Winners

1. RB Reggie Bush, 5-11 205, JR, USC

Dust off the ole Heisman and give it to Reggie, he earned it. In last weekend’s shootout with Fresno State, Bush put on a spectacular show. He amassed 513 all-purpose yards with 2 TDs, the second most ever in a Division I game. Bush is the most exciting player in college football, hands down.

2. QB Brent Elliot, 6-3 208, SR, Linfield (Division III)

This small school NFL prospect’s performance last Saturday will be one for the ages. He threw for 525 yards and 7 TDs in the opening round playoff win against Occidental. He now has 102 career TD passes. His favorite receiver also put on quite a show, Casey Allen caught 4 TDs for 222 yards. NFL scouts are watching those two guys. They are the favorite to win the Division III National Championship again this year.

3. WR Sidney Rice, 6-4 198, freshman, South Carolina

Rice seems to be getting better by leaps and bounds almost every game. He is by far the top freshman receiver in the country; he is currently ranked 16^th in the nation with 952 yards and 12 TDs. His closest freshman competitor, WR Michael Thomas from Arizona is ranked 48^th with 771 yards and 5 TDs. A few other nice looking freshmen since we are on that topic are: WR Greg Carr from Florida State with 470 yards and 9 TDs; Deon Butler from Penn State with 678 yards and 9 TDs, and Mario Urrutia from Louisville with 608 yards and 5 TDs.

4. RB Ken Darby, 5-11 205, Alabama

I really like the way this kid runs, he is averaging 105.55 yards per game and has accumulated 1,161 yards this year so far. He got a lot of those yards on his own due to Bama’s poor passing attack; teams have been keying on Darby but still can’t stop him. He is emerging as one of the top running backs for the 2007 NFL Draft. In high school he was considered the state's top running back. Darby rushed for 4,674 yards during his prep career. He had 1,591 yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior. He also had 2,367 all-purpose yards and 24 TDs. As an outside linebacker, Darby had 77 tackles his senior campaign, giving him 281 tackles in his career. He was a SuperPrep pre-season All-America as a senior.

5. WR Jovon Bouknight, 6-1 198, SR, Wyoming

Bouknight is quietly emerging as an elite receiver, he has put together an impressive season. He is currently ranked 3^rd in the nation in receiving yards with 1,116 and an additional 12 TDs. Maybe a mid-round steal in the 2006 NFL Draft.

6. CB Aaron Gipson, 5-9 182, SR, Oregon

If he was only 2 inches taller we might be talking about a 1^st round grade on him. Regardless, small corners are making a comeback in the NFL, see Dallas’s Aaron Glenn and Denver’s Domonique Foxwoth. But back to Gipson, he is quite the little ball hawk, he currently leads the country in interceptions with 7. He is dangerous with the ball in his hands, he has 1 TD and 114 return yards after his interceptions. For a small player he is strong in run support with 40 tackles, 3 tackles for loss and 5 pass breakups.

7. DE Stanley McClover, 6-2 250, JR, Auburn

Wow what a performance by McClover. He earned SEC Defensive Player of the week honors with his 6 tackle, 3.5 sack performance in the win against Alabama. He is a pass rushing demon, he has 8 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss for the year.

8. DE/OLB Manny Lawson, 6-5 250, NC State

It seems people have forgotten about Lawson as he has been slipping in a lot of mock drafts. It’s time to take another look at this elite athlete. He is playing End, but has the size, speed and ability to play outside linebacker in the NFL. Just look at his numbers this year: 51 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, 12 quarterback hurries and 3 pass break ups.

9. The Tweeners:

I want to introduce you to three linebackers that have been performing brilliantly:

LB Kevis Coley, 6-1 228, SR, Southern Miss

A tackling machine from sideline to sideline, he has to date: 133 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and 2 quarterback hurrie 

LB Patrick Willis, 6-2 230, JR, Mississippi

Hits like a ton of bricks, he has 79 solo tackles, 114 total tackles, 9 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks, 3 pass breakups and 2 quarterback hurries.

LB Anthony Trucks, 6-1 230, SR, Oregon

The blitz monster, he has 11 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, 85 tackles, 1 INT, 3 pass breakups and 5 quarterback hurries.

Losers:

1. QB Drew Stanton, Michigan State

Did not look good against Penn State, the Spartans lost the game 31 to 22 and Stanton threw 4 interceptions, three to Penn State CB Alan Zemaitis. He was really staring down his receivers and his balls were floating. He doesn’t look ready for the NFL to me.

2. RB Wali Lundy, 5-10 215, SR, Virginia

Wali has not lived up to promise, he reported to camp over weight and has never captured his form from his sophomore and junior year, he has only rushed for 488 yards and 8 TDs this year.

3. TE Tim Day, 6-3 265, SR, Oregon

Such a promising prospect, but he has really disappointed. Never known to be a strong blocker but he hasn’t really even emerged in the passing game. He has a very disappointing 22 catches for 201 yards and zero TDs to date.

Winners:

1. QB Vince Young, 6-5 230, JR, Texas

At the beginning of the season I was sure either RB Reggie Bush or QB Matt Leinart would win the Heisman, I am not so sure now. In a recent ESPN fan poll, Vince Young was voted in as the winner. And why not, he has his team poised to win a national championship at 10-0, he is the 2^nd rated passer in the nation with a QB rating of 169.8 and he keeps piling up the numbers, he currently has 2,414 passing yards and 22 TDs. In the 66-14 blow out win against Kansas he was 19-27 with 4 TDs.

2. DE Mathias Kiwanuka, 6-6 260, Boston College

Arguably the three best pass rushers in the country were on the field in the NC State/ Boston College game with Kiwi, Manny Lawson and Mario Williams. There shouldn’t be anymore debate on which prospect is the best after that dominating performance by Kiwi. He dominated the play with 5 sacks in the game. With the worst teams in the NFL maybe not needing a quarterback, thusly passing on Matt Leinart, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Kiwanuka as the top draft pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.

3. RB Albert Young, 5-10 212, sophomore, Iowa

The Hawkeyes have been looking for a running back for the last two years and it looks like they finally found one. Persevering through a season ending injury last year, Young has quietly emerged on the national stage this year. With his 127 yard performance yesterday in the 20-10 win at Wisconsin, he has ran for over 100 yards in 6 consecutive games. His 119.70 rushing yards per game average ranks him 5^th in the nation. OLB Chad Greenway was his usually dominant self with a 12 tackle 1 tackle for loss (TFL) performance, but freshman LB/DE/DT Mitch King emerged as a future NFL prospect. King at 6-3 250 is a converted linebacker and vastly undersized to play tackle, but he already has 10.5 tackles for the loss on the season. He (King) was just too much for Wisconsin’s O-line to handle.

4. RB Andre Hall, 5-10 205, SR, South Florida

This little scat back with great hands should land on some NFL team next year. In South Florida’s 27-0 destruction of Syracuse he rushed for 222 yards and 3 TD. He is not just a one game wonder however, he is currently the 4^th leading rusher in the nation with a 123.75 yards per game average and an additional 12 TDs. Did I mention he is a nice receiver; he also has 235 receiving yards to go along with his 990 rushing yards.

5. DE Dan Bazuin, 6-3 260, JR, Central Michigan

He has 12.5 sacks this season, a new school record and the third-most in Division I-A. He is second nationally in tackles for loss with 21, and his five forced fumbles are the fifth-most in Division I-A.  A member of the preseason watch lists for the Nagurski Trophy and Lombardi Award. Academic All-American with a 3.42 GPA, in his third season as a starter at defensive end. A top player to watch for the 2007 NFL Draft.

6. DB Anthony Smith, 6-1 197, SR, Syracuse

This nice sized DB has been excellent this year, he currently leads the nation with 6 interceptions with an additional 13 passes defended. It’s time to start adding him into your mock drafts gentleman. 

7. LB Rufus Alexander, 6-1 230, JR, Oklahoma

No one seems to be talking about Rufus Alexander, but they should. He is one of the best linebackers in the entire nation. Rufus is the 4^th leading tackler in the Big 12, he has 79 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 1 interception, 8 quarterback hurries, 8 pass break ups and 2 forced fumbles. When you watch Oklahoma play you can’t help but notice this future NFL star.

8. DT Babatunde Oshinowa, 6-2 320, Stanford

Yes he has a weird name, but this manimal can play. A true nose tackle that has played in every Stanford game for the last 4 years. Very athletic and strong. Most of the top defensive tackles this year are under-performing, but not Babatunde. As a nose tackle mind you, he has recorded 43 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 passes defended, 1 QB hurry, 2 recovered fumbles and 1 forced fumble. Babatunde Oshinowa will be a first round draft pick, mark my words. A few of other tackles that are performing well are Oklahoma’s Dusty Dvoracek with 10.5 tackles for loss, Texas A&M’s Johnny Jolly with 45 tackles and 4 sacks and Georgia’s Gerald Anderson. Anderson hasn’t been as effective as the other guys, and he has been slowed by injuries sitting out 2 games, but he did have a great game in a losing cause against Auburn with a 7 tackle and 1 tackle for loss performance.

9. TE Leonard Pope, 6-7 255, JR, Georgia

Pope had a coming out party against Auburn in a losing effort. He was Georgia’s leading receiver with 8 catches for 102 yards and 1 TD. When you watch Pope play college football he looks like he is playing against little kids out there. He is just so big and athletic I promise you NFL scouts are taking notice.

10. WR Paul Williams, 6-2 200, JR, Fresno State

A terrific blend of size and speed, what he lacks is experience. Williams burst onto the national scene with a 6 catch 194 yard 2 TD performance in the 27-7 destruction of Boise State on national TV. He didn’t start out the year as a starter, but has amassed 478 yards and 5 TDs to date.

11. WR Jerard Rabb, 6-3 205, JR, Boise State:

Keep an eye on this kid for the 2007 NFL Draft. Rabb was widely considered the top JUCO transfer in the nation last year as he transferred from tiny Saddleback Community College where he caught 83 passes for 1,368 yards and 15 TDs. This year he is steadily becoming QB Jared Zabranski’s favorite target with 24 catches for 328 yards and 4 TDs.
 

Losers:

1. Jared Zabranski, 6-1 205, JR, Boise State

Has not looked impressive this year and does not appear to have NFL quality arm strength, his balls really float. Jared has thrown 10 interceptions this year, including 2 in the 27-7 loss to Fresno State, he was 15-32 and 2 INTs for the night.

2. Arizona State Football Program

Arizona State received a two-year probation from the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions for impermissible financial aid and lack of institutional control. The penalty is the same as that imposed by the Pac-10 in early June. Just a slap on the wrist though, it is not directed toward any ASU team or coach and does not prevent any postseason participation. The probationary period runs through Nov. 9, 2007. ASU officials are required to audit all aspects of its financial aid and textbook distribution during that time and report to the Pac-10 and NCAA.

3. DT Rodrique Wright, 6-5 310, Texas

This guy has to be the most over-hyped defensive player since Brian Bosworth. After a great sophomore campaign a lot of people thought he was going to be a great defensive tackle, but he was never able to duplicate that effort. Has he under achieved that last 2 years or did he just over achieve as a sophomore? Only time will tell because I am sure some NFL team will draft him from a size/speed/potential perspective, but he just hasn’t gotten the job done. He is currently not ranked in any defensive category in the Big 12, and among defensive lineman alone he is not ranked in the top 24 in tackles. Yes I know, production isn’t everything and he is not a bad player, but I just don’t see what all the fuss is about.

4. QB Brodie Croyle, 6-2 205, SR, Alabama

Yes it was a nice run while it lasted, but I think we all knew that Alabama wasn’t that good, especially on offense. Alabama is out of National Championship contention after their 16-13 overtime loss to LSU. Croyle was only average at best, going 19 for 40 with 187 yards and 1 TD. I still think he has NFL potential if he can stay healthy however.

5. RB Laurance Maroney, 5-11 207, Minnesota

Hmm, Maroney was out of the game with an ankle bruise, but the Gophers still ran for 327 yards. Is Minnesota like the NFL’s Denver Broncos who seem to just be able to plug anyone into their backfield and have success?

6. QB Brent Basanez, 6-1 212, Northwestern

Time for Brent to come back down to earth, he was 15 for 31 with 121 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT in the complete 48-7 destruction at the hands of Ohio State.

7. QB Reggie McNeal, 6-2 202, Texas A&M

Hasn’t been a complete QB this year. Against Texas Tech he couldn’t get anything going and went 15 for 24 with 131 yards, 1TD and 1 INT performance. A&M went on to lose the game 56-17.

 

WINNERS:

1. QB Brady Quinn, JR, Notre Dame:

Quinn is still on a tear and is climbing up the charts, he is currently the 5^th rated passer in the nation with a 65.22 completion percentage, he has thrown for 2,845 yards with 23 TDs and only 4 INTs. Quinn picked apart a struggling Tennessee squad throwing for 295 yards and 3 TDs. Not to be outdone is teammate JR receiver Jeff Samardzija, he caught 7 passes for 127 yards and a TD. Both these guys are special and sure to be high draft picks whenever they do enter the NFL Draft.

2. WR Jason Hill, Washington State:

One of the first underclassmen to state he wants to be evaluated for the 2006 NFL Draft, Hill will be a prize commodity in a weak receiver class. The 6-2 205 pound speedy wide-out is currently ranked 2^nd in the nation in yards per game with 120.88. He definitely knows how to find the end zone with 978 receiving yards and 12 TDs so far this year.

3. WR Sidney Rice, South Carolina:

I usually don’t focus on freshman, but Rice is one of the best freshman receivers that I have ever seen play college football. Regarded as the top receiver prospect in the state of South Carolina last year, as a prep he finished his career with 2,500 yards and 25 TDs.  This year Steve Spurrier has really brought out the best in this tall 6-4 191 pound receiver, he has to date accumulated 718 receiving yards and 12 TDs.

4. RB Dontrell Moore, New Mexico:

Moore has erased all doubts about his durability with a miraculous recovery from last years torn ACL. With the emergence of Moore it looks like the 2006 NFL Draft will be another banner year for running backs. The 5-10 215 pound Moore is this years unsung back, he has quietly accumulated 1085 yards and 12 TDs with an impressive 120.56 yards per game average.

5. QB Brian Brohm, Louisville:

Brohm has to be the top sophomore QB prospect in the nation at this point. He is ranked 2^nd in the nation in pass efficiency with a 165.4 passer rating, completing 69.23 percentage of his passes. He has his team 6-2 and has scored more than 30 points in each of his 8 games, heck he has 3 games where his team has scored 60 points or more! NFL size at 6-3 220 pounds he will be somebody to watch in the future.

6. LB Cole Snyder, Idaho:

This 5-10 230 pound redshirt senior linebacker has been a model of consistency. Last year (2004) he finished with 136 tackles, 4 sacks, 16 tackles for a loss (TFL) and 3 pass break ups. This year he is even doing better leading the nation in solo tackles with 79 for a total of 105.

7. CB Kelly Jennings, Miami (FL):

One of the heroes of the Miami defense that nobody talks about. The 5-11 180 pound Jennings has been a starter since 2002 and this year he is ranked 2^nd in the nation with 14 passes defended. Against Virginia Tech he had 2 interceptions of Marcus Vick and played a great over-all game. Not to be outdone was teammate LB Rocky McIntosh, this 6-2 230 pound stud might finally be emerging, against Va Tech he was awesome, finishing with 10 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 TFLs and 1 fumble recovery.

8. DE Tamba Hali, Penn State :

Hali has 11 sacks and 16 tackles for loss (TFL) and at 6-3 271 pounds could easily be the most complete senior end in the 2006 NFL Draft. Senior Willie Evans from Mississippi State and Junior Mario Williams from NC State are two other defensive ends that are putting together excellent seasons. A little short at 6-2 260, but Evans has been incredibly productive this year with 11.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss (TFL). JR Mario Williams has 8 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. I don’t know where people are getting the idea that Mario Williams is under performing this year. Elite NFL size at 6-5 290 pounds, the athletic Williams is a force against the run and the pass.

9. RB Andre Brown, NC State:

Another freshman, but I can’t let him go un-noticed. The 6-2 220 pound running back has been running over and around people lately, just ask the Florida State defense. In the 20-15 NC State upset win over Florida State, Brown rushed for an impressive 179 yards, But that’s not the whole story, in his last 2 games alone he has rushed for 427 yards!

10. Ted Ginn JR, Ohio State:

Last but not least is the explosive Ginn, he has had a real quiet sophomore year until last weekend where he caught 4 passes for 138 yards and a TD. Ginn reminds me of former Ohio State receiver Joey Galloway, he just has bucket loads of speed. The best wideout on the Buckeye squad is Santonio Holmes however, this 5-10 185 pound JR is really coming on strong, he has caught 7 TD passes in his last 4 games.
 

LOSERS:

1. Coach Bill Callahan, Nebraska:

What have you done for me lately? This guy has tried to turn the cornhuskers into a passing team, that’s like trying to install the wishbone at USC. After going 4-12 and getting fired from the Raiders head coaching job after his 2^nd season Callahan tried out the college ranks. It just hasn’t worked, his first season with Nebraska (2004) they finished 5-6, which is the worst record since 1961 and they missed getting a bowl game for the 1^st time in 35 years. This year they are barely alive at 5-4 and have given up over 31 points 5 times, after beating Kansas 36 games in a row they got crushed 40-15 last weekend by the Jayhawks. How many more records is Callahan going to set at Nebraska?

2. QB Marcus Vick, Virginia Tech:

Time to come back down to earth for this young man. Vick got humbled by a tough Miami defense, he went 8-22 for 90 yards with 2 INTs and 4 fumbles. Virginia Tech is all but out of the National Championship race and hopefully all this talk about Vick in the NFL will quiet down. I am still pretty high on this QB for the future however; he does still have an impressive 65 completion percentage.

3. RB Leon Washington, Florida State:

Leon was one of my favorite running backs coming into the season but just hasn’t lived up to his potential. He came into the season over weight and has been outplayed by Lorenzo Booker, he missed the game last weekend in the loss to NC State and has only ran for 324 yards and 2 TDs for the season.

4. RB Maurice Drew, UCLA:

Drew failed to get untracked against Arizona and UCLA paid the price, they got destroyed by Arizona 52-14 and Drew rushed for a paltry 12 carries for 41 yards. On a bright note, the best tight end in the nation is UCLA’s Marcedes Lewis, in a losing cause he finished the game with an impressive 11 catch, 131 yards and 2 TD performance.

5. QB Brad Smith, Missouri:

In an up and down season it was down last weekend for Smith, in a crushing 42-12 loss to Colorado, Smith threw for 160 yards and 1 TD, but more importantly the leading rushing QB in the nation only ran for 29 total yards.

1. WR Maurice Stovall 6-4 230, SR, Notre Dame:

Maybe he is a late bloomer, but the Irish have been waiting 3 years for this kid to emerge and he finally did. Stovall broke a school record by catching 14 balls for 207 yards and 4 TDs. He has excellent size and speed and might surprise some people in the NFL. Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn continues to emerge as one of the top junior pro prospect quarterbacks. Quinn was 32-41 for 467 yards and 6 TDs in the 49-23 crushing win over BYU.

2. QB Brad Smith, 6-2 211, SR, Missouri:

With all the talk about Vince Young and Marcus Vick it seems we have forgotten about Brad Smith. Not anymore, Smith jumped back into the national spotlight with a dominating performance against what was then the #1 ranked Nebraska defense. Smith became only the 6^th QB in Division I history to run and throw for over 200 yards in one game. Smith racked up 480 total yards in the 41-21 upset over Nebraska. He was 21-36 for 234 yards passing and 1 TD and another 246 yards rushing and 3 more rushing TDs. Smith is ranked 8^th in the nation in rushing with 123.57 yards per game compared to Vince Young’s 65.43 rushing yards per game. I am not sure if Smith has the arm strength and accuracy to play quarterback in the NFL, but he will definitely play somewhere.

3. QB Drew Olson, 6-2 219, SR, UCLA:

The other quarterback from California is starting to get some serious respect. Olson is a little small, but he has a strong accurate arm and is a real student of the game. He has the Bruins undefeated at 7-0 and he is currently the 5^th ranked passer in the country completing 67.12% of his passes. He has thrown for 1,874 yards and 21 TDs with only 3 INTs So far this year. He broke a school record last Saturday throwing for 6 TDs in the 51-28 rout of Oregon State. He also benefits from the having one of the best Tight Ends in the nation in Marcedes Lewis and one of the best running backs in Maurice Drew who has 16 TDs already this year.

4. QB Brett Basenez, 6-2 212, SR, Wisconsin:

These three quarterbacks are almost the exact same size thusly limiting their NFL draftability, but boy are they talented. Basenez is currently the top QB in the Big 10 and he is emerging as a legitimate NFL prospect. He is not near the runner Brad Smith is, but he can pull the pig skin down and chew up some yards. He is currently ranked 3^rd in the nation in total offense with 2,449 yards (total). A very accurate passer, he has a 67.55 completion percentage and has thrown for 2,181 yards, 12 TDs and only 1 INT.  Basenez was 24-30 for 331 yards and 4 TDs, 2 passing and 2 rushing, in the 31-20 thumping of Purdue. He has the Badgers tied for 1^st place in the Big Ten with a 7-1 over-all record.

5. WR Martin Nance, 6-4 214, SR, Miami (Ohio):

Nance has rebounded nicely from last seasons injury and has emerged as one of the top wide receiver prospects for the 2006 NFL Draft. He has nice size, speed and hands and is quite a load to tackle in the open field. Nance is currently ranked 5^th in the nation in receptions with 58 for 698 yards and 10 TDs.

6. CB DeAndre Jackson, 6-0 195, JR, Iowa State:

This former high school QB is quite the playmaker and should be put on everybody’s short list of NFL prospects for the 2007 NFL Draft. Jackson was instrumental in last weekends 37-10 win over Oklahoma State. He contributed with a 4^th quarter interception that sealed the win. For the year, Jackson has 31 tackles, 2 INTs, 4 pass breakups and 4 forced fumbles. He is also an excellent kick returner, he is ranked 8^th in the nation with a 30.50 yards per return average.

7. J.D. Runnels, 6-0 240, SR, Oklahoma:

Probably the best fullback in the nation along with Wisconsin’s 265 pound battering ram Matt Bernstein. Not only is J.D. a devastating lead blocker, but he has soft hands. Oklahoma didn’t look very good squeaking out a 37-30 win over a scrappy Baylor team in overtime, but J.D. played a great game with 6 catches for 64 yards. He also executed some excellent lead blocks and helped spring unknown RB Jacob Gutierrez for 173 yards and 2 TDs.

8. OLB/DE Justin Parrish, 6-2 248, SR, Kent State:

Parrish is having a great year and might end up as this years DeMarcus Ware. In the 2005 NFL Draft Ware came out of no where from tiny Troy University to be drafted 11^th over-all by the Dallas Cowboys. Parrish is explosive coming off the edge, and this year he already has an amazing 61 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 12.5 tackles for a loss.

9. OLB Jon Sessler, 6-2 240, SR, Kent State:

Not to be out done by his fellow teammate Parrish, this unknown talent is someone to keep an eye on. Sessler is very strong at the point of attack and has the speed to chase down ball carriers from sideline to sideline. Sessler has been a tackling machine this year, he is currently ranked 3^rd in the entire nation with 81 total tackles.

10. CB Daymeion Hughes, 6-2 192, JR, California:

This talented under classmen is playing as well as any corner in the nation. He definitely has the size and speed to play at the next level. Once he gets his technique refined he could emerge as an elite prospect. Hughes is really breaking on the ball, he has 4 interceptions and 13 pass breakups already this year.

 
Losers:

1. LB Thomas Howard, 6-2 233, SR, UTEP:

This linebacker has tons of potential and runs a reported 4.38 forty, but so far this year he has under performed. Howard looks the part, but seems to have trouble fighting through blocks at times. He is currently not even ranked in the top 100 in tackles with an unspectacular 44.

2. LB Ahmad Brooks, 6-4 265 (estimated), JR, Virginia:

No player has fallen so fast so far, slow to come back from an injury he has only played sparingly in 2 games and does not have near the speed he used to. In last weekends loss to North Carolina he had only 2 tackles and 4 assists. “Pro Football Weekly” has reported that Brooks has let his weight balloon up to 280 pounds this season!

3. QB D.J. Shockley, 6-1 205, SR, Georgia:

This senior was on a roll, but suffered a sprained MCL in his left knee in the 23-20 win against Arkansas last weekend. Shockley was never really a legitimate NFL prospect anyway. He has left the QB job to inexperienced Joe Tereslinki with two tough games ahead with Florida and Auburn.

4. QB Kellen Clemens, 6-1 220, SR, Oregon:

Clemens was having an excellent year, but suffered a broken leg in the 28-21 win against Arizona and will miss the remainder of the 2005 season. I also feel sorry for his teammate WR Demetrius Williams, who was Clemens favorite target. Williams was a having a great year, he caught 5 passes for 123 yards against Arizona and for the year Williams has caught 46 balls for 895 yards and 8 TDs. Williams was averaging 111.88 receiving yards per game.

5. QB Reggie McNeal, 6-2 202, SR, Texas A&M:

Reggie has been very inconsistent this year and has only completed 52.6% of his passes with 12 TDs and 5 INTs. He doesn’t look to have an NFL arm to me, but similar to Brad Smith with his athletic ability, I am sure he will be given a chance in the NFL somewhere. Reggie is currently ranked 31^st in the nation in efficiency.

6. QB Jay Cutler, 6-3 227, SR, Vanderbilt:

It’s time to beat up the QBs. In the pre-season, controversial draft guru Mel Kiper had Cutler as his 3^rd ranked senior QB behind only Matt Leinart and Reggie McNeal. Maybe that just goes to show how difficult it is to evaluate quarterbacks. Cutler is currently the 76^th ranked quarterback with a mediocre 56.83 completion percentage with 9 TDs and 7 INTs.

Winners:

1. USC:

There are usually 2 or 3 games a year that emerge as “Game of the Year” candidates, and the Notre Dame/ USC game is definitely one such game. No disrespect to USC fans, but I was hoping for the upset so I could write about something new this week. I had the headlines all ready, “Brady Quinn for the Heisman” or maybe “The Luck of the Irish”. But some things are just not to be and the University of Southern California Trojans pulled out yet another come from behind miraculous victory behind the legs of Reggie Bush and the guts and determination of Matt Leinart. With 16 carries for 189 yards and 3 TDs Bush emerged as the leading front-runner for the Heisman trophy. Matt Leinart also showed that he is more than just a pretty California boy with gutsy QB sneak for a TD with 3 second left to seal the victory. I fully expect Leinart and Bush to go 1-2 in the 2006 NFL Draft. Safety Darnell Bing also had a nice game with a forced fumble in the 4^th quarter and excellent run support throughout the game. Bing is having a nice season in general with 6 pass break ups to date. For Notre Dame there were a whole slew of heroes, but I will mention LB Brandon Hoyte, he was all over the field, he has an impressive 10.5 tackles for loss for the season.

2. QB Charlie Whitehurst, (SR) Clemson:

I really like this players NFL potential, he has nice size at 6-4 225 and a very strong arm with a quick release. Charlie looked like a world beater and a Heisman candidate as a sophomore only to slump his junior year throwing for a measly 50.7 completion percentage. Well he’s back; Charlie has an impressive 67 % pass completion percentage and has thrown for 1,350 yards and 6 TDs this year. His only weakness is he tends to force a few throws with 4 INTs. He has thrown for over 8000 yards in his career, more than any other active Division I quarterback.

3. QB Vince Young, (JR) Texas:

Sticking with the QB theme I have to give this young man some attention, Vince has been spectacular this year. Last weekend Young destroyed a decent Colorado team, he passed for 336 yards and 2 TDs and ran for an additional 58 yards and 2 TDs. Young is proving a lot of his doubters wrong that say he is just a running QB, he is currently ranked 4^th in the NCAA in pass efficiency completing 67.39 % of his passes and a QB rating of 171.4. The Texas secondary is also playing very well, especially CB Cedric Griffin with 10 pass break-ups and S Michael Huff with 7.

4. RB Laurence Maroney, (JR) Minnesota:

Minnesota lost the game 34-38 with a blocked punt in the final seconds, but Maroney and the Gopher O-line played well enough to win. I want to give some props here for Maroney, but center Greg Eslinger is a beast, the 6-3 300 pound Eslinger drive blocks as good as any center I have seen at the college level. But back to Maroney, he racked up an amazing 262 yards and a TD on 43 carries, not only is he a tough, durable workhorse, but he has the speed to tear off huge chunks of yardage. Maroney is climbing up the statistical charts, he is currently ranked 3^rd in the NCAA averaging 161.86 yards per game.

5. LB Bobby Carpenter, (SR) Ohio State:

The 6-3 255 pound linebacker with perhaps the best size/speed ration in the nation. Carpenter is playing up to his potential this year and even outplaying vaunted A.J. Hawk at times. Carpenter was all over Michigan State and led the way in the 35-24 win with 11 tackles and 4 sacks. Bobby is ranked 3^rd in the nation with 8 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss to date.

6. RB Jerome Harrison, (SR) Washington State:

This 5-10 200 pound running back from Kalamazoo is talented; he gained 262 yards and 2 TDs against UCLA in a losing effort (44-41). Harrison is strong and shifty and he is no one game wonder, he is currently ranked 2^nd in the NCAA with an impressive 166.83 yards per game average and 11 TDs. Harrison has a nice 6.3 yards per carry average.

7. DE Quentin Moses, (JR) Georgia:

Georgia might start getting called the sack factory, last year it was DE David Pollack and this year it’s Quentin Moses. Moses isn’t getting any press, but he is one of the main reasons the Georgia defense is so tough this year. The 6-5 248 pound Moses is lightening quick off the edge. He is putting up some eye popping numbers; he is currently ranked 5^th in the country with 7 solo sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss and 22 tackles.

8. LB Nick Ried, (SR) Kansas:

Ried is a great player that plays for a rotten team. The 6-3 233 pound Ried is making a ton of plays this year and is rising quickly up the draft boards. Ried is a tough, hard nosed player that quickly penetrates and causes havoc in the backfield, he has 12 tackles for loss and 69 tackles to date.

9. RB Michael Bush, (JR) Louisville:

I wanted to put kicker Connor Hughes from Virginia in this slot, he is a heck of a kicker making 13 out of 15 field goals this year, but nobody cares about field goals so I will highlight touchdowns. The 6-3 250 pound Bush is a touchdown machine, he currently leads the NCAA with 16 TDs.

10. LB Ahmad Brooks, (JR) Virginia:

Brooks is finally healthy and back on the field. Number 34 is but a shell of his former self at this point, but he is getting better each game. He actually made a few nice plays against Florida State and might have been the spark that helped Virginia upset Florida State. But no, that game was almost single handedly won by Virginia QB Marques Hagans who threw for 306 yards and two touchdowns. Hagans is so tough and quick and throws on the run as good as any QB in college football. At 5’ 10” he might not have much of a future in the NFL, but he is an impressive college QB none the less.

 

 Losers:

1. QB Chris leak, (JR) Florida:

Started out the season hot but has really slumped as of late. In the 21-17 loss to LSU Leak threw for only 107 yards and 0 TDs, he was a miserable 11 (completions) for 30 (attempts). Leak is currently ranked 48^th in the NCAA in pass efficiency with a 58 % completion percentage, 4 INTs with 10 TDs.

2. OT D’Brickashaw Ferguson, (SR), Virginia:

Still not 100% and he hurts his team when he is not in the game, Fergi tried to play and didn’t look to bad when he was in the game, but mysteriously left the game in 1^st quarter only to come back in and then leave again in the 2^nd half. NFL scouts want to see if he can play hurt, since this is his first real injury in his career his durability can’t be questioned, but his toughness can.

3. S Pat Watkins, (SR) Florida State:

Virginia abused the FSU secondary and Watkins even got benched for a while. Watkins is a force in run support but appears to be a liability in coverage.

4. QB Jordan Palmer, (JR), UTEP:

The hype machine was turned on full force with this guy, being Cincinnati Bengal’s QB Carson Palmers brother what did you expect? Palmer hasn’t looked impressive, he is only completing 52.85 % of his passes and is ranked 57^th in the NCAA in pass efficiency with 6 INTs and 11 TDs.

5. DE Mathias Kiwanuka, (SR) Boston College:

Missed the wake Forest game with a sprained or slightly torn medial collateral ligament in his right leg. By now I am sure everyone has heard about the cheap shot given to Kiwanuka in the third quarter of last Saturday's (October 8^th) game by Virginia’s Brad Butler, who threw a blind-side chop block on Kiwanuka after the whistle. The move appeared to be a clear attempt to injure the preseason All-American.

Winners:

1. RB Tyrell Sutton, Northwestern:

This little 5-9 190 pound true freshman scat-back came out of no where. Sutton has been setting the NCAA on fire this year; he is the second leading rusher in the nation averaging 154 yards per game and is the top ranked touchdown maker with 12 TDs. Sutton gouged Wisconsin for 244 yards and 3 TDs. 5^th year senior QB Brent Basanez has also been impressive, he racked up 361 yards and 3 TDs leading the Wildcats to 674 yards of total offense with 41 second half points en route to a 51-48 upset victory over previously undefeated Wisconsin. For the year Basanez has completed 65.56 % of his passes with an impressive 142 QB rating. Add 6-1 240 pound senior middle linebacker Tim McGarigle to your draft boards, Tim was huge in the game with 25 tackles, yes you heard it correct, 25 tackles in one game! He is currently ranked #4 in the nation with 70 total tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss (TFL). The only bright spot for Wisconsin is WR Jonathan Orr, this 6-3 200 pound wide out looked impressive, he only caught 5 passes but 4 of them went for TDs.

2. LB Paul Posluszny, Penn State:

This JR linebacker stole the show in the defensive battle between Penn State and Ohio State, Paul made 14 tackles, one sack and two tackles for loss and Penn State went on to win 17-10. Senior DE Tamba Hali is also playing very well for the Nittany Lions. Hali made a huge play in the closing seconds to seal the victory. The 6-3 267 pound Hali is a serious NFL prospect, he already has 5 sacks (total) and 7 tackles for loss (TFL) for the season.

3. DE Elvis Dumervil, Liousville:

The “king” of sacks in a big way and he doesn’t appear to be slowing down. He is putting up some breath taking numbers: 14 solo sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss, 7 forced fumbles. He is so far out in front of everybody else he could probably go to Graceland for a couple weeks and still be ranked #1 in the nation in sacks. The King got another 3 sacks in Louisville’s 69-14 shellacking of North Carolina.

4. UCLA RB Maurice Drew
You will be hearing more from this junior running back in the next couple of years as he is a special talent. Not big at 5-8 198, but he is a shifty back with game breaking speed. Last weekend, Drew ran 15 times for 65 yards and three touchdowns, caught two passes for 52 yards and a touchdown, returned three punts for 162 yards and a touchdown, and one kickoff return for 20 yards in the 47-41 win over California. Drew is also one heck of returner, he is currently the #1 ranked punt returner in the nation with a 33.80 average and 3 TDs.

5. DT John McCargo, NC State:

McCargo is one of the most talented Defensive Tackles in the country. You can’t watch an NC State game without hearing his name called again and again. Very quick and strong, this 6-2 300 pound junior has a bright future in the NFL in a year or two. MCargo is a QBs worst nightmare; he has 15 solo tackles, 6 TFL, 1 sack and 5 quarterback hurries this year. Fellow teammate senior Tight End TJ Williams will also be playing on Sundays, but sooner rather than later, not elite size at 6-3 260 pounds, but he has wide receiver speed and hands, he is the teams leading receiver with 18 catches for 216 yards and 1 TD.

6. WR Clinton Solomon, Iowa:

Ranked as one of the top ranked wideouts in the nation in the pre-season, Solomon like the rest of the Hawkeye’s were struggling, not anymore, Solomon had the long awaited Break out game. This 6-3 205 pound senior wideout had to step up when Ed Hinkel went down against Purdue and step up he did,

Solomon finished with 5 catches for 166 yards and 2 TDs in Iowa’s 34-17 victory at Purdue. What really makes Solomon special is his ability to block downfield, NFL coaches are going to love that part of his game.

7. Safety Greg Blue, Georgia:

He is listed as a free safety but at a solid 6-2 214 he looks like a strong safety in the NFL to me. I fell in love with Blue last year when he teamed up with Thomas Davis in the Dog’s defensive backfield. Davis was the 14^th pick in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft and I thought Blue looked as good if not better than Davis last year. Last weekend, the Georgia defense led the way in the 27-14 win over Tennessee and Blue led the team with 14 tackles (13 solo). Blue is picking up where he left off last year. Blue already has an amazing 33 solo tackles for the year. He hits like Dallas’s Roy Williams. One player from Georgia that isn’t being talked about much for the 2006 NFL Draft is TE Leonard Pope, yes he is only a junior, but at 6-8 250 pounds he has the size and skills for the NFL now.

8. WR Greg Jennings, Western Michigan:

In a very weak receiver class, the senior Jennings is aging like fine wine. Maybe he will get docked for sub par competition and average size at 5-11 198, but his production cannot be discounted. Jennings is currently the top ranked receiver in the NCAA for receptions with 61 for 735 yards and 9TDs.

9. CB Ronnie Prude, LSU:

Corey Webster left for the NFL as one of the best corners to ever come out of LSU; Prude must have been watching and learning because he is filling his shoes nicely. Very athletic with nice closing speed, this 5-11 185 pound senior is starting to draw interest from NFL scouts, he is ranked 2^nd in the nation with 7 pass break ups.

10. RB LenDale White, USC

Move over Reggie Bush, White’s performance in the 41-21 dismantling of Arizona was sick. He rushed for 179 yards and 4 TDs on only 24 carries. At 6-1 237 pound this junior has legitimate NFL size.
 

Losers:

1. WR Ted Ginn JR, Ohio State:

What a difference a year makes, as a freshman he looked like the best thing since sliced bread, ranking 1^st in the NCAA in punt returns. This year as a sophomore he doesn’t look like himself. He is currently ranked 66^th in the nation with a pathetic 7.6 yards per return average. Not to mention his inability to become a legitimate receiver.

2. DE Eric Henderson, Georgia Tech:

Henderson was a huge disappointment last year as he battled one injury after another. Expected to have a dominate senior year he has now missed three straight games with an ankle injury. I wouldn’t touch him with a ten foot pole, but I am sure he will get drafted by some NFL team in love with his potential.

3. CB Jason Allen, Tennessee:

Not only did Tennessee lose to Georgia 27-14, but Allen left the game with a hip injury. Regarded as one of the top defensive backs for the 2006 NFL Draft, all eyes will be on the seriousness of this injury.

4. RB A.J. Harris, Northern Illinois:

Last year about this same time Harris was being talked about as a possible NFL prospect. He then got injured and eventually replaced with Garrett Wolfe. Well, Wolfe was no one year wonder and Harris is nothing more than an oversized kick returner. Wolfe is currently the 6^th ranked rusher in the nation with 140 yards per game average, he has 114 carries for 703 yards and 6 TDs. Harris has only 29 carries for 231 yards.

5. Oklahoma:

I hate to beat a team when they are down but the Sooners were horrible.  The offense didn't have a prayer, Adrian Peterson wasn't a factor because he was gimpy, and Rhett Bomar, who was 12-of-33 for 94 yards and an interception isn’t good enough to give his team a chance. Peterson, only had three carries for 10 yards against Texas. The runner-up for the Heisman Trophy last season, Peterson has 402 yards on 88 carries this season with eight touchdowns.

Winners:

1. Crimson and Scarlet:

 I don’t know the difference between scarlet and crimson, but both colors produced winners last weekend. The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. For Alabama, 6-3 205 pound senior QB Brodie Croyle is for real; he finished 15-18 for 286 yards and 3 TDs in the Tides 31-3 destruction of a good Florida team. I would not be surprised if Croyle ended up as a very early day one draft pick. Most people think LB DeMeco Ryans is the best Bama defensive player, but take a look at inside linebacker Freddie Roach, he is a stout tackler but impressive in pass coverage also, he is ranked 8th in the nation in passes defended with 8. Strong Safety Charlie Peprah is quite the little playmaker, but at only 5-11 200 pounds I wonder if he will suffer the same fate as Auburn’s standout Safety Junior Rosegreen last year, who went undrafted. At best, Peprah looks like a late round draft pick to me. For the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, I like the intestinal fortitude they displayed and if RB/FB (JR) Brian Leonard isn’t the most complete back in the nation I don’t know who is. At 6-2 242 pounds he can run, catch and block, what a throw back player Leonard is. Rutgers upset a shaky Pitt team 37-29 and yes the defense almost collapsed at the end, but I like Rutger’s defensive end, 6-5 270 pound Val Barnaby, he is a converted defensive tackle and already has 4 sacks for the year.

2. DT Glenn Dorsey, (Sophomore) LSU:

Only a sophomore, but this 6-2 300 pounder is coming on strong, he made a ton of plays against Tennessee and has looked better than starting DTs Claude Wrotten and Kyle Williams, who will both be playing on Sundays next year. Dorsey played in all 12 games as a true freshman last year.

3. RB Michael Bush, (JR) Louisville:

This big, 6-3 240 pound bruiser had 196 yards and 3 TDs on only 17 carries in the 61-10 inhalation of Florida Atlantic. He is currently ranked #9 in the nation averaging 117 yards per game. Bush is a load to bring down and has the talent to play fullback or running back.

4. QB Brady Quinn (JR) Notre Dame:

The 6-3 220 pound Quinn finished 26-36 440 yards and 3 TDs in the win against scrappy Purdue. Under Charlie Weis, Quinn has improved as much as any QB in the nation. Quinn is currently the 7^th ranked passer in the country. He is completing over 65% of his passes and has thrown for 1,628 yards and 13 TDs. Move over Omar Jacobs, Quinn is the top ranked JR quarterback in my book. 6-2 245 pound FB Rashon Powers-Neal runs low and powerful, he is an automatic touchdown inside the 5 yard line. I also like unknown JR receiver Jeff Samardzija, at 6-5 220 pound he has great hands and speed, and he already has 8 TDs this season. On defense LB Brandon Hoyte is making a ton of plays, he has 11 tackles for loss this year, but at only 5-11 235 pounds, the senior Hoyte might have an uphill battle in the NFL.

5. RB DeAngelo Williams, Memphis:

Why doesn’t this senior running back get more respect? He is all healed up from last years broken leg guys, he is a Senior and he will be in the draft, oh and did I mention if he stays healthy he will be a first rounder in the 2006 NFL Draft. This stud running back has average size at 5-10 215 pounds, but he runs like a man possessed. DeAngelo is currently the top ranked running back in the nation, averaging 187 yards per game. He is averaging 6.9 yards per carry and has run for over 200 yards in his last three games. He has accumulated 749 yards and 8 TDs. Speed, hands, moves, what’s not to like.

6. QB Drew Stanton, (JR) Michigan State:

The most efficient passer in the nation with an amazing 201.3 QB rating. He plays smart, makes good reads and has a very accurate arm. Drew has amassed 1,446 passing yards and 14 TDs and his Spartans are 4-1. He put up 31 points in their only loss to Michigan, but get this, he has completed over 71% of his passes!

7. MLB Jimmy Cottrell, (SR) New Mexico State Aggies:

Here is an unknown tackling machine, the 6-1 244 pound Cottrell is ranked #1 in the nation with an amazing 73 total tackles and 44 solo tackles. That projects to almost 200 tackles by the end of the year at that pace. Very strong and quick, if you want to run up the middle on the Aggies you had better block this guy.

8. DE Adam Carriker, (JR) Nebraska:

The 6-5 280 pound Carriker is kind of flying under everybody’s radar, only a junior so we will probably have to wait a couple years to see him in the NFL, but see him we will. Adam is a complete end, strong against the run and a terror as a pass rusher; he already has 5 sacks in 2005.

9. LB Stephen Tulloch, (JR), NC State:

I didn’t intend to focus on under classmen, it just kind of happened. Tulloch is a little small at 6-0 230 pounds but he has been making play after play for the Wolfpack. Tulloch is very quick and is used a lot on the blitz. He is off to an amazing start this year with 8.5 tackles for a loss, but I wonder about him being a product of the system, after all he has the best defensive line in college football in front of him.

10. Meet Wide Receiver Robert Meachem from Tennessee:

He has nice size at 6’ 3” and 218 pounds, superior athletic ability and runs like the wind. He was the only Vols receiver with a 100-yard game in 2004. Talk about cool under pressure, his very first career reception last year (2004) was good for a 35-yard TD in a victory over UNLV. You have got to feel good about him in his sophomore campaign (2005), because he finished the 2004 season on fire, he had a stretch run to finish the 2004 season with 16 receptions for 284 yards and two touchdowns in last five games. This year Meachem is looking good, he was instrumental in the Vols comeback win against LSU, with a ton of big catches in the 4^th quarter. We will be hearing more from this talented Volunteer Receiver, and you can bet your bottom dollar that the NFL Scouts will also be watching. He looks like a top prospect for the 2007 or 2008 NFL Draft.

Losers:

1. Virginia Cavaliers:

This might be a bit harsh, after all they are still 3-1, but the 45-33 loss to rival Maryland had to be painful. One of the top offensive tackles in the nation, D’Brickashaw Ferguson, didn’t play. He injured his leg the week before and Virginia is being very tight lipped about how serious it is. Ferguson missed his first start after an amazing 44 consecutive starts on the offensive line. He made the trip but didn’t play so I doubt it is that serious. RB Wali Lundy has been a major disappointment so far this season, he injured his foot against Western Michigan and still doesn’t look 100%, he finished the Maryland game with a paltry 5 carries for 19 yards. On a positive note, Virginia (JR) LB Kai Parham is playing great, he has nice size at 6-3 247 and has accumulated 41 tackles, 4 sacks and 6 tackles for a loss (TFL) so far this season. One of my favorite blue collar players from Virginia had a nice game against Maryland, DE Brennan Schmidt had 8 tackles, 1 sack and 1 tackle for loss. The other good news out of Virginia is the health of often injured LB Ahmad Brooks, stop the press guys, Brooks actually started, however he looked rusty and out of shape only finishing with 2 tackles.

2. RB Adrian Peterson (Soph) and WR Travis Wilson, (SR) Oklahoma:

Two players that were supposed to dominate this season, Peterson is only ranked 27^th in the NCAA in rushing, with a mediocre (for him) 98 yards per game average rushing. WR Travis Wilson is ranked 98^th in the nation in receiving with only 12 catches for 233 yards.

3. RB Leon Washington, (SR) FSU:

Leon had a great year last year and I thought he would be one of the nations leading rushers this year, but he has had to share the load with Lorenzo Booker with Booker seeming to get more and more carries as the season progresses. Booker and Washington have almost the same number of carries but Washington has only a 4.4 yards per carry average compared to Booker’s 5.4. Leon has 34 carries for only 158 yards and 1 TD to date.

4. RB Laurance Maroney, (JR) Minnesota:

Maroney’s Heisman hopes are almost hopeless now; he was completely shut down by a rejuvenated Penn State in a 44-14 blow out. Penn State held Maroney to a pathetic 48 total yards.

5. OLB Spencer Havner, (SR) UCLA:

I think he is a little over rated. He hasn’t been playing exceptionally well this year, looks a little tentative. He is currently ranked 70^th in the nation with only 34 total tackles.

6. QB Chris Leak, (JR) Florida:

He had been playing very well up until last weekend; the smallish 6-0 198 pound leak was harassed all day against Alabama and couldn’t get untracked. Leak looked inexperienced and unsure in the 31-3 drubbing by Alabama, he finished with 187 passing yards, and 2 interceptions. Leak only converted 4 of 16 first downs. Was it Urban Meyer’s offense or Chris Leak’s quarterbacking? With LSU and Georgia ahead in the month of October, we will soon find out.

7. QB Tyler Palko, (JR) Pitt:

His over-all stats aren’t too bad, but I don’t like his game. He has a tendency to stare at the pass rush and force passes into coverage, and above all his team is just not winning. I think he has a long way to go before he is ready for the NFL. He has been very inconsistent, he will make a great throw and then come back and throw right into coverage. On a positive note, please check out Pitt left tackle (SR) Charles Spencer, 6-5 328 pounds. Spencer is the best tackle I have seen yet this year by a wide margin; he has very quick feet and slides as well as anybody. Spencer is strong, scrappy and has a mean streak. He is a converted defensive lineman, but played guard last year. This might sound crazy but I would rate him (Spencer) as one of the top 2 or 3 tackles in the entire nation at this point.

1. The Ohio State defense:

They are currently ranked #1 in the nation in run defense and held Iowa’s potent offense to 137 total yards and 2 field goals sacking Iowa QB Drew Tate 5 times for -43 yards. The OSU linebackers are hands down the best in the entire nation, Bobby Carpenter, Anthony Schlegal and A.J. Hawke should all be drafted on the first day of the 2006 NFL Draft and Hawk looks like a top 10 pick, he (Hawk) was dominant once again with 11 tackles and 1.5 sacks.  I really liked the play of Safety Nate Salley, he displayed great range in the defensive secondary and DE Mike Kudla. The 6-3 265 pound Kudla has emerged as a legitimate NFL prospect with 1.5 sacks and constant pressure all day. The senior Kudla is starting to come into his own after 28 tackles, 4 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss a year ago.

2. RB Brian Calhoun, Wisconsin:

This 5-10 200 pound junior ran all over Michigan giving them (Wisconsin) a stunning 23-20 upset victory. Calhoun finished with 35 carries for 155 yards and a TD and he was also the leading receiver with 7 catches for 59 yards.

3. QB Chris Leak, Florida:

He is having a Heisman year so far, his Gators are undefeated at 4-0 and he finished with 25 completions for 319 yards and 4 TDs in the 49-28 victory over Kentucky.

4. QB Marcus Vick and TE Jeff King Virginia Tech:

The Hokies are for real; they destroyed a good Georgia Tech team 51-7 and are undefeated at 4-0 with a nice 3-0 ACC record. Vick threw for a career high 223 passing yards. TE Jeff King had 3 catches for 46 yards and a TD.  He (King) also blocked a FG that was returned for a TD.

5. WR Mike Haas, Oregon:

He continues to prove his doubters wrong. His is currently ranked #1 in the nation in receiving yardage and #2 in receptions. So far this year he has 40 receptions for 670 yards and 3 TDs. I would like to see him get into the end zone a little more though.

6. WR Amarri Jackson, South Florida:

In South Florida’s shocking upset of Louisville, the 6-5 200 pound Jackson ran for two touchdowns on reverses and threw for a third to pace a 45-14 rout of the ninth-ranked Cardinals in the Bulls' Big East debut.

7. RB Reggie Bush, USC:

Bush has been playing great all year and is trying like heck to wrestle that Heisman away from fellow team mate QB Matt Leinart. Bush ran for 122 yards on only 20 carries with 1 TD in USC's 43-13 come-from-behind win over Oregon. He also had 3 catches for 43 yards and another TD.

8. CB Gabriel Fullbright, New Mexico:

Quite the little ball-hawk, this 5-10 174 pound corner leads the nation in interceptions with 5 and has an additional 6 passes defended.

9.  RB Tauren Henderson, Texas Tech:

How could this 5-10 205 pound running back be under rated? He led the way to a 63-7 drubbing of lowly Indiana State with 141 yards and 3 TDs with only 10 carries. He is currently the NCAA’s active leader in TDs with 55 with 330 points, he has scored a TD in 10 straight games.

10. DE Willy Evans, Mississippi State:

Willy has emerged as a legitimate NFL prospect. The 6-2 270 pound Evans was named the SECs Defensive Lineman of the week last week (9-19-05).  He has accumulated a tackle for a loss in 13 out of the last 14 games and a sack in 8 of the last 9. He has 8 tackles for a loss (TFL) already this year.

 

Losers:

1. Iowa and QB Drew Tate:

Once ranked as high as 3^rd in the nation the Hawkeyes have looked horrible in the 2 games they have played against decent opponents. With 4 new, unproven defensive linemen they are not getting any pass rush and can’t stop the run. The offensive line which should be a team strength is getting pulverized, especially the coaches son, Center Brian Ferenz. Stick a fork in Iowa; they will do good to get 6 wins and a bowl game this year. Tate managed only 137 total yards against Ohio State and the Hawkeyes are off to a pathetic 2-2 start.

2. QB Omar Jacobs, Bowling Green:

Will the real Omar please stand up? Ok everybody is entitled to a bad game, but boy did he lay an egg on his biggest national TV game to date. All eyes were on Jacobs, but that blue carpet has a way of making mere mortals out of all of Boise States opponents. Jacobs finish 18-36 passing, he was forcing throws, throwing interceptions and only converted 5 of 14 third downs. Jacobs has a lightening quick release and a strong arm but still has a long way to go before he is ready to play in the NFL.

3. WR Will Blackmon, Boston College:

After a hot start where he caught 8 passes for 100 yards in the season opener, he has only 10 catches for 117 yards in his last 3 games combined. Ok this might be a little unfair, after all 2 of his 10 catches were for touchdowns and he is currently the 4^th leading receiver in the ACC. He is also learning a completely new position and having to adapt to his second new quarterback.

4. Oklahoma and QB Rhett Bomar:

They really shouldn’t be this bad, that team has talent. Bomar is currently ranked 100^th in the NCAA in pass efficiency. In his last game he was 27-47 302 yards and 2 INTs.

5. OT D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Virginia:

He is definitely not a loser, but he left the game against Duke with a leg injury and did not return. It is unknown how serious it is at this point but the Cavs are holding their breath.

6. TE Matt Herian, Nebraska:

Speaking of injuries, Herian still hasn’t taken the field and it looks like he will red-shirt this year. He has been very slow to recover from a leg fracture he sustained against Missouri in 2004 and isn’t even listed on the Nebraska depth chart anymore.

7. DE Mario Williams, NC State:

Not really a loser, but he hasn’t dominated yet this year like some expected. He has 10 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss (TFL) and 1 sack to date. Maybe Mario is getting double teamed a lot because the other DE, Manny Lawson is having a great year with 14 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 4 sacks and 4 quarterback hurries.

8. KR Devin Hester, Miami (FL):

Still hasn’t wrestled the starting corner spot away from Marcus Maxey and it is starting to look like he won’t.  Maxey is having a great year so far with 2 big INTs and 4 pass break ups. Hester hasn’t done much in the return game either with only one nice 33 yard kick off return to brag about.

9. Tedd Ginn Jr., Ohio State:

Last year he looked like the most dangerous man in college football with the ball in his hands. This year he has looked hesitant, he caught a lot of balls (punts) for fair catches that he could have returned against Iowa. I think with patience the young (sophomore) Ginn will still develop, unlike Hester he at least is playing a position besides returner. As a receiver Ginn caught 3 passes for 31 yards.

10. WR Steve Breaston, Michigan:

1 catch for 1 yard in the loss to Wisconsin? Michigan needs more from him than that. No wonder Michigan and QB Chad Henne are struggling.