Myjai Sanders was an absolute wrecking ball against opposing offenses last season. The University of Cincinnati senior defensive end led the Bearcats in both sacks (seven) and tackles for loss (10.5) en route to earning first-team All-American Athletic Conference honors.
Sanders was also named a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, which has been presented to the College Defensive Player of the Year since 1995.
Sanders was expected to have another wildly productive campaign this season, earning preseason second-team All-America honors from USA Today and being one of only two returning 2020 semifinalists (Notre Dame junior safety Kyle Hamilton) on the watch list for this season's Bednarik Award.
But through the No. 8-ranked (Associated Press/Coaches) Bearcats' first two games, opposing offenses have used extra blockers and quick passes to neutralize Cincinnati's pass rush, including Sanders.
The 6-foot-5, 255-pound Jacksonville, Florida, native has zero sacks and no tackles for loss.
"Maybe that has to do with some of the coverage, maybe that has to do with some of the pressure, maybe that has to do with some of the guys," UC coach Luke Fickell said. "There's a stat for everything, and I think right now the ball is coming out faster against us than anybody else. ... You just gotta recognize it and then be able to adapt and adjust, because it can be frustrating because we all are looking at stats and like stats."
