Is Nik Bonitto among best CFB defenders in 2021?
As the 2021 football season approaches, excitement sparks on returning playmakers. For the Oklahoma Sooners, edge Nik Bonitto has created a formidable front in Alex Grinchs system in Norman. He is not only poised to be one of the best pass rushers in the Big 12 but across the nation. The Florida native was credited with PFFs top pressure rate (25.7%) in 2020. In addition, he ranked first nationally per PFF among 257 edge rushers in pass rush grade (93.5) and pass-rush win rate (28.5%). Bonitto totaled 32 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, two pass breakups and a team-high 10 quarterback hurries last season in Crimson and Cream. His burst off the edge from a two-point stance is lethal. He elevates OUs pressure on opponents and is among the top Power Five edge defenders in metrics. Bonitto out leverages offensive tackles with a dangerous power/speed combination in the trenches. With effective pursuit angles, he collapses pockets. Bonitto is a player that offensive coordinators fear on Saturdays. Oklahomas high-powered offense under Lincoln Riley gets a lot of the hype and the Sooners defensive guys can often be overlooked. However, Bonitto jumps off the tape consistently and will be a player to watch come fall. He is among the top defenders in college football. pic.twitter.com/hsRhgvnONl  PFF College (@PFF_College) June 14, 2021  Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes and opinions.