Heisman On Location: Tebow Takes It In Stride

During the Heisman Trophy ceremony, not only was Florida’s Tim Tebow candid about not expecting to go home with the big prize, but he was also genuinely proud of Mark Ingram’s tremendous accomplishment.

“We hung out a lot, me and Mark, and I was really proud of him…I offered some words of encouragement beforehand. He was a little bit nervous; he was doing a little bit of his pre-game [routine], shaking back and forth. We actually prayed together beforehand,” revealed the all-time college great. “He’s just a great kid. He’s just a kid you want to be around—I’m really happy for him.”

Tebow was ready to move on when responding to questions of his disappointing SEC championship loss only a week ago, and told reporters that he’s determined to use the setback as motivation going into Allstate Sugar Bowl versus the upstart Cincinnati Bearcats.

In looking ahead to the NFL, the charismatic field general said he was ready to tackle the professional ranks head-on by offering: “I look forward to the challenges, quite honestly. I look forward to starting something new, a new venture…a new challenge.”

“The obstacle of trying to play in the NFL and trying to play quarterback in the NFL…that’s something I look forward to. I relish the opportunity to go out and compete against the best in the world.”

Tebow also harkened back to the unforgettable experience of winning the Heisman Trophy two years ago.

“It was very special and a lot of fun. It was an opportunity to do that as a sophomore [when] you’re still new to this college thing a little bit, so I kind of know what Mark is going through. It’s something I’ll never forget. A lot of years…a lot of stuff goes on, but you’ll never forget that.”

Game of the Week: Alabama vs. Virgnia Tech

By CHRISTOPHER MOGOLLON

The road to the National Championship begins this Saturday, as the fourth ranked Alabama Crimson Tide meet ninth ranked Virginia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff game in Atlanta, Georgia. These two teams haven’t met in the regular season since 1979, and renew an old rivalry with both teams’ title hopes already on the line. The Tide are desperate to start the season rolling after finishing what was once an undefeated regular season with loses in their final two games of 2008. They’re expected to be title contenders again. Virginia Tech has a chance to really put themselves in the driver’s seat for the rest of the year by knocking off a highly-ranked SEC team. If they want to end up in the title hunt, they’re going to have to run the table and a victory over Alabama would be a giant first step. College football may not have a playoff bracket, but this might as well be the first round.

When the Tide has the ball

The main two offensive concerns coming into the season are replacing a three-year starter at quarterback (John Parker Wilson) and two big pieces on the offensive line (Andre Smith and Antoine Caldwell). Quarterback Greg McElroy is untested, but he’ll be taking a difficult exam this weekend. So far he’s received praise for his leadership skills. He wasn’t exactly highly touted coming out of high school but the coaches believe they have a smart and efficient quarterback. The big-play threat is sophomore receiver Julio Jones. The 6’ 4” difference-maker was the go-to guy last year for Alabama as a true freshman, leading the team with 58 receptions for 924 yards. Mark Ingram rushed for 728 yards and a whopping 12 touchdowns in his freshman season, and he’ll lead the ground game for the Tide. Expect to see some carries also for senior Roy Upchurch and true freshman Trent Richardson. If Virginia Tech loads up to stop Jones, Alabama will lean on senior wide out Mike McCoy and speedy sophomore Marquis Maze to take advantage. Tight end Collin Peek (a Georgia Tech transfer) makes his Alabama debut–he could potentially have a big receiving game.

The staple of Virginia Tech’s defensive success has been their secondary and this year should be no exception. Seniors Stephan Virgil (CB) and Kam Chancellor (S) lead an experienced unit. Virgil is a do-it-all player—he can tackle, cover, and make plays on the ball. He led the team last year with six interceptions. Watching him match up with Jones one-on-one will be very interesting. Chancellor struggled at the beginning of last season, but the way he finished 2008 has the Hokies expecting a big 2009. Tech also returns their top pass rushers from a year ago. Despite playing with an injured shoulder last year, defensive end Jason Worilds still was all-conference. He finished with eight sacks and is dangerous coming off the edge. The other defensive end, Nekos Brown, is making his third career start, but he has seen action as a back-up. With a new quarterback and offensive line the Hokies’ ability to get pressure on the quarterback could be the key to shutting down Alabama and creating turnovers. Linebacker Cody Grimm provides the Hokies with another pass-rushing threat (7.5 sacks last year). This defense had a tendency to struggle more against teams that ran the ball, and Alabama has dynamic backs that can do some damage to Tech. A key player to reversing that trend could be sophomore linebacker Barquell Rivers, who will be making just his second career start.

When the Hokies have the ball

Yes, he has yet to show any consistency as a passer, but quarterback Tyrod Taylor is a proven playmaker with his legs. He has really struggled when defenses force him to throw the ball. Taylor has improved and there’s no better stage for a breakout than this game against Alabama. If Taylor can make some good throws early, it could open up a chance for him to take off for some major ground gains. At receiver they’re young, but a trio of sophomores all gained experience last season. Danny Coale and Jarrett Boykin led the team last year in receiving. Boykin is the bigger of the two and finished the season strong. Tight end Greg Boone has good size and hands and is someone Taylor can find in big spots. Virginia Tech returns most of their line, led by tackles Black DeChristopher and Ed Wang. This line has a chance to be real good, and will have a test early going against a top opponent. Starting running back Darren Evans is out for the year, and that’s a big loss. The Hokies had the potential of having a terrific rushing attack and they still can run the football, but will have to get production from players originally expected to provide depth. Sophomore Josh Oglesby and red-shirt freshman Ryan Williams are atop the depth chart with Williams the expected starter. Oglesby has been dealing with a right hamstring injury and an infected blister on his left heel while true freshman David Wilson, who was expected to get some carries, has been troubled with a sprained left shoulder. Injuries could determine who gets the bulk of the carries.

Expect the 3-4 defense of Alabama to gear up on the run and force Taylor to throw the ball as much as possible. The run stopping defense will be led by the massive Terrence Cody. The 365-pounder will give the Hokies’ line plenty to deal with; he’s a great run stuffer and has vowed to become a better pass rusher. He and Lorenzo Washington give the front line some experience and size that should match up well against Virginia Tech’s offensive line. Freshman end Kerry Murphy will be shuffled into the lineup and is a youngster to keep an eye on. Linebacker Rolando McClain led the team with 95 tackles last season—be ready to hear his name, as well as that of his partner on the inside, Dont’a Hightower, called out plenty throughout the season. Look for cornerback Javier Arenas to make a big play, with junior Kareem Jackson (CB) and senior Justin Woodall (S) rounding out a dynamic and experienced group in the secondary. Jackson is a 194-pound cornerback that’s been playing since his freshman year.

Final Analysis

Alabama’s run defense will be on point and hold the Virginia Tech running attack to minimal productivity. They will force Taylor to do it all himself—don’t be shocked if he has a couple of electrifying runs but falls short in the end because of the offense’s inability to do anything down field in the passing game. Expect a big game from Ingram for Alabama as the Tide run all the way to a week one victory.

Score: Alabama 23, Virginia Tech 13

Photos Courtesy of Alabama Media Relations & Virginia Tech Athletics Communications

Player Profile: Antoine Caldwell Alabama Center

Pros: Caldwell was a two-time team captain and the leader of Alabama’s dominating offensive line. During his four years at Bama, Caldwell started at tackle, guard, and center showing great instincts and awareness. He was very durable and never missed a game due to injury with well over 40 starts under his belt as a member of the Crimson Tide. Caldwell is a strong pass protector and is tough, not at all afraid to mix it up. The center is also an instinctive player who understands blocking schemes, can make line calls, and pick up a teammate when need be.

Cons: Despite taking good angles, he struggles to get down the line. He doesn’t show the quickness and agility needed to dominate at the pro level. He will have to bulk up in the weight room and maintain his quickness to be a starter in the league. Even with his experience at tackle, he is best suited to play center or guard in the pros. Caldwell will struggle with quick defensive tackles who use their athleticism to get into the backfield. He needs to get stronger, improve his balance, and do a better job of bending at the knees. While he is renown for his leadership skills, the center comes in with some character questions as he served a four game suspension for a textbook scandal in 2007.

Scout’s Take: Caldwell earned his college degree in three years. He is a bright young man and possesses the intelligence and leadership qualities (won the 2008 Mal Moore Leadership Award at Alabama) to head the offensive line if the physical part of his game catches up. Caldwell has the ability to be a solid starter for years to come but lacks the potential to climb to that Pro Bowl level, which is why he will likely have to wait until day two to hear his name called. He's likely to go somewhere between rounds three and five.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

Player Profile: Alabama OT Andre Smith

Pros: Smith is a great run blocker and the big fella moves very well for a person of his size, showing quick feet and the ability to cut well. He creates a lot of running room for backs both on inside and outside runs. He does a good job of clearing the man in front of him, then getting to the second level to block the path of linebackers and safeties. He didn’t run a good forty, but he is quick and shows good agility. He plays faster than he times. Smith allowed just one sack in 2008. He does well when his man tries to bull rush or overpower him. The left tackle often absorbs the rush, keeps his leverage well, and plays much stronger than his 19 reps on the bench press showed. Talent and potential are not a question with the Birmingham native—if properly motivated, the ability is there for Smith to develop into a perennial Pro Bowler.

Cons: Smith didn’t end his college career on a good note as it was reported he received gifts from an agent. Smith was suspended for the Sugar Bowl, which cost his team greatly as Alabama lost to a less talented Utah team. After the Sugar Bowl, Smith again hurt his Draft stock when he showed up at the NFL Scouting Combine and said he wasn’t going to work out because he wasn’t in shape. Smith then left Indianapolis without telling anyone. In March, Smith finally worked out for teams at Alabama’s Pro Day. He had his weight down to 325, but looked very flabby and did not have much muscle tone on his huge frame. As for his on the field weaknesses: At 6-4, he is a little short for the ideal left tackle. There has been and will always be questions about his conditioning and mental toughness—he often looks tired and lazy late in games. He doesn’t play with a consistent motor throughout the game and looks to take breaks when the play is away from him. The Alabama product may not be best suited to play on the left side, which is where the team that drafts him would like him to play since he will sign a big contract.

Scouts Take: There is no question that if Smith hits the weights and film room he will succeed as an NFL player. He is the only the seventh player in Alabama history to start as a true freshman from day one. He was considered by some as the number one prospect in the entire Draft until his incidents before the Sugar Bowl and in Indy. Smith desperately needs to land on a team that is going to push him and make him work hard each and every practice. His team will have concerns that he will not eat well and won't stay mentally focused. If Smith does not succeed on the left side he could move to the right. And if that doesn’t work, the former Crimson Tide could be an immediate star at the guard position. However, if a team is going to take him in the top ten, they will want him to succeed at left tackle. He's a boom or bust prospect with a high upside, but he comes with a clearly labeled “buyer beware” tag.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

Player Profile: Alabama S Rashad Johnson

Pros: Although there are many questions about Johnson’s size, strength, and speed, no one can question his instincts or knowledge of the game. The former walk-on running back switched to the defensive side of the ball before the 2007 season and became a team leader and one of the nation’s top defensive playmakers. In Johnson’s last two seasons, he racked up 183 tackles, 19 break-ups, and 11 interceptions. He was unbelievable against LSU in 2008, picking off three passes, including the game clincher in overtime. For two years he was the team’s leader on defense, directing players where to line up and often making big time plays. The two most impressive areas of his game are his ability not to allow the opposing team to get behind him and his ability to play center field. He does a great job of going sideline to sideline when the ball is in the air. Johnson is at his best when he is able to sit back, read the quarterback and watch the play develop.

Cons: At 5’11’’ and just over 195 pounds, many question if Johnson has the size and strength to start at the NFL Level. He is very thinly built and must add some weight to his upper body to help make up for his lack of height and pure speed. Even though he had over 90 tackles in two straight years, Johnson wasn’t always a reliable tackler in the open field or at the line of scrimmage. He tends to leave his feet and dive instead of breaking down. He also struggles to take on blockers, bigger backs and tight ends—he is not the intimidating presence over the middle NFL teams look for from safeties. He is not great in one-on-one match-ups with quicker receivers, either. While he is a leader on the field, teams will look into his character due to his arrest in 2008 for disorderly conduct.

Scout’s Take: It is questionable to say Johnson will be selected on the first day, despite a less than stellar safety class. He definitely has the instincts and intangibles to play at the NFL level, but teams will question his strength and toughness against the run. He understands the position and does a great job of being the last line of defense. He is a natural playmaker and that should translate to the NFL if he is put in the right situation. He would fit best with a team that already has a run stuffing safety, so Johnson can play the deep free safety spot he excelled at in college. He could land as high as the mid-second round, but more than likely will hear his name called sometime in the third or fourth round.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

ALABAMA IS TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL NATIONAL TEAM OF THE WEEK

DALLAS (FWAA) - With their 34-10 win over Clemson in Atlanta, the Alabama Crimson Tide (1-0) is the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week for games of the weekend of Aug. 30.

The Alabama defense held Clemson to just 188 yards of total offense and 11 first downs. Clemson finished the game with no rushing yards.

John Parker Wilson completed 22-of-30 passes for 180 yards and two scores and Mark Ingram and Glen Coffee combined for 186 yards rushing. Leigh Tiffin also booted four field goals for the Crimson Tide.

For Alabama, it was the Tide's 12th straight win over Clemson and its seventh straight to open a season.

Other Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Bowl National Team of the Week nominees for the weekend of Aug. 30 included:

· East Carolina (1-0): T.J. Lee blocked a punt and returned it 24 yards for a touchdown with 1:52 left in the game to give the Pirates a 27-22 over Virginia Tech.

· UCLA (1-0): Kai Forbath's 42-yard field goal in overtime gave coach Rick Neuheisel a 27-24 win over Tennessee in his coaching debut for the Bruins.

· Utah (1-0): Brian Johnson threw for 305 yards and Louie Sakoda kicked four field goals as the Utes beat Michigan, 25-23, in front of 108,421 in Ann Arbor.

The FWAA has named a national team of the week since the 2002 season. This is the fifth season that the award has been sponsored by the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

Members of the FWAA board of directors and All-America committee decide the weekly honor. Each Monday during the 2008 college football season, the FWAA will name the Tostitos Bowl National Team of the Week through Dec. 1.

Since 1971, the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl has hosted six games that have decided the college football national championship, including three Bowl Championship Series title games. This season the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl game will be played on Jan. 5, 2009 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., and the Insight Bowl will be played on Dec. 31, 2008 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.

For more information on the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week, go to footballwriters.com or fiestabowl.org.

CFI RANKINGS: #20 ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE

2007 RECORD: 7-6; SEC: 4-4
Won Independence Bowl vs. Colorado 30-24
LOCATION: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
STADIUM: Bryant-Denny Stadium (92,138)
HEAD COACH: Nick Saban
OVERALL: 98-48-1 (12 seasons)
AT ALABAMA: 7-6 (1 season)

The Crimson Tide defeated Colorado in the Independence Bowl and they needed a victory there more than you think. The win not only ended a four-game losing streak that saw them drop from 6-2 to 6-6, it prevented them from posting back-to-back 6-7 seasons and their fourth non-winning season in five. The Tide hasn’t exactly been rolling along. The Tuscaloosa faithful hope year two of the Nick Saban era returns ’Bama to national prominence…a win over Auburn to reclaim the state wouldn’t be bad either.

WHEN THE TIDE HAVE THE BALL

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Jim McElwain (1st Season)
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 8
KEY LOSSES: DJ Hall, Matt Caddell, Keith Brown, Justin Britt

Senior signal caller John Parker Wilson returns with 26 starts under his belt and is the leader in the ‘Bama huddle. What they need from Wilson is consistency—he had six games with multiple touchdowns, but failed to throw any in six others. The Alabama native needs to cut down on the mistakes, make better decisions, and find a way to be more accurate with his passes. He will be throwing to a new starting receiving corps, but could have shiny new toy to play with in true freshman Julio Jones, a potential superstar. Protecting Wilson’s backside is Andre Smith, arguably the top left tackle in the nation. Smith and senior C Antoine Caldwell lead one of the nation’s most experienced lines. While the Tide must replace their top three pass catchers, they return their top five runners, with junior Glenn Coffee and sophomore Terry Grant both primed for breakout seasons. They are deep at tight end with experienced starters Nick Walker and Travis McCall, so expect plenty of two-tight end sets.

TOP PROSPECTS: 1) OT Andre Smith (JR), 2) WR Julio Jones (FR)

WHEN THE OTHER TEAM HAS THE BALL

HEAD DEFENSIVE COACH: Kevin Steele (2nd Season)
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Kirby Smart (2nd Season)
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6
KEY LOSSES: Wallace Gilberry, Darren Mustin, Simeon Castille, Marcus Carter, Ezekial Knight

The defense should be better with a year of experience playing in Nick Saban’s three-four attack. Sophomore LB Rolando McLain is a perfect fit at 6’4”/250 pounds with the speed to cover sideline-to-sideline--a nice building block for the troika of Saban, Steele & Smart. They are thin at linebacker however, with Ezekial Knight leaving the team due to a heart ailment, the dismissal of Jimmy Johns (legal issues) and Prince Hall’s suspension. Saban will not hesitate to play youngsters (see McLain & Kareem Jackson) and it appears sophomore noseman Josh Chapman is making a push at the critical position. In the secondary, the Tide must replace two starters but should be among the best in the SEC with sophomore CB Jackson and senior FS Rashad Johnson, a pair of potential all-conference performers.

TOP PROSPECTS: 1) LB Rolando McLain (SO), 2) CB Kareem Jackson (SO)

THE SCHEDULE

The Tide play ACC favorite Clemson in Atlanta to open up the year, and a win could jump start the Tide’s season…but a bad loss could plant seeds of doubt. Once they get into SEC action, they’ll find the conference schedule makers did them no favors. While they host the season finale with in-state rival Auburn, three of their four toughest conference games are away from the friendly confines. Saying Baton Rouge, Knoxville and Athens will be unfriendly is an understatement…so much for Southern hospitality. While Georgia is the preseason No. 1 team in the Coaches Poll and Tennessee is the hated border rival, the most buzz will be generated by Saban’s return to Cajun Country.

PIVOTAL POINT

The Defensive Front Seven: Ends Bobby Greenwood and Brandon Deaderick return, but they combined for only three sacks and 7.5 tackles for a loss—not exactly prolific playmakers. Who will replace Wallace Gilberry’s (10 sacks) production? At linebacker, not only did they lose seniors Darren Mustin (80 tackles) and Keith Saunders, but Knight—an emerging force—is also out with his aforementioned medical problem, and who knows what they will get from the talented Hall? They may need some of the recruits to step up as McLain did last season. One thing is for sure—a Nick Saban-led defense should never be counted out. In addition, Kevin Steele is the only returning defensive coordinator in the SEC West—a fact that shouldn’t be overlooked.

CFI FINAL ANALYSIS

Something tells me seven wins and an Independence Bowl victory isn’t going to cut it at ‘Bama in year two under Saban…nor should it. Cautious optimism is called for—we saw glimpses of success last season, but the four-game losing streak to end the regular season is still fresh on everyone’s mind. The schedule is tough and with Auburn and LSU in the West, don’t expect an SEC Title just yet. Finishing among the ranked is not an unreachable goal by any means.

Photo Credit: Collegiate Images

2008 ROOKIE FA TRACKER

ROOKIE FREE AGENT SIGNINGS

ARIZONA

OT/OG Carlton Medder, Florida

DE Jason Banks, Grambling State

OT Hercules Satele, Hawaii

OLB Ali Highsmith, LSU

CB Marcus Brown, McNeese State

OT Pete Clifford, Michigan State

WR Lance Long, Mississippi State

OT Thaddeus Coleman, Mississippi Valley State

FB Dionte Johnson, Ohio State

QB Anthony Morelli, Penn State

FS Dennis Keyes, UCLA

DE Bryan Robinson, Wesley

DT Keilen Dykes, West Virginia

ATLANTA

RB Jamar Brittingham, Bloomsburg

SS Ike Brown, Central Michigan

K Jimmie Kaylor, Colorado State

DE Brandon Miller, Georgia

CB Glenn Sharpe, Miami

FS D.J. Wolfe, Oklahoma

BALTIMORE

QB Brad Roach, Catawba

OG Sean Dumford, Eastern Kentucky

P Benjamin Dato, Fordham

OG Brandon Barnes, Grand Valley State

C Isaiah Wiggins, Illinois State

TE Scott Kuhn, Louisville

OG Adam Kraus, Michigan

WR Ernie Wheelwright, Minnesota

DT Lorenzo Williams, Missouri

C/OG Brandon Burns, Pearl River CC

ILB Jameel McClain, Syracuse

K Piotr Czech, Wagner

TE Joe Reitz, Western Michigan

BUFFALO

WR Jason Jones, Arkansas-Pine Bluff

FB Mike Viti, Army

QB Luke Drone, Illinois State

OLB Jon Banks, Iowa State

DT Teraz McCray, Miami

ILB Joe Brockington, Notre Dame

CAROLINA

CB Darren Toney, Arkansas State

QB Taylor Tharp, Boise State

WR Damon Morton, Colorado State

P Dan Zeidman, Idaho State

DT Brandon Jenkins, Mississippi

CB Courtney Grixby, Nebraska

DE Casper Brinkley, South Carolina

FS Joseph Fields, Syracuse

FB Breyone Evans, UMASS

TE Chris Conklin, Wingate

CHICAGO

QB Caleb Hanie, Colorado State

CB Leslie Majors, Indiana

OT Cody Balogh, Montana

P Geoff Price, Notre Dame

DT David Faaeteete, Oregon

DE Joe Clermond, Pittsburgh

DE Nick Osborn, San Diego State

QB Nick Hill, Southern Illinois

K Shane Longest, St. Xavier

CB Trey Brown, UCLA

WR Curtis Hamilton, Western Kentucky

CINCINNATI

OG Justin Britt, Alabama

FS Simeon Castille, Alabama

DT Michael Marquardt, Arizona State

P Johnny Ayers, Boston College

FB Bradley Glatthaar, Cincinnati

DE Anthony Hoke, Cincinnati

RB James Johnson, Kansas State

FB Tyler Whaley, Ohio State

OT James Blair, Western Michigan

CLEVELAND

OLB Nick Moore, Baylor

QB Craig Hormann, Columbia

SS Justin Harrison, Illinois

K Jason Reda, Illinois

DT Brian Schaefering, Lindenwood

WR Lance Leggett, Miami

CB Jerrid Gaines, Miami Ohio

CB Darnell Terrell, Missouri

CB Gerard Lawson, Oregon State

RB Austin Scott, Penn State

C Robbie Powell, Purdue

OG James Lee, SC State

DE Chase Ortiz, TCU

OG Eric Young, Tennessee

DT Kyle Lockett, Urbana

OT Brian Stamper, Vanderbilt

TE Kolo Kapanui, West Texas A&M

DALLAS

DE Darrell Robertson, Georgia Tech

DT Marcus Dixon, Hampton

OT Andrew Brecher, Harvard

RB Keon Lattimore, Maryland

WR Daniel Polk, Midwestern State

FB Julius Crosslin, Oklahoma State

OG Brandon Hale, Sam Houston State

WR Mark Bradford, Stanford

P Jay Ottovegio, Stanford

SS Dowayne Davis, Syracuse

WR Danny Amendola, Texas Tech

OLB Alain Karatepeyan, Tulsa

WR Joe West, UTEP

TE Drew Atchison, William & Mary

DENVER

OT Tyler Polumbus, Colorado

RB Anthony Alridge, Houston

OLB Wesley Woodyard, Kentucky

K Garrett Hartley, Oklahoma

OT Mitch Erickson, South Dakota State

P Brett Kern, Toledo

WR Lorne Sam, UTEP

DETROIT

FS Bobbie Williams, Bethune-Cookman

OLB Tyronne Pruitt, Boston College

S Pacino Horne, Central Michigan

QB Mark Nicolet, Hillsdale

DE Rudolph Hardie, Howard

RB Allen Ervin, Lambuth

OG Carroll Madison, Syracuse

OLB Brian Bradford, Towson

FS Vince Gliatta, Youngstown State

GREEN BAY

OLB Marcus Riley, Fresno State

RB Kregg Lumpkin, Georgia

TE Joey Haynos, Maryland

WR Jake Allen, Mississippi College

WR Rod Harper, Murray State

OLB Durell Mapp, North Carolina

LS J.J. Jansen, Notre Dame

TE Mike Peterson, NW Missouri State

WR Taj Smith, Syracuse

C Brennen Carvalho, Portland State

ILB Danny Lansanah, UCONN

P Ken DeBauche, Wisconsin

RB Justin Beaver, Wisconsin-Whitewater

HOUSTON

TE Cole Bennett, Auburn

DE Jesse Nading, Colorado State

WR Ryan Grice-Mullen, Hawaii

WR Darnell Jenkins, Miami

ILB Ben Moffitt, South Florida

OLB Marcus Richardson, Troy

DT Gabe Long, Utah

INDIANAPOLIS

WR Rudy Burgess, Arizona State

SS Jamie Silva, Boston College

DE Curtis Johnson, Clark Atlanta

OLB Anthony Adams, Grand Valley State

DT Colin Ferrell, Kent State

RB Chad Simpson, Morgan State

SS Jordan Senn, Portland State

DT Eric Foster, Rutgers

QB Adam Tafralis, San Jose State

WR Sam Giguere, Sherbrooke Canada

OT Darren Marquez, Southern Illinois

CB Brandon Foster, Texas

DT Dan Davis, UCONN

WR Charles Dillon, Washington State

JACKSONVILLE

CB Michael Grant, Arkansas

SS Jose Yearwood, Brown

C Drew Miller, Florida

DE Alex Boston, Florida State

WR Clyde Edwards, Grambling State

WR Jeron Harvey, Houston

OLB Lamar Myles, Louisville

FB Anthony Cotrone, Maine

CB Isaiah Gardner, Maryland

TE Adam Bishop, Nevada

CB Brian Witherspoon, Stillman

TE Chris Brown, Tennessee

QB Paul Smith, Tulsa

DT Theo Horrocks, Vanderbilt

KANSAS CITY

WR Jabari Arthur, Akron

DE Jason Parker, Arizona

OG Chris McDuffie, Clemson

WR Sean Bailey, Georgia

FB Mike Cox, Georgia Tech

WR Taurean Rhetta, Jacksonville State

OLB Sir Darean Adams, Michigan State

OLB Jonal Saint-Dic, Michigan State

OLB Steve Octavien, Nebraska

QB Ricky Santos, New Hampshire

K Connor Barth, North Carolina

RB Kalvin McRae, Ohio

DT Derek Lokey, Texas

CB Maurice Leggett, Valdosta State

DT Johnny Dingle, West Virginia

WR Luke Swan, Wisconsin

OLB James Terry, Youngstown State

MIAMI

TE Kris Kasparek, Akron

OT Dan Gore, Boise State

OLB Kelly Poppinga, BYU

OT Mike Byrne, Delaware

WR Jayson Foster, Georgia Southern

WR Justin Wynn, Grand Rapids, CC

WR Davone Bess, Hawaii

FB Rolly Lumbala, Idaho

TE Matt Mulligan, Maine

DE Titus Brown, Mississippi State

K Dan Carpenter, Montana

OT Darren Heerspink, Portland State

CB Aaron Lane, Purdue

WR Selwyn Lymon, Purdue

CB Scorpio Babers, Sam Houston State

QB Willie Copeland, Valdosta State

DT Kory Robertson, Virginia Tech

WR Marcel Reece, Washington

MINNESOTA

DT Leger Douzable, Central Florida

ILB J Leman, Illinois

OT Brandon Joyce, Illinois State

RB Albert Young, Iowa

OLB Erin Henderson, Maryland

QB Kyle Wright, Miami

SS Travis Key, Michigan State

RB Amir Pinnix, Minnesota

K Steven Hauschka, NC State

CB Marcus Walker, Oklahoma

CB Brandon Sumrall, Southern Mississippi

C Matt Roan, Southern Utah

C Tim Mattran, Stanford

FS Marcus Griffin, Texas

WR Nate Jones, Texas

T Drew Radovich, USC

DE Martail Burnett, Utah

FS Husain Abdullah, Washington State

WR Darius Reynaud, West Virginia

ILB A.J. Raebel, Wisconsin-Whitewater

NEW ENGLAND

RB Hugh Charles, Colorado

OT Josh Coffman, East Carolina

C Ryan Wendell, Fresno State

DE/DT Chris Norwell, Illinois

OLB Vincent Redd, Liberty

DT Carlos Feliciano, Maryland

DT Casey Tyler, Portland State

TB Kenny Catthouse, Troy

OLB Curtis Gatewood, Vanderbilt

TE Jonathan Stupar, Virginia

NEW ORLEANS

OG Nate McManus, Georgia Tech

C Kevin Tuminello, Georgia Tech

SS Rocky Schwartz, Houston

OT Akim Millington, Illinois

WR Todd Blythe, Iowa State

OLB Luke Sanders, LSU

LS Ryan Senser, Ohio

FB Olaniyi Sobomehin, Portland State

P Waylon Prather, San Jose State

QB T.C. Ostrander, Stanford

FS David Roach, TCU

DE Jeremy Geathers, UNLV

OT Jason Boone, Utah

OT Gerald Davis, Valdosta State

NEW YORK GIANTS

DT Nate Robinson, Akron

WR DJ Hall, Alabama

P Owen Tolson, Army

OT Glenn Bujnoch, Cincinnati

DT Josh Muse, Louisiana Tech

OT Carnell Stewart, LSU

OG Andrew Bain, Miami

FS Nehemiah Warrick, Michigan State

DT Ogemdi Nwagbuo, Michigan State

OT Dylan Thiry, Northwestern

OG Earl Cager, Southeastern Louisiana

DE Antonio Reynolds, Tennessee

DT Eric Butler, Washburn

OLB Kenwin Cummings, Wingate

NEW YORK JETS

WR Prechae Rodriguez, Auburn

WR Paul Raymond, Brown

RB Danny Woodhead, Chadron State

DE Bryan Mattison, Iowa

RB Jehuu Caulcrick, Michigan State

FB Justin Valentine, Minnesota

OLB Brandon Renkart, Rutgers

SS Nate Lyles, Virginia

CB Alfred Phillips, Wagner

DT Ropati Pitoitua, Washington State

OAKLAND

OG Brandon Rodd, Arizona State

OLB Malik Jackson, Louisville

C Adam Spieker, Missouri

FB Matt Hahn, Penn State

SS Darrick Brown, McNeese State

TE Darrell Strong, Pittsburgh

QB Brian White, Portland State

OLB Ronnie Pentz, San Diego

TE Chris Wagner, South Dakota State

DE Derrick Gray, Texas Southern

DE Greyson Gunheim, Washington

RB Louis Rankin, Washington

ILB Shane Simmons, Western Washington

PHILADELPHIA

WR Shaheer McBride, Delaware State

CB Kyle Arrington, Hofstra

ILB Justin Roland, Kansas State

OT Franklin Dunbar, Middle Tennessee State

WR Frantz Hardy, Nebraska

WR Terrell Golden, Penn State

FB Jed Collins, Washington State

PITTSBURGH

K Julian Rauch, Appalachian State

DE Patrick Bailey, Duke

CB Travis Williams, East Carolina

WR Micah Rucker, Eastern Illinois

C Doug Legursky, Marshall

OLB Donovan Woods, Oklahoma State

TE Dezmond Sherrod, Mississippi State

WR Dorien Bryant, Purdue

DT Martavious Prince, Southern Mississippi

WR Kevin Marion, Wake Forest

CB Roy Lewis, Washington

OT Pat Schwenke, West Texas A&M

QB Mike Potts, William & Mary

SAN DIEGO

CB Josh Bell, Baylor

DT Keith Shologan, Central Florida

FB Mike Tolbert, Coastal Carolina

CB Stanley Franks, Idaho

OG/C Andrew Crummey, Maryland

WR Greg Bracey, Missouri

OT Tyler Luellen, Missouri

WR Brandon Jackson, North Texas

OLB Erik Bakhtiari, San Diego

OG Brandyn Dombrowski, San Diego State

SS Brian Bonner, TCU

DT Lamar Divens, Tennessee State

WR Billy Pittman, Texas

WR Gary Banks, Troy

TE John Tereshinski, Wake Forest

FB Wade Betschart, Wyoming

P Billy Vinnedge, Wyoming

SAN FRANCISCO

DE/OLB Louis Holmes, Arizona

OG Brian De La Puente, California

WR Robert Jordan, California

OLB Gary Guyton, Georgia Tech

OLB Ezra Butler, Nevada

TE Joe Jon Finley, Oklahoma

WR Cameron Colvin, Oregon

SEATTLE

FS Kelin Johnson, Georgia

CB DeMichael Dizer, Grambling State

OG Dustin Dickinson, Houston

SS Jamar Adams, Michigan

WR Travis Brown, New Mexico

CB Donovan Alexander, North Dakota

OT Will Robinson, San Diego State

OLB Matt Castelo, San Jose State

OLB David Hawthorne, TCU

WR Anthony Russo, Washington

WR Michael Bumpus, Washington State

SS Eric Wicks, West Virginia

ST. LOUIS

WR Matt Caddell, Alabama

DT Josh Thompson, Auburn

TE Doug Jones, Cincinnati

DT Vernon Bryant, Hampton

FB Brandon McAnderson, Kansas

CB Justin McKinney, Kansas State

OG Stephen Sene, Liberty

DE Rodney Hardeway, Louisiana-Lafayette

RB Yvenson Bernard, Oregon State

ILB Vince Hall, Virginia Tech

WR Joshua Hyman, Virginia Tech

ILB Mark Magro, West Virginia

TAMPA BAY

RB Carl Stewart, Auburn

DE Vegas Franklin, Miami

OLB Lance Brandenburgh, Nebraska

WR Wes Doyle, San Diego

DT Tywain Myles, Tarleton State

FS Jonathan Hefney, Tennessee

DT Chris Bradwell, Troy

CB Elbert Mack, Troy

WR Derrek Richards, Utah

K Chris Gould, Virginia

OT Floyd Headen, West Texas A&M

TENNESSEE

RB Omar Cuff, Delaware

SS Tony Joiner, Florida

C Fernando Velasco, Georgia

WR Jason Rivers, Hawaii

RB Rafael Little, Kentucky

C Eric Scott, Kentucky

WR Edward Williams, Lane College

OLB Jerrell Freeman, Mary Hardin-Baylor

OT Brock Pasteur, Stephen F. Austin

WASHINGTON

DE Wallace Gilberry, Alabama

OG Kerry Brown, Appalachian State

CB Matterral Richardson, Arkansas

OG Rich Beverley, Delaware

OT Shannon Boatman, Florida State cut

SS Kevin Mitchell, Illinois

QB Bret Meyer, Iowa State

OLB Bryan Wilson, Morgan State

OT Devin Clark, New Mexico

C Kyle DeVan, Oregon State

DE Dorian Smith, Oregon State

WR Horace Grant, St. Olaf

P Brett Curran, don’t know his college- Denver

TRYOUTS

CHICAGO

OLB Darren Mustin, Alabama

K Andrew Larson, California

OLB Nick Watkins, Clemson

DE Brad Larkin, Boston College

OT Ryan Poles, Boston College

DL Mike Ware, Illinois

FB Russ Weil, Illinois

FB Josiah Sears, Indiana

CB Adam Shada, Iowa

LS Matt Purvis, Iowa State

P Tim Reyer, Kansas State

P Zac Atterberry, Lindenwood

SS Willie Cooper, Miami

SS Damon Nickson, Middle Tennessee State

TE Robert Lane, Mississippi

WR Ashton Gronewold, Missouri-Rolla

FB Marcus Stone, NC State

C Brett Byford Nebraska

OG Mike Martinez, New Mexico State

DT Gerard Lee, Oregon State

WR James Townsend, Rutgers

OLB Marc Hull, San Diego State

SS Drew Kelson, Texas

OLB Robert Killebrew, Texas

TE Joey Thomas, Texas A&M

CB Chris Parker, Texas Tech

RB Chris Markey, UCLA

RB Matt Lawrence, UMASS

CB Antonio Lewis, West Virginia

CINCINNATI

RB Jay Peck, Alabama State

OG Tom Anevski, Boston College

RB Greg Moore, Cincinnati

SS Anthony Williams, Cincinnati

CB Clay Hamblen, Georgetown College

WR Brian Piper, Georgetown College

CLEVELAND

WR Nate Hughes, Alcorn State

WR Brandon Copeland, Bridgewater College

P Ben Woods, Buffalo

WR James Banks, Carson-Newman

DT Steven Friend, Central Michigan

RB J.J. Bennett, Colgate

TE Matt Champa, Dayton

FS Kevin Hoyng, Dayton

OG Bill Bourdlais, Ferris State

SS Patrick Wells, Ferris State

K Rob Zarrilli, Hofstra

SS Marcus Watts, Kansas State

TE Ben Barkema, Iowa State

WR Wynton Jackson, Liberty

OT Eddie Pinigis, Liberty

CB Jonathan Zenon, LSU

RB Tony Temple, Missouri

OLB Asa Matthews, Northern Colorado

WR Chris Schubert, Oberlin

ILB Lenny Trusnik, Ohio Northern

DE Jeff Van Orsow, Oregon State

CB Terrell Vinson, Purdue

RB DeShawn Baker, SC State

CB Craig Turner, Southern Illinois

DE Xavier Mitchell, Tennessee

CB Andrew Hawkins, Toledo

QB Tommy Grady, Utah

QB Richard Kovalcheck, Vanderbilt

OT Mike Galassi, Walsh

RB Mark Bonds, Western Michigan

FS Nick Solakian, Yale

DETROIT

OLB Drew Fowler, Air Force

LS Jonathan Weeks, Baylor

TE Buck Reed, Bethel College (TN)

OG Jeremy Breath, Delaware State

C Matt Butler, East Carolina

DL Larry Luster, Eastern Illinois

CB J.R. Bryant, Florida State

CB Steven Williams, Harvard

DT Shemiah LeGrande, Hofstra

CB Justin Sanders, Illinois

C Rory Thomas, Indiana PA

K Troy Van Blarcom, Kansas Wesleyan

CB Terrance Butler, Louisville

QB Eric Sanders, Northern Iowa

OG Dan Marshall, Northwood

WR Kim Thompson, Northwestern

RB Rodney Kinlaw, Penn State

FS Stephen Howell, Richmond

WR Ramal Porter, San Diego State

WR Larry Shipp, Tennessee Tech

CB Stephen Hodge, Texas A&M

P Chris MacDonald, Texas State

OG David Perkins, Toledo

WR Demetrius Harrison, Towson

WR Paul Perry, Towson

GREEN BAY

LB Josh Ferguson, Purdue

RB Louie Runnels, Stephen F. Austin

KANSAS CITY

WR Jeremy Trimble, Army

MIAMI

DT Anthony Toribio, Carson-Newman

DE Brandon Jones, Newberry

MINNESOTA

WR Anthony Schreiber, Bemidji State

FB Tom Busch, Iowa

ILB Mike Sherels, Minnesota

TE Jeff Fielder, Minnesota State

P Brent Halfmann, North Dakota

FB Josiah Fenceroy, Sioux Falls

NEW ENGLAND

TE Tyson DeVree, Colorado

P Mike Dragosavich, North Dakota State

NEW ORLEANS

OLB Shonda Faulkner, Indiana State

WR Byron Ross, Southeastern Louisiana

NY JETS

RB Kareem Huggins, Hofstra

WR Charles Sullivan, Hofstra

K Patrick Fisher, LSU

WR Alan Turner, Southern Illinois

DE Jacob Owens, Fairmont State

WR Alan Turner, Southern Illinois

TE Brad Listorti, UMASS

TAMPA BAY

QB Sam Keller, Nebraska

OT Jared Carnes, South Florida

WR Amarri Jackson, South Florida

OT Walt Walker, South Florida

WASHINGTON

TE Jay Sonnhalter, East Carolina

DB Steve Tate, Hofstra

TE Jason Goode, Maryland

TE Brandon Davis, Northern Illinois

DT J.T. Mapu, Tennessee