Neal Brown: Tykee Smith, Tony Fields and the Stills Brothers Deserve All-American Consideration

On the Big 12 coaches teleconference Monday morning, West Virginia coach Neal Brown was asked which of his players he thinks merit consideration for All-American honors following the season.

Brown listed four Mountaineers, all on defense — sophomore Tykee Smith, junior Dante Stills and seniors Darius Stills and Tony Fields II.

LISTEN: WVU’s Neal Brown on Monday’s Big 12 Coaches Teleconference

Brown has not been shy about heaping praise on Smith this season. WVU’s nickel defensive back, Brown has said Smith plays his position at a very high level.

Smith was named a freshman All-American following the 2019 season. This season, Smith has 55 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, two interceptions and four pass breakups.

“I think he’s playing at a level that’s worthy of [All-American],” Brown said. “The Stills brothers are guys from a production standpoint that’re playing at that type of level.”

Defensive linemen Dante and Darius Stills were both all-conference selections after last season. Darius was also selected as the Preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year prior to this year.

Dante has 27 tackles this season, a team-leading 8.5 for loss with two sacks. Darius has 19 tackles with 6.5 for loss and 3.5 sacks.

Finally, Fields is currently leading the Big 12 with 79 total tackles and 51 assisted tackles this season.

“Tony Fields is all over the place,” Brown said. “He’s been a huge pickup for us. You look at his tackle numbers and I think he’s playing that tackle position as good as anybody in the country.”

A transfer from Arizona, Fields also has three tackles for loss, one sack, one interception and two pass breakups. He has accepted an invitation to play in the Reese’s Senior Bowl this season.

The Mountaineers will travel to play the Iowa State Cyclones at 3:30 p.m. EST on Saturday in Ames, Iowa. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.