Flying Under the Radar: 10 College Football Players to Watch

There are players every season from non-BCS conferences that make a name for themselves. Many rise to the top of the NFL draft—while others never hear their names called. I've made a list of 10 players (in no particular order) from non BCS conferences who could making some noise in the 2009 College Football season.

Colin Kaepernick

The Nevada QB finished 2008 on the WAC All-Conference team and is the conference's best offensive player.

For good reason, too.

The 6'6" 215 lb. junior hurled 22 touchdowns to compliment his 2,849 passing yards last year. What may be even more impressive is the fact he also had 1,130 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground.

Dan LeFevour

Much like Nevada, Central Michigan also has a great dual-threat signal caller.

LeFevour is a fourth-year starter who has led his team to three bowl games.

While his stats may have slipped a bit from a stellar 2007 season (3,600 yards passing and 1,110 rushing), he's still making his way up the record books with 9,467 career passing yards and 2,235 rushing yards.

He has three starting receivers returning. That, combined with his athleticism and efficiency could bring the Chippewas to their fourth straight bowl, or a conference title.

Damion Fletcher

Already the all time-rushing leader at Southern Miss, Fletcher may have even more to prove this season.

Fletcher was charged with a misdemeanor gun violation in February and received six months probation. While he's very determined to redeem himself, he also has his sights set on four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons and maybe even a Conference USA championship.

Barry Church

Even though Church is a three-time All-MAC selection and on the Nagurski Trophy watch list, he's still relatively unknown.

The 6'2" senior safety for Toledo is a ball hawk (eight career picks) and has the big-hit ability of a linebacker.

Jerry Hughes

TCU defensive end Jerry Hughes had been named to multiple All-American teams.

His 15 sacks in 2008 and incredible speed off the edge may have something to do with his honors.

The problem is, he's the only returning starter on the Horned Frogs' D-line, which could give him a lot attention with double teams.

Case Keenum

You know the Houston offense must be a threat when they have a 1,200-yard back and a 5,000-yard passer.

Junior Case Keenum may be a considered "system quarterback" because he works in the spread, but his accuracy and arm strength make him lethal for the Cougars.

Ryan Wolfe

While UNLV stumbled to a 5-7 season in 2008, their passing attack still had a good year.

The group was lead by senior wide receiver Ryan Wolfe, who hauled in 88 receptions (tied for 14th in the nation) for 1,040 yards and six touchdowns.

Look for Wolfe to expand on those numbers with a returning quarterback (Omar Clayton) and a more experienced offensive line to help the passing attack.

Tim Hiller

Western Michigan senior quarterback Tim Hiller is one of the top senior signal callers in the country. He tossed 3,725 yards and 36 touchdowns last season with 10 interceptions. That along with a 143.8 rating last season makes him dangerous to defenses in the MAC.

James Starks

Not a lot of backs in the country can be as big as Starks (6'2" 210) and still finish 17th in the nation in rushing yards (1,333). He'll be relied on even more in Buffalo as the defending MAC champions look to defend their title without returning starter Drew Willy at quarterback.

MiQuale Lewis

One of the smallest backs in the country at 5'6" 193 lbs., Lewis still got it done last season for Ball State.

Lewis tallied up 1,736 yards and 22 touchdowns. The senior will be given an even bigger load because most of the Cardinals' offense is gone, and they only return four starters.