In a new series that CUSportsNation.com will be running over the next couple of weeks, we'll be going through the top offensive and defensive players in 2018 according to Pro Football Focus' analytics. We start with the top 10 defensive players, and inside linebacker Rick Gamboa gets things started at No. 10.

Note: Players needed to have seen 250 snaps in order to be on this list... 16 Buff defenders played 250+ snaps

96 total tackles (61 unassisted)

1 tackle for loss

2 forced fumbles

4 pass break ups

1 interception

According to PFF, Gamboa's best game was against Utah, as he recorded a season-high, single-game grade of 74.2. He recorded seven tackles, six "stops," and one pass break up. Gamboa also recorded a season best run defense grade of 82.6 against the Utes.

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Gambao finished his Colorado career at No. 6 on the school's all-time tackling leader list. He also tied the school record for the most games played in a career by a defensive player with his 50th game (Jimmie Gilbert also played in 50 games). Say what you will about Gamboa, as he can be a polarizing topic for Buff fans because of his play, but you can't argue how much he gave to the CU football program. Gamboa likely doesn't have much of a shot at playing in the NFL, but the graduating senior will be remembered as a fantastic leader of the Mike MacIntyre era in Boulder.