WR/KR/PR—Jeremy Maclin, sophomore, Missouri
The prized recruit from Kirkwood, Missouri, lived up to his billing last year. Maclin set a freshman record for all-purpose yards with 2,776—the second highest total of any returning player in the nation.
With first team All-American tight end Martin Rucker gone, Maclin will get even more looks this year in the passing game. He may also play some downs in the backfield because of the loss of veteran running back Tony Temple.
Either way, Maclin is due for a monster season—he may even be a dark horse for the Heisman Trophy.
WR/KR/PR—Arrelious “Regis” Benn, sophomore, Illinois
Unquestionably Ron Zook’s best recruit at Illinois, Benn made an immediate impact for the Fighting Illini as a true freshman.
Benn had a solid year making 54 catches for 676 yards and 2 touchdowns, which included a breakout game at Penn State where he had 84 yards receiving, a touchdown, and a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
Next season, Benn should develop into one of the elite receivers in the Midwest.
T—Anthony Davis, sophomore, Rutgers
After a strong performance paving the way for future pro Ray Rice as a true freshman guard, Davis will make the switch to left tackle this fall. His main objective will be protecting senior quarterback Mike Teel’s blind side.
DT—Marvin Austin, sophomore, UNC
Butch Davis's No. 1 recruit from the 2007 class has already made an impact at Carolina.
After starting three games and finishing with 26 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, and 4.0 sacks, Austin was named to the 2007 Freshman All-American Team. With experience under his belt, the 6'3”, 305-pounder could emerge as one of the best defensive linemen in the ACC.
DE/DT—Sen'Derrick Marks, junior, Auburn
The 6'1”, 290-pound Marks may not be as physically imposing as Austin, but he has the speed, motor, and work ethic to compensate.
Marks, a former Freshman All-American himself, has 82 career tackles, 5.5 sacks, and one interception. He looks to be the next great undersized defensive lineman to come out of Auburn.
DE—Jermaine Cunningham, junior, Florida
In his first season as a starter, Jermaine Cunningham recorded 33 tackles (11 for loss) and 5.5 sacks—but his most conspicuous act may have been getting arrested for being involved in a “food fight” at a local Jimmy John's.
One year older and without Derrick Harvey as a bookend, Cunningham is officially the man on the Gators’ defensive line. His ability to pressure the quarterback will be vital to the success of Florida's questionable secondary.
LB—Sergio Kindle, junior, Texas
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