Today brings us to our first UConn player in the countdown.

No. 16, Sio Moore, LB, UConn

Making the case: Moore was a first-team All-Big East performer in 2012. His eight sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss were both good for second in the conference (trailing Trevardo Williams, 11.5 and Aaron Donald, 18.5, respectively). He was fifth in passes defended (11), too. Moore added 72 total tackles, 11 pass breakups, two quarterback hurries and a fumble recovery. The senior was instrumental on a Huskies defense that finished ninth nationally in total defense, seventh in rushing defense and 19th in scoring defense.

Preseason ranking: 14

The countdown

No. 17 Shamarko Thomas, S, Syracuse

No. 18 Scott Vallone, DT, Rutgers

No. 19 Jerome Smith, RB, Syracuse

No. 20 Devin Street, WR, Pitt

No. 21 DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville

No. 22 Matt Brown, RB, Temple

No. 23 Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville

No. 24 Tyler Matakevich, LB, Temple

No. 25 Aaron Donald, DT, Pitt