Time to move on in our countdown of the Top 25 players in the Big East in 2012.
No. 15 Adrian Bushell, CB, Louisville
Making the case: Bushell was one of the best cornerbacks in the Big East for a second straight season, and a big reason why the Cardinals led the Big East in pass defense in 2012. The senior had the best season of his career, with 62 tackles while ranking No. 3 in the league with 14 passes defended (a team-high 13 breakups and one interception). Bushell also had three fumble recoveries as he made the Big East first team once again.
In addition, Bushell also was valuable as a kick returner, leading the team with a 19.6-average on 17 returns. What makes his story even better is the way he was able to overcome some adversity that hit when he was at Florida. Bushell transferred to junior college, then landed at Louisville with his former coach with the Gators, Charlie Strong, who set him on the right path. Not only did Bushell do well on the field, he graduated in December.
Previous ranking: No. 21
The countdown
No. 16 Sio Moore, LB, UConn
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
