Zach Thomas — Texas Tech (Big 12) (1993-1995)
Texas Tech has not really produced a lot of football players who had brilliant careers after leaving the program, but Zach Thomas is an exception. His career as a linebacker for the Red Raiders landed him in the College Football Hall of Fame and earned him All-American honors twice. In the 1996 NFL Draft, he was a fifth-rounder and he definitely proved his doubters wrong. At the position, he was a monster, being a seven-time Pro Bowler and seven-time All-Pro, putting together an NFL career that is borderline Hall-of-Fame and frightening a lot of offensive players.
Zach Thomas — Texas Tech (Big 12) (1993-1995)
Eric Weddle — Utah (Pac-12) (2003-2006)
There has not been a lot of pro football talent from the University of Utah, current players like Eric Weddle and Alex Smith represent the Utes well, but we went with Weddle as the program’s best. He has proven to be an excellent safety at both levels, being a two-time conference defensive player of the year and a unanimous All-American in 2006 while at Utah. So far, he has been with three different teams and has played outstanding football for each, being a six-time Pro Bowls and five-time All-Pro. Weddle even led the league in interceptions while he was with the San Diego Chargers back in 2011.
Eric Weddle — Utah (Pac-12) (2003-2006)
