2008 Spring Football Coverage: Emerging Stars

Kindle, named one of UT's Outstanding Defensive Newcomers last year, has drawn comparisons to former Texas All-American Derrick Johnson. 

After bouncing back from a DWI arrest before the 2007 season, Kindle figures to play a more prominent role under new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp.


CB—Eric Berry, sophomore, Tennessee

Unlike most true freshmen, Eric Berry learned the nuances of the college game on the fly, as he was thrown into the fray as a starter on Day One. 

While the youngster took his lumps against the likes of Cal’s DeSean Jackson of Cal and Florida’s Percy Harvin, he improved dramatically as the year progressed. All told, Berry finished his freshman year with 86 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and five interceptions returned for 222 yards and one touchdown.  

Tennessee head coach Philip Fulmer has considered using Berry on offense as well—similar to what Georgia did with Champ Bailey in the late 90s.  If he gets the chance, Berry could prove to be one of the conference's biggest playmakers.

 
CB—Chad Jones, sophomore, LSU

Chad Jones stepped in as a freshman and made 34 tackles, 2.0 sacks, and 1 interception for the BCS Champion Tigers.  With Jonathan Zenon, Chevis Jackson, and Craig Steltz all graduating, Jones, who has been compared to former LSU great LaRon Landry, will lead an inexperienced LSU secondary. 

The 6’2”, 223-pounder has the size, speed, and ball skills to be one of the best defensive backs in the SEC.


S—Anderson Russell, junior, Ohio State

The Georgia native has played mostly in the shadow of fellow defensive backs Donald Washington and Malcolm Jenkins, but has quietly established himself as one of the most talented safeties in the Midwest. 

Though a more-than-adequate athlete in pass coverage, Russell excels as a solid run-stuffer and pass-rusher, as evidenced by his 7.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks.

Russell may still be overshadowed in 2008—but the NFL scouts will certainly be watching.

Honorable mentions:

QB—Kevin Riley, sophomore, Cal
QB—Jimmy Clausen, sophomore, Notre Dame
QB—Rusty Smith, junior, Florida Atlantic
QB—Colin Kaepernick, sophomore, Nevada
RB—Graig Cooper, sophomore, Miami
RB—Javarris James, sophomore, Miami
RB—Stafon Johnson, junior, USC
WR—Golden Tate, sophomore, Notre Dame
TE—Cornelius Ingram, senior, Florida
OL—Ryan Miller, sophomore, Colorado
OL—Stephen Schilling, sophomore, Michigan
OL—T-Bob Hebert, LSU
DE—Everson Griffen, sophomore, USC
LB—Martez Wilson, sophomore, Illinois
LB—Ross Homan, sophomore, Ohio State
LB—Chris Galippo, freshman, USC
DB—Major Wright, sophomore, Florida
DB—Jai Eugene, sophomore, LSU
DB—Eugene Clifford, sophomore, Ohio State

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