College Football Preview: Best of the Rest: UCF Knights

41. Central Florida Knights
QB Jeff Godfrey- Sophomore
TB Ronnie Weaver- Senior
WR Quincy McDuffie- Junior
DE Darius Nall- Senior
CB Josh Robinson- Junior
S Kemal Ishmael- Junior
Talent hasn't this high in UCF for a while. Even with the loss of star defensive end Bruce Miller the Knights have enough talent to get to another bowl appearance. Sophmore Jeff Godfrey is the starter at quarterback after starting at freshman. The squad's main weak spot was the QB spot so they might not be so reluctant to bench Godfrey. Tailback Ronnie Weaver is a definite threat. He has sweet speed and finds the holes tgat the offensive line creates. Also in the backfield is fullback Billy Giovanetti, junior Jonathan Davis and Latavius Murray. Godfrey has decent options including senior A.J. Guyton and Khymest Williams. Quincy McDuffie is also a threat thanks to his good hands. Tight end Adam Nissley also can catch balls. The offensive line is okay with junior Theo Goins and Nick Pieschel. Sophomore Chris Martin must replace Jah Reid. The defense is strong even with the loss of Bruce Miller. End Darius Nall is the top player on the line now. He is smart and has great stamina. Sophomore tackle Victor Gray also returns and so does junior end Troy Davis. The linebacker core is very weak returning just middle linebacker Josh Linam. The Knights may be forced to use a defensive end or other options to use at outside linebacker. The secondary is strong with cornerback Josh Robinson and safety Kemal Ishmael. Both are good in coverage and hit hard. UCF's special teams is solid with kicker Nick Cattoi. McDuffie is a fantastic returner also.

Heisman Hopeful: Ronnie Weaver
C-USA Rank: 3rd

College Football Preview: Best of the Rest: Cincinnati Bearcats

40. Cincinnati Bearcats
QB Zach Collaros- Senior
RB Isaiah Pead- Senior
WR D.J. Woods- Senior
NT John Hughes- Senior
DE-LB Walter Stewart- Junior
LB J.K. Schaffer- Senior
Some people might not like this team but with 16 starters returning including 11 on defense I really like the Bearcats. Cincinnati didn't miss Tony Pike as Zach Collaros had a great first season as starter. He'll be a senior this season and will miss a huge target in Armon Binns. Collaros is more of a threat with his legs which he can use to gain extra yardage. The backfield has Isaiah Pead who also had a fantastic 2010 season. He has good speed and he also has good hands to catch out of the backfield. Wide receiver D.J. Woods emerged as one of the top receivers in the NCAA last season. He has fantastic hands and uses his solid speed to get open. The Bearcats are hoping for sophomore Anthony McClung and senior O.J. Woodard to step it up and replace Binns. Tight end Ben Guidugli was also a big loss so Adrien Robinson must step it up. The offensive line is weak with only two returning starters in guard Randy Martinez and tackle Alex Hoffman, both seniors. Evan Davis might get a chance to start with a hole at the opposite guard slot across from Martinez. The defense is stacked this year thanks to those 11 returning starters. On the line senior nose tackle John Hughes will stop backs from gaining much yards. Coming off the side end Brandon Mills and Dan Giordano will make plays. Walter Stewart is a dangerous defensive end/linebacker hybrid. He'll spend most time at the linebacker position but don't think Cincy won't place him at end. Linebacker J.K. Schaffer excells in the middle while junior Maalik Bomar also makes plays on the side. Schaffer is the bigger threat, one of the best middle linebackers in the Big East. The secondary is strong with junior Drew Frey, Wesley Richardson and Chris Williams all safeties.

Heisman Hopeful: Zach Collaros
Big East Rank: 3rd

College Football Preview: The Great Heisman Race

B


Top Contenders:
Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
After his return to the college football landscape Andrew Luck looks pretty much like the favorite to claim the Heisman. With Stanford playing in big games on national TV he'll get exposure something a quarterback at Stanford usually would not get. His numbers will be strong and he always has big plays.
LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
The speedy James is once more in the Heisman hunt. He has fantastic stats and will make every game exciting. Since the Ducks are also national title contenders he'll also get exposure. He's the best player on a strong Oregon team automatically placing him here.
Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
The problem with Moore has always been playing in the weak WAC. I'm not sure if a move to the Mountain West will necessarily help. He has sweet accuracy and a good arm but the loss of Austin Pettis, Titus Young and Tommy Gallarda will hurt him.
Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
Jones is the top player on atop team and will appear on this list for the first time. Smart and gifted with a good arm Jones will threaten all the top contenders thanks to his chances of winning the BCS championship. His mobility will also help.
Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
When you're as good as Trent Richardson you can technically be a first-year starter and still make this list. Richardson isn't as powerful as Mark Ingram and is in fact the opposite: a speedy, agile back. Thanks to playing in the SEC he'll be on national TV pretty much every single week.
Sleepers:
Case Keenum, QB, Houston: Injury crippled the sixth-year starter. Could pass up NCAA's all-time passing record.
Brandon Jenkins, DL, Florida State: Underrated pass rusher reminds of Ndamukong Suh.
Taylor Martinez, QB, Nebraska: A flashy player on a gritty Nebraska team Martinez being a sophomore may hurt.

College Football Preview: Best of the Rest: Tennessee Volunteers

39. Tennessee Volunteers
QB Matt Simms- Senior
TB Tauren Poole- Senior
WR Zach Rogers- Junior
DT Malik Jackson- Senior
S Prentiss Waggner- Junior
S Janzen Jackson- Junior
Tennessee has struggled the past few seasons but looks solid in 2011. Quarterback Matt Simms returns for his senior season but he will miss tight end Luke Stocker who was one of his top options. Simms is the starter for now but don't think Tennessee won't give sophomore Tyler Bray a look. He'll likely be the starter next year and they might want to develope him. Simms is smart and has a good arm. He won't wow anyone but he's effective and he gets the work done. The ground game is also strong with senior tailback Tauren Poole. Poole has good speed and can catch out of the backfield. No more fullback Kevin Cooper may hurt but that means Channing Fugate will start. He is powerful like every fullback. Wide out Zach Rogers returns making him the top option. Sophomore Justin Hunter and Da'Rick Rogers are also going to get balls. The offensive line is okay too. Tackle Dallas Thomas, center Darin Gooch and Ja'Wuan James will keep opposing defensive players from attacking Simms and Poole. The defense is good especially in the back. The defensive line is good also with tackle Malik Jackson. Jackson is big in the middle and can pass rush. Montori Hughes will also be strong in the middle after returning. End Corey Miller and Jacques Smith are both sophomores and have to step it up. Herman Lathers is the only returning starter in the linebacker unit. Thanks to Janzen Jackson and Prentiss Waggner the secondary is the strongest part of this Tennessee team. Both are speedy and can hit hard.

Heisman Hopeful: Tauren Poole
SEC Rank: 9th

College Football Preview: Best of the Rest: Miami (Ohio) RedHawks

38. Miami (Ohio) RedHawks
QB Zac Dysert- Junior
WR Nick Harwell- Sophomore
OG Brandon Brooks- Senior
DT Austin Brown- Junior
LB Evan Harris- Junior
CB D.J. Brown- Junior
Miami of Ohio isn't very accustomed to threatening to gain into the Top 25. They have a load of talented players at very important positions including quarterback Zac Dysert. Dysert isn't a top player but he makes the sure play and has sweet accuracy. Sophomore Austin Boucher might also get some snaps but the RedHawks won't be very eager to bench Dysert. Sophomore tailback Tracy Woods didn't start in his freshmen year but will likely start in 2011 with Thomas Meriweather gone. Junior Danny Green will also pressure Woods for the slot. Wide out Nick Harwell is a sophomore down-the-field threat. Dysert will be looking for him on every single play and he'll demand cornerbacks and safeties alike. Junior Andy Cruse and tight end Kendrick Bruton are other options. The offensive line has guard Brandon Brooks who will lead the way for Woods. Matt Kennedy, Josh Harvey and center Brad Bednar will keep opposing defensive players out of the backfield. Defensive tackle Austin Brown is a definite threat on the defensive line. He'll bring down backs and can pressure quarterbacks. Other tackle Jordain Brown will also make plays and end Jason Semmes return. Junior Evan Harris is the best linebacker on the squad. He'll dominate on the side while senior Jerrell Wedge can do things up the middle. The secondary is also very strong. D.J. Brown is the top player in the back and safety Pat Hinkel makes plays.

Heisman Hopeful: Zac Dysert
MAC Rank: 1st

College Football Preview: Best of the Rest: San Diego State Aztecs

37. San Diego State Aztecs
QB Ryan Lindley- Senior
RB Ronnie Hillman- Sophomore
TE Gavin Escobar- Sophomore
LB Miles Burris- Senior
CB Leon McFadden- Junior
Since when has San Diego State been happy to begin a college football season? This season is going to be a breakout year for SDSU. Brady Hoke went off to Michigan but the Aztecs still have leadership from senior Ryan Lindley. I really like Lindley. He has a strong arm and his accuracy isn't lacking either. The ground game isn't too bad either as it still returns sophomore Ronnie Hillman. Hillman excelled as a freshman and should be even better in 2011. Fullback Chad Young will be asked to gain yards on short yardage situations. Lindley's options aren't mainly receivers. They're mostly tight ends including All-Mountain West Selection Gavin Escobar. He'll be a threat in the red zone and has great hands. Junior D.J. Shields and sophomore Bryce Quigley will also be asked to catch passes. Lindley still likes a deep threat in Dominique Sandifer and Dylan Denso. The offensive line is pretty strong with guard Alex Johnson and tackle Kurtis Gunther. Defense was a big part of the Aztec's success in 2010. The front seven is okay with senior Jerome Long, Miles Burris and Logan Ketchum. Burris is a true talent and has experience entering his senior season. The defensive line is pretty weak though other than Long now as Ernie Lawson, B.J. Williams and Jacob Tauanuu are all gone. The secondary is headed by cornerback Leon McFadden. The interesting Aztec position will be replaced by Khalid Stephens. The special teams is great thanks to kicker Abel Perez and punter Brian Stahovich, both seniors.

Heisman Hopeful: Ryan Lindley
Mountain West: 3rd

College Football Preview: A Peek Inside. . . The Pac 12

Pac 12
Top Teams
1. Oregon
2. Stanford
3. Utah
4. Arizona State
5. USC
6. Oregon State
Top Players:
LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
Chris Polk, TB, Washington
Vontze Burfict, LB, Arizona State
Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
Josh Hartigan, DE, Colorado
Darron Thomas, QB, Oregon
Outlook: Two more teams will join the new Pac 12 but that doesn't change who is number one. Oregon has an explosive offense and an underrated secondary led by Cliff Harris, John Boyett and Eddie Pleasent. Stanford returns Andrew Luck and has great support around him. They have a stocked offensive line and a strong secondary led by Delano Howell. Utah is in a tougher conference but that shouldn't change their winning tradition the past few years. Linebacker Chaz Walker, quarterback Jordan Wynn and a strong backfield will make the team a possible Pac 12 champ. With a strong defense Arizona State should have a solid season. Linebacker Vontaze Burfict and cornerback Omar Bolden are both effective. USC is preparing for one of their worst years in recent memory. QB Matt Barkley keeps improving but they have a weak defense and receiving core. Their backfield is also strong led by Dillon Baxter and Marc Tyler. Even without Jacquizz Rodgers Oregon State should have a good year. Wide out James Rodgers gives second-year quarterback Ryan Katz. UCLA has a quarterback competition. Whether Kevin Prince starts or Richard Brehaut starts the result will probably be the same. Even without Jake Locker Washington still has tailback Chris Polk and wide receiver Jermaine Kearse. Arizona still has quarterback Nick Foles but lost a lot of talent including end Brooks Reed and back Nic Grigsby. California lost Kevin Riley and Shane Vereen and won't seriously contend. Colorado is improving but even with defensive end Josh Hartigan they won't do much in the tough Pac 12. Washington State won't climb out of the cellar.

College Football Preview: A Peek Inside. . . The SEC

SEC
Top Teams
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Auburn
4. Mississippi State
5. South Carolina
6. Arkansas
Top Players:
Michael Dyer, RB, Auburn
Orson Charles, TE, Georgia
Alshon Jeffrey, WR, South Carolina
Mark Barron, S, Alabama
Jerry Franklin, LB, Arkansas
Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
Outlook: The SEC will likely put 7 teams in the Top 25 this season making it the toughest conference in America. Alabama may look more flashy but I like LSU to win the SEC. Jordan Jefferson will continue to improve in his senior season making a dangerous passing game. With a loaded defense Alabama will shut down opponents. Linebacker Dont'a Hightower and defensive backs Mark Barron, Dre Kirkpatrick, Robert Lester and Courtney Upshaw making the secondary scary. Auburn losses a lot of talent but is hoping new Barrett Trotter and returning sophomore Michael Dyer. Mississippi State may end up being a dangerous team down south. Back Vick Ballard and cornerback Corey Broomfield will keep the Bulldogs strong. Steve Spurrier believes he has one of his top teams at South Carolina. Stephen Garcia is improving and wide out Alshon Jeffrey has fantastic hands. Ryan Mallet is gone but Arkansas isn't dead. They have great receivers for new quarterback Tyler Wilson to throw too. Florida has pyschical new coach Will Muschamp who will make the team a Top 25 contender. Georgia returns sophomore Aaron Murray, tight end Orson Charles and they have a solid special teams.Tennessee has another strong team this season but it will be tough to contend. With ten starters back on defense Kentucky should have another strong season. Ole Miss returns running back Brandon Bolden and has a fantastic offensive line. Vanderbilt has a solid defense and will try to salvage this season.

College Football Preview: A Peek Inside. . . The Big 12

Big 12
Top Teams
1. Oklahoma
2. Texas A&M
3. Oklahoma State
4. Texas
5. Missouri
Top Players:
Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma
Robert Griffin, QB, Baylor
Coryell Judie, CB, Texas A&M
Keenan Robinson, LB, Texas
Blake Gideon, S, Texas
Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
Outlook: The Big 12 lost Colorado and Nebraska but is still a power conference thanks to Oklahoma. The passing game is stacked with quarterback Landry Jones and Ryan Broyles. Linebacker Travis Lewis leads the defense. Texas A&M has Ryan Tannehill who isn't your traditional QB but is effective. The loss of Von Miller stings. Thanks to slinging quarterback Brandon Weeden and wide out Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State is ready to break out. The offensive line is strong and defensive back Markelle Martin is dangerous. After a rough season Texas is ready for a comeback in 2011. The quarterback situation will likely be won by Garrett Gilbert but Case McCoy will get starts. The secondary is weaker but the linebacker core is loaded. Without Blaine Gabbert Missouri needs a lot from QB James Franklin and tight end Michael Egnew. Baylor is ready for their strongest season in a while. Robert Griffin is a smart, mobile QB. He moves well out of the pocket. He doesn't have a great arm but has good accuracy. Wide receiver Kendall Wright is a speedy option for Griffin. Texas Tech returns 15 starters especially with back Eric Stephens and a stacked O-Line. The quarterback position needs some work now without Taylor Potts or Steven Sheffield. Seth Doege will likely start but Jacob Karam might get snaps. Kansas State is strong and has a strong defensive back in sophomore Ty Zimmerman. Kansas doesn't have a consistent quarterback and isn't great. Iowa State did alright in 2010 but isn't ready to contend seriously yet.

College Football Preview: A Peek Inside the. . . Big Ten

Big Ten
Top Teams
1. Ohio State
2. Michigan State
3. Wisconsin
4. Nebraska
5. Penn State
6. Michigan
Top Players:
Edwin Baker, RB, Michigan State
Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan
Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska
Drew Astorino, S, Penn State
Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin
James White, RB, Wisconsin
Outlook: Even without Terrelle Pryor and a load of great suspended players Ohio State is still dangerous. Now Joe Bauserman and Braxton Miller will fight for the starting job. Daniel Herron, DeVier Posey, John Simon and Mike Brewster will keep the team strong. Michigan State keeps back Edwin Baker and quarterback Kirk Cousins return making the Spartans a top ten team. Wisconsin may end up being the top team in the Big Ten. They gain Russell Wilson from NC State and return backs James White and Montee Ball. They also have a stacked linebacker core led by Mike Taylor and Chris Borland. Entering the Big Ten won't be easy for Nebraska in '11. Taylor Martinez is back and I really like power back Rex Burkhead. The defense is strong as ever as defensive tackle Jared Crick. Joe Paterno returns yet another strong squad at Penn State. The quarterback position will be fought over by Rob Bolden and Matt McGloin. Bolden likely has the edge and has wide out Derek Moye to pass too. Safety Drew Astorino is the best player in the secondary in the Big Ten. Michigan returns speedy quarterback Denard Robinson and has a lot of options to throw too with Roy Roundtree and Daryll Stonum. The Hawkeyes of Iowa lost Ricky Stanzi, Adrian Clayborn and Tyler Sash but still has talent. Quarterback James Vandenburg and back Jewel Hampton will keep the team respectable. Illinois has strong quarterback Nathan Scheelhasse. Northwestern returns 16 starters along with senior Dan Persa and wide out Jeremy Ebert. Indiana is weak on offense and defense. Without defensive end Ryan Kerrigan Purdue isn't very strong. Minnesota lost Adam Weber but still has talent. Star offensive linemen recruit Jonah Pirsig will make an impact immediately.

College Football Preview: A Peek Inside. . . The Big East

Big East
Top Teams
1. UConn
2. West Virginia
3. Cincinnati
4. Pittsburgh
5. South Florida
Top Players:
Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
D.J. Woods, WR, Cincinnati
Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse
B.J. Daniels, QB, South Florida
Hakeem Smith, S, Louisville
Isiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati
Outlook: The Big East was a sure disappointment last season with the champion being UConn who finished off the regular season 8-4. It looks like the Huskies are again the favorite thanks to a strong line and strong special teams. Though they did lose their top two offensive players in Zach Frazer and Jordan Todman. West Virginia lost back Noel Devine but hopes quarterback Geno Smith can lead an improving passing game. Cincinnati was maybe 2010's biggest disappointment but is hopeful for 2011. Zach Collaros, Isiah Pead, D.J. Woods, J.K. Schaffer and Walter Stewart all return and the 11 starters on defense won't hurt either. Pittburgh lost a lot of talent this offseason. Gone is back Dion Lewis, end Greg Romeus and wide out Jon Baldwin. Though quarterback Tino Sunseri returns along with Brandon Lindsey and Jarred Holley. Even though they aren't that great South Florida will still contend. QB B.J. Daniels has taken big steps forward and wide receiver Lindsey Lamar excells at the return game. Syracuse might be about to enter their strongest season yet. Quarterback Ryan Nassib is talented and Chandler Jones is scary coming from the outside. With just 11 total starters back Louisville needs a lot of help from safety Hakeem Smith. Backs Victor Anderson and Jeremy Wright are talented on offense. Rutgers played horrible last season and needs to generate more wins in the Big East to contend.

College Football Preview: A Peek Inside the. . . ACC

Atlantic Coast Conference
Top Teams
1. Florida State Seminoles
2. Virginia Tech Hokies
3. NC State Wolfpack
4. Miami(FL) Hurricane
5. Maryland Terrapins
6. UNC Tar Heels
Top Players:
Bert Reed, WR, Florida State
David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
George Bryan, TE, NC State
Montel Harris, RB, Boston College
Kenny Tate, S, Maryland
Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech
Outlook: With a weakened conference budding teams are looking to make moves in the ACC. Florida State lost Christian Ponder but still has talent all over the place. They're hoping E.J. Manuel can be a later version of Ponder. Defense and running has always been Virginia Tech's strength. David Wilson is the next in a long line of talented backs. The defense is also strong with Jayron Hosley and Bruce Taylor. Russell Wilson is gone but NC State isn't dead. The Wolfpack are hoping for big years from QB Mike Glennon and TE George Bryan. The offense is less mobile but still talented. With Jacory Harris, LaRon Byrd and a good offense Miami is really hopeful. The passing game is their strength but new coach Al Golden has always been a run-first guy formerly at Temple. The Maryland Terrapins are strong even without wide out Torrey Smith. Danny O'Brien is hopeful at the QB position. Their is a lot of controversy at UNC right now. The defense is loads weaker but still has hopeful sophomore quarterback Bryn Renner. He has a huge arm and has options with Erik Highsmith and Dwight Jones. Most of the offense is weaker but Paul Johnson will still find creative ways to help Georgia Tech win games. Roddy Jones is the next, speedier Jonathan Dwyer and the offensive line is still very solid even without center Sean Bedford. Boston College has a speedy, talented back in Montel Harris and linebacker Luke Kuechly. 14 starters is good enough for a bowl appearance. I still like Clemson a lot. Even without quarterback Kyle Parker, Da'Quan Bowers and DeAndre McDaniel the Tigers have talent. Tight end Dwayne Allen and runningback Andre Ellington. Virginia lost Ras-I Dowling but still has some, slim talent. Duke has had talent over the years but in a top conference they won't contend. Without Riley Skinner Wake Forest struggled and won't get over him for a long time.

College Football: Best of the Rest: SMU Mustangs

36. SMU Mustangs
QB Kyle Padron- Junior
RB Zach Line- Junior
WR Cole Beasley- Senior
DE Taylor Thompson- Senior
LB Ja'Gared Davis- Junior
S Chris Banjo- Senior
The Southern Methodist Mustangs had their most successful season since the days before the infamous "Death Penalty." They have a great quarterback in junior Kyle Padron who has a fantastic arm. He's a great long ball guy but he lacks accuracy at times. Padron has started his first two seasons but J.J. McDermott is decent behind him. The backfield is strong thanks to junior runningback Zach Line. Line has good speed and knows how to find holes in the defense. Darryl Fields may also get carries in his second season now without Chris Butler. The receiving core is pretty talented despite some minor losses. Darius Johnson may just be the top option on the squad. He has good jumping ability and pretty good speed also. Many could argue that Cole Beasley is the best wide out on the team too. He also has nice speed and has strong hands. The offensive line is pretty good headed by tackle Kevin Beachum. Bryce Tennison and Kelly Turner lead the way for Line. The defense is also strong. The defensive line has end Taylor Thompson and tackle Marquis Frazier, both effective. Thompson abuses tackles and guards alike and loves to hit opposing quarterbacks and runningbacks. The linebacker core has junior Ja'Gared Davis and Taylor Reed. Reed stars in the middle while Davis does damage on the side. The secondary is talented with senior Chris Banjo and junior Ryan Smith. Banjo had an especially strong season gaining an All Conference USA Selection.

Heisman Hopeful: Zach Line
C-USA Rank: 2nd

College Football Preview: Best of the Rest: USC Trojans

35. USC Trojans
QB Matt Barkley- Junior
RB Dillon Baxter- Sophomore
WR Robert Woods- Sophomore
DE Armond Armstead- Senior
LB Chris Galippo- Senior
S T.J. McDonald- Junior
Southern California is about to enter their worst season in quite awhile in 2011. Their is still talent down in USC led by junior Matt Barkley. Barkley has been decent in his first two seasons and hopes to improve in his third season. He has a great arm and has decent mobility. The backfield has always been a strong point for the Trojans. Sophomore Dillon Bxter keeps getting better after a strong freshman year. He's a power runner, like a later LenDale White. But, he may not even be the starter as Lane Kiffin will likely start senior Marc Tyler. He's suspended for the first few games though, due to comments he made to a TV network. The Trojans have to handle without fullback Stanley Havili and runningback Allen Bradford. The receivers on this team are without Ronald Johnson but still returns sophomore Robert Woods. Brice Butler and Brandon Carswell are both hoping to make big plays from passes from Barkley. The offensive line lost tons of talent without center Kristofer O'Dowd and tackle Tyron Smith. Guards Michael Reardon and Khaled Holmes are the top returning talents. The defense has lost a lot of talent over the years. The defensive line is strong even without tackle Jurrell Casey thanks to end Armond Armstead. He'll soon be an all-star NFL pass-rusher soon. The linebacker core is still pretty good thanks to senior Chris Galippo. Junior Devon Kennard and senior Shane Horton will help Galippo on chasing down backs. The secondary is led by safety T.J. McDonald and Nickell Robey. McDonald has the smarts and skills to become one of the best safeties in the nation. On special teams Robert Woods is a great kick returner.

Heisman Hopeful: Matt Barkley
Pac 12 Rank: 5th

College Football Preview: Best of the Rest: West Virginia Mountaineers

34. West Virginia Mountaineers
QB Geno Smith- Junior
WR Tavon Austin- Junior
WR J.D. Woods- Junior
OT Don Barclay- Senior
DE Bruce Irvin- Senior
CB Keith Tandy- Senior
The Mountaineers are back and ready to run with junior Geno Smith. Smith had an underrated year racking up a good amount of yards for West Virginia. He can pass well and has good speed for scrambling abilities. The team will once again rely heavily on Smith in big games. The backfield has always been talented but will be without electric Noel Devine leading the way. Tailback Shawne Alston will have to replace him but if he struggles than sophomore Trey Johnson will get carries. Junior fullback Ryan Clarke is become like a second Owen Schmitt for the Mountaineers. The receiving core is loaded with juniors J.D. Woods and Tavon Austin. They both have good speed and fantastic hands. Smith will immediately be looking for them. His other options include sophomore Stedman Bailey and Brad Starks. The offensive line is solid with tackle Don Barclay, guard Josh Jenkins and center Joe Madsen. The defensive line is headed by seniors Bruce Irvin and Julian Miller. They don't have any players in the middle as they are hoping Josh Taylor and Jorge Wright will stuff up holes. The linebacker core has lost their best talent with J.T. Thomas who dominated on the outside. Najee Goode is pretty good but he doesn't really have a mind for the game. The secondary is strong even without safety Robert Sands but still returns senior Keith Tandy. Tandy always takes on the top receiver and shuts them down. Terrence Garvin returns and Pat Miller does good. The special teams is led by kicker Tyler Bitancurt who enters his third season with West Virginia.

Heisman Hopeful: Geno Smith
Big East Rank: 2nd

College Football Preview: Best of the Rest: UConn Huskies

33. UConn Huskies
WR Nick Williams- Junior
WR Kashif Moore- Senior
OT Mike Ryan- Senior
C Moe Petrus- Senior
DE Kendall Reyes- Senior
The Huskies led a strong linebacker core and the always effective QB Zach Frazer to the Fiesta Bowl in 2010. Frazer is gone leaving sophomore Mike Box as the likely guy to replace him at quarterback. He will be helped by the strong receiving core and shouldn't be asked to throw the ball every down. The backfield also lost a lot of talent as star Jordan Todman and Anthony Sherman left. Robbie Frey will start at tailback this season. He has good speed but he won't be as good as Todman. Senior D.J. Shoemate hasn't got much snaps in his three-year career but if Frey stuggles he will get some. The receiving core is loaded up and down. Senior Kasif Moore and junior Nick Williams are the best players out there. Williams is a great special teams player but still has good hands. Michael Smith, Isiah Moore and tight end Ryan Griffin will be Box's top options. The offensive is very strong even without guard Zach Hurd. Senior tackle Mike Ryan and Moe Petrus will keep defensive linemen and linebackers out of the backfield. The defense was always good mostly thanks to the linebacker core which was headed by Greg Lloyd, Scott Lutrus and Lawrence Wilson. Defensive end is the top returning player on defense. Jesse Joseph gains ground from the outside and tackle Tywon Martin stuffs up runners in the middle. Without the big three the linebacker unit with Sio Moore being the only top option there. The secondary is good with junior Jerome Junior and junior Dwayne Gratz. Special teams is strong with kicker Dave Teggart and Williams excells.

Heisman Hopeful: Mike Box
Big East Rank: 1st

College Football Preview: Best of the Rest: Maryland Terrapins

32. Maryland Terrapins
QB Danny O'Brien- Sophomore
RB Taylor Watson- Senior
WR Tony Logan- Senior
DT Joe Vellano- Junior
S Kenny Tate- Senior
Talent is still alive in Maryland, the best it has been in a few years 14 returning starters and many of those returners being stars. Sophomore Danny O'Brien begins his second year as starter and should improve despite losing electric wide out Torrey Smith. He has a good arm but isn't too flashy of a quarterback. Senior Jamarr Robinson isn't too good at throwing the ball but he is somewhat of a dual threat. Senior back Taylor Watson is good and a powerful option for the Terrapins. Haroon Brown and Davin Meggett are the other guys who are going to get carries now without Da'Rel Scott. The wide reciever core lost tons of talent now: gone is Smith, Adrian Cannon, LaQuan Williams and tight end Will Yeatman. But senior Tony Logan may be a bright spot. He doesn't make a lot of plays on the offensive side because he is more of a threat in the returning game. They're hoping for some plays from Kevin Dorsey and Ronnie Tyler. The offensive line is strong with Andrew Gonnella, R.J. Dill and others. The defense is okay too but the front seven might need some tweaks to improve it. Tackle Joe Vellano is a beast up the middle and A.J. Francis can hit hard. The linebacker core is led by junior Demetrius Hartsfield, he's the only returner. Maybe Darin Drakeford can do something. The secondary is solid with seniors Trenton Hughes and Cameron Chism. The best player in the back is senior saftey Kenny Tate who's a ball hawk and hits hard. Special teams is pretty good especially with Logan but the loss of punter/kicker Travis Baltz will hurt.

Heisman Hopeful: Taylor Watson
ACC Rank: 5th

College Football Preview: Best of the Rest: Miami(FL) Hurricanes

31. Miami(FL) Hurricanes
QB Jacory Harris- Senior
WR Travis Benjamin- Senior
WR LaRon Byrd- Senior
OG Brandon Washington- Junior
LB Sean Spence- Senior
S Ray-Ray Armstrong- Junior
High expectations for the Hurricanes and thoughts of the old days led to a disappointing year and the firing of a coach. Now former Temple head coach Al Golden is at the helm of a team returning 13 starters including their senior Jacory Harris. Harris was at the top of Heisman hopes but struggled through a rough 2010. He'll likely still be the starter but Golden might give sophomore Stephen Morris some snaps also. Morris excelled when starting for Miami but is still a little raw. The backfield lost a lot of talent now without fullback Patrick Hill or backs Graig Cooper and Damien Berry. Despite losing Leonard Hankerson, whoever starts at QB will have many options thanks to seniors Travis Benjamin and LaRon Byrd. Benjamin is a speedy guy with good hands that can jump while LaRon Byrd is a psychical, big receiver who does well in the red zone. The offensive line is okay with offensive guard Brandon Washington. The Hurricanes are hoping for a breakout season from tackle Seantrel Henderson. The defense was the stronger unit in '10 and still returns a good seven starters. The front seven is weaker now without intimidating Allen Bailey and effective Colin McCarthy. Junior Oliver Vernon and senior Marcus Robinson are the best players on the line while linebacker Sean Spence is fantastic. He always plays hard and is tough to get around. In the secondary junior Ray-Ray Armstrong is good but still lacks in certain aspects.

Heisman Hopeful: Jacory Harris
ACC Rank: 4th

College Football Preview: Best of the Rest: Michigan Wolverines

30. Michigan Wolverines
QB Denard Robinson- Junior
RB Michael Shaw- Senior
WR Roy Roundtree- Junior
C David Molk- Senior
NT Mike Martin- Senior
The Wolverines are ready for their best season since the days of Chad Henne and Mike Hart with 18 starters back. Denard Robinson returns after a strong season. He started off the season in the Heisman chase but struggled near the end. He can change the game and has amazing speed. People don't think he has a great arm but he can gain tons of yards in the air. The backfield is also an underrated unit led by tailbacks Michael Shaw and Vincent Smith. Maybe even senior fullback John McColgan can get some carries also. The receiving core is one of the best parts on this Wolverines' squad. Junior Roy Roundtree has great hands and also has nice speed, a dangerous combo against defensive backs. Along with Roundtree, Darryl Stonum and Junior Hemingway are the other options for Robinson in the pass game. Both are seniors and are ready for their best years yet. The offensive line may lose some talent but is still solid especially in the middle with center David Molk. Losing guard Stephen Schilling stings but the Wolverines don't even need to protect Robinson too well because he can work out of the pocket. The defense has never been Michigan's strong suit but it is decent this season thanks to 8 returning starters. Nose tackle Mike Martin stuffs up running lanes in the middle but the front seven lost the most talent without Greg Banks and Jonas Mouton. The linebacker core is very young without one senior starter but their is still hope there. With the secondary Michigan has a strong anchor in the defense. Cornerback J.T. Floyd is strong and safeties Ray Vinopal and Jordan Kovacs are getting better. The special teams is decent too.

Heisman Hopeful: Denard Robinson
Big Ten Rank: 6th

College Football Preview: Best of the Rest: NC State Wolfpack

29. NC State Wolfpack
QB Mike Glennon- Junior
FB Taylor Gentry- Senior
TE George Bryan- Senior
OT R.J. Mattes- Junior
CB C.J. Wilson- Junior
With a much weakened ACC the NC State Wolfpack are hoping that they can make a move even with losing star quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson was the heart and soul of the Wolfpack and was the main reason NC State rose to the Top 25 in 2010. Junior Mike Glennon is hoping to become the next Russell Wilson. They're definitely opposites as Wilson can work out of the pocket while Glennon is a pocket quarterback. He's got decent accuracy and an okay arm. He won't the change the game but he'll get the job done. In the backfield senior Taylor Gentry is a big, powerful fullback and sophomore Dean Haynes will improve. Glennon lost many options but still keeps senior tight end George Bryan who can catch and block well. Jay Smith, T.J. Graham and Steven Howard are his options. All three of them were not starters last season but they are all seniors. The offensive line is headed by junior tackle R.J. Mattes and guards Andrew Wallace and Zach Allen are good. The defense lost comeback linebacker Nate Irving but still returns eight starters. The front seven is depleted now with losses on the defensive line. Senior end Jeff Rieskamp and tackle J.R. Sweezy. The linebacker core returns Audie Cole and Terrell Manning. They are hoping senior Sterling Lucas will star in the middle. The secondary is very good with cornerback C.J. Wilson and others including Justin Byers. The special teams is strong with punter Andy Leffler and kicker Chris Hawthorne.

Heisman Hopeful: Mike Glennon
ACC Rank: 3rd