Top Five San Diego State Players to Watch: No. 3 Calvin Munson

Although the San Diego State Aztecs are a solid offensive football team, there certainly are players to watch on defense. Junior linebacker Calvin Munson might be their biggest playmaker on the defensive side of the ball, and a player that Bearcat fans should watch out for during the Hawaii Bowl on December 24th.

Called "the most exciting defender" on the team by the San Diego Union Tribune, Munson has accumulated a team-high nine sacks, and two interceptions, both of which were returned for touchdowns in the season opener on September 5th.

Munson wasn't even a starter last year until an injury forced him into action, putting him into the lineup. He immediately began making plays. By the end of the year, he was a top defensive player, and has continued his success this year. In 2014, he had a team-high 10 and a half tackles for losses. He also had four sacks and four interceptions, both team highs. Additionally, he racked up 83 tackles, which was second on the team. His efforts in his first year as a starter did not go unnoticed, and this year, his strong play has earned him the team's Defensive Player of the Year award, shared with cornerback Damontae Kazee.

One of Munson's strongest games this season was actually in Hawaii, a game where he tallied one and a half sacks and a season-high twelve tackles. He tallied three sacks the next week in a game against San Jose State.

Munson seems to have a nose for the ball and knack for getting to the quarterback. Cincinnati quarterback Hayden Moore is still only a freshman, making him prone to getting pressured. The potential chess match between Munson and the Bearcats offensive line will, without a doubt, be fun to watch.