Penn State’s defense has clearly been the driving force of the team this season. The unit is one of the best in the country at defending the pass, and cornerback Daryus Dixson has played a huge part in the success.

Of course, it helps that he has one of the best cover men in the league opposite him in Audavion Collins. But Dixson has more than held his own this season. He currently has 10 tackles, two pass breakups and an interception through eight games this year.

He gets targeted a good amount because quarterbacks are so scared of Collins, but that hasn’t stopped his shine. Dixson got a lot of playing time during his true freshman season, and that experience has paid off in a big way this year.

He’s helped the Nittany Lions’ defense hold teams to less than 150 passing yards per game. He has great ball skills, and he isn’t afraid to get physical and put a hit on someone. Collins may get all the national attention, but Penn State has another uber-talented cornerback on the other side of the field as well.