Tuesday, July 26, 2011

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

Monday, July 25, 2011

Special Edition: Big names on the move in the NFL?



With the lockout looking like it may be over soon many NFL teams are looking at possible free agents and trade candidates. Here they are and were they might go:

WR Plaxico Burress Top Contenders: Rams, Jets, Anybody
Coming out of jail many teams could use Burress, a big target especially in the red zone. The Rams and Jets look like the obvious contenders but really anybody could make a move on Burress. We won't know until he signs.
CB Nnamdi Asomugha Top Contenders: Any Top Teams, Texans, Cowboys, Jets, Eagles, Buccaners
Asomugha is the biggest name on the market and any team looking for a boost to the next level will give him a look. After playing for lowly Oakland for so long he'll be looking for a Super Bowl contender. Philadelphia is a big possibility along with Dallas and New York but New York will need to do some money restructuring first.
QB Matt Hassellback Top Contenders: Seahawks, Cardinals, Titans, Vikings
Hassellback is a veteran that teams will be looking at to bridge the gap for rookies and likely only keep him for a year or two. The Titans and Vikings will try to bridge the gap with their two rookies and the Seahawks need Hassellback back. That is where he will likely end up.
QB Kevin Kolb Top Contenders: Eagles, Cardinals
If Kolb were to get traded it is pretty much positive he'll be heading to Arizona but Philadelphia may want to keep him if Michael Vick struggles. He is still young and teams will build around him.
Other notables:
QB Alex Smith, QB Matt Leinart, RB DeAngelo Williams, RB Cedric Benson, RB Ahmad Bradshaw, WR Randy Moss, WR Sidney Rice, WR Santanio Holmes, DE Ray Edwatds, DT Pat Williams, CB Antonio Cromartie, CB Ike Taylor

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

Friday, July 22, 2011

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

Thursday, July 21, 2011

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

Sunday, July 17, 2011

College Football Preview: Best of the Rest: Penn State Nittany Lions



28. Penn State Nittany Lions
QB Rob Bolden- Sophomore
FB Joe Suhey- Senior
WR Derek Moye- Senior
DE Pete Massaro- Junior
DB Drew Astorino- Senior
It was a tough year for the Nittany Lions who fell out of contention in the Big Ten and the nation. Joe Paterno hopes it was just a hiccup as Penn State returns a lot of talent only losing OL Stefen Wisniewski and RB Evan Royster. Quarterback Rob Bolden returns for his second season as starter. He is a good scrambler and his passing is improving. Junior Matt McGloin is the backup of Bolden and has the smarts behind center like a NFL quarterback. Maybe even junior Kevin Newsome will get some snaps also. Without Royster the backfield is definitely depleted. Tailback Silas Redd is alright but he won't change the game like Royster does. Next is fullback Joe Suhey, a guy I really like. He's a powerful back that can get the ball often. The options for Bolden are decent with his best being senior Derek Moye. Moye didn't have a great season last year but he'll still be fine. Juniors Justin Brown and Devon Smith are the others. The offensive line is one of the weakest parts on the squad now without leader and anchor Wisniewski. Senior tackles Quinn Barham and Johnnie Troutman. The defense was always the Nittany Lion's strength but isn't that strong this season. The defensive line is solid with junior Pete Massaro, Devin Still, Jordan Hill and Jack Crawford all returning starters. The linebacker core is helped by the return of Michael Mauti and senior Nate Stupar. The secondary is back with defensive back Drew Astorino who may be the best player on the team. He's smart and hits hard. He won't pick off balls and might not even get too many tackles.

Heisman Hopeful: Rob Bolden
Big Ten Rank: 5th

Monday, July 11, 2011

College Football Preview: Best of the Rest: Georgia Bulldogs



27. Georgia Bulldogs
QB Aaron Murray- Sophomore
TB Caleb King- Senior
TB Washaun Ealey- Junior
TE Orson Charles- Junior
K Blair Walsh- Senior
After a tough season in which Mark Richt's seat got even hotter Georgia's hoping to gain entry to the Top 25. Sophomore quarterback Aaron Murray had a decent year as a freshmen and hopes to improve even more in his second year as a starter. He'll miss his best wide out in A.J. Green a lot but he still has other options also. If Murray struggles then sophomore Hutson Mason will gain the starting slot. The backfield may be the best since the squad had Knowshon Moreno. Backs Caleb King and Washaun Ealey are good players and will be asked to carry the ball a lot this season. Junior Carlton Thomas may also gain some carries. Options for Murray include Tavarres King and Logan Gray. Tight end Orson Charles is an All-SEC Selection last season as a sophomore and hopes to continue it in his third year. The offensive line lost its best player in guard Clint Boling. Back though is center Ben Jones and guard Cordy Glenn. The defense also lost much talent with linebacker/end Justin Houston but the front seven is still decent. Junior Abry Jones and nose tackle DeAngelo Tyson stomp up back after back. Without Houston the linebacker core has Cornelius Washington and Christian Robinson. The secondary is the best unit on defense with all four starters returning including Brandon Boykin and senior Jakar Hamilton. The special teams is one of the better in the SEC with kicker Blair Walsh and senior punter Drew Butler.

Heisman Hopeful: Aaron Murray
SEC Rank: 8th

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

College Football Preview: Best of the Rest: Arizona State Sun Devils



26. Arizona State Sun Devils
QB Steven Threet- Senior
WR Mike Willie- Senior
WR T.J. Simpson- Senior
LB Colin Parker- Senior
LB Vontaze Burfict- Junior
CB Omar Bolden- Senior
Arizona State returns an amazing 20 starters from a decent team last season including all of their 11 on offense. Quarterback Steven Threet returns for his senior season in a Sun Devil uniform. He isn't one of the best quarterbacks in the Pac-12 but he's an okay threat. He has experienced options including seniors Mike Willie, T.J. Simpson, Gerell Robinson and junior Jamal Miles. The backfield is decent with junior Cameron Marshall and others including sophomore Kyle Middlebrooks. The offensive line is also pretty talented with guard Mike Marcisz, center Garth Gerhart and Aderious Simmons. The defense losses two players but may still be more talented than the offense. The defensive line lost the most now without Jamarr Robinson and Saia Falahola. Luckily they still have seniors Jamaar Jarrett and James Brooks. Bo Moos and Toa Tuitea must be unstoppable up front in order to replace Robinson and Falahola. The linebacker core has two fantastic players with junior Vontaze Burfict and senior Colin Parker. Burfict has improved every single season he has played with the Sun Devils. Parker isn't that good but he has the smarts. The secondary is pretty good also. They have cornerback Omar Bolden who when he's healthy is fantastic. Senior Clint Floyd and Eddie Elder are both alright behind him at the safety position.

Heisman Hopeful: Steven Threet
Pac-12 Rank: 4th

College Football Preview: 25. Utah Utes



25. Utah Utes
QB Jordan Wynn- Junior
RB Sausan Shakerin- Junior
WR DeVonte Cristopher- Junior
OT Tony Bergstrom- Senior
LB Chaz Walker- Senior
After a great start to the 2010 season the Utes struggled down to a tough end. They did lose talent and moved towards a much tougher conference but Utah is still a good squad. Junior quarterback Jordan Wynn had another decent season behind center and hopes to improve even more in his third year. He is a pretty good scrambler and his arm is getting much better. The three-man backfield last year lost two valued members: Eddie Wide and Matt Asiata. But, junior Sausan Shakerin is still a good back. He takes pressure off Wynn whenever possible. Behind him senior Shawn Asiata is also okay. Wynn lost his best option when Jereme Brooks left. He still has DeVonte Christopher along with Luke Matthews and others. The offensive line is decent even without center Zane Taylor, the unit's anchor. Tackle Tony Bergstrom and John Cullen, both seniors. They have a huge role in keeping Wynn and Shakerin safe. On defense the Utes lost much talent including defensive tackle Seaver Siliga and cornerback Brandon Burton. Without Siliga the line still has senior Derrick Shelby and junior nose tackle Dave Kruger. The linebacker core is pretty well with seniors Chaz Walker and Matt Martinez. Walker needs to be great up the middle without Siliga to stop backs on the first part of the defense. The secondary is one of the weakest parts on the Utah team. Sophomore Brian Blechen is the only returning starter but safety Greg Bird and Conroy Black are still good.

Heisman Hopeful: Jordan Wynn
Pac 12 Rank: 3rd

Friday, July 1, 2011

College Football Preview: 24. Tulsa Golden Hurricane



24. Tulsa Golden Hurricane
QB G.J. Kinne- Senior
TB Trey Watts- Sophomore
WR Damaris Johnson- Senior
OG Clint Anderson- Senior
BAN Marco Nelson- Sophomore
Tulsa surprised the Conference-USA when they powered to a good year and a dominant bowl appearance. Now with many returning starters (19) the Golden Hurricane have risen to the Top 25. Quarterback G.J. Kinne is one of the best players in C-USA and has a good arm. Unlike many others on the Tulsa squad Kinne become a starter of a three year span. Many of the Golden Hurricane are one-year starters so far. This includes sophomore tailback Trey Watts. Watts has pretty good speed and decent hands. Behind him is junior Alex Singleton and sophomore Ja'Terian Douglas. Kinne's success is helped quite a lot by his dominant options. Senior wide receiver Damaris Johnson is psychical which helps him get space. He's a good long ball receiver and good up close. Other options are junior Ricky Johnson and sophomore Thomas Roberson. The offensive line is decent too with guard Clint Anderson, tackle Tyler Holmes and center Trent Dupy. The defense isn't as good as the offense but is still pretty good. Defensive end Tyrunn Walker and nose guard Derrick Jackson are nice on the line. Senior linebacker Curnelius Arnick is good along with sophomore Shawn Jackson. With these two the linebacker core is nice. Marco Nelson had six interceptions in 2010 and is the best returning defensive player. The secondary got better as the season went on. The special teams is led by Johnson who is the team's kick returner and punt returner.

Heisman Hopeful: G.J. Kinne
C-USA Rank: 1st