Charlotte 49ers redshirt junior defensive end Alex Highsmith is known for creating havoc in opposing teams' backfields.
In the 49ers' season finale, a come-from-behind 27-24 victory at defending C-USA champion Florida Atlantic, Highsmith had a career-high 10 tackles, including a school-record tying 4.5 tackles for loss (TFL). He also forced a fumble.
For his efforts, Highsmith earned a spot on the Pro Football Focus (PFF) National Defensive Team of the Week and was named the College Sports Madness Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week.
PFF graded Highsmith at 91.2, tops among defensive ends and noted he "dominated against the run. His seven defensive stops led the nation's edge defenders, and he racked up 10 total tackles without missing a single attempt."
A former walk-on, Highsmith finished the season ranked fourth in C-USA with 17.5 TFL and was fourth on the 49ers with 60 tackles. He added 3.0 sacks, eight QB hurries and a team-best two forced fumbles.