2007 BRONKO NAGURSKI TROPHY PRESEASON WATCH LIST

Player, School Pos. Cl. Hometown
Xavier Adibi, Virginia Tech LB Sr. Hampton, Va.
Josh Barrett, Arizona State S Sr. Reno, Nev.
Tommy Blake, TCU DE Sr. Aransas Pass, Texas
Alvin Bowen, Iowa State LB Sr. East Orange, N.J.
Jasper Brinkley, South Carolina LB Sr. Thomson, Ga.
Calais Campbell, Miami DE Jr. Denver, Colo.
Ian Campbell, Kansas State DE Jr. Cimarron, Kan.
Antoine Cason, Arizona CB Sr. Long Beach, Calif.
Matt Castelo, San Jose State LB Sr. San Jose, Calif.
Barry Church, Toledo FS So. Pittsburgh, Pa.
Joe Clermond, Pittsburgh DE Sr. Tampa, Fla.
Tyler Clutts, Fresno State DE Sr. Clovis, Calif.
Dan Connor, Penn State LB Sr. Wallingford, Pa.
Shawn Crable, Michigan LB Sr. Massillon, Ohio
Maurice Crum, Notre Dame LB Sr. Riverview, Fla.
Bruce Davis, UCLA DE Sr. Houston, Texas
Quintin Demps, UTEP FS Sr. San Antonio, Texas
Derrick Doggett, Oregon State LB Sr. San Diego, Calif.
Glenn Dorsey, LSU DT Sr. Gonzales, La.
Jolonn Dunbar, Boston College LB Sr. Syracuse, N.Y.
Keilen Dykes, West Virginia DT Sr. Youngstown, Ohio
Larry English, Northern Illinois DE Jr. Aurora, Ill.
Eric Foster, Rutgers DT Sr. Homestead, Fla.
Drew Fowler, Air Force LB Sr. Clayton, N.C.
Stanley Franks, Idaho CB Sr. Long Beach, Calif.
Jonathan Goff, Vanderbilt LB Sr. Lynn, Mass.
Adrian Grady, Louisville DT Jr. Nichollsville, Ga.
Courtney Greene, Rutgers S Jr. New Rochelle, N.Y.
Quentin Groves, Auburn DE Sr. Greenville, Miss.
Vince Hall, Virginia Tech LB Sr. Chesapeake, Va.
Erin Henderson, Maryland LB Jr. Aberdeen, Md.
Matt Hines, Nevada DT Sr. Modesto, Calif.
Tyrell Johnson, Arkansas State S Sr. Rison, Ark.
Jeremy Jones, UTEP LB Sr. San Jose, Calif.
James Laurinaitis, Ohio State LB Jr. Hamel, Minn.
Derek Lokey, Texas DT Sr. Denton, Texas
Chris Long, Virginia DE Sr. Ivy, Va.
Dwight Lowery, San Jose State CB Sr. Santa Cruz, Calif.
Jameel McClain, Syracuse DE Sr. Philadelphia, Pa.
Albert McClellan, Marshall DE Jr. Lakeland, Fla.
Gerald McRath, Southern Miss LB So. Powder Springs, Ga.
Rey Maualuga, USC LB Jr. Eureka, Calif.
Jerod Mayo, Tennessee LB Jr. Hampton, Va.
Ben Moffitt, South Florida LB Sr. Bushnell, Fla.
Jesse Nading, Colorado State DE Sr. Highlands Ranch, Colo.
Chase Ortiz, TCU DE Sr. League City, Texas
Brian Raines, Rice LB Jr. Missouri City, Texas
Keith Rivers, USC LB Sr. Lake Mary, Fla.
Reggie Smith, Oklahoma SS Jr. Edmond, Okla.
Aqib Talib, Kansas CB Jr. Richardson, Texas
Steve Tate, Utah FS Sr. Salt Lake City, Utah
Philip Wheeler, Georgia Tech LB Sr. Columbus, Ga.
Eric Wicks, West Virginia S Sr. Pittsburgh, Pa.
Wesley Woodyard, Kentucky LB Sr. LaGrange, Ga.
Tom Zbikowski, Notre Dame S Sr. Arlington Heights, Ill.

Players may be added or deleted from the list before or during the season

2007 OUTLAND TROPHY PRESEASON WATCH LIST

Jeff Akeroyd, Houston OT Sr. Lubbock, Texas
Sete Aulai, BYU C Sr. Carson, Calif.
Sam Baker, USC OT Sr. Tustin, Calif.
Kirk Barton, Ohio State OT Sr. Massillon, Ohio
Alex Boone, Ohio State OT Jr. Lakewood, Ohio
Ryan Clady, Boise State OT Jr. Rialto, Calif.
Robert Conley, Utah G Jr. LaMarque, Texas
Kyle Cunningham, Louisiana-Monroe OT Sr. Oklahoma City, Okla.
Dan Davis, Connecticut DT Sr. Planfield, N.J.
Glenn Dorsey, LSU DT Sr. Gonzales, La.
Franklin Dunbar, Middle Tennessee OT Jr. Waycross, Ga.
Ryan Durand, Syracuse G Jr. Leominster, Mass.
King Dunlap, Auburn OT Sr. Brentwood, Tenn.
Sedrick Ellis, USC DT Sr. Chino, Calif.
Andre Fluellen, Florida State DT Sr. Cartersville, Ga.
Eric Foster, Rutgers DT Sr. Homestead, Fla.
Adrian Grady, Louisville DT Jr. Nichollsville, Ga.
Dallas Griffin, Texas C Sr. Katy, Texas
Antron Harper, Navy C Sr. Eastman, Ga.
Robby Heos, Rice G Sr. Pearland, Texas
Tony Hills, Texas OT Sr. Houston, Texas
Matt Hines, Nevada DT Sr. Modesto, Calif.
Steve Justice, Wake Forest C Sr. Port Orange, Fla.
Adam Kraus, Michigan G Sr. New Orleans, La.
Robbie Krutilla, Western Michigan C Sr. Summit, Ill.
Doug Legursky, Marshall C Sr. Beckley, W.V.
Kory Lichtensteiger, Bowling Green C Sr. Van Wert, Ohio
Matty Lindner, TCU G Sr. Comfort, Texas
Derek Lokey, Texas DT Sr. Denton, Texas
Jake Long, Michigan OT Sr. Lapeer, Mich.
Jonathan Luigs, Arkansas C Jr. Little Rock, Ark.
Alex Mack, California C Jr. Santa Barbara, Calif.
Michael Oher, Ole Miss OT Jr. Memphis, Tenn.
Frank Okam, Texas DT Sr. Dallas, Texas
Jeremy Perry, Oregon State G Jr. Hau'ula, Hawaii
Mike Pollak, Arizona State C Sr. Tempe, Ariz.
Barry Richardson, Clemson OT Sr. Mount Pleasant, S.C.
Matt Slauson, Nebraska OT Jr. Colorado Springs, Colo.
Andre Smith, Alabama OT So. Birmingham, Ala.
Pedro Sosa, Rutgers OT Sr. Union City, N.J.
Ryan Stanchek, West Virginia OT Jr. Cincinnati, Ohio
John Sullivan, Notre Dame C Sr. Old Greenwich, Conn.
Cody Wallace, Texas A&M C Sr. Cuero, Texas
Ryan Wendell, Fresno State G Sr. Diamond Bar, Calif.
Chris Williams, Vanderbilt OT Sr. Glynn, La.
Eric Wood, Louisville C Jr. Cincinnati, Ohio
Jeremy Zuttah, Rutgers OT Sr. Edison, N.J.

Tackles, guards and centers are eligible for consideration. Candidates may be added or removed during the season

TEN PRO PROSPECTS FROM THE BIG TEN

BY MICK MILLER
COLLEGE FOOTBALL INSIDERS
BIG TEN WRITER


The Big Ten continues to cultivate, and the National Football League salivates. Some of the top talent and impact players that college football has to offer comes from the Big Ten, which produced 32 players in the 2007 NFL Draft, including two of the top five in Wisconsin left tackles Joe Thomas (#3) and Penn State’s Levi Brown (#5). In all, six went in the first round, with Ted Ginn of Ohio State (#9), Michigan’s Leon Hall (#18), Anthony Spencer of Purdue (#26) and Ginn’s fellow OSU wide out Anthony Gonzalez (#32).

This year’s crop is just as bountiful as these ten players will provide teams at the next level cornerstones to build upon.

1. Jake Long, OT, Michigan – The draft status of both Thomas and Brown gives us an idea into the draft potential of Long. It was Long, not Thomas, who won the conference’s Lineman of the Year award, to go along was First-Team All-Big Ten and a consensus All-American selections. Considering where Thomas and Brown were selected, Long’s potential certainly places him in the top five.

2. Dan Connor, LB, Penn State – Although Buffalo Bill draftee Paul Posluszny got all the print, Connor had the better season from the opening kick. He also was a Bednarik finalist last season and his 113 tackles (including nine for a loss) has placed him 99 tackles behind Posluszny’s newly established school record. Some experts consider him a better linebacker prospect than Posluszny.

3. James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State – The Bronco Nagurski Award (nation’s top defensive player) winner had a solid 2006 season and led the Buckeyes with five interceptions from his linebacker spot as he chalked up 115 tackles and four sacks to boot. Said to be not as athletic as former first rounder A.J. Hawk, he will be equally productive in college and at the next level.

4. Justin King, CB, Penn State – How happy is the valley with this Thorpe Award candidate and possibly the first defensive back off the board when he decides to leave for the pros? King has the size (6-0, 186), the speed (4.38) and versatility (Dean’s List in ’05 and Academic All-Big Ten in ’06) to improve on a 2006 when he was selected to the Second Team All-Big Ten. Claiming to be the healthiest he has ever been, coaches are expecting a monumental year.

5. Jack Ikegwuono, CB, Wisconsin – Big (6-1, 199 lbs) and fast, Ikegwuono ran down Arkansas all-world running back Darren McFadden from behind on the opening drive of the Capital One Bowl when it appeared to be a sure touchdown. This play not only displayed the measurables, but showed the type of heart this Badger plays with as well. It fueled the Badgers to a 17-14 win in the bowl game and will carry over into this season. He only had two interceptions, as teams simply threw away from him.

6. Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State – Another big (6-1, 202 lbs) corner who simply takes half the field away from opposing offenses. With 4.3 speed and solid tackling ability, he has NFL written all over him. He had four interceptions last season, including a 61-yard for a touchdown on one of his picks. Jenkins was First Team All-Big Ten and after a huge sophomore year, the sky is the limit.

7. Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State – A Second Team All-Big Ten selection last season, Gholston led the Buckeyes with 8.5 sacks while starting all 13 contests. The 6-4, 260 pound junior runs a sub-4.7 forty and looks to pick up the slack on a defensive line that lost three seniors. Having the benefit of a redshirt freshman year could vault Gholston into the first round in the 2008 NFL Draft.

8. Chad Henne, QB, Michigan – A starter since his freshman year, Henne had a solid 2006 with 2,508 yards, 22 touchdown passes and only eight interceptions. In his three seasons in Ann Arbor, he has thrown for 7,777 yards, 70 touchdown passes, and 28 interceptions. With an intact offense coming back and some shootouts bound to come his way this season, Henne could topple all of the Michigan passing records this season and take his place amongst other NFL Wolverine quarterbacks.

9. Alex Boone, OT, Ohio State – A mountain of a man in the midst of a Buckeye reload could be a top ten pick in the 2008 Draft if he comes on with a strong junior campaign. Considered the best offensive line prospect since Orlando Pace, who himself went number one overall. A poor showing in the National Championship loss to Florida has placed a chip on his shoulder and he is out to prove himself.

10. Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan – Derailed by injury last season, Manningham stepped his summer training regimen by working out with quarterback Chad Henne and the rest of the Wolverine receivers on routes, fundamentals, and overall conditioning. At 6-0 and 181 pounds, Manningham is electric on the outside and opens everything up for the Maize and Blue underneath. A big game performer in the clutch, he is looking to explode this season and take his place amongst the greats at the U of M at the receiver position.

THE CFI TOP 25 COUNTDOWN: #8 GEORGIA BULLDOGS

BY DANIEL MOGOLLON
CO-FOUNDER
COLLEGE FOOTBALL INSIDERS




2006 RECORD: 9-4; SEC: 4-4
Won Chick-fil-A Bowl vs. Virginia Tech 31-24
LOCATION: Athens, Georgia
STADIUM: Sanford (92,756)
HEAD COACH: Mark Richt
OVERALL: 61-17 (6 seasons)
AT GEORGIA: 61-17 (6 seasons)

Who has the most wins among Southeastern Conference teams over the last five years? Not Louisiana St….not defending Champion Florida…that’s right it is the Georgia Bulldogs. The boys that play “between the hedges” have been one of the premier programs over the last six years under Mark Richt, who has just one less win than Jim Tressel does during the same span. Last season they failed to reach double digits in wins for the first time since 2001, Richt’s first season. What did they do the following season? Oh…just win 13 games and there is reason for optimism this year as well -- the Dawgs finished the ’06 season with three straight wins over ranked clubs.

WHEN THE DAWGS HAVE THE BALL

OFFENSIVE COORDINAROR: Mike Bobo (1st Season)
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 7
KEY LOSSES: Danny Ware, Martrez Milner, Daniel Inman, Nick Jones, Ken Shackleford

Matthew Stafford could one day find himself walking to the podium in Radio City after the Commissioner of the National Football League says the words, “And with the first pick in the draft.” He is that good and he began to show some signs down the stretch of his true freshman season, which is why everyone involved with the Georgia program expects him to take a major step this season towards stardom. His receivers were a major disappointment last season, not helping matter with inconsistent play and dropped passes, nevertheless with talented seniors Sean Bailey and AJ Bryant back and junior Mohamed Massaquoi poised for a bounce back season, they could be part of the solution in 2007. The running game should be fine, no one is the clear cut “feature back”, however there is no shortage of talent in the backfield. According to reports, the offensive line jelled in the spring with true freshman Trinton Sturdivant, redshirt frosh Chris Davis and junior college transfer Scott Haverkamp joining two senior returning starters.

PRO PROSPECTS: 1) Matthew Stafford (SO), 2) Trinton Sturdivant (FR), 3) Thomas Brown (SR), 4) Mohamed Massaquoi (JR), 5) Mikey Henderson (SR), 6) Kregg Lumpkin (SR), 7) Fernando Velasco (SR), 8) Brannan Sutherland (JR), 9) Brandon Coutu (SR), 10) Sean Bailey (SR), 11) AJ Bryant (SR)

WHEN THE OTHER TEAM HAS THE BALL

DEFENSIVE COORDINAROR: Willie Martinez (3rd Season)
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 3
KEY LOSSES: Charles Johnson, Quentin Moses, Paul Oliver, Tony Taylor, Jarvis Jackson, Tra Battle

Only three starters return on this side of the ball, but the Athens faithful have no reason to fret, they remain well stocked with top shelf talent. Players such defensive tackle Kade Weston, end Roderick Battle, SAM Darius Dewberry, along with a trio of corners (Bryan Evans, Prince Miller and Asher Allen) are six sophomores who got a taste of action last season and are ready for bigger roles. They will also count on redshirt freshmen Reshod Jones, who could be a star in the secondary, and linebacker Akeem Dent, as well as JC transfer Jarius Wynn at defensive end. Up the middle, veterans Jeff Owens (DT), Brandon Miller (MIKE) and Kelin Johnson (SS) provide some stability for the entire defense. As usual, the Dawgs will rely on their speed, which will allow them to get to the quarterback and swarm to ball carriers.

PRO PROSPECTS: 1) Kade Weston (SO), 2) Reshod Jones (FR), 3) Jeff Owens (JR), 4) Roderick Battle (SO), 5) Jarius Wynn (JR), 6) Dannell Ellerbe (SO), 7) Kelin Johnson (SR), 8) Brandon Miller (SR), 9) Ramarcus Brown (JR)

THE SCHEDULE

The rivalry games are key, and sorry Tech fans, I am not talking about the Yellow Jackets whom the Dawgs always beat. This is all about fellow Eastern Division competitors Florida and Tennessee. Since Mark Richt took over, his biggest stumbling block has been the Gators, he is just 1-5 against the University of Florida. Richt has handled the Volunteers, taking care of Tennessee four times out of six, however he has never defeated both in the same season. Their 20-13 loss to Florida in 2002 was the only thing between Georgia and an undefeated season. Last year, for the first time under Richt both the Gators and the Vols knocked off UGA. If the Bulldogs can defeat off both this season, it would all but assure them of a spot in the SEC Championship game and who knows maybe a chance at the BCS Title.

PIVOTAL POINT

Maturity. Whenever talking about college athletics, to some extent the maturity factor is par for the course, but a particular point of emphasis for Georgia. Stafford can become an All-American type signal caller, which Massaquoi could help by stepping up after drops plagued him throughout his sophomore season. Then there are the seniors -- Brown, Lumpkin, Bailey and Bryant, who have yet to cash in on the vast potential they brought with them to Athens. Defensively, several players need to prove they are ready to handle expanded roles. Talent is nice to have, but it does not always ensure production on the field -- they could be a year away.

CFI FINAL ANALYSIS

Making the Bulldogs the highest ranked SEC East club is the first flip-flop of the season, as they pulled ahead of the Tennessee Volunteers in the preseason Top 25 Countdown. It is a bit of a risky pick considering they need both unproven players to move into starting roles, as well as underachievers to fulfill potential, however there is so much talent on both sides of the ball that enough players should emerge and come into their own in 2007. It all begins with Stafford, who could be the most gifted passer in college football.

Check back tomorrow to see who is #7 in CFI’s Top 25 Countdown

THE CFI TOP 25 COUNTDOWN: #9 OHIO ST. BUCKEYES

BY DANIEL MOGOLLON
CO-FOUNDER
COLLEGE FOOTBALL INSIDERS




2006 RECORD: 12-1; BIG TEN: 8-0
Lost Bowl Championship Series Game vs. Florida 41-14
LOCATION: Columbus, Ohio
STADIUM: Ohio (101,568)
HEAD COACH: Jim Tressel
OVERALL: 197-71-2 (21 seasons)
AT OHIO ST.: 62-14 (6 seasons)

The Buckeyes rolled through the regular season before their shocking defeat to the Florida Gators, in which for the first time during his six-year tenure at Ohio St. it appeared Jim Tressel was out-coached and his team was not ready. How will the Buckeyes respond to such a beating? Will they have their heads down or does it provide extra motivation during the off-season? Not to mention the fact they have to replace Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith among other talented players who are getting ready for their rookie seasons in the NFL.

WHEN THE BUCKS HAVE THE BALL

OFFENSIVE COORDINAROR: Jim Bollman (7th Season)
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 5
KEY LOSSES: Troy Smith, Ted Ginn Jr., Anthony Gonzalez, Antonio Pittman, Stan White Jr., Doug Datish, TJ Downing

Last season the Buckeyes spread you out and more often than not aired it out. This year expect them to get back to a more traditional Buckeyes offense and pound away at opponents, control the time of possession and try to play mistake free football by taking very few chances. They will have to rely on new starters at both quarterback and running back, however sophomore Beanie Wells displayed in limited duty that those who had touted him as the top incoming freshman in America were not exaggerating. With both tackles back (Alex Boone and Kirk Barton), as well as a talented group on the interior, the blocking will be there to play smash-mouth football. It appears junior Todd Boeckman will finally get his chance to lead the Buckeyes’ huddle. The coach’s son has a NFL frame (6’5”/235) and is reportedly faster than Troy Smith, but is unproven. There is ability at QB, but how long will it take for him (or another candidate) to settle in is anyone’s guess. They will take a step back at receiver, but you can do worse than Ray Small, Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline.

PRO PROSPECTS: 1) Chris Wells (SO), 2) Alex Boone (JR), 3) Ray Small (SO), 4) Kirk Barton (SR), 5) Steve Rehring (JR), 6) Jim Cordle (SO), 7) Ben Pearson (SO), 8) Maurice Wells (JR)

WHEN THE OTHER TEAM HAS THE BALL

DEFENSIVE COORDINAROR: Kevin Steele (1st Season)
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 5
KEY LOSSES: Quinn Pitcock, David Patterson, Jay Richardson, Antonio Smith, Brandon Mitchell

The Buckeyes will try to go back to the formula that won them a championship back in 2002, leaning heavily on their defense, especially early on. They are most experienced at linebacker where James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman, a pair of juniors who can run and only figure to get better and better, lead the way. Joining them is senior Larry Grant who has more ability than he showed last season. Along the line, the only player with much experience is defensive end Vernon Gholston, who could be poised to have an All-American type season after leading the club in sacks as a sophomore. Despite losing three starters on the line, there is not much concern, as junior end Lawrence Wilson and sophomore tackles Doug Worthington and Todd Denlinger all appear to be ready for primetime. There might be more trepidation in the secondary despite the return of lockdown corner Malcolm Jenkins. There is talent, some experience, but questions as well.

PRO PROSPECTS: 1) Vernon Gholston (JR), 2) Malcolm Jenkins (JR), 3) James Laurinaitis (JR), 4) Marcus Freeman (JR), 5) Lawrence Wilson (JR), 6) Doug Worthington (SO), 7) Todd Denlinger (SO), 8) Larry Grant (SR), 9) Nick Patterson (JR), 10) Jamario O’Neal (JR), 11) Curtis Terry (SR)

THE SCHEDULE

Considering the Buckeyes must replace half of their starters from last season’s Big Ten Championship team, they are very fortunate with the way the schedule is set up. The newcomers will have time to get their feet wet and adjust to big time football, as the first eight games do not feature a ranked opponent, making an 8-0 start possible, if not likely, which would mean OSU has a good chance to crack the top five before making a trip to Happy Valley on October 27. November is a tough month as they play both Wisconsin and Michigan with the up and coming Illini in between. The Buckeyes play their toughest opponent’s when they should be at their best, which could make for a surprising run at another BCS Title game.

PIVOTAL POINT

Back to basics: I am not going to second guess the way Ohio St. went about their season in 2006, not when they went through their regular season unblemished or factoring they were replacing nine starters on the defensive side of the ball. Almost all of the proven talent was on offense, specifically the passing game, so to his credit coach Jim Tressel adjusted. However, most believe Tressel would prefer a more conservative offense that holds on to the football allowing them to win games more by stopping the other guys from putting up points on the scoreboard than racking up numbers on offense. If Wells proves to be able to take the pounding and hold on to the football, he could be a Heisman sleeper.

CFI FINAL ANALYSIS

This is a team in transition, but they do not rebuild in Columbus, where the expectations are always Big Ten title and at least contention for a National Championship. Jim Tressel is as good as any coach in America and you can bet he will have his boys ready this season, with the play at quarterback the one major question mark. Nevertheless, they are too good to take a major step back with the potential to be just as dominant as they were last season.

Check back tomorrow to see who is #8 in CFI’s Top 25 Countdown