Pitt's Romeus Is Not In A Rush

Quarterbacks and offensive linemen all around the Big East were collectively disappointed to find out that defensive end Greg Romeus will be returning for his senior season with the Pittsburgh Panthers. The Big East’s Co-Defensive Player of the Year received a third round draft grade from the NFL Advisory Committee, which he understands is a conservative projection.

“I knew it could be higher than that, so it didn’t matter,” Romeus said of the grade and where he ultimately could get drafted. “Coach (Dave Wannstedt) basically told me that. If that (third round grade) was a reason (for me coming back), it wasn’t a big reason.”

More importantly, Romeus believes that another year at the collegiate level will help his career. He told College Football Insiders Radio that it wasn’t just one reason or another, but rather many factors which led to his decision to return to Pittsburgh for his senior campaign.

“The pros outweighed the cons,” Romeus said of staying in school. Like most college football players who must decide whether or not they are ready to make the jump to the NFL, Romeus leaned heavily on his family and head coach.

“It was a long decision. I didn’t make my mind up actually until the last week, a few days before the deadline. I talked to Coach. He talked to me. Toward the last few games he just told me he would look things up for me and tell me what the best option would be,” Romeus said. “He and my family all sat down and came to the conclusion that the best decision for me would be to stay. Every year it seems I have improved, not just physically but mentally, which is a big part of the game that you need to haave when it comes to going to the next level. I just think another year of experience would benefit me a lot more. There’s really no rush.”

Who else encouraged him? None other than Pittsburgh alumnus and current New York Jet Darrelle Revis, who provided advice and shared his own experience; as a junior, he was presented with the same choice.

“He (Revis) told me to just trust Coach,” Romeus told College Football Insiders Radio. Adding, “I knew Coach wouldn’t lead me in the wrong direction.” Wannstedt appears to have earned the type of trust in his players that can be the core of a program on the rise.

A high school basketball star, Romeus was a bit behind in the learning curve but made a solid contribution as a red-shirt freshman in 2007, recording 41 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks. In 2008 those numbers leaped to 51 tackles, 15.5 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks. The 6’6”, 270-pound Romeus enjoyed a 2009 season in which he finished with eight sacks, 43 tackles, three forced fumbles, five passes defended and an interception on his way to Co-Big East Defensive Player of the Year honors, as well as an All-College Football Insiders third team selection.

So where does he need to improve? Romeus wants to lead the team and ensure they achieve all that they can in 2010.

“We have a lot of goals for next year and to come back and have a chance to win a championship would be something good. I’m happy with my decision and I don’t regret it.”

Next year, Pittsburgh returns some key pieces from a 10-3 team that nearly pulled off a conference championship. Something that will be vital is leadership, and Romeus is on it.

“Me, as a senior, I feel as if I have to get out there and lead the guys. I’m ready to take on that role, coming in there everyday and making sure we train as hard as we can.”

Romeus understands that next year could bring even greater opportunities for him, namely a college degree and a Big East Championship. He’s already gotten college football fans excited about the 2010 Panthers, admiring the program’s consistency.

“We’re just improving every day. Everybody understands that it starts in the off-season and it’s something that we’re all buying into. Every year that happens we see the results are getting better. We are looking forward to that.”

As for this coming weekend, if you think Romeus is rooting for Revis to win a championship of his own, think again. When asked if he would be rooting for the former Panther he answered in the negative.

“Living in my Miami, we learned not to like the Jets.”

Click Here To Listen To Entire College Football Insiders Interview With Greg Romeus

Photos Courtesy of Dennis Hubbard & University of Pittsburgh

NFL Draft Bible Mock Draft 1.0

NFL Draft Bible scouting guru Justin Van Fulpen and talent evaluator Mike Bozarth set the table with the initial first round mock of the 2010 draft season.

1. St. Louis Rams (1-15) - QB Jimmy Clausen*, Notre Dame – The latest rumblings have the Rams potentially trading for Mike Vick and then selecting Ndamukong Suh. Until they obtain a quarterback, the Rams need to start from square one, which means identifying a signal-caller.

2. Detroit Lions (2-14) - DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska – The “skinny” 300-pounder wreaks havoc in the middle with his athleticism/burst and is a once-in-a-decade type of player.

3. Tampa Bay Bucs (3-13) – DT Gerald McCoy*, Oklahoma – One of the toughest positions to find a quality, impact starter is defensive tackle and McCoy will likely benefit from this. However, that is not to say he doesn’t possess great upside and top-five talent.

4. Washington Redskins (4-12) - QB Sam Bradford*, Oklahoma – Scouts and NFL-types alike are waiting until Bradford’s private workout (tentatively scheduled for April) to make their judgments. If everything checks out medically, new head coach Mike Shanahan will put his stamp on the team with a new quarterback.

5. Kansas City Chiefs (4-12) – DB Eric Berry*, Tennessee – Some consider Berry to be the best player in this year’s draft, one capable of playing cornerback and both safety positions.

6. Seattle Seahawks (5-11) – DE Derrick Morgan*, Georgia Tech – With Patrick Kerney set to turn 35 this season, the Seahawks will be in a position to nab the most talented defensive end in the draft to start opposite Lawrence Jackson.

7. Cleveland Browns (5-11) - ILB Rolando McClain*, Alabama – An all-around talent who played in a 3-4 defensive scheme in college, McClain would be an ideal fit with the Browns, especially with D’Qwell Jackson coming off a season-ending shoulder injury.

8. Oakland Raiders (5-11) - OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State – The Raiders need a tremendous amount of help along the offensive line and Okung would be an ideal building block…unlike Robert Gallery, the number two overall pick of the 2004 draft, who has been relegated to backup guard duties.

9. Buffalo Bills (6-10) – OT Anthony Davis*, Rutgers – While the Bills may hope one of the quarterbacks slip to them at number nine, it won’t matter who’s under center if they can’t keep that signal caller upright. They should pounce on Davis, a dominant run blocker who has the potential to be the best left tackle coming out of this draft.

10. Denver Broncos (7-9) – WR Dez Bryant*, Oklahoma State – It could be Christmas in April for the Broncos if the former Okie State Cowboy Bryant slips. With Brandon Marshall on his way out, they would have a ready-made replacement in Bryant, who has a similar skill set and can’t be as big of a drama queen as Marshall.

11. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-9) – DT Brian Price*, UCLA – The Jags would be extremely interested in Derrick Morgan, if he is still around. Derrick Harvey has been less than impressive in his first two seasons, but deserves another year. Both of the Jags’ young defensive ends would benefit from the addition of another talented tackle to go alongside the veteran John Henderson. Price is an extremely talented player that creates disruption in the offensive backfield.

12. Miami Dolphins (7-9) – DT Dan Williams, Tennessee – Williams is a force in the middle, but many question if he is just a one-year wonder. The former Volunteer isn’t the most talented player on the board, but would fill a need for Miami’s 3-4 defense. However, don’t be surprised if the Dolphins look to trade down to accumulate additional picks. If they don’t find anyone willing, they will be satisfied to fill the need.

13. San Francisco 49ers (8-8) – DE Carlos Dunlap*, Florida – Dunlap is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2010 draft. At 6’6”, 290 pounds he is big enough to play a 3-4 end or be a dominating 4-3 rush end. His DUI during the 2009 season will hurt his draft stock. He will still be a top-15 pick, but if kept his nose clean the former Gator could have been a top-five pick overall.

14. Seattle Seahawks (8-8) – RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson – Even though it looks like the Seahawks found a solid running back in former Cal Golden Bear Justin Forsett, they are not done rebuilding the ground attack. Spiller is an electrifying player; a great receiver and return man whose touches should be spread out. The Seahawks would have a great tandem at running back with the addition of Spiller.

15. New York Giants (8-8) – CB Joe Haden*, Florida – The New York football Giants should do back flips if this former Gator and Thorpe Award finalist drops to them at 15. Big Blue has needs help at all three levels of the defense and Haden is the type of lockdown corner than can make everyone look better.

16. San Francisco 49ers (8-8) – OT Trent Williams, Oklahoma – Once pegged as a sure-fire top-ten pick, Williams is indeed talented…but is probably a little overrated. The biggest question mark is whether he will be a left tackle or right tackle in the NFL, which will determine his value come draft day. The Niners wouldn’t need him to protect the quarterback’s blind side, so this Boomer Sooner would be a true San Francisco treat.

17. Tennessee Titans (9-7) – DE Jason Pierre-Paul*, South Florida – Pierre-Paul is a player that has been flying up boards of late. He could be long gone by the time the Titans pick if he impresses at the NFL Scouting Combine. He is a little raw, but has elite ability which is why he is a lock first rounder despite playing only one season at the Division I level. The Titans could use a shot of youth on their aging defensive line.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers – OG Mike Iupati, Idaho – Iupati is still raw, but his ceiling is high—he’s a potentially dominant interior lineman. He is an extremely physical player that plays the type of football the Steelers are known for. Given time, Iupati could be an elite guard or tackle in the NFL.

19. Atlanta Falcons (9-7) – S Taylor Mays, USC – There are far better all-around safeties still on the board, but Taylor Mays’ combination of elite size and speed will make him the second safety selected. He is a physically-gifted player, but must sharpen up his game to ever have a chance of being an elite NFL player. There is no question that his instincts and awareness are below average.

20. Houston Texans (9-7) – S Earl Thomas**, Texas – Bernard Pollard was a pleasant surprise for the Texans defense last season. Now Houston is searching for a playmaking free safety to pair with Pollard and the former Longhorn Earl Thomas is exactly that. He is a natural ball-hawk with great instincts who excels in coverage.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) – TE Jermaine Gresham*, Oklahoma – This is a perfect example of team need meeting the best available player. Gresham is one of the best pass-catching tight ends to enter the draft in a long time. He needs to show he is healthy and have a strong showing at the Combine to be selected in the first round.

22. New England Patriots (10-6) – OLB Sergio Kindle, Texas – It will come as no surprise that the Patriots will get great value with this pick. Kindle is a solid all-around player that has the ability to get to the quarterback. He is also capable of playing in a two-point stance or with his hand on the ground, versatility Bill Belichick will put to good use. New England has lost a lot on defense over the last few years, and it looks like they might lose more this off-season. Expect the Pats to select defensive players early and often in the 2010 draft.

23. Green Bay Packers (11-5) – OT Bryan Bulaga*, Iowa – The Packers desperately need to upgrade their offensive line—Aaron Rodgers was hurried and hit way too much in 2009. The team has explosive playmakers that can stretch the field, but Rodgers simply didn’t have the time to throw downfield. Bulaga would provide help on either the left or right side.

24. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) – MLB Brandon Spikes, Florida – The Eagles are one of the most talented teams in the NFL and there are not many positions they need to address, but they could really use a playmaker at linebacker. Former Gator Brandon Spikes would be a perfect fit for the Eagles—he’s ready to step in and play from day one and would provide leadership as well.

25. Baltimore Ravens (9-7) – WR Golden Tate*, Notre Dame – The Ravens passing game was terrible during the playoffs. Number one wide out Derrick Mason could be headed towards retirement and understudy Mark Clayton is simply not a number one receiver. Tate could step in and make an immediate impact. He is capable of lining up allover the field. With a great offensive line, a Pro Bowl running back, and a young strong-armed passer, it’s a no brainier: the Ravens need a big time playmaker on the outside.

26. Arizona Cardinals (10-6) – OT Bruce Campbell*, Maryland – The Cards could go linebacker with their first pick, but the left tackle position is a more important spot for them to fill. Former top-ten pick Levi Brown is a decent right tackle and should remain on that side. Campbell has a lot of talent and has a good chance of being selected before this, but if he is available here, the Birds shouldn’t hesitate to write his name on their card.

27. Dallas Cowboys (11-5) – S Chad Jones*, LSU – Chad Jones is a playmaker, capable of delivering huge hits. At 6’3”, 230 pounds with speed, Jones could play either the free or strong safety position. He would be a very nice addition to a talented Cowboy defense that at times is still vulnerable to deep plays through the air. He could end up being the second best safety in the 2010 draft.

28. San Diego Chargers (13-3) – RB Jahvid Best*, Cal – With future Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson probably on his way out, or at the very least headed towards a much smaller role, Best would be a great replacement. He is an explosive player with big play ability. The Golden Bear was running very well before suffering a season-ending concussion and back injury. If he gets the green light from the doctors Best should be a first-round pick.

29. New York Jets (9-7) – WR Damian Williams*, USC – The Jets need a more reliable receiver than Braylon Edwards. Williams has good hands, offers big time playmaking ability and would provide former USC teammate Mark Sanchez with a dependable target. Illinois product Arrelious Benn may have more upside but Williams is the safer pick for Gang Green.

30. Minnesota Vikings (12-4) – QB Tim Tebow, Florida – If Brett Favre decides to come back for another year, don’t be surprised if the Vikings look to secure their quarterback of the future. Tebow probably needs to stand on the sideline for a year or two but the Vikings roster is pretty stacked, so it wouldn’t be a huge risk to select one of the greatest college players of all-time.

31. New Orleans Saints (13-3) – OLB Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri – The Saints would have to be thrilled with the addition of a well-polished linebacker like Weatherspoon. With Jonathan Vilma lined up next to him, Weatherspoon could be the Defensive Rookie of the Year. He needs to play a little more under control, but that is something that can be fixed. He is a playmaker with a nose for the ball and will provide great value for a team in need of a defensive shot in the arm.

32. Indianapolis Colts (14-2) – DT Arthur Jones, Syracuse – The Colts will go either defensive tackle or outside linebacker with their first pick. They may have their sights set on Weatherspoon, but will settle for a solid defensive tackle. Jones would help free up pass rushers Jerome Mathis and Dwight Freeney and allow them to wreak even more havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

* Keep a lookout for more Mock Drafts from both Justin Van Fulpen and Mike Bozarth.

* Denotes Junior
** Denotes Red-Shirt Sophomore

Photos Courtesy of Notre Dame Sports Information, College Press Box, Dennis Hubbard, UT Photography, University of California, Syracuse University Athletics

East-West Shrine Game: Players To Watch

As the East-West Shrine Game gets set to kickoff in Orlando, we take a look at five players to watch on each side.

East Roster:

Western Illinois CB Patrick Stoudamire -- A lot of hype based on big senior campaign and plenty of Internet buzz but can that translate into a late NFL Combine invite... this week's practices will tell the tale.

Bowling Green WR Freddie Barnes -- Led the nation in receptions, but all eyes will be on whether he can consistently get off the line of scrimmage and show separation and acceleration while the ball is in the air... his perceived game speed will determine his final draft grade.

Fordham QB John Skelton -- Can he follow in the footsteps of Joe Flacco and make a big splash starting at this week's practices... has a live arm, big, sturdy frame but must show he has the footwork and ability to adjust to faster game now that the level of competition increases.

Ole Miss DE Greg Hardy -- Has the ability to be one of the top pass rushers in this year's NFL Draft, but he has been injury-prone and inconsistent the past year and a half... a big week, especially in 1-on-1 drills can jump him right back into 1st round consideration.

Central Florida DT Torell Troup -- His quickness off the ball and ability to cause consistent pressure from an interior defensive line position make him a very attractive prospect... this week's big stage will allow him to put his name on the map... could be the East roster's "Fastest Riser" come week's end.

West Roster:

Utah S Robert Johnson -- Shocked and upset by his current status of not holding a invite to the NFL Combine he plans to take it out on all the opposing offensive prospects and play his way into one of the final senior spots in next month's event in Indianapolis.

California WR Verran Tucker -- Has the size/speed to wow scouts in 1-on-1's and his potential as a vertical threat could push up his final draft grade, but he needs to catch the ball consistently and run improved routes during this week's practices.

UNLV LB Jason Beauchamp -- Under-rated defender that will be closely evaluated by teams the employ a 3-4 scheme... impressive athlete with ideal size and shows an explosive burst to the QB... his name should be mentioned as one of the "Top Risers" coming off the West roster.

Texas Tech OG Brandon Carter -- Was thought at one-time to be among the top-rated interior linemen for this year's NFL Draft... he's had some off-the-field issues along the way and will need to address those when talking to scouts and show more consistency to his game during the practices on-the-field.

Eastern Washington QB Matt Nichols -- Solid career and terrific numbers posted throughout senior campaign where he lacked ideal weapons, but still managed to earn a late roster spot in this contest; big week of practices could earn him a late NFL Combine invite or at the very least improve his current grade.

*Interesting side note... in-spite of the fact that this year's game is being played at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida there are a total of only seven players who are either from the state of Florida or natives of the Sunshine state... meanwhile, there are a total of 17 players who are either from the state of Texas or natives of the Lonestar state.

Photo Courtesy of College Press Box, Dennis Hubbard

Radio: Draft Digest - 1.17.09

Join NFL Draft Bible President Daniel Mogollon, Executive Editor Ralph Mancini and draft guru Justin VanFulpen as we talk...what else...NFL Draft. From the All-Star games, the NFL Scouting Combine and school pro days, every week we will bring you players to watch and the latest news from the leading authority on the NFL Draft.

When: Sunday January 17

Show Time: 10:00 AM Eastern

Length: 1 Hour

Call In Number: 1.347.945.6275

To Listen Live, Replay or Download - Click Here

Hot Topics:

* The Underclassman List
* Who Should Have Stayed?
* Who Should Have Come Out?
* Our Big Board Top 10
* East-West Shrine Player Watch

Photo Courtesy of Dennis Hubbard

Player Spotlight: Brian Babin

It’s been over 20 years since the last time a Southeastern Louisiana alumnus has played in the NFL.

Quarterback Brian Babin is looking to be the man to break that trend as he prepares for his upcoming pro day workout in March. Known as a film-junkie, Babin stands in at 6’5, possesses a rocket arm and has displayed great accuracy throughout his collegiate career. We unleash the beast in this one-on-on NFL Draft Bible Player Spotlight Show with host Bo Marchionte.

CLICK HERE

Photo Courtesy of Randy Bergeron, Southeastern Louisiana University

Player Spotlight: Joique Bell

As winner of the Harlon Hill Trophy this past season, little-known Wayne State running back Joique Bell made a name for himself.

He also earned himself a trip to Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine. The DII standout rushed for over 2,000 yards in 2009, to go along with 29 touchdowns. He plans to make sure scouts are very well aware of his talents at the NFL Scouting Combine as shares his journey to the NFL with NFL Draft Bible host Bo Marchionte.

CLICK HERE

Photo Courtesy of Wayne State University Athletics

Player Spotlight: Gerald Baptiste

The NFL Draft Bible takes great pride in bringing you the stars of tomorrow, today.

Meet Southern Miss wide receiver Gerald Baptiste. The New Orleans native was named Conference USA Honorable mention after playing a major role in the Golden Eagles' wide spread passing attack. Those who have followed his career have indicated to the NFL Draft Bible that Baptiste is a “coaches dream,” for his team-first attitude. Host Bo Marchionte goes one-on-one with the speedster.

CLICK HERE

Photo Courtesy of University of Southern Mississippi Media Relations

OU's Murray To Return To Norman For 2010

Oklahoma junior running DeMarco Murray has decided to hold off on starting his NFL career and return to Norman for his senior season as a Sooner. Oklahoma has already lost quarterback Sam Bradford, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and cornerback Dominique Franks as early entries for the 2010 NFL Draft.

"I felt I wasn't done here," Murray told ESPN. "I still had some more things I wanted to get accomplished with my teammates and become a better player as well."

Ironically, it was reported last season that Murray might have declared for the 2009 NFL Draft as a red-shirt sophomore had he been healthy. Durability has been the biggest hurdle for Murray during his college career. Murray was held out of one game and missed time in others in 2009 with a midseason ankle injury. He finished with career lows in rushing with 705 yards and eight touchdowns.

With senior Chris Brown off to the NFL, Murray will be counted on as a feature back and will likely be asked to carry a heavier load in 2010. This Boomer Sooner is powerful runner with breakaway speed and nose for the end zone, who could work himself into the first round of 2011 Draft with a big senior campaign. In three seasons, Murray has run for 2,471 yards and 35 touchdowns.

Photo Courtesy of OU Athletics Department

Player Spotlight: Dorin Dickersonq

The NFL Draft Bible Player Spotlight continues with Pittsburgh playmaking tight end Dorin Dickerson.

The former Panther nabbed 10 touchdowns this past season, on his way to being named a John Mackey Award finalist, as well as a third team All-College Football Insiders selection. His performance warranted an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine, where he hopes to improve his draft stock. Join host Bo Marchionte as they discuss his training preparation, strengths and goals leading up to April.

CLICK HERE

Photo Courtesy of University of Pittsburgh

USF's Daniels To Focus Solely On Football

USF sophomore quarterback B.J. Daniels announced on Wednesday that he will no longer compete for the Bulls basketball team.

“This was a tough decision, but one I needed to make in order to lead our football team to a championship,” said Daniels.

Daniels announced his decision to his teammates following the team meeting with Tony Dungy on Monday.

“I’m just a sophomore, but I feel like it is my responsibility to be a leader and help set the tone for the team,” said Daniels. “I just felt like this was the right time to make my full commitment to football. We have championship goals and we can’t waste any time.”

Daniels is coming off a redshirt-freshman season on the football field where he piled up 1,983 yards passing, 14 passing touchdowns, 772 rushing yards and nine rushing scores. He helped lead the Bulls to an 8-5 record and resounding win in the 2010 International Bowl.

“It is admirable that B.J. would make this decision,” said USF offensive coordinator Mike Canales. “He’s making the best decision for the team and football program. He understands that he needs to be a leader on and off the field all year long and I know he ready to go to work this offseason, in both in the film room and during workouts.”

On the basketball court, the Tallahassee native played in 19 games during the 2008-09 season and averaged 0.5 points and 0.4 rebounds in a reserve role.

One of the main reasons Daniels chose USF was the opportunity to play both basketball and football at the BIG EAST level.

“B.J. came and spoke with me and we had a good conversation,” said USF men’s basketball head coach Stan Heath. “I totally support his decision, especially during this time, to show leadership and be a part of the football program, and we will keep that window open for the future and see how things go.”

Photo Courtesy of USF Athletics Communications

Player Spotlight: Lucien Antoine

The NFL Draft Bible gets up close and personal with the “Punisher” aka Oklahoma State free safety Lucien Antoine.

Originally born in Caicos, this Cowboy journeyed to Haiti before coming to America in 2001. His first passion was basketball until he found out the physical nature of football and the rest is history. Fresh off a worthy performance in the AT&T Cotton Bowl which included an interception, Lucien now finds himself on the cusp of making it to the next level. Join host Bo Marchionte as he speaks with Antoine about Oklahoma State football and his own personal path to the NFL draft.

LISTEN HERE

Photo Courtesy of Dennis Hubbard

College Football Insiders’ All-Decade Team

New York, NY—College Football Insiders releases its All Decade Team, spanning the years 2000-2009. Eleven players on offense, 11 on defense and four on special teams are honored as first team and second team selections. An additional 33 players received honorable mention honors. The first team unit covers 19 teams from six different conferences. There were four teams with multiple players on the first team.

Tennessee and Alabama each had two players represented. Oklahoma and Miami (FL) led the way with three each. USC’s Reggie Bush made it as a first team running back and punt returner. Among the first and second teams, Oklahoma had six players selected. Miami had four players on the College Football Insiders’ All-Decade Team. USC had four, covering five slots thanks to Reggie Bush being named twice (offense and special teams). Alabama, Michigan and Ohio State were represented with three players. Other schools with multiple selections are Iowa, Arkansas, Wake Forest and Tennessee. Utah’s Jordan Gross is the only player from a non-BCS conference to make the first or second team. Texas had the most honorable mentions with five.

CFI ALL-DECADE FIRST TEAM

Offense
QB-Tim Tebow (Florida)
RB-Reggie Bush (USC)
RB-Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma)
WR-Larry Fitzgerald (Pittsburgh)
WR-Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech)
TE-Kellen Winslow (Miami)
OL-Andre Smith (Alabama)
OL-Jake Long (Michigan)
OL-Shawn Andrews (Arkansas)
OL-Jammal Brown (Oklahoma)
OL-Joe Thomas (Wisconsin)

Defense
DL-Dwight Freeney (Syracuse)
DL-Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska)
DL-Julius Peppers (North Carolina)
DL-Glenn Dorsey (LSU)
LB-Rolando McClain (Alabama)
LB-Derrick Johnson (Texas)
LB-Paul Posluszny (Penn State)
DB-Eric Berry (Tennessee)
DB-Roy Williams (Oklahoma)
DB-Ed Reed (Miami)
DB-Sean Taylor (Miami)

Special Teams
KR-C.J. Spiller (Clemson)
PR-Reggie Bush (USC)
PK-Mike Nugent (Ohio State)
P-Dustin Colquitt (Tennessee)

CFI ALL-DECADE SECOND TEAM

Offense
QB-Matt Leinart (USC)
RB-Darren McFadden (Arkansas)
RB-Mark Ingram (Alabama)
WR-Braylon Edwards (Michigan)
WR-Calvin Johnson (Georgia Tech)
TE-Jermaine Gresham (Oklahoma)
OL-Robert Gallery (Iowa)
OL-Jordan Gross (Utah)
OL-Steve Hutchinson (Michigan)
OL-Greg Eslinger (Minnesota)
OL-Bryant McKinnie (Miami)

Defense
DL-Chris Long (Virginia)
DL-David Pollack (Georgia)
DL-Terrell Suggs (Arizona State)
DL-Tommy Harris (Oklahoma)
LB-Aaron Curry (Wake Forest)
LB-Rey Maualuga (USC)
LB-A.J. Hawk (Ohio State)
DB-Terrence Newman (Kansas State)
DB-Derrick Strait (Oklahoma)
DB-Troy Polamalu (USC)
DB-Mike Doss (Ohio State)

Special Teams
KR-Jeremy Maclin (Missouri)
PR-Maurice Jones-Drew (UCLA)
PK-Nate Kaeding (Iowa)
P-Ryan Plackemeier (Wake Forest)

CFI ALL-DECADE HONORABLE MENTION

Offense: QB Colt McCoy (Texas), QB Jason White (Oklahoma), QB Vince Young (Texas), RB Cedric Benson (Texas), RB Mike Hart (Michigan), RB LaDainian Tomlinson (TCU), WR Dwayne Jarrett (USC), WR Charles Rogers (Michigan State), WR Mike Williams (USC), TE Dallas Clark (Iowa), TE Heath Miller (Virginia), OL Alex Barron (Florida State), OL Jake Grove (Virginia Tech), OL Nick Mangold (Ohio State), OL Dan Mozes (West Virginia), OL Duke Robinson (Oklahoma)

Defense: DL Elvis Dumervil (Louisville), DL John Henderson (Tennessee), DL Jerry Hughes (TCU), DL LaMarr Woodley (Michigan), LB E.J. Henderson (Maryland), LB James Laurinaitis (Ohio State), LB DeMeco Ryans (Alabama), LB Patrick Willis (Ole Miss), DB Michael Huff (Texas), DB Malcolm Jenkins (Ohio State), DB Quinten Jammer (Texas), DB Antrel Rolle (Miami)

Special Teams: KR-Santana Moss (Miami), PR-DeSean Jackson (California), PR-Antonio Perkins (Oklahoma), PK Mason Crosby (Colorado), P Daniel Sepulveda (Baylor)

Photos Courtesy of Dennis Hubbard, University of Arkansas, The Ohio State Department of Athletics

All-College Football Insiders Team

New York, NY—College Football Insiders releases its First Annual All-College Football Insiders teams. Eleven players on offense, 11 on defense and four on special teams are honored as first team, second team and third team selections. An additional 125 players received honorable mention honors—50 on offense, 50 on defense and 25 on special teams. In total, 77 players were selected on the first, second and third team (Clemson’s C.J. Spiller was both a first team All-College Football Insiders kick returner and second team All-College Football Insiders running back).

The first team unit covers 22 teams from eight different conferences, as well as independent Notre Dame. Florida led all teams with three players on the first team. Alabama and Florida State had two players represented on the first team. Stanford’s Toby Gerhart is College Football Insider’s Offensive Player of the Year and Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska is College Football Insider’s Defensive Player of the Year. Alabama’s Nick Saban is College Football Insider’s Coach of the Year.

Offensive Player of the Year: RB Toby Gerhart, Stanford

Defensive Player of the Year: DL Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska

Coach of the Year: Nick Saban, Alabama

CFI FIRST TEAM

Offense
QB-Kellen Moore (Boise State)
RB-Mark Ingram (Alabama)
RB-Toby Gerhart (Stanford)
WR- Mardy Gilyard (Cincinnati)
WR-Golden Tate (Notre Dame)
TE-Aaron Hernandez (Florida)
OL-Russell Okung (Oklahoma State)
OL-Bryan Bulaga (Iowa)
OL-Mike Iupati (Idaho)
OL-Rodney Hudson (Florida State)
OL-Maurkice Pouncey (Florida)

Defense
DL-Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska)
DL-Derrick Morgan (Georgia Tech)
DL-Gerald McCoy (Oklahoma)
DL-Jerry Hughes (TCU)
LB-Greg Jones (Michigan State)
LB-Navorro Bowman (Penn State)
LB-Rolando McClain (Alabama)
DB-Eric Berry (Tennessee)
DB-Joe Haden (Florida)
DB-Patrick Peterson (LSU)
DB-Earl Thomas (Texas)

Special Teams
KR-C.J. Spiller (Clemson)
PR-Greg Reid (Florida State)
PK-Kai Forbath (UCLA)
P-Drew Butler (Georgia)

CFI SECOND TEAM

Offense
QB-Colt McCoy (Texas)
RB- C.J. Spiller (Clemson)
RB- Dion Lewis (Pittsburgh)
WR-Jordan Shipley (Texas)
WR-Freddie Barnes (Bowling Green)
TE-Dennis Pitta (BYU)
OL-Matt Tennant (Boston College)
OL- Jon Asamoah (Illinois)
OL-Mike Johnson (Alabama)
OL-Anthony Davis (Rutgers)
OL-Charles Brown (USC)

Defense
DL-Adrian Clayborn (Iowa)
DL-Robert Quinn (North Carolina)
DL-Terrance Cody (Alabama)
DL-Jared Odrick (Penn State)
LB-Pat Angerer (Iowa)
LB-Brandon Spikes (Florida)
LB-Eric Norwood (South Carolina)
DB-Syd’Quan Thompson (California)
DB-Brandon Harris (Miami)
DB-Robert Johnson (Utah)
DB-DeAndre McDaniel (Clemson)

Special Teams
KR-Chris Owusu (Stanford)
PR-Trindon Holliday (LSU)
PK-Leigh Tiffin (Alabama)
P-Zoltan Mesko (Michigan)

CFI THIRD TEAM

Offense
QB-Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame)
RB-John Clay (Wisconsin)
RB-Ryan Mathews (Fresno State)
WR-Danario Alexander (Missouri)
WR-Demon Briscoe (Kansas)
TE-Dorin Dickerson (Pittsburgh)
OL-John Jerry (Ole Miss)
OL-Zane Beadles (Utah)
OL-John Moffitt (Wisconsin)
OL-Jason Pinkston (Pittsburgh)
OL-Trent Williams (Oklahoma)

Defense
DL-Von Miller (Texas A&M)
DL-Brian Price (ULCA)
DL-Tyson Alualu (California)
DL-Greg Romeus (Pittsburgh)
LB-Sergio Kindle (Texas)
LB-Sean Weatherspoon (Missouri)
DB-Dominique Franks (Oklahoma)
DB-Amari Spievey (Iowa)
DB-Chad Jones (LSU)
DB-Mark Barron (Alabama)

Special Teams
KR-Brandon Banks (Kansas State)
PR-LaVon Brazill (Ohio)
PK-Blair Walsh (Georgia)
P-Chas Henry (Florida)

CFI Honorable Mention:

Offense: QB Sean Canfield (Oregon State), QB Any Dalton (TCU), QB Jerrod Johnson (Texas A&M), QB Case Keenum (Houston), QB Dan LeFevour (Central Michigan), QB Josh Nesbitt (Georgia Tech), QB Tony Pike (Cincinnati), QB Tim Tebow (Florida), RB Donald Buckram (UTEP), RB Noel Devine (West Virginia), RB Jonathan Dwyer (Georgia Tech), RB Anthony Dixon (Mississippi State), RB LaMichael James (Oregon), RB Bernard Pierce (Temple), RB Jacquizz Rodgers (Oregon State), RB Evan Royster (Penn State), RB Curtis Steele (Memphis), RB Daniel Thomas (Kansas State), RB Keith Toston (Oklahoma State), RB Ryan Williams (Virginia Tech), WR Jonathan Baldwin (Pittsburgh), WR Ryan Broyles (Oklahoma), WR James Cleveland (Houston), WR Eric Decker (Minnesota), WR A.J. Green (Georgia), WR Shay Hodge (Ole Miss), WR James Rodgers (Oregon State), WR Emmanuel Sanders (SMU), WR Greg Salas (Hawaii), WR Demaryius Thomas (Georgia Tech), WR Damian Williams (USC), TE Ed Dickson (Oregon), TE Garrett Graham (Wisconsin), TE Anthony McCoy (USC), TE Tony Moeaki (Iowa), TE Cody Slate (Marshall), OL Clint Boling (Georgia), OL Gabe Carimi (Wisconsin), OL Selvish Capers (West Virginia), OL Brandon Carter (Texas Tech), OL Anthony Castonzo (Boston College), OL John Estes (Hawaii), OL Jason Fox (Miami), OL Colin Madison (Temple), OL Nate Porter (Boise State), OL Matt Reynolds (BYU), OL Dace Richardson (Iowa), OL Nate Solder (Colorado), OL J.D. Walton (Baylor), OL Stefen Wisniewski (Penn State)

Defense: DL Sam Acho (Texas), DL Nate Collins (Virginia), DL Jared Crick (Nebraska), DL Carlos Dunlap (Florida), DL Brandon Graham (Michigan), DL Everson Griffen (USC), DL Cameron Heyward (Ohio State), DL Lamarr Houston (Texas), DL Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue), DL Brandon Lang (Troy), DL Bruce Miller (Central Florida), DL Dontay Moch (Nevada), DL Stephen Paea (Oregon State), DL Jason Pierre-Paul (USF), DL Ricky Sapp (Clemson), DL O’Brien Schofield (Wisconsin), DL Brandon Sharpe (Texas Tech), DL Dan Williams (Tennessee), DL Mick Williams (Pittsburgh), DL Lindsey Witten, DL Willie Young (North Carolina State), LB Reggie Carter (UCLA), LB Rennie Curran (Georgia), LB A.J. Edds (Iowa), LB Ross Homan (Ohio State), LB Cardia Jackson (Louisiana-Monroe), LB Luke Kuechly (Boston College), LB Travis Lewis (Oklahoma), LB Roddrick Muckelroy (Texas), LB Darryl Sharpton (Miami), LB Jesse Smith (Iowa State), LB Stevenson Sylvester (Utah), LB Quan Sturdivant (North Carolina), LB Daryl Washington (TCU), DB Nate Allen (USF), DB Prince Amukamara (Nebraska), DB Javier Arenas (Alabama), DB Morgan Burnett (Georgia Tech), DB Kendric Burney (North Carolina), DB Barry Church, DB Kurt Coleman (Ohio State), DB Perrish Cox (Oklahoma State), DB Ras-I Dowling (Virginia), DB-Van Eskridge (East Carolina), DB-Shiloh Keo (Idaho), DB Taylor Mays (USC), DB Devin McCourty (Rutgers), DB Deunta Williams (North Carolina), DB Trevin Wade (Arizona), DB Kyle Wilson (Boise State)

Special Teams: KR Tyron Carrier (Houston), KR Ray Fisher (Indiana), KR Mardy Gilyard (Cincinnati), KR Dwayne Harris (East Carolina), KR D.J. Monroe (Texas), KR Titus Young (Boise State), PR Javier Arenas (Alabama), PR Antonio Brown (Central Michigan), PR Ryan Broyles (Oklahoma), PR Jeremy Kerley (TCU), PR Jordan Shipley (Texas), PR Damian Williams USC, PK Tyler Bitancurt (West Virginia), PK Matt Bosher (Miami), PK Kevin Goessling (Fresno State), PK Craig Ratanamorn (Marshall), PK Grant Ressel (Missouri), PK Brett Swenson (Michigan State), PK Matt Waldron (Virginia Tech), P Bryan Anger (California), P Brent Bowden (Virginia Tech), P Matt Dodge (East Carolina), P Derek Epperson (Baylor), P Adam Miller (New Mexico), P Rob Long (Syracuse)

Photos Courtesy of David Gonzales, College Press Box, SEC Sports Media

College Football Insiders’ All-BCS Buster Team

New York, NY—College Football Insiders releases its first annual All-BCS Buster Team comprised of the five non-BCS Bowl Championship Subdivision conferences—Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West, Sun Belt and WAC. Twelve players on offense, 11 on defense and four on special teams are honored as first team selections. An additional 25 players received honorable mention honors—10 on offense, 10 on defense and five on special teams.

Utah led all teams with three players selected on the first team. TCU, BYU, Boise State, Fresno State, Houston, Idaho, East Carolina and Hawaii each had two players represented. Boise State’s Kellen Moore is College Football Insider’s BCS Buster Offensive Player of the Year and Jerry Hughes of TCU is College Football Insider’s BCS Buster Defensive Player of the Year. Boise State's Chris Peterson is College Football Insider’s BCS Buster Coach of the Year.

Offensive Player of the Year: QB Kellen Moore, Boise State

Defensive Player of the Year: DL Jerry Hughes, TCU

Coach of the Year: Chris Peterson, Boise State

CFI ALL-BCS BUSTER TEAM

Offense
QB-Kellen Moore (Boise State)
OL-John Estes (Hawaii)
OL-Mike Iupati (Idaho)
OL-Colin Madison (Temple)
OL-Zane Beadles (Utah)
OL-Matt Reynolds (BYU)
WR- Freddie Barnes (Bowling Green)
WR-James Cleveland (Houston)
WR-Greg Salas (Hawaii)
RB-Ryan Mathews (Fresno State)
RB- Donald Buckram (UTEP)
TE-Dennis Pitta (BYU)

Defense
DL-Jerry Hughes (TCU)
DL-Brandon Lang (Troy)
DL-Bruce Miller (Central Florida)
DL-Dontay Moch (Nevada)
LB-Daryl Washington (TCU)
LB- Cardia Jackson (Louisiana-Monroe)
LB-Stevenson Sylvester (Utah)
DB-Kyle Wilson (Boise State)
DB-Van Eskridge (East Carolina)
DB-Shiloh Keo (Idaho)
DB- Robert Johnson (Utah)

Special Teams
KR-Tyron Carrier (Houston)
PR-LaVon Brazill (Ohio)
PK-Kevin Goessling (Fresno State)
P-Matt Dodge (East Carolina)

CFI ALL-BCS BUSTER HONORABLE MENTION

Offense: QB Levi Brown (Troy), QB Any Dalton (TCU), QB Case Keenum (Houston), QB Dan LeFevour (Central Michigan), RB Bernard Pierce (Temple), RB Curtis Steele (Memphis), WR Antonio Brown (Central Michigan), WR Emmanuel Sanders (SMU), TE Cody Slate (Marshall), OL Nate Porter (Boise State)

Defense: DL John Fletcher (Wyoming), DL Jarvis Geathers (Central Florida), DL Jan Jorgenson (BYU), DL Linval Joseph (East Carolina), DL Chris McCoy (Middle Tennessee State), DL Adrian Robinson (Temple), DL D’Anthony Smith (Louisiana Tech), LB Boris Lee (Troy), DB Barry Church (Toledo), Duke Ihenacho (San Jose State)

Special Teams: KR Dwayne Harris (East Carolina) KR Titus Young (Boise State), PR Jeremy Kerley (TCU), K Craig Ratanamorn (Marshall), P Adam Miller (New Mexico)

The Conference Breakdown (First Team):
WAC—9
Mountain West—7
Conference USA—6
MAC—3
Sun Belt—2

The Conference Breakdown (First Team & Honorable Mention):
WAC—14
Conference USA—14
Mountain West—11
MAC—8
Sun Belt—5

Dennis Hubbard

Q&A: Dace Richardson, Iowa

In our never-ending search to bring you information about the players you need to know, the NFL Draft Bible goes one-on-one with Iowa offensive lineman Dace Richardson, fresh off the Hawkeyes' Orange Bowl victory. The Big Ten All-Conference selection played three different positions this past year, displaying the type of versatility that has NFL scouts buzzing…

What are your official height and weight, and do you have a recent forty time?

Six-five, 305 pounds and I ran it in 5.45 seconds.

What do you consider your biggest strength?

I believe my biggest strength is my work ethic. I am always focusing on ways to get better.

What part of your game have you worked on improving?

I have been working on my leverage in pass protection. I watch film to make sure I get my hands inside of the defensive lineman, to get leverage instead of grabbing from the outside.

Where have you been training? How often do you workout to stay in shape?

I will start my training on Monday, January 11 at the University of Iowa and we will be training five days a week.

Who is the toughest opponent/teammate you have faced? How did you fare?

The toughest opponent I have gone against this year was Jared Odrick from Penn State. I held my own with him and played a good game.

Which coach has had the biggest impact on your playing career up to this point?

I believe that Coach Kirk Ferentz has had a big impact on my playing career. He is always hands-on with the offensive line at practice and he has tremendous knowledge of line play.

Are there any players that you would compare yourself to? Did you have a favorite player growing up?

I can’t think of anyone to compare myself to but my favorite player growing up was Emmitt Smith.

What do you like to do with your free time, do you have a hobby?

On my free time I like to fish and hang out with friends and also play Call of Duty.

What is something that people might not know about you?

That in college I took acting classes, and after I graduated last May I made theatre my second major this past fall.

If you could invite any three guests for dinner past or present, who would they be?

I would first invite President Obama because it would be an honor to meet our President and then I would also invite Jonathan Ogden to learn his work ethic he had in the NFL and how he found ways to be better than his competition. Lastly I would invite Jared Allen to learn things from a defensive perspective and learn how to not tip defensive linemen off.

What are your future goals outside of playing in the NFL?

When football is over I might try getting into acting. I have always been interested in that.

Why should a NFL team draft you?

I believe a NFL team should draft me because they will get a guy who is a hard worker and has come from a coach that knows how to train and develop good offensive linemen (Coach Ferentz).

Photos Courtesy of Iowa Sports Information

Draft Journal Entry #2: Martin Tevaseu

Martin Tevaseu describes what it’s like to prepare for the 2010 NFL Draft.

Dear Journal:

My time in California has concluded as I am now back in Las Vegas to continue taking classes and working towards my degree, and of course, to prepare for my Pro Timing Day.

Before I left California, my agent scheduled a meeting with my Performance Specialist/Sports Psychology Consultant, Will Lenzner. Mr. Lenzner has worked with several professional athletes to enhance cognitive/mental performance as it relates to output on the field, personal life, weight training, the classroom, etc. The general areas of focus include targeting self-confidence and efficacy, motivation, mental toughness, focus, and positive outcome expectancy. As all of these psychological factors have a relationship with each other, they directly affect athletic performance. Regarding football players specifically, we tend to work on core football-specific components such as performance routines (pre-game, pre-snap), trigger cues and visualization. Of those and other performance components, a wealth of additional football-specific areas are directly affected and have the ability to dramatically enhance athlete output on a given play, during combine testing and split-second decision making skills.

Preparing myself mentally, is equally important as preparing myself physically.

THIS JUST IN…Great news for all of you who have been following my journey, I just spoke with my agent and I have been invited to the East-West Shrine Game in Orlando, Florida. You heard it first right here on NFL Draft Bible! I am very grateful to the East-West Shrine Selection Committee for the opportunity and I look forward to exceeding your expectations.

I am so excited. I’m looking forward to spending time with the kids and competing with some of the best athletes in college football.
I apologize but I have to go for now. There’s work that needs to be done. I’ll check back in with you before I leave to Florida. Thanks for following my journey guys!
Sincerely,

#68 Martin Tevaseu, DT, UNLV

1.6.10 - Draft Journal Entry #1

Dan Enos Named Central Michigan Football Coach

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - Central Michigan Director of Athletics Dave Heeke has named Dan Enos as the university’s head football coach.

“We needed a person who will have a vision for a program that centers on the full development of student-athletes: academically, athletically and socially,” Heeke said. “We needed a person with a clear vision and understanding of how to further develop our championship caliber program for sustained success. Dan will do that.”

Enos is a veteran of nine bowl games as both a player and a coach, and he has spent nine seasons as an assistant coach at the Bowl Subdivision level. Enos has 15 years of experience coaching offensive skill positions, including five years as an offensive coordinator.

“It is a privilege and an honor to be the head football coach here,” Enos said. “My family and I are very excited about becoming part of the Central Michigan University family and the Mount Pleasant community. I’m looking forward to carrying on the proud tradition of CMU football into the future.”

Enos recently completed his fourth season on Mark Dantonio’s staff at Michigan State. He was the Spartans’ running backs coach each of the past three seasons after coaching the quarterbacks in 2006.

The Spartans’ backfield featured a pair of true freshmen in 2009, as Larry Caper and Edwin Baker combined to rush for 895 yards and seven touchdowns. Caper was named to the Big Ten All-Freshmen Teams by ESPN.com and Sporting News.

In 2008, Enos worked directly with one of the nation’s top running backs: Javon Ringer. Ringer led the nation in carries (390), scoring (132 points) and touchdowns (22) and ranked fourth in rushing (125.9 ypg) en route to being named a consensus first-team All-American. Ringer was the first Spartan running back to earn All-America honors since Lorenzo White in 1987. The consensus All-Big Ten First-Team selection rushed for 1,637 yards, the second-highest single-season total in school history.

In his first season coaching the Michigan State running backs, Enos mentored one of the top backfields in the Big Ten in Ringer and Jehuu Caulcrick. Michigan State ranked third in the Big Ten and No. 25 in the NCAA in rushing offense, averaging 198.2 yards a game, an improvement of 69 yards per game over 2006. Ringer, a second-team All-Big Ten pick, and Caulcrick, an honorable mention selection, combined to rush for 2,319 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2007. Ringer led the Spartans in rushing for the third straight season with 1,447 yards, the sixth-best single-season total in MSU history, while Caulcrick set a school record with 21 rushing touchdowns.

Enos began his tenure at Michigan State in 2006 coaching the Spartans’ quarterbacks. He worked directly with Drew Stanton, who earned team MVP honors after accounting for 2,252 total yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior. Stanton, who was selected by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft, finished his career ranked among MSU’s all-time leaders in completion percentage (first at .642), pass completions (second at 543), pass attempts (second at 846), passing yards (second at 6,524), total offense (second at 8,036 yards), 200-yard passing games (second at 18), pass efficiency rating (third at 138.7) and touchdown passes (fifth at 42).

Enos spent the 2004 and 2005 seasons as the quarterbacks coach on Dantonio’s staff at Cincinnati.

In 2005, his pupil Dustin Grutza became the first freshman quarterback to start a Cincinnati season opener (vs. Eastern Michigan) since World War II. Grutza, a redshirt freshman, finished fourth in the Big East Conference in total offense, averaging 165.0 yards per game.

In 2004, Enos helped hone the talents of Gino Guidugli, who closed out his career as Cincinnati’s all-time passing leader with 11,222 yards. As a senior, Guidugli completed 210-of-342 throws (.614) for 2,633 yards and a school-record 26 touchdowns while leading the Bearcats to a 7-5 record, including a 32-14 victory over Marshall in the Fort Worth Bowl. Guidugli ranked fifth in Conference USA and No. 15 in the NCAA in passing efficiency with his 146.5 rating.

Enos spent the 2003 season as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under Craig Bohl at NCAA Division II North Dakota State, where he designed an offensive attack that averaged 30.1 points per game en route to an 8-3 record. Tony Stauss hit 220-of-325 passes (.677) for 2,134 yards and 15 touchdowns. His 2,134 passing yards represented the second-highest single-season total in Bison history.

Prior to his appointment at North Dakota State, he worked for three years as the quarterbacks coach at Western Michigan (2000-02) under Gary Darnell. In 2002, the Broncos finished fifth in the Mid-American Conference and No. 30 nationally in passing offense, averaging 256.1 yards per game. In 2001, Western Michigan ranked third in the MAC and No. 30 in the NCAA in passing offense (257.8 ypg). In 2000, the Broncos averaged 400.6 total yards and 29.9 points per game while posting a 9-3 record and winning the MAC West Division crown. Quarterback Jeff Welsh ranked fourth in the league in passing (211.4 ypg) and total offense (212.8 ypg).

In 1999, Enos served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Missouri State under Randy Ball. The Bears ranked among the NCAA Division I-AA leaders in passing offense (No. 22 at 258.8 ypg), scoring offense (No. 23 at 33.9 ppg) and total offense (No. 30 at 417.8 ypg). Quarterback Jay Rodgers finished among the national leaders in passing efficiency (No. 9 with a 150.1 rating) and total offense (No. 20 at 251.6 ypg), and he set school single-season records for completion percentage (.632), passing yards (2,741), touchdown passes (24) and total yards (2,768). Rodgers had three 300-yard passing games in 1999, including 395 yards versus Southern Illinois - the second-best single-game total in Bear history.

His full-time coaching credits also include stops at Southern Illinois (quarterbacks and wide receivers, 1997-98), Northern Michigan (offensive coordinator/backfield, 1996) and Lakeland College (offensive coordinator/ quarterbacks and wide receivers, 1994-95). He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant for George Perles at Michigan State (1991-93).

Enos was a four-year letterman (1987-90) and two-year starter (1989-90) at quarterback at Michigan State, compiling a 16-7-1 record (.688) as a starter. He led the Spartans to back-to-back bowl victories: a 33-13 win over Hawaii in the 1989 Aloha Bowl and a 17-16 win over Southern California in the 1990 John Hancock Bowl. As a senior, Enos threw for 1,677 yards and four touchdowns while helping the Spartans earn a share of the 1990 Big Ten championship. Enos still ranks among Michigan State’s all-time top 10 in pass attempts (No. 10 at 478), pass completions (No. 10 at 297), completion percentage (No. 3 at .621), passing yards (No. 10 at 3,837) and total yards (No. 8 at 4,301).

Enos earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Michigan State in 1991 and received a master’s degree in sports administration in 2006. A native of Dearborn, Mich., Enos earned all-state honors as a senior for Coach Jack Bridges at Edsel Ford High School. He accounted for 5,743 total yards and 46 touchdowns during his prep career.

More Jackets To Leave The Hive?

Three days after Georgia Tech junior wide receiver Demaryius Thomas declared for the NFL Draft, Yellow Jackets Morgan Burnett, Jonathan Dwyer and Derrick Morgan will meet with the media.

At 1:00 on Monday, the University will make trio of juniors available to the media. It would not be a surprise if all three followed the lead of Thomas and give up their final year of eligibility for the chance to play on Sundays.

Morgan is projected as a potential top ten pick should he decide to make the jump. The defensive end is coming a spectacular season in which he recorded 55 tackles, 18.5 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumbles recoveries on his way to ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Joining Thomas and Morgan on the All-ACC first team was Dwyer, who ran for 1,395 yards to lead the team. He found the end zone 14 times as a junior and averaged 5.9 yards per carry. Burnett was a second team All ACC selection after snagging four interceptions to lead the Yellow Jackets. The safety registering 85 tackles (four tackles).

Dwyer is a potential first round pick and would be competing with fellow underclassman Jahvid Best and Ryan Mathews to be the number two running back prospect after Clemson’s C.J. Spiller. Like Thomas, Burnett is more likely to go in round number two should he decide he is ready to play in the league where they play for pay.

Georgia Tech is coming off of an 11-3 season, which included an ACC title. The Ramblin' Wreck defeated the Clemson Tigers in the ACC Championship game 39-34 before falling 24-14 to the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2010 Orange Bowl.

Check for updates on this story.

Photo Courtesy of Georgia Tech Sports Information Office

BCS Postgame Central

Get all the postgame quotes from the BCS Championship game, including both head coaches, as well as the offensive and defensive MVPs.

Alabama Crimson Tide:

Nick Saban talks about winning his second BCS Championship and more.

Click Here To Read Q&A

Mark Ingram speaks after winning Offensive MVP.

Click Here To Read Q&A

Marcell Dareus speaks after winning Offensive MVP.

Click Here To Read Q&A

Texas Longhorns:

Losing Head Coach Mack Brown speaks to the media.

Click Here To Read Q&A

Senior speaks after posting a game-high receptions and yards.

Click Here To Read Q&A

Photo Courtesy of Dennis Hubbard

Q&A: Marcell Dareus Postgame

Alabama sophomore defensive end Marcell Dareus, a rising star and a key cog to Nick Saban's 3-4 defense, spoke to the media following Alabama's victory in the BCS Championship. He made the pivotal play of the game when he returned an interception 28 yards for a touchdown to give the Crimson Tide a 24-6 lead heading into halftime earning him defensive MVP honors.

I just wondered if you could talk about the big plays you had, the one where you did knock out Colt McCoy when you hit him, if you knew he was hurt, and then obviously the interception return, as well.

When it came to the first play of McCoy, I really didn't try to hit him that hard. I didn't want to hurt him. It was a part of the game. You don't think, you just react, and I just reacted to what I saw. It is a part of the game. I didn't really try to hurt him.

But they tried to shuffle pass and Brandon Deaderick caught the running back while he was fumbling it, and my first reaction was grab the ball, and then after that I blanked out, and all I was thinking about is Mark Ingram and Javier (Arenas) and just doing moves I didn't think I could do. I was like, I can't believe I pulled off that screen. I saw that lineman coming for my legs, and my first reaction was to spin. I looked to my left and I saw Eryk Anders, I knew it was a touchdown. I could not wait to get to the end zone.

Could you just talk about the emotions of accomplishing what you set out to accomplish? You win the National Championship, it's a perfect season, your names are engrained in at least the minds of National Championship fans forever. What does it mean, this accomplishment?

Coach always talked about working hard. It's always good to bring it back. We worked all year for it, and we put in the time, we put in the sweat, and we all hurt. As you can see, I have a knee brace and an elbow brace on the left side of my body. It was pretty hard, but we pushed through it.

Coach always told us work hard. If you're hurt, sit down. If you feel like you can play, go out there and play and give it your all. Don't go out there and half step because you think you're hurt. Give it your all, and we just went out there and played our best, not taking anything from Texas.

Coach Saban talks a lot about process and about buying into his system he has over the past couple of years. Tell me, was there one particular moment for the players, the athletes, the team, a turning point when you knew it was going to work, when you really started to believe?

I would say last year when me and Mark were freshmen, and we saw a lot of the seniors and upperclassmen bought into the system. They had the same team we had the year before and bought into the system and turned our whole program around. We will always be remembered as the team that turned the University of Alabama program around. As they bought into the system, we were like we were going to make it our thing to buy into the system, and it took a little bit of – now we won the National Championship. We got our first Heisman Trophy winner, and me, I can't believe I got Defensive MVP. We just came so far and worked so hard, and that's why we bought into the system, and we knew it was going to work.

When Colt went out of the game and you're facing the opponent, are you seeing, are you smelling fear, or did you see more determination in them?

I really didn't know that Colt was hurt. He wasn't playing anymore until I got to the sideline a couple plays after. It wasn't about seeing the fear, I saw determination. They were like, man, we're not going down without a fight. Just because our leader is down, we're still going to play hard, we're still going to give them a fight.

I mean, I saw more determination in them. They weren't going to give up. I knew they weren't going to give up. The quarterback just had to work his way – when he got in, he warmed up, and he started doing better. He did hurt us and stuff like that, but we fought through that. I knew he wasn't going to stop, so we couldn't stop ourselves.

Marcell, coming from the Birmingham area, do you have anything you want to tell your friends and family back home watching the game, and the second part of that is, when you came out of Huffman High School are these the things that you envisioned?

Of course not. You know, I came out of Birmingham, I was a mediocre recruit. I felt like I was always better, but I mean, it is what it is. I didn't think I was going to work hard and get to where I am today, where I am now, and accomplish the things that I have accomplished.

I mean, my coaches always told me hard work isn’t going to hurt nobody, and I always worked hard for everything. I knew it wouldn't come easy and I knew what it was going to take to get it.

And so as for everybody back home watching the game, Roll, Tide, Roll, and I'll be back in the house before this weekend.