Top 25 Countdown: #24 Georgia Tech

#24

2009 Record – 11-3, 7-1, ACC Champions
Bowl Game – Orange Bowl – Lost to #10 Iowa 14-24
Letterman Returning: 54
Stadium – Bobby Dodd Stadium (55,000)
College Location – Atlanta, GA
Coach – Paul Johnson (3^rd year) 20-7

OFFENSE: (6)

Key Returnees – QB Josh Nesbitt (below), RB Roddy Jones, RB Anthony Allen, C Sean Bedford

Key Losses – RB Jonathan Dwyer, WR Demaryus Thomas, G Cord Howard

- A lot of people questioned whether or not Paul Johnson’s flexbone option style offense could compete in a major conference like the ACC. It’s safe to say now, many were wrong. Johnson has had one key player over the last two seasons that has run the option attack to near perfection, that of course being Joshua Nesbitt. Nesbitt has left doubters looking like brokers who invested in Enron stock. The numbers for Nesbitt may not all be there yet, although his 18 rushing touchdowns a year ago stand out, so does his 46% completion percentage and 116 ranked passing offense. The wins speak for themselves however, with a 2009 ACC Championship and a 13-4 conference record since Johnson took over. The loss of running back Jonathan Dwyer and his 1,400 yards rushing will hurt the offense, as he was a rare player. Senior back, Anthony Allen, 6’ 239, is in a similar mold to Dwyer and will take the reins of the main running back duties after a 2009 campaign in which he rushed for over 600 yards on a 9.7 average. Perhaps the biggest loss of the offense though comes from standout wide receiver Demaryus Thomas, who brought in 46 of Nesbitt’s 75 completions last season. The second leading receiver on the team, sophomore Stephen Hill, caught just six passes and with that, a lot of pressure this season is put on both Hill and junior Tyler Melton to step up. The offensive line will also need to replace three starters, two at the guard position.

DEFENSE: (8)

Key Returnees – MLB Brad Jefferson (below, #51), CB Jerrard Tarrant, CB Mario Butler

Key Losses – DE Derrick Morgan, S Morgan Burnett, OLB Sedrick Griffin

- The good news heading into the 2010 season for the Yellow Jackets defense is the fact that they lose just three starters from last year’s unit. The rather bad news is that the three players lost were without a doubt the defenses three best players. Stepping into his first year as defensive coordinator will be ex-Virginia head coach Al Groh who brings with him his 3-4 defensive scheme. The key to success will be getting pressure on the opposing passer and that is exactly what the 3-4 is designed to do. Derrick Morgan, an NFL first round pick, takes with him 12.5 of the team’s 25 total sacks from last season, so finding a rush won’t be easy. Senior middle linebacker Brad Jefferson, the team’s leading tackler, returns, as does junior linebacker Steven Sylvester, who will be making the move to the other middle position. Seniors, Anthony Egbuniwe and Anthony Barnes, should be counted on to bring the rush from the outside ‘backer positions. At corner, junior Jerrard Tarrant and senior, Mario Butler, form an impressive duo in the secondary.

SCHEDULE:

In their 11 wins last season the Yellow Jackets averaged 335.7 yards rushing a game. In the three losses, Miami, Georgia and Iowa, Tech averaged just 147.6 yards an outing on the ground. It’s clear that when it comes to shutting down Georgia Tech, it starts with the ground game. The past two seasons under Johnson the team has struggled against speed defenses, like Miami and Georgia last season and North Carolina and LSU in 2008. This season, after a cupcake Sept. 4 game, action kicks off Sept. 11 in a trip to Kansas, which opens a two game away stretch. On Sept. 18, the Jackets head to Chapel Hill to take on UNC, before hitting a breather conference stretch that features the likes of NC State, Wake Forest, and Virginia. Oct. 23 the team travels to Clemson for its fourth meeting with the Tigers in three years. A brutal November lies in store with a trip to Blacksburg against Virginia Tech Nov. 4, followed by a home visit from Miami, Nov. 13. As usual the last game of the season comes down to an out of conference meeting with Georgia, Nov. 27.

Schedule rating: B+

Red = Toughest Game. Blue = Pivotal to conference.

Top Incoming Freshman:

1.) Louis Young, *#11 CB, 6-0 177, Olney, MD

Once a Stanford commit, Young made the switch to GT on signing day to bolster the 2010 Yellow Jacket class.

2.) Ryan Ayers, #16 CB, 5-10 180, Douglasville, GA

An Under Armor All American, Ayers had offers to many of the top teams in the country.

3.) Denzel McCoy, #53 DT, 6-4 275, Duluth, GA

A defensive tackle in high school, McCoy may play end in the Jackets new 3-4 scheme.

4.) Shawn Green, #31 DT, 6-0 270, Loganville, GA

Green has room to grow into a space eating nose guard for Tech in the future.

5.) Charles Perkins (above), #39 RB, 6-1 205, Suwanee, GA

Tech’s first 2010 commit, Perkins is a powerful one cut runner, who can burst through a hole.

*Rankings by scout.com

Top 25 Countdown: #25 Penn State

#25

2009 Record – 11-2, 6-2 Big Ten
Bowl Game – Capital One Bowl – Beat #13 LSU 19-17
Letterman Returning: 37
Stadium – Beaver Stadium (107,282)
College Location – State College, Pennsylvania
Coach – Joe Paterno 394 – 129 – 3 (45 Years)

OFFENSE: (7)

Key Returnees – RB Evan Royster (below), G Steve Wisniewski, WR Derek Moye, WR Graham Zug

Key Losses – QB Daryll Clark, TE Andrew Quarless, OT Dennis Landolt

-Unlike most Penn State offenses, last year’s team revolved around the arm of Daryll Clark’s accurate passing. Clark has since moved on and the offense will take a turn from relying on the arm of the Clark, to the legs of senior running back Evan Royster. Royster brought in 1,169 yards last season, with a 5.7 average. Replacing Clark will be heralded sophomore, Kevin Newsome. Newsome played sparingly last season with just 11 pass attempts for 66 yards. Like Clark, however, Newsome has the ability to make things happen with his legs, rushing for 95 yards and two scores last season. A talented group of wide receivers lies in wake for Newsome in senior Graham Zug, junior Derek Moye, and sophomore Curtis Drake – one of the fastest players in the Big Ten. In the past, Royster has proven he can carry a heavy load and along with speedy junior tailback Stephan Green, that is exactly what will be the story of the 2010 Nittany Lion offense, especially with a young quarterback on hand.

DEFENSE: (5)

Key Returnees – S Drew Astorino (below), DE Jack Crawford, S Nick Sukay, DT Ollie Ogbu,

Key Losses – LB Navaorro Bowman, LB Sean Lee, LB Josh Hull, DT Jared Odrick

-This season “Linebacker U” turns into “Linebacker Who?” The likes of all three starting linebackers depart from last season’s team. With those three ‘backers gone – Bowman, Lee, & Hull – are also 295 tackles and 36.5tackles for loss. Filling the void at linebacker will most likely be senior Chris Colasanti in the middle, along with senior Bani Gbadyu and junior Nate Stupar on the outside. Sophomore linebacker Mike Yancich could be a star in the making and is a player to keep an eye on. The secondary loses one starter, in corner A.J. Wallace. As a whole, the defensive backfield starters will need to bring in more takeaways, as just a combined four interceptions from the 2009 season rest on the shoulders of the 2010 starters. The loss of first round pick Jared Odrick hurts the defensive line, but with the return of junior Jack Crawford at end and senior Ollie Ogbu at tackle, a solid group remains intact.

SCHEDULE:

Like a lot of Big Ten schools, a tough out of conference schedule can be hard to sometimes find. With a trip to defending National Champion Alabama on Sept. 11, however, that can be laid to rest this season for the Nittany Lions, even with the likes of Kent State and Temple on hand. PSU also plays the “big three” of the Big Ten – or what may be now the “big two and questionable one,” – in at Iowa Oct. 2, Michigan at home on Oct. 30 and at Ohio State, Nov. 13. A tough test against Michigan State lies in the final game of the season on Nov. 27.

Schedule rating: B

Red = Toughest Game. Blue = Pivotal to conference.

Top Incoming Freshman:

1.) Paul Jones, #3 QB, 6-3 220, Mc Kees Rocks, PA

Jones may push Newsome for starting spot if the slated number one starts to implode.

2.) Mike Hull, #1 MLB, 6-0 220, Canonsburg, PA

A U.S. Army All American, Hull was Penn State’s first commit to the class of ’10, back in November of 2008.

3.) Robert Bolden, #8 QB, 6-4 200, Orchard Lake, MI (below)

Like Jones, Bolden could see playing time in the near future. Bolden is a pocket passer with ability to run.

4.) Khairi Fortt, #11 OLB, 6-2 220, Stamford, CT

Fortt is an under rated linebacker with 4.5 speed and will team with Hull in the future to form a tremendous duo.

5.) Silas Redd, #7 RB, 5-10 190, Stamford, CT

Redd is an elusive runner with superb agility. Will be one to watch when Royster departs.

USA Soccer

The USA exit in the World Cup doesn't have to be all glum. There are some things Americans should be happy they no longer need to put up with.

Tim Howard versus Ghana. Photo (Kevin Djansezian, Getty Images)

My focus on soccer is about to take quite the plunge. Think sky-diving, but without the parachute to slow you down. Sure the World Cup is/was exciting. Somehow though, with the loss of the US, the stage just got a whole lot less intense.

The US soccer team falling to Ghana Saturday was just one more reminder of the inferior status of soccer in America. Sure it was a good run, like a Cinderella excavating its way through a March Madness bracket, the US soccer team carved through the first round of the World Cup in cardiac fashion. Sure all American’s felt as if we could take the whole cup after the ending of the pull through match-up against Algeria, it was a dramatic finish; crazy things seem to come out of the mouth of people following spectacular circumstances, just ask Ron Artest. In losing to Ghana, the US lost to an even lower ranked country and a country 90 percent of American’s probably cannot even point out on a map. Somehow it just doesn’t feel right. In the sports world, and I suppose, in testament to our sense of geography.

Those of you whose focus will now head back to your jobs or other important things, like sleeping at 7 a.m. instead of watching soccer, can look at the positives to the US punching its ticket early:

No more vuvuzelas: Ever take a bat and thrash a wasp nest with it then stand by for 90 minutes to see what may happen? Thirty-thousand people blowing vuvuzelas gives off a strikingly close sound to just that, and amazingly inflicts the same amount of pain one could expect from the wasps. Those of you who were left beating the top of your TV thinking ABC and ESPN were experiencing technical difficulties throughout the World Cup can take a seat. That was just the sound of 30 thousand elementary school kids learning to play the trumpet. The sounds of the Vuvuzelas became so entrenched in my head the eloquent feeling of a tack to an eardrum began showing up in my daily TV shows. I began to wander why the crew on the set of Seinfeld was blowing the African horns.

Good bye referees: Never have I witnessed a sport where a game can be changed by a ref as much as World Cup soccer. I realize every country in the world hates the US; I just didn’t realize FIFA was a country. The best example of the pours’ refereeing came from Koman Coulibaly in the US match against Slovenia. What again was the penalty? Oh, that’s right you don’t have to state what you called. Ok. I guess we’ll just take your word for it. Coulibaly’s call, taking away what would have been a go-ahead goal for the US, made Jim Joyce’s call almost look like the right call.

All of those cards: I don’t care what color it is. Yellow, red, purple, hell even turquoise, try running up to Ray Lewis right after he de-cleats Eli Manning and stick one of those cards in his face then right his name on your little pad. The outcome probably wouldn’t be so great. I’m giving this part of the game a billboard size red card.

All of the faked injuries: The amount of flopping in the average World Cup match rivals watching a Celtics game. It’s one thing to fall to the ground because you got your legs taken out. But to cover your face with both hands then grab your left ankle…wait no, the right ankle...wait, what one did you get hit in again? Are these grown men playing a sport we’re watching or an improve class on Broadway? Last time I checked a baseball player getting hit with a 95 mph fastball in the leg takes a deep breath, and then takes his base. What, Fabio, you don’t think people are getting stepped on with cleats in a football pile? It seemed as soon as a player realized there wasn’t a penalty, that once compound-fractured leg seemed to be well enough to cherry pick a goal. Do you believe in MIRICLES! A little note to FIFA; A lot of your boys are pansies.

All of the ‘self proclaimed soccer experts’ can shut it now: I for one feel comfortable to say I did more question asking than watching during the matches. I felt a little alone though. Suddenly everyone in the country that knew nothing of the world’s most popular sport were giving speeches, preaching and doing book signings on soccer. I’m all for supporting the US, or whatever country you’re pulling for, but some took it to their heads a little far. Parts of the US games gave me goose bumps. It’s special when countries compete. But all the American fans who badmouthed soccer for the last four years, or since the last World Cup, can get off the out of control bandwagon they've been riding. It almost made out-of-state Yankee fans look noble. A large portion of the US couldn’t care less about soccer, ‘large portion’ meaning nearly everyone. Oh, no? How many MLS soccer teams can you name, city and mascot? I’m stuck at three. I think there are more though.

At least we made it farther than France. I shouldn’t have to say anything else on that one.

Now that it’s all said and done for the US team, they should still be walking off the field with their heads held high and be thankful they leave the before mentioned behind. This team was able to do what previous generations and Bend it like Beckham could not do. They were able to get the entire US to back soccer. Suddenly, millions of American’s sports fans focus was on the worlds sport. Not Stephen Strasberg, Kobe’s fifth ring, or Ben Roethlisberger, it was on Soccer. That’s a win in itself.

Is This Their Year

Is This Their Year?

2010 marks as a last chance for some and the start of a career for others

Each year the once highly rated recruit such as 2003 Miami commitment Kyle Wright goes forgotten. While the seemingly unknown, like '03 BC quarterback Matt Ryan, emerge as stars.

In 2003, California high school quarterback Kyle Wright was sought after as the No. 1 player in the country and one of the most gifted quarterbacks to come out of the high school ranks in years. Wright signed with Miami, just one of his 50 plus scholarship offers. That same year a three star, No. 44 ranked quarterback, Philadelphia recruit by the name of Matt Ryan, made the decision to play his college football at nearby Boston College, one of a far less number of offers.

What’s the difference between the two then and now? About the same difference between 1998 The Parent Trap kid star Lindsay Lohan and 2009 Lindsay Lohan. Wright went on to be one of the biggest college quarterback busts in years at Miami, going undrafted by the NFL and out of football altogether. While at Boston College, Ryan seized the opportunity becoming an All-American and #3 overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Each year high school standouts fail to live up to their high school hype and fall through the cracks of college football. Then there are the players we seemingly knew nothing of that become the stars of Saturdays. Players like Wright, Florida State quarterback Xavier Lee of ‘04, or 2002 Ohio State linebacker commit Mike D’Andrea, fit the mold of a bust player.

This year lies as a make or break year for some and a year to start a career for others. Players from the class of 2006 have just a year to live up to their past hype, while the stars of more recent classes may have more years, 2010 serves as a year to prove something at the risk of being passed on the depth chart. For the following players, I can’t help but ask: Is this their year?

From the class of 2006 to 2009, the players below have something to prove.

*Note: rankings are by scout.com.

The class of 2006:

#1 ***** WR – Vidal Hazelton, Sr. – Cincinnati Bearcats (USC transfer)

The Past:

Hazelton, a native of New York, committed to USC out of high as the number one ranked wideout by scout.com. After playing sparingly in his first year, only catching one pass, he broke out in 2007 catching 50 passes for 540 yards and four scores, leading the USC offense. It appeared Hazelton would be the next great USC pass catcher. High expectations laid on the shoulders of the 6’2’’ 210 pound wide receiver heading into 2008, but injuries and an apparent rift with coaches sent Hazelton down the depth chart. He only caught six passes for 38 yards. In December ’08, Hazelton was cleared to transfer, choosing Cincinnati to be closer to home.

2010:

Hazelton was forced to sit out last season after not gaining acceptance from the NCAA to play following transfer sit-out rules. This spring the senior wideout brought in four catches for 88 yards and a touchdown in the Bearcats spring game. Depth at wide receiver runs deep, even with the loss of All-American Mardy Gilyard. Second leading receiver Armon Binns and junior D.J. Woods returning return. Hazelton should be able to make a splash in the pass happy offense of first year coach Butch Jones though. A gifted athlete and physical receiver, Vidal Hazelton could once again be a household name halfway through the 2010 season.

#1 ***** CB – Jai Eugene, Sr. – LSU Tigers

The Past:

One of the most sought after cornerbacks in years out of high school, the Louisiana native spent his freshman year redshirting and next year watching from the sidelines. In 2008 Eugene finally cracked the starting lineup in nine of thirteen games, but brought in just 35 tackles and no interceptions. In 2009 he was passed on the depth chart making just two starts with one interception, the first of his career.

2010:

In March, Eugene was moved to safety to fill a void left by third-round pick Chad Jones. Safety could prove to be a better position for Eugene in 2010, as he will have more space to work with and won’t need to rely on his shaky coverage skills. With an All-American corner in Patrick Peterson in front of him, Eugene will be able to bait quarterbacks into making tough decisions on where to throw the ball against the Tigers pass defense. A track star in high school, speed is the name of Eugene’s game and he will be able to cover a lot of ground from his new position in 2010. If he fails to live up to the challenge, however, 2010 may be the last chance Jai Eugene has in football.

#11 **** RB – Emmanuel Moody, Sr. – Florida Gators (USC transfer)

The Past:

Moody, a talented, powerful back from Texas, chose USC out of high school and proved right away he belonged in the rotation of running backs with the Trojans. He finished his freshman year with 459 yards and two touchdowns in a backfield that also saw carries go to Safon Johnson, C.J. Gable, Chauncey Washington and Hershel Dennis. The crowded backfield would be what would push Moody away from Southern California just one year later. Moody chose Florida as his new home, sitting out the 2007 season. One would have to wonder why the Gators would be a running back who doesn’t want to share touches choice. In 2008 and 2009 Moody split carries with the likes of Brandon James, Chris Rainey and Jeffery Demps, all of which seemed to fit better in the pass happy offense of the Gators. In two years with Florida, Moody has only amassed 795 yards rushing and four touchdowns.

(Image, Tim Casey/gatorcountry.com)

2010:

Is this yet another year of Moody being tortured by a multiple back system? By the looks of it, it would appear so. Moody has a chance to gain most of the Gators 2010 carries, but in the spread system with new quarterback John Brantley tossing balls around, there may not be much to go around. Now juniors, Demps and Rainey, will still be in the pecking order for touches as well. Moody may find himself getting more redzone carries for the Gators with the departure of bruising runner Tim Tebow. We may not know until the 2010 season begins just how much Moody is used by head man Urban Meyer.

The class of 2007:

#6 ***** QB – Pat Bostick, Jr. – Pittsburgh Panthers

The Past:

Pat Bostick has experienced highs and lows while at Pittsburgh. His first career pass his freshman season was intercepted while in cleanup duty against Grambling. That same year Bostick ended the season starting the last eight games of the year for the Panthers. A far turnaround. As far as freshman quarterbacks thrust into action go, Bostick didn’t half disappoint. He finished his freshman year with 1,500 yards eight scores and 13 interceptions. The following season, junior Bill Stull took the starting reins, giving Bostick just one start on the year. Last season Pitt elected to redshirt the sophomore while Stull took the Panthers to a 10-3 season.

2010:

The 2010 season for Bostick comes down to a few “If’s.” The first and most important if, is whether or not Bostick will be able to beat out sophomore Tino Sunseri. Sunseri saw limited action last season attempting just 17 passes, but came away from spring ball the more impressive quarterback. The second If, will be if Bostick does win the starting nod, can he limit his mistakes to keep the position? The junior has nine starts under his belt as a collegiate starter but has thrown 17 interceptions. If he continues to make mistakes the Pitt staff should have no problem starting Sunseri. In all likelihood, Bostick will get a chance to prove to be a more matured quarterback after having a year to sit and learn. With plenty of weapons around him in wideout Jonathan Baldwin, whose freak athleticism rivals ex- Pitt great Larry Fitzgerald, along with sensational freshman running back Dion Lewis, Bostick should have no excuses for not performing well. This year may just be his last chance.

#2 ***** RB – Marc Tyler, Jr. USC Trojans

The Past:

Out of high school, Tyler was part of a California Westlake Village team that sent 11 players to Division-I football in the class of 2007 – including USC teammate Marshall Jones, and Notre Dame alum Jimmy Clauson. At USC, Tyler has been a casualty of the stacked Trojan backfield that Moody ran from a year previous. After redshirting in ’07, Tyler saw action in seven games rushing for 198 yards on 36 carries. Last season it appeared he would find more time on the field after rushing for 72 yards and a score on just five carries in the first game of the year, but a toe injury would sideline the sophomore for the season.

2010:

This season appears to be Tyler’s best shot at running away with the rushing title for the Trojans. Running backs Joe McKnight and Stafon Johnson have moved on to the NFL leaving a once loaded running corps depleted of a feature back. Senior Allen Bradford appears to be Tyler’s stiffest competition after rushing for 668 touchdowns and eight scores, but Bradford at 5’11’’ 237 pounds, won’t carry the load alone. C.J. Gable once again returns as it seems the senior is entering his eighth season for the Trojans. Gable will get carries, but Tyler should be able to beat out the beaten down Gable, for the share of the load. If Tyler doesn’t get things going this season he may fall even farther behind incoming All-American freshman runners Dillon Baxter and D.J. Morgan.

#3 ***** WR – Deonte Thompson, Jr. – Florida Gators

The Past:

Thompson is one of the most electrifying receivers to come out of the high school ranks in years. A former member of Belle Glade High in the everglades of south Florida, Thompson has been timed at under 4.30 in the forty. At Florida, Thompson spent his 2007 under redshirt and then found himself overshadowed by another speedster by the name of Percy Harvin in ’08. Last season he showed flashes of greatness, and speed at times. Against Arkansas, Thompson brought in a 77 yard touchdown catch, and then against Cincinnati in the bowl game he caught five balls for 63 yards and a score. On the season, Thompson finished with 24 grabs for 343 yards and four touchdowns.

2010:

There is a lot of excitement brewing around Gainesville about Thompson in 2010. Taking away the team MVP award this spring, Thompson showed the type of receiver he is capable of becoming. The junior returns as the leading receiver for the Gators and has built up a solid relationship with new starter John Brantley over the years working with the second team. This season should be the time Thompson shows he is just as valuable a football player as other members of the wide receiver class of ’07, which includes NFL draftees: Dez Bryant, Golden Tate and Arrelious Benn.

The Class of 2008:

#3 ***** QB – Dayne Crist, Jr. – Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The Past:

Crist is yet another California single caller for the Golden Domer’s. With plenty of talent before him, most notably Jimmy Clauson, Crist has spent his time watching and learning on the sidelines for the Irish. In 2008, his freshman season, Crist was not redshirted but saw no game action, a questionable call by the previous Weis staff. Last season he saw game time vs. Nevada, Michigan State, Purdue and Washington State. Late in the Washington State game Crist blew out his ACL ending his season. He finished his year going 10-of-20 passing for 130 yards, a score and a pick each.

2010:

The junior entered spring football as the unquestioned starter of the Irish and there was little he did, or could do to lose the job. Still recovering from the ACL injury from months before, Crist was limited as to what he could participate in. A new coaching staff, headed by Coach Brian Kelly, also brings a new playbook. Luckily for Crist, the spread system implemented by Kelly is similar to what he ran in high school. With plenty of talent around him in All-American candidates, tight end Kyle Rudolph and wide receiver Michael Floyd, Crist should have no reason not to complete a fair number of passes and touchdowns in the fall. Senior, Brian Castello, will be nipping at Crist’s heels if he fails to move the ball in early games against rivals Michigan and Michigan State.

(Image, Insidetheu.com)

#2 **** OLB – Ramon Buchanan, Jr. – Miami (Fla.) Hurricanes

The past:

An athletic standout at Palm Bay high school in Florida, Buchanan played defensive back, linebacker and wide receiver. Projected as an outside ‘backer in college, Buchanan started his career at Miami at safety. Playing mostly on special teams throughout the ’08 season, he would later be moved to outside linebacker. Last season he continued to play special teams while seeing increased action at linebacker, playing in every game for the Hurricanes, starting against UNC while starter Sean Spence was out with an injury. Buchanan finished the year with 28 total tackles with 3.5 for a loss.

2010:

The 2010 season is an important one for the junior who is looking to grab a starting position entering fall camp. Buchanan sat out the spring with an injury so he was unable to prove his progress. Head Coach Randy Shannon has previously stated that the best three linebackers will start come fall. With sure starters Colin McCarthy and Sean Spence locking up two of the positions, Buchanan will have to out battle fellow outside linebacker Jordan Futch and middle linebacker Kylan Robinson, for a chance to start. If that happens, McCarthy may be moved to the inside. Buchanan has shown flashes of his past high ranking in both coverage and stopping the run, but will have to up his game come August camp. If he gains the starting nod, Buchanan will help the Hurricanes defense become even more of an athletic unit.

#5 ***** RB – Jamie Harper, Jr. - Clemson Tigers

The Past:

As good as a running back can possibly be backing up All-American runners James Davis and C.J. Spiller, Harper has succeeded thus far. In his freshman season he saw action sparingly as Davis and Spiller racked up most of the team touches, let alone the carries. Last season with Davis gone, Harper brought in four games with 75-plus yards. Against Kentucky in the Music City Bowl Harper outgained Spiller, rushing for 79 yards and a score on just eight carries. On the season he ended with 80 carries for 418 yards and four touchdowns.

2010:

With Spiller gone it would appear Harper has a clean shot at the starting running back spot, but that isn’t the case. Harper had himself a decent spring but played second fiddle to sophomore Andre Ellington in the spring game. Ellington gained 86 yards on 16 carries, while Harper finished with 12 carries for 33 yards. It shouldn’t be cause-for-concern as the two were on separate squads and will be competing behind the same line come fall. Harper is a powerful back at 6’0’’ 230 pounds, yet has the speed to breakaway. In high school he was a member of the Florida state championship 4X100 relay team. It’s a toss-up whether Harper will be named the starter over the speedster Ellington, but either way, he should be a major contributor for Clemson come September.

The Class of 2009:

#3 ***** QB – Aaron Murray, R-Fr. – Georgia Bulldogs

The Past:

A native of Tampa, Murray is one tough quarterback. During his senior year of high school Murray broke his leg during an October game but still fought back to lead his team to the State Championship game. Last season he spent time redshirting and manning the scout team behind senior Joe Cox. It was a bit of a surprise not to see the young quarterback prodigy, as Cox struggled at times, but an apparent tendinitis in Murray’s shoulder kept him from the field.

2010:

According to Head Coach Mark Richt, Murray is “the man” heading into fall camp. Following spring ball Richt named Murray the starter over junior Logan Gray. Murray is a traditional pocket passer, yet smaller that the ideal size at 6’1’’, he still posses the ability to move fluidly inside and outside the pocket. He still has plenty of time to right the ship with his future, but this would be the time to start. Nothing can hurt a young quarterback’s confidence more than getting benched for poor play. With targets like receiver A.J. Green and tight end Orson Charles around him this fall though, Murray could just become “the man,” not just for Georgia, but the country as well.

(Image, Bob Andres, AJC)

#8 **** RB – Jaamal Berry, R-Fr. – Ohio State Buckeyes

The Past:

Before Berry’s senior season, the running backs recruiting stock shot up from a player recruited by his own backyard of Florida, to a player every school in the country was after. Most of that can be credited to his speed, blazing a 4.31 forty at the summer Nike camp in Miami. An injury cost Berry to miss most of his senior campaign, however, he still ended with numerous offers. Last season as a freshman at OSU a hamstring injury in August camp bothered and sidelined him for the year once again.

2010:

In 2010, Berry is injury free and ready to shine. That is for now at least. A crowed backfield for the Buckeyes may be what holds Berry back from displaying his speed more than injuries though. Leading rushers, senior Brandon Saine and junior Daniel Herron both return, as well as sophomore Jordan Hall, who showed good burst last season. Berry may find it hard to see the field but if he is as good as advertised, it may be even harder for the Ohio State staff to keep Berry off the field. With two sophomores and incoming freshman Roderick Smith and Carlos Hyde around him, Berry may have to have a breakout year in 2010 to survive his future in scarlet and silver.

#10 **** QB – Kevin Newsome, So. – Penn State Nittany Lions

The Past:

A dynamic quarterback with 4.5 speed, Newsome was a highly sought after Virginia product out of high school. A sprinting champion, as well as a hurdler, Newsome has the ability to beat opposing defenses with his big arm, and quick feet. Last season the freshman sat behind senior Daryll Clark, seeing opportunity in eight games, mostly in clean up duty. He completed 8-of-11 passes for 66 yards, while rushing for 95 yards and two scores.

2010:

Yet another quarterback battle ensued for the Nittany Lions this spring. Last time two quarterbacks battled it out for Penn State Clark was named the starter and highly regarded quarterback, Pat Devlin, handed coaches transfer papers. That yet wasn’t the case this spring as Newsome fought for the job with fellow sophomore Matthew McGloin, with neither staking claim to the position. Newsome went 5-for-12 passing with 50 yards and no scores in the spring game, but out did McGloin’s two interceptions. Expect Newsome to be named the starter following August camp because of the tremendous upside and athleticism he brings to the field. If he fails to out play McGloin however, it may be a short career for Newsome, who has freshman five star quarterbacks Paul Jones and Robert Bolden waiting in the wake.

Senior Bowl News and Notes : Monday Practice

Senior Bowl News and Notes 1-26-10: Monday Practice

(Image, NFL.com)

A few news and notes on the first practice from Monday at the Senior Bowl according to scouts and observers who are on hand in Mobile. I wish I could be there the entire week seeing whats going on but I don't know how well that would go over missing a week of class. Here is whats going on in practice.

North Practice:

The fear every player has to deal with playing in one of these games is getting hurt. An hour into the first practice the terror struck Wisconsin defensive lineman O'Brien Shoefield. Shoefield tore his ACL in his knee. It is terrible news for the pass rushing beast. Shoefield was rumored to be moving to linebacker and had a lot of upside heading into the game. Hopefully he can recover fast.

Central quarterback Dan Lefever looked fluid in his throws the first practice. Scouts seemed to like his ability to move under center after running a spread system at CMU for four years.

Oregon running back LaGarrette Blount ran hard throughout the day, even with no contact drills.

A quarterback who struggled the first practice was Tony Pike of Cincy. A lot of balls were thrown with little weak strength.

Boise State DB Kyle Wilson I guess looked solid throughout the first practice and in drills. Like I said before I think Wilson will prove a lot this week and could drastically improve his draft stock when the week is over.

The vocal leader for the North defense was linebacker Sean Weatherspoon of Missouri.

It is rumored that Oregon State quarterback Sean Canfield looked terrible in the first practice Monday.

Missouri wideout Danario Alexander had a bad first day in drills and catching passes.

Brandon Ghee, Wake Forest DB, looked good in one-on-one drills, mostly because he was able to run with anyone on the field.

An impressive receiver the first day for the North was Mardy Gilyard of Cincinnati. Showed good hands in drills. Supposedly had very nice body control and ball skills on poorly thrown passes.


South Practice


The player every scout had their eye on the first day; Tim Tebow. As I've said I don't think Tebow will be able to make the transition to the NFL as a quarterback and Tebow did little in the first day to prove the naysayers wrong. Tebow looked poor in passing drills, with a still long throwing motion. Because Tebow worked mostly out of the shotgun in college, working under center this week will come with a struggle. He fumbled quite a few times on the center/quarterback exchange. On the bright side, Tebow took coaching well and looked like the leader he always was at Florida.

I want to keep an eye on quarterback Jarrett Brown of West Virginia this week. As expected with another spread system quarterback Brown's drop backs weren't impressive, but I think this is a kid with a big upside heading into the week of practice.

Before mentioned UAB wideout Joe Webb is a player to keep an eye on. Webb is a physical player and it showed in the first practice. He was able to beat the jam of a lot of DBs and supposedly threw Alabama corner Javier Arenas to the ground and gave a good slap to USC safety Taylor Mays on an attempted jam. He later made an impressive play on a deep ball for a touchdown. Webb apears to be keeping me honest.

Myron Rolle, FSU DB, had an impressive first practice after being away from football for a year.

Mississippi wideout Dexter McCluster took reps at running back like he did a lot at Ole Miss. Despite his little frame and weight of 179, McCluster is a tough runner, but I don't believe he will be able to take direct hand offs at the next level.

Senior Bowl News and Notes

Senior Bowl News and Notes 1-26-10



The first day of practice has begun for the 2010 Senior Bowl. Scouts of every NFL team are on hand evaluating and taking notes on all players. A few thoughts on the player weigh-ins from the North and South teams. It is basically the first look we get at these prospects after the often exaggerated college roster sizes.


Quarterback:
(Image, NFL.com)
Tim Tebow, Florida...6-2 3/4 236- Came in at about the same weight as expected. Hands measured in at 10 inches - a good size mit for a QB.

Tony Pike, Cincinnati....6-5 5/8 212 - A little on the lean side. Needs to add weight to nearly a 6'-6'' frame.


Running Backs:


Joique Bell, Wayne State....5-10 7/8 223 - A little shorter than expected but weighing in at 223 and a muscular build helps his cause.


LaGarrette Blount, Oregon....6-0 5/8 245 - Was listed at 6-4 on the Oregon game sheet. Obviously came in shorter than expected.

Charles Scott, LSU.....5-11 3/8 239 - Bigger than expected. But a solid build for 239. Good news for Scott. His draft status unfortunately will come down to his straight ahead speed.

Wide Receiver:

Dorin Dickerson, Pittsburgh....6-1 1/4 222 - Played a lot of TE at Pitt. Obviously too short and too light for the position at the next level. Excellent pass catcher will need to prove himself out wide this week.

Jacoby Ford, Clemson....5-8 3/4 181 - A little on the light side but with the speed Ford possesses his size shouldn't be a factor.

Mardy Gilyard, Cincy....5-11 5/8 179 - Like Ford, a little light, but will need to add a little weight because of his height. A lean frame.

Joe Webb, UAB....6-3 223 - One of my big sleepers for this game. Good size and a 33 3/4 arm length, highest amongst WRs.

Tight Ends:

Garrett Graham, Wisconsin....6-3 1/8 234 - Lighter than expected. Can add weight with his frame though.

Jimmy Graham, Miami (FL)....6-6 3/8 259 - An intriguing ex-basketball prospect. Came in shorter than the expected 6-8. Can add more weight even at 259. 34 3/4 arm length, very impressive.


Offensive Line:


Mike Iupati, Idaho....6-5 1/4 325 - Long arms at 35 inch. Overall good size for the highly regarded prospect.


Jeff Byers, USC....6-3 1/4 299 - Those of you who follow recruiting remember Byers as the No. 1 overall prospect his senior year. Byers has improved as a prospect but will need to add more size.


Ed Wang, Va Tech....6-4 7/8 315 - Wang is a guy I can see moving to guard at the next level because of his overall width. Shorter than first thought.


Defensive Line:


Terrence Cody, Alabama....6-4 370 - Cody is a massive prospect who could afford to lose some weight. 370! Not an every down DT in the NFL at that weight. 11 1/4 hands. Largest of all prospects.

Brandon Graham, Michigan....6-1 263 - Short for a DE, but overall good size at 263.

George Selvie, S. Florida....6-4 1/8 247 - Came in a little under weight, but it was expected of Selvie. May need to move positions or pack on the pounds.

Dan Williams, Tennessee....6-2 1/4 329 - A good size lineman. Could shed a few pounds, 310 would be ideal weight for Williams.

Linebackers:

Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri....6-0 7/8 241 - Looks the part of a NFL linebacker. On the short side of what was thought, but plenty big enough.

Darryl Sharpton, Miami (FL)....5-11 3/4 229 - Has the frame to add weight and will need to.

Daryl Washington, TCU....6-1 3/4 226 - I like Washington a lot in the draft. Like Sharpton though will need to add some weight. Shouldn't be a problem by draft time.

O'Brien Shofield, Wisconsin....6-2 1/8 238 - An end at the college level, will bring his hand off the ground in the NFL. Very muscular build. Good size.

Defensive Backs:

Javier Arenas, Bama....5-8 5/8 195 - Obviously shorter than thought. Shouldn't be that big of a problem however.

Taylor Mays, USC....6-3 231 - Amazingly has the frame to add even more weight. Long arms at 33 3/4. Nice looking prospect, may move to 'backer for a team.

Myron Rolle, FSU....6-1 1/2 217 - Remember me? A strong build, good size to go along with obvious smarts (2008 Rhodes Scholarship winner)


Kyle Wilson, Boise State....5-10 190 - Has a chance to prove himself amongst a very solid group of DBs this week. I liked the size though.

Patrick Robinson, FSU....5-11 1/8 190 - Thought he'd come in at a little bigger. Robinson is a guy I feel needs to prove a lot this week.

Syd'Quan Thompson, Cal....5-9 182 - Very, very frail frame. I like how he plays the position but will need to get into the weight room to compete in the NFL.

......I'll have the latest news and notes as well as some experts observations from the first practice later.

Game Analysis: NFC Championship Game

I cant believe it....wasn't a buttered ball.

New Orleans Saints vs. Minnesota Vikings

With numerous Pro Bowlers and All-Pro players to go around for the Saints, kicker Garret Heartly seemed like the unlikely hero in Sunday's NFC Championship game. However, facing one of the leagues most tenacious defenses in the Vikings, the game was most likely going to come down to a kick with the heroics coming from Heartly.

The 23 year old from Oklahoma booted the 40 yard field goal in overtime sending the Saints into the Super Bowl and the Vikings back to Minnesota. Viewers got what was expected: a high scoring Saints offense, a resilient Brett Favre, an inspired Saints crowd and a fumble or two out of Adrian Peterson.

Peterson, whos fumbles weren't lost, wasn't the only one letting the ball loose for the Vikings. Five turnovers in all plagued the men in purple and white, a statistic no team can win with and no coach can live with. Favre threw two interceptions, and fumbled once. Widouts Percy Harvin and Bernard Berrian layed it on the ground each once as well.

A back-and-forth battle all night long it was only fitting it go to overtime. Only because of the sudden death overtime of the NFL did this one actually came to an end. It may have continued on for quite a while, if we were playing college rules; at least until the Vikings next turnover.

All joking aside though, the two played a tremendous game. Brees threw three scores to go along with 197 yards. Peterson ran for 122 tough yards and three scores and the now fully healthy Berrian brought in nine catches for 102 yards.

The only question I'm left with now is where was the Vikings defensive line? One of perhaps the best defensive lines in a decade was seemingly unheard of. All-Pro end Jared Allen was held to just two tackles and no sacks. While the Saints defense played with a mean streak and continually went for the ball while tackling. Every tackle made by New Orleans was delivered with purpose. They were flat out, outhitting the Vikings in this one.

It may be the last time we see the legendary Brett Favre strut his stuff in a Purple and Gold uniform....or Green and Yellow....or Green and White...or, well you get the point. It was one of the first games this year that the 40 year old Favre could do little for his team. Possibly the last pass he'll throw in the NFL was an interception coming at the end of regulation. The pressure and constant hits were too much to overcome. So if it is the last time. Congratulations on an illustrious career old man.

Final: 31-28 OT Saints

It was over when....Kicker Garret Hartley nailed a 40 yard kick in overtime right down the middle of the goal posts. It's never over until the fat lady sings and she was singing after that. Bourbon Street was rocking and Hartley was covered and crushed by teammates in celebration. He even got the post-game interview.

Stat of the Game.....475-to-257. The Vikings actually out gained the Saints in total offense by 218 yards. It is a game of field position however, and turnovers go a long way in games like this. You don't need to rack up yards when you get the ball inside the 35 yard line.

Hats off to.....Saints punter, Thomas Morstead. Another 23 year old with a leg for the Saints. A 51.3 average helped the often unnoticed game of field position for the Saints. Morstead blasted seven punts for 359 yards, including 4 inside the 20.

Whats next....For the Saints, their first ever Super Bowl. A match-up between two of the games best quarterbacks in Manning and Brees in Miami. For the Vikings it's back to the snow, instead of the sun. Perhaps they're in the market for a quarterback as well. Or at least until Favre wants to come back.

Game Analysis: AFC Championship Game

Welcome to the show. Tonight's entertainment; Peyton Manning.


Indianapolis Colts vs. New York Jets


With two early game sacks on back to back plays by Jets middle linebacker David Harris it looked as if perhaps the Jets could rattle one of the leagues finest single callers the NFL has ever seen. Then I sat back and realized; this was Peyton Manning.

It had been what looked like the Jets destiny so far in the playoffs, literally running through teams with rookie Shonn Greene. With little room for Greene and starter Thomas Jones to run in this one though, too much pressure was placed upon rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez.

A ferocious first half defense by the Jets would soon be exposed by Manning. It can take all of one quarter before he will have your game plan figured out. There was no answer for Manning and the Colts offense in the second half, with Peyton putting on a clinic in what resembled a seven-on-seven walk through more than a AFC Championship game.

Manning pasted 377 yards and three scores on the Not-Yet-Jets, a collection of young NFL talent and an up-and coming coach in Rex Ryan. All-Pro cornerback Darrell Revis was able to hold Colts pro bowler Reggie Wayne to just three catches (however fell for one superb juke by Wayne) but it was the rest of the Colts pass catchers who gave the defense a fit. Pierre Garcon brought in a career high 11 catches and toasted the D for 151 yards, while rookie Austin Collie also posted career numbers in his first 100 yard receiving day.

In the end it came down to the Colts having a more polished team, thanks most in part to the speed of the Colts defense and leadership of Manning, Wayne, and veteran lineman Jeff Saturday on offense.

It will be interesting to see this Jets defense and young offense of the future take hold of the AFC in 2010 and beyond with Sanchez, the running back tandem of Greene/Jones, and receivers Braylan Edwards and Dustin Keller. They just so happen to have three pro bowl offensive lineman as well and don't forget about "Revis Island." Lookout next season Colts.

Final: 30-17 Colts

It was over when....Peyton Manning connected with Dallas Clark on a fourth quarter 15 yard touchdown pass with 8:52 left in the game. It put Manning and the Colts up 27-17 and took the wind out of the Jets.

Stat of the game.....86. Yards rushing by the Jets offense. The Jets had been averaging 170 yards in its previous two playoff games with 171 against Cincinnati wild card weekend and 169 against the Chargers last week. The Colts defense knew they had to shut down the run and did just that.

Hats off to.....Howard Mudd the Colts offensive line coach. After Manning was sacked on back to back plays on back to back possessions it looked like a long day. The line, led by Saturday, figured out the problem and held Jets blitzers the rest of the game.

Whats next.....For the Colts its a week off and a trip to Miami for a Super Bowl match-up with the Saints. For the Jets. A quiet plane ride back to New York and a long off season of "what could have beens" racing through their minds.

*picture courtesy of ESPN.com