrived making plays on both the Alabama defense and special teams. Last year he registered 73 tackles and eight tackles for a loss at inside linebacker and his presence forced opponents to try and move the ball away from him on the ground. The massive neck roll he wears only reinforces the type of player that Foster is and he has succeeded in becoming one of the most intimidating linebackers in the game right now.
Leonard Fournette, LSU Tigers
Running Back
Fournette has outstanding size and strength for a running back and he showed off his power last season when he started the year on fire and finished with 1,953 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. The 6’1’’, 230-pound back did it all for LSU and as impressive as his speed and elusiveness was overall his sheer power was what made him so intimidating for opponents. Fournette led the entire country in rushing yards per game last season including an incredible list of highlight reel plays and it will be very interesting to see what he has in store for an encore this season as one of the most intimidating offensive playmakers in the entire country.
Malik McDowell, Michigan State Spartans
Defensive Tackle
The Spartans are incredibly fortunate that they will have McDowell back to hold down the fort in the trenches next season as one of the top defensive tackles in the entire country. At 6’6’’ and 280 pounds, McDowell’s sheer strength and size makes him tough to move in the middle. He has also become an excellent pass rusher with the ability to knock interior lineman back at the point of attack and then get after the quarterback. The Michigan State defense will be tough to attack up the middle again this season and McDowell’s presence in the middle is a big reason for it.
Orlando Brown Jr., Oklahoma Sooners
Offensive Tackle
Few offensive lineman in the country can match Brown’s combination of size, strength and athleticism. Brown once weighed a ridiculous 450 pounds, but he slimmed down to 357 pounds in order to become an effective football player and it has translated in to him becoming one of the most intimidating players in the Big 12. At 6’8’’, Brown makes the rest of the Oklahoma offensive line look like high school players and he will only continue to get better over time as he learns to use his size and strength to his advantage. He should pave the way for another huge season for running back Samaje Perine, which should help him shine even more.
Lorenzo Carter, Georgia Bulldogs
Linebacker
Carter is an absolutely massive pass rusher that has the prototypical size, speed and strength to be a devastating force off the edge for Georgia. At 6’6’’ and 242 pounds, there is no doubt that he has the raw size to intimidate but in order to reach his maximum potential he needs to be more effective when it comes to his technique. Carter burst on to the scene as a freshman in 2014 when he had 4.5 sacks in just five starters but he tumbled down the Bulldogs’ depth chart last season and needs to be more consistent this season. All of the raw elements are there for Carter to be a force and if he puts it all together he could be a true stud rushing the passer at Georgia this season.
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