20. Eric Decker, Minnesota (WR)
For a team in the middle of rebuilding, Eric Decker has become a bright spot. After finishing with 900 receiving yards last season, he looks poised to finish with over 1000 this year. He is second in the Big Ten and 22nd in the country in receiving yards per game, and is 8th in the country in receptions per game. Highlight games for him this year include a 13 catch, 190 yard performance against Illinois and 9 catch, 157 yard game against Montana State. In a conference with other receivers like Derrick Williams and Arrelious Benn, Decker has established himself as a top target.
Season Stats: 74 receptions, 892 yards (12.02 yards per catch), 6 TDs
19. Anthony Heygood, Purdue (LB)
The Big Ten always seems to churn out big time linebackers, and Anthony Heygood is no different. He is third in the conference--and 11th in the nation--in tackles, and is 16th in tackles per game. He's also shown the ability to play well in big games, as evidenced by his 12 tackle game against Ohio State, as well as his 14 tackle performance against Michigan State. James Laurinaitis may get the most attention at the linebacker spot, but Heygood is proving that he is no slouch, either.
Season Stats: 107 tackles (7 for loss), 1 interception, 3 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, 3 QB hurries
18. Michael Smith, Arkansas (RB)
In a conference where Knowshon Moreno gets the most love at tailback, it might be a shock to learn that Arkansas' Michael Smith isn't far behind him. Right now, he is second to Moreno in rushing yards, and has put together 5 games in which he has rushed for over 100 yards. His biggest games have come against Louisiana-Monroe, Kentucky, and Auburn, where he rushed for 157, 192, and 176 yards, respectively. He stands at a mere 5'7", but has shown that he's more than capable of rolling up big yards on the ground in a tough conference.
Season Stats: 193 carries, 1012 yards (5.24 yards per carry), 7 TDs; 30 catches, 302 yards, 2 TDs
17. Kenny Britt, Rutgers (WR)
It may be a disappointing season for Rutgers, but their recent resurgence has been, in large part, due to the offense beginning to click. With Mike Teel, TiQuan Underwood, and Britt at offense's core, it was thought that they would light up the scoreboard. However, it wasn't until the second half of the season that fans go to see this. During The Scarlet Knights' four game winning streak, Britt has had four 100 yard receiving games, including 143 against Pittsburgh and 173 against South Florida. More importantly, though, all five of his touchdowns have come during these past four games. He leads the Big East in receiving yards, and will easily go over 1000 for the year; despite only being 5-5, Rutgers can boast at least one bright spot this year.
Season Stats: 68 receptions, 994 yards (14.61 yards per catch), 5 TDs
16. Mike Mickens, Cincinnati (CB)
Usually, all of the talk concerning the best cornerbacks in the country concerns guys like Malcolm Jenkins, Vontae Davis, and Alphonso Smith. However, Mike Mickens deserves to be in those discussions as well. He's second in the Big East in interceptions, but more importantly, is the best player on a solid Bearcat defense. He has 9 passes defended this year, and is also a physical guy who knows how to tackle the ball carrier. He recorded 11 tackles against West Virginia, and racked up 14 more against Akron--including 3 deflected passes in that same game. Mickens is definitely worthy of being called one of the best cornerbacks in the country this year, as he's easily the best in his own conference.
Season Stats: 66 tackles (3 for loss), 4 interceptions, 9 passes defended
15. Damion Fletcher, Southern Miss (RB)
Freshman wide receiver DeAndre Brown and tight end Shawn Nelson might get the most love on Southern Miss, but Damion Fletcher's been rolling up yards before either of them were around. He's had back to back seasons of at least 1300 rushing yards so far, and may be on his way to extending that streak to three years with his performance this year. He's had five 100+ yard games so far, including two 200+ yard games against UTEP and Louisiana-Lafayette. He's also shown his worth in big games, gaining 120 yards against Rice and 121 against East Carolina. With a plethora or tailbacks across the country getting attention, Fletcher has quietly become one of the most consistent.
Season Stats: 185 carries, 1176 yards (6.35 yards per carry), 8 TDs; 28 catches, 216 yards, TD
14. Austin Collie, BYU (WR)
Playing on a pass-oriented offense has had its benefits for Austin Collie. On a very good BYU team, Collie has put up very good numbers; he currently has had nine straight games with at least 100 yards receiving, and is the nation's leader in receiving yards per game. He also gets to the endzone with ease, as he's scored 15 touchdowns this year; he has had six games with at least two touchdowns, including two against UCLA, three against Colorado State, and two against Air Force. With another 1000 yard receiver on his team in tight end Dennis Pitta, Collie has established himself as a force at wideout.
Season Stats: 85 receptions, 1315 yards (15.5 yards per catch), 15 TDs
13. Nick Reed, Oregon (DE)
All the old jokes about the Pac-10 not playing defense must not have gotten through to Nick Reed. He is currently first in the Pac-10 in sacks and tackles for loss, which is also good for 8th and 10th in the country for those categories respectively. He is the anchor on an Oregon defense that gives up a mere 122 yards on the ground per game, and has definitely shown himself able to get to the quarterback. He had two sacks against UCLA, and also put together eight tackles and two QB hurries total during that game.
Season Stats: 47 tackles (18 for loss), 10 sacks, 1 pass defended, 1 forced fumble, 12 QB hurries
12. Colin Kaepernick, Nevada (QB)
Kaepernick is a special player, but has gone largely unnoticed in a year dominated by other quarterbacks such as Colt McCoy, Graham Harrell, and Sam Bradford. Kaepernick is only one of two quarterbacks in the nation (the other being Kent State's Julian Edelman) with at least 1500 passing yards and at least 1000 rushing yards. He is 23rd in the nation in rushing yards per game, and has more rushing touchdowns than Oklahoma State's Kendall Hunter, Oregon State's Jacquizz Rodgers, and Georgia's Knowshon Moreno! He's played very well in big games, too, rushing for 92 yards and passing for 264 more against Texas Tech, as well as passing for 176 yards and running for 240 more against UNLV. He may not be the biggest name in the country, but he's definitely worthy of being considered a damn good quarterback.
Season Stats: 141-244, 1841 yards, 14 TDs, 4 INTs; 123 rushes, 1017 yards, 16 TDs
11. Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State (RB)
Oklahoma State can churn out good college runningbacks behind their great offensive line. Last year, Dantrell Savage was the beneficiary of that good front line, and before him, it was Vernand Morency. This year, it's Kendall Hunter, who's quietly put up a great year. While others like Moreno and LeSean McCoy get more attention, Hunter has more rushing yards than either of them, and is currently 4th in the nation in rush yards per game. He hasn't just padded stats against weak competition, either; he ran for 161 yards and a touchdown against Texas, 154 yards against Missouri, and 112 more against Texas Tech. He become the best tailback in the Big 12, and is definitely one of the ten best in the country.
Season Stats: 210 rushes, 1434 yards (6.82 yards per carry), 14 TDs; 15 receptions, 140 yards
10. Ahmad Black, Florida (SS)
Black wasn't even discussed as a full-time starter this year; considering that he'd never started before this year, and given Major Wright's play last year, most--including Florida fans-- though Black would be the odd man out with the arrival of freshman safety Will Hill. However, Black has put those doubts to rest with his play this year, as he currently leads the country in interceptions and has established himself as one of the best tacklers on the team. After having two picks in Florida's opening game against Hawaii, Black has continued his good play, also recording interceptions against Kentuckty, Georgia, and South Carolina. He's even blocked a field goal attempt this year and deflected four passes. Because of his play, it's now Major Wright who may be the third man when Hill finally matures.
Season Stats: 38 tackles (1 for loss), 6 interceptions (2 returned for TDs), 4 passes defended, 1 blocked kick
9. TY Hilton, Florida International (WR)
Hilton has seen one of my lists before, and with other wide receivers like Percy Harvin, Michael Crabtree, and Jeremy Maclin getting more attention, Hilton will see this one as well. How can someone who leads the nation in all-purpose yards per game not get attention? He averages almost 30 yards per catch, and has taken two kick returns for touchdowns this season. He's already set a Florida International school record for most receiving yards in a game--as a freshman. Hilton has already established himself as a legitimate playmaker this year, and if he finally starts getting more attention, the rest of the country may come to know his name, too.
Season Stats: 27 receptions, 777 yards (29.8 yards per reception), 4 TDs; 14 punt returns, 249 yards (17.78 yards per return), TD; 29 kick returns, 735 yards (25.34 yards per return), TD
8. DJ Moore, Vanderbilt (CB)
Moore is probably the best cornerback you've never heard about--unless you follow the SEC. Moore is the most dynamic player on a solid Vanderbilt defense, and is one of the biggest reasons that Vanderbilt is bowl eligible for the first time in over 20 years. He does it all for Vanderbilt, whether it be playing defense, offense, or special teams. Against Kentucky, he lined up at wide receiver and finshed the game with 3 catches for 51 yards and two touchdowns; he also returns punts, averaging 14 yards on each, with a long of 91 yards. In big games, he's stepped up his play, intercepting two passes in addition to catching two touchdowns against Kentucky, and grabbing another against Florida. Moore is certainly a terrific player who should receive more praise than he currently does.
Season Stats: 43 tackles (2 for loss), 1 sack, 6 interceptions, 6 passes defended, 1 forced fumble
7. Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech (FS)
While safeties like Eric Berry may get more attention, Burnett has become one of the best in the country at his position, as his penchant for making big plays has helped Georgia Tech remain a solid defensive unit despite the loss of John Tenuta. He's also known as a sure tackler, racking up 10 against Boston College, 13 against Virginia Tech, and 11 against Virginia. Against Florida State, he had eight tackles and 4 passes defended. Given this, he's proven more than capable of stepping up in important games. The best thing about him? He's only a sophomore, so Tech will have him for at least another year.
Season Stats: 66 tackles (6 for loss), 6 interceptions, 7 passes defended, 1 forced fumble
6. Brandon Lang, Troy (DE)
Troy has turned out two great defensive ends in recent memory in DeMarcus Ware and Osi Umenyiora. As a junior, Brandon Lang looks to be the next to come from that mold, as he is currently 2nd in the Sun Belt and 22nd in the nation in sacks. In addition, he is 10th in the country in tackles for loss, an indicator of his ability to make plays in the backfield. His best games include a nine tackle performance against North Texas and a two sack game against Florida International; he even had 6 tackles and a sack against LSU, so he's got some big play ability in him as well. With two games left on Troy's schedule, Lang looks to continue his high level of play.
Season Stats: 47 tackles (16 for loss), 7.5 sacks, 3 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, 6 QB hurries
5. Jammie Kirlew, Indiana (DE)
Last year, it was Greg Middleton who sent opposing quarterbacks running in fear, as he led the nation in sacks with 16. This year, it's Jammie Kirlew who's doing it. He is second on the team in tackles, and leads the team in sacks and tackles for loss. Nationally, he is 7th and 4th in those categories respectively. Even though ends like George Selvie and Aaron Maybin usually get more attention, Kirlew has quietly had a great year himself. Against Minnesota, he had 10 tackles and 2.5 sacks, and against Wisconsin, he had five tackles and 2 sacks. While Middleton was Indiana's best end last year, Kirlew is picking up the slack this year, as the Hoosiers languish at the bottom of the Big Ten.
Season Stats: 69 tackles (20 for loss), 10.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
4. Chase Clement, Rice (QB)
It must be tough being a quarterback this year. With so many good ones to choose from, guys like Clement often get overlooked, which is a shame given his production this year. He is currently 6th in the country in passing yards per game, and 10th in pass efficiency. He has passed for at least 300 yards in 5 games this year, including a 444 yard, six touchdown performance against Southern Mississippi. He's also done well against BCS opponents, passing for 299 against Vanderbilt and 254 against Texas. He's also done well running the ball, as he's rushed for over 500 yards on the season and is Rice's second leading rusher. He might not get the love that Graham Harrell or Tim Tebow get, but Clement is still one of the country's best QBs.
Season Stats: 243-364 (66.7% completion rate), 32 TDs, 6 INTs; 119 rushes, 510 yards, 9 TDs
3. Brit Miller, Illinois (LB)
With Jeremy Leman gone, Illinois was looking for a guy to replace him. Fortunately, they didn't have to look too long. Brit Miller played alongside Leman last year and finished with 62 tackles. Now with the linebacker gone, Miller is third in the nation in tackles per game, and has had six games with at least ten this year, including 14 against Ohio State, 12 against Missouri, and 17 against Western Michigan. He makes plays whether they're behind the line of scrimmage or in coverage; just check his eye-popping 19 tackles for loss along with his 7 deflected passes; he's Mr. Everything for a struggling Illinois team that needs more consistent play from its front seven. With his play this year, he's done plenty to make a case for himself as the best linebacker in the conference, as well as the nation.
Season Stats: 124 tackles (19 for loss), 6 sacks, 7 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, 4 QB hurries
2. MiQuale Lewis, Ball State (RB)
Ball State quarterback Nate Davis usually gets the love for the Cardinals' run this year, and while a lot of that is deserved, MiQuale Lewis is the guy that paces that dangerous offense. He is second in the MAC--and second in the nation--in rush yards per game, and has had nine games with at least 100 yards rushing. Included in those games are a 166-yard performance against Indiana, and a 166 yard game against Central Michigan. Lewis has played at a high level all year, and he may get another year to play at this level should he decide to forego the NFL draft this year. With so many other tailbacks getting attention, Lewis has quietly made a name for himself, as hes shown that he can perform with the best in the country.
Season Stats: 244 rushes, 1450 yards (5.94 yards per carry), 17 TDs; 19 receptions, 184 yards
1. Case Keenum, Houston (QB)
Keenum is only a sophomore, but he plays like a senior; this year, he is second in passing yards per game, 4th in touchdown passes, and 13th in passing efficiency. He has thrown for at least 300 yards in every game this year, including a 387 yard, four touchdown performance against Oklahoma State, and a 402 yard, six touchdown game against Tulsa. More impressive is his completion percentage; despite throwing the ball 45 times per game, he still completes two-thirds of his passes. He is the biggest reason why the Cougars are 5-1 in conference play, and could make a run to a bowl game this year. However, defenses may not be as pleased, as he has at least one more year to go in college. If he can duplicate his numbers, and if Houston can win a few more games next year, don't be surprised to see Keenum up for some major awards in 2009.
Season Stats: 304-451 (67.4% completion rate), 3794 yards, 35 TDs, 9 INTs; 62 rushes, 211 yards, 3 TDs
No comments:
Post a Comment