Each passing year in college football seems to include more and more impact true freshmen among the season's major storylines. The following is a watch list for college football fans across the nation so that they may become familiar with the best of the best in the talent-laden recruiting class of 2008.
While there are certainly many blue-chippers left off this list, the players chosen are those predicted to make the biggest IMPACT on their respective teams. Thus, existing collegiate depth charts played a significant role in choosing the prospects listed below.
OFFENSE:
QB: Andrew Luck, Stanford
This name may come as a surprise to the casual college football fan, who predominantly remembers Ohio State pledge Terrelle Pryor from the 2008 recruiting class as the next big thing at the signal calling position.
It is the Texas product Luck, however, who steps into the best situation for early playing time and opportunities for success. Luck is physically ready to play and has as accurate an arm as any quarterback in his class. Head coach and former Pro Bowl QB Jim Harbaugh should develop Luck into a an excellent player early in his career.
Keep in mind, however, that success is a relative term. This is particularly important to remember when analyzing true freshman quarterbacks. Luck will undoubtedly see his share of struggles, but he should make the biggest splash as a frosh QB in any BCS conference.
Honorable mention: Mike Glennon, NC State
RB: Darrell Scott, Colorado
Given that the Buffs' leading returning rusher tallied less than 400 yards in 2007's up-and-down campaign, the starting role seems to be there for the taking for the ultra-talented Darrell Scott.
Scott, who played his senior season for powerhouse St. Bonaventure in California, possesses the rare combination of size and speed that is sure to give Big 12 defenses fits over the next three to four years.
Keep an eye on Scott at the start of the season, as running backs traditionally make more significant and immediate impacts than their classmates at other positions.
Honorable mention: DeSean Hales, Texas
WR: Michael Floyd, Notre Dame
Coming off a 3-9 season with the 117th ranked scoring offense in Division I-A, it is safe to say that Notre Dame is in desperate need of true playmakers. Help is on the way from five-star Minnesota prospect Michael Floyd.
True freshmen Duval Kamara and Golden Tate showed flashes of excellence at the wide receiver position during last year's abysmal run, but the unit still lacks a consistent big-play threat. Floyd's performance at the 2008 Army All-American game has given Irish fans hope that he will be able to fill this role for sophomore QB Jimmy Clausen early and often.
Honorable mention: Julio Jones, Alabama
TE: Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame
Now before people jump on me for including two Irish players on this list, keep in mind that that this team had arguably its worst campaign in its storied history but still managed to bring in a consensus top five recruiting class. Thus, opportunities should abound for young blue-chippers to see the field early and often this season in South Bend.
Standout John Carlson has graduated, and Rivals.com's top-ranked tight end prospect Rudolph has all the physical tools to step right in and become a reliable target for Clausen. If nothing else, look for Rudolph to become an immediate red zone threat with his size and knack for coming down with the jump ball.
Honorable mention: Blake Ayles, USC
OT: Mike Adams, Ohio State
The tackle position and offensive line in general is often a very difficult unit for true freshmen to have a significant impact on. Recent high school graduates typically need one to two years of a college weight room and coaching before they are ready to step in and showcase their talents across the line. Thus, projecting frosh impact players here is somewhat of a guessing game or crapshoot.
With Alex Boone firmly entrenched at left tackle for the reigning Big 10 champ Buckeyes, Adams will have to fight to win the bookend spot on the right side of the line. Adams has ideal size and is as naturally gifted as they come, but he will have to rebound from a shoulder injury that limited him during spring practice.
Honorable mention: Matt Kalil, USC
OG: Josh Jenkins, West Virginia
The Mountaineer coaching staff pulled off somewhat of a recruiting surprise when they were able to fight off traditional college football powerhouses to earn this in-state offensive guard prospect's signature on National Signing Day.
Jenkins was a blue-chip recruit that immediately became the most talented and sought-after offensive lineman on the WVU squad when he arrived in Morgantown this summer. He has the honor of blocking for arguably the most dangerous backfield in college football next season.
Honorable mention: A.J. Harmon, Georgia
DEFENSE:
DE: DaQuan Bowers, Clemson
Bowers put his talents on display for the nation to see at last year's ESPN Under Armour All-American Game. The South Carolina native has the speed and quickness to be an absolute terror off the edge while also possessing the strength necessary to hold his own against the run.
Clemson fans have every right to believe that Bowers will immediately take control of the strongside end role and give ACC offensive coordinators fits for years to come. He should be next in a long line of heralded Tiger defensive linemen, which includes recent top NFL draft picks Gaines Adams and Phillip Merling.
Honorable mention: Ethan Johnson, Notre Dame
DT: Marcus Forston, Miami
Marcus Forston was one of eight prospects from Dade County powerhouse Miami Northwestern High School to pledge to the nearby Hurricanes for the class of 2008. Forston's sheer strength and quickness off the ball should make him an immediate impact player on a team in sore need of difference makers after a dismal 5-7 mark during Randy Shannon's first year as head coach.
Scouts and coaches alike raved about Forston's play against the nation's best during the Army All-American week in San Antonio this past January.
Honorable mention: Omar Hunter, Florida
LB: Nigel Bradham, FSU
Mickey Andrews has a new weapon to unleash next year in Tallahassee. In an impressive talent-rich 2008 recruiting haul for legendary coach Bobby Bowden, Bradham stands out as the headliner.
Bradham possesses the physical ability, mentality, and instincts necessary to dominate at the linebacker position. Look for Bradham to be a tackle machine for the 'Noles this fall.
Honorable mention: Jerrell Harris, Alabama
CB: Patrick Johnson, LSU
Last year, Vols newcomer Eric Berry proved that true freshmen can make a monumental impact in the defensive backfield, even in a league as competitive and talent-loaded as the SEC.
While the defending champion Tigers may not be in desperate need for bodies at the cornerback position, Pompano Beach, Florida product Patrick Johnson simply has more sheer talent and raw athleticism than anyone else on the roster. A versatile athlete, Johnson could also potentially get some serious looks at safety during his first year in Baton Rouge.
Honorable mention: Boubacar Cissoko, Michigan
S: Will Hill, Florida
Nicknamed "Will the Thrill," Hill was a human highlight reel during his four years at St. Peter's Prep in New Jersey. Hill is extremely versatile and may get some looks on the offensive side of the ball in certain situations for the Gators this fall.
However, it is at safety where Hill should become a household name in short order and the first Florida All-American at the position since former first round pick Reggie Nelson.
Look for Hill to add immediate and drastic improvement to a young but talented UF defensive backfield that saw its share of struggles during the 2007 campaign.
Honorable mention: Rahim Moore, UCLA
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3 months ago
Also, at UK, we have very highly heralded recruit coming in at WR in Aaron Boyd. Look for him to put up some pretty impressive numbers this season.
3 months ago
Floyd and Rudolph may be blue chippers... but do they have the QB in place to utilize their talents? Will Clausen be fully recovered from his elbow injury and be ready to lead the team? Will Charlie Weis allow his freshmen to play or will be keep them on the bench ala Kamara and Tate until the end of the season?
from 3 months ago
I believe the answer to those questions is yes! Time will tell...
3 months ago
So Julio gets trumped by a guy who might play right away with two sophomores in front of him as opposed to being Julio, top 5 overall prospect and going to a team who just lost their top 3 receivers? Yea, its quite smart and not shameful at all to lose the homerism in that moment.
from 3 months ago
I just knew it was a matter of time before a Bama fan started whining. Look, I have him ranked as my #2 impact guy. IMO Jones is better than Floyd, but not by a lot. Floyd dominated during the Army All-American game and all week during practice against the nation's best CB prospects. Couple that with the fact that Floyd will almost assuredly be a starter in the first few weeks and won't be going up against SEC defenses every week (ND's schedule is pretty soft this year) and you have my reasoning for the pick.
from 3 months ago
Its not considered whining if its a fact. One, you agree that Julio is better, just like every other recruiting site. Two, Floyd may start in the first few weeks, but Julio will start the first snap on offense this season. And the whole SEC defense doesnt mean a thing when it comes to this, especially if Notre Dame is still Notre Dame, like everyone views them as. Julio has the size, speed and skills to be this season's Michael Crabtree with no problem. Finally, Julio made his presence very well known in the Under Armour game, hauling in a TD and making a slew of catches. The only CB who could slow him down is now his teammate, so this kid wont be stopped and will be the #1 impact freshman WR.
from 3 months ago
Nic buddy,
Julio Jones is a great prospect; one of the best we've seen at WR in a long while. But his output won't be anywhere in the vicinity of Crabtree. Not only does Texas Tech throw the ball 55-70 times a game (which Bama dosen't), Nick Saban has never been big on the passing game; he knows how to win and that's running the ball and playing defense. And playing in the best conference in college football will hurt his stats a little bit; especially when you consider Alabama is not a top 3 team in that conference. Lastly I have little to no faith in John Parker Wilson as a consistent and dependable quarterback, and there are CB's beyond alabama who can stop Julio Jones. I know you love your crimson tide but show some hint of objectivity outside of the SEC.
*and while they're right this time since julio jones is a no brainer, please don't use a recruiting website as justification, they are notoriously bias and wrong time and time again.
from 3 months ago
Oh Nicholas...where to begin?
a.) Floyd will likely start week 1 as well or at least get starter's minutes
b.) SEC defenses/secondaries are still more vaunted than middle of the road Big 10 teams and a few service academies
c.) Did you seriously just predict that Julio Jones would EASILY be this year's Michael Crabtree? NEWS FLASH: Crabtree smashed college football receiving records as a freshman receiver last year...he also plays for TEXAS TECH, meaning they pass about 900 more times per game than Bama.
d.) You call me a homer, yet you say make ridiculous statements like this "The only CB who could slow him down is now his teammate, so this kid wont be stopped and will be the #1 impact freshman WR." Whatever.
Here's to hoping that Julio doesn't get introduced to Jimmy John's before he ever takes his first snap in a Crimson Tide uniform.
Rawl Tad!
from 3 months ago
Ok, now Im defending two fronts here.
Spenser, there is more than one way to be this year's Michael Crabtree. Sure, he smashed records last season, but he was also the premiere breakout freshman WR in the country. In that aspect, yes, Julio Jones will be this year's Michael Crabtree. Its pretty bad that I had to spell that out for you all. Now, Saban is a runner, but McElwain is a passer, and has a history of improving quarterbacks by playing to their styles. JPW is not a guy to throw 15 yds or more play after play, but a guy who can consistently hit the screen, in/out, or over the middle guy in the 10 yd area, and thats where Bama's offense will be as far as the passing game. The CB who slowed him down isnt from Alabama. Way to do your research on that. No one in Alabama could stop him, but Alonzo Lawrence shut him down in the MS/AL All-Star game. Finally, if you think all those recruiting sites, as well as all the pre-season magazines, are biased towards pushing Julio Jones, there is no helping you. When Pelini gets his first recruit who is caught on film catching a ball one handed over two DBs, then maybe you will have an argument.
Weston, some of the same comments apply to you that apply to Spenser here. For one, my comment about CB's to stop JJ and how JJ will be this season's MC. Outside of Lawrence, show me one corner who shut down Julio in All-Star or HS competition? Im not gonna wait for an answer because there is none to give. Also, way to lose all credibility by throwing in a Jimmy Johns reference there, not to mention taking a shot at Alabama, who, despite their sub-par season last year, finished with more than twice as many victories than your beloved Irish did. Win a bowl game, hell, win a game before you start talking smack.
from 3 months ago
That argument is so flawed its absolutely ridiculous. If he did in fact get shut down by a HIGH SCHOOL CB, what makes you think that there aren't some veteran COLLEGE corners who could do the same?
If you really think Jones will come close to Crabtree's production from a year ago, then you really aren't even worth arguing with.
Realistically, how many games do you think Bama wins this year?
from 3 months ago
WHAT IS UP WITH YOU PEOPLE AND THE WHOLE PRODUCTION THING!?!?!?!?
I said Julio would be this year's MC as in the break out freshman WR. Nothing else. You and Spenser have run so far with that thing that I cant see you all in the distance anymore. Dont do anything fishy with each other, though.
Realistically, Bama goes 8-4, just like I said last season, with a +/-2 margin of error. This team can easily win 10 games, and this team can easily go 6-6 again. It all comes down to the ball finally bouncing in Bama's favor for once.
3 months ago
Haha I loved this article. Luck will get immediate because lets face it ( and I laugh every time I say this) Stanford sucks. And Mike Adams will start from day one, he will become another one of those GREAT Ohio State linemen.
3 months ago
Weston, don't make ignorant statements like the Jimmy John's situation. Every major D-1 team has a problem like that. By the way, he's obvioulsy already met him.
He wont put up 134 receptions for 1900 yds because Bama plays a more balanced offensive game but just becuase Jones doesn't put up those kinds of numbers doesn't mean he isn't or wont be better than Crabtree.
Floyed is not going to be a damn thing if Notre Dame's offensive line is a terrible as it was last year. Also, you have an uproven QB. At least JPW puts up nice numbers threw the air.
from 3 months ago
Michael,
You were making decent points until you threw in that JPW. please show me those nice numbers you speak of. From what i see his numbers are anything but nice.....he went 6 games without throwing a td last year, lifetime 27 tds to 22 ints, under 60% completion percentage, which in college football is pretty damn bad. In fact only season he was above 60% was when he played sparingly as a sophomore he's thrown for 5553 yards in 24 games (not counting that sophomore season as games played or yards) that tallies out to 231. decent.
from 3 months ago
Spenser, you are making this way too easy. JPW had no such string of 6 games without throwing a TD. He has never had such a streak as a starter at UA. He may have had 5 games last season where he didnt throw a TD, but in the 8 games he did throw a TD, he threw for multiple TDs in those games 6 times.
Second, JPW STARTED as a sophomore. Good call on that one, buddy.
Finally, a stats comparison.
JPW: 255/462, 55%, 2846 yds(UA record), 18 TDs(UA record), 12 Ints, 114.6 Effic.
Matt Stafford: 194/348, 55%, 2523 yds, 19 TDs, 10 Ints, 128.9 Effic.
Stafford is projected to go high first round if he comes out after this season, yet his production is quite similar to that of JPW, who is widely considered a "decent" quarterback, but Stafford is among the nation's best.
Seriously, a little research before you go spouting off at the bit about things.
from 3 months ago
Nic,
I never said he went 6 in a row, i said he had 6 games last year in which he didn't throw a touchdown; which apparantly i was off by one. I was also wrong about the sophomore thing cuz i meant freshman, but that did not effect my statistical outlook of JPW because i counted his sophomore and junior seasons.
"Stafford is projected to go high first round if he comes out after this season, yet his production is quite similar to that of JPW, who is widely considered a "decent" quarterback, but Stafford is among the nation's best"
Once again you obviously have a serious case of subjectivity. First off you use projections again as a verification for your argument, by saying he's a projected first round pick. Great. You know Andre Woodson was "projected" to go first round too, along with Brian Brohm, but great indepth analysis. Secondly Stafford is a junior and i'd expect his numbers to far surpass JPW's junior season. Furthermore I don't even know why stafford was brought into this; probably becase it was an easy way for you to justify JPW being good, because Stafford has yet to live up to his own expectations and hasn't put u great college numbers yet.........nice try.
And this whole argument was about Julio Jones who yo said would surpass Crabtree's freshman numbers which shows you know next to nothing about Texas Tech and Nick Saban's offense. Back to JPW who you claim to be decent which is fair; but that plays into my argument, he did not show the numbers that michael was alluding to in my opinion and that dosen't boad well for Julio Jones to put up the stats you believe he will. So don't accuse someone of not doing research when if you had done any in relation to either of my aformentioned things you would know that Julio Jones will not have better statsitics than Crabtree. Is Julio Jones a better prospect? Yes Will he be a better pro? He should be. But those are lofty expectations for someone who is yet to take the field and plays in a system that dosen't wildly inflate WR stats. BUt then again you are the guy who wrote an article wondering wheter he'd be better than DJ Hall; the AMAZING bama receiver who went undrafted, and was recently signed as a free agent; surely for your sake and that of Julio Jones i hope he's not the next DJ Hall.
how can you boast that JPW holds the td record at alabama when that number is 18!?!?!?! I don't know if that speaks worse for alabama football or JPW.........but then again i should have known better than to argue with Crimson Tide fans; only Texas A & M fans are worse in their blind loyalty and ridiculous expectations.......But as a Texans fan I will thank you and your school for Demeco Ryans.
from 3 months ago
First, here are you exact words on the JPW TD argument.
"he went 6 games without throwing a td last year"
Anyone is going to take that to mean 6 straight games without a TD. Its how english works in the minds of the overwhelming population.
Second, I never said Julio would surpass anything that Crabtree did. I said he would be this year's Crabtree and then i cleared that up to mean premiere breakout freshman WR when you tried to argue my point.
now, on to JPW. I am not being subjective when I present statical evidence of their season's last year, and by the national perceived opinion, Stafford is lightyears better than JPW, but their stats are practically the same. And there is no jr. vs. soph. argument, this is 07 numbers vs. 07 numbers. Want to twist some more things in your favor?
And if you dont think Hall was good, thats fine, thats your opinion. Its probably based on the Draft, which is a horrible base to stand on, but its your opinion. He has some of the best feet you will ever see and holds every WR record at UA. That was the point of the argument about Julio and DJ. Im starting to wonder if you can actually read now with all this stuff that you seem to look over. The problem with DJ amongst the NFL scouts was his attitude which sent him out of the draft. I said in my article that I would want Julio to be as good or better than DJ and without the attitude. Also, how do you know what system Bama will be playing this season? Have you even seen one down of a McElwain offense?
Finally, the TD record. He holds that record over Stabler, Namath, and Croyle, who all have been starting QBs in the NFL. To be ahead of those names is no small task.
from 3 months ago
Guys I think its a little ridiculous to argue whether Julio Jones will be able to do anything production-wise until he steps on the field. There have been plenty of 5-star wide receivers who have flopped, and plenty of unrecruited wide receivers who have starred.
It wont be able to be settled until Julio Jones takes the field....I will also say this argument is really semantics, its homerism of ND vs. homerism of Bama...nobody will win
3 months ago
Obvioulsy this article is biased. The simple fact that Floyd has too good sophmores in front of him should've given Jones the nod. Floyd could start as the number 2 or 3 WR on his own team and maybe later in the season he could move up to number one.
On the other hand, there is little doubt Jones will be number 1 WR on his team.
3 months ago
I agree JPW isn't the most consistent QB out there but he is extremely talented. He holds numerous Alabama passing records and 18 TDs with 12 INT last season isn't bad. His sophmore year he had 17 TD and 10 INT which again isn't bad.
Actually Spenser, lifetime he is 37 TD and 22 INT, not 27 TDs.
Anyways the point was, he's a lot better than Clausen for Notre Dame so Julio Jones will have a better season this year.
from 3 months ago
If you read i said i didn;t include his freshman stats or bowl games, so if i'm still wrong then so is ESPN..........
Either way JPW is not extremely talented in any way. Cmon, Rudy carpenter basically put up those same numbers JPW did as a sphomore and junior in his sophomore only starting the last 6 games. He has absolutely blown those stats away the last two years and there is no way in hell Rudy Carpenter will be a NFL quarterback............there are plenty other qb's i could find to prove that point as well...........
As for being better than Clausen i don't know. Personally i'm not a Clausen fan at all, I think he is wildly overhyped and a product of good promotion but i can't come to that conclusion since he has only played one year behind a shit team; quite a rush to judgment.
3 months ago
Don't forget about A.J. Green, the #2 prospect behind Julio Jones, whose expected to make an impact at UGA this year.
3 months ago
Jimmy Clausen could pick JPW ass up off the grass adn throw him for more touchdowns than Bama will even think about getting this year. Julio Jones will be suspended for drug use or misconduct as Saban says and julio will be catching un votable balls from his freshman floridian quarterback.
My reason you Cant Blam jimmy clause for being better then JPW and my reason you cant blame Julio jones for not being any where near as good as Micheael Floyd.
3 months ago
Spenser, you are not understading what Nic said about Jones in relation to crabtree. He never said he would put up the same stats as Crabtree, he said he will be this season Crabtree. Which means, a great breakout WR in his freshman year.
Nic even said this in his last post that you obviously didn't read, "Spenser, there is more than one way to be this year's Michael Crabtree. Sure, he smashed records last season, but he was also the premiere breakout freshman WR in the country. In that aspect, yes, Julio Jones will be this year's Michael Crabtree. Its pretty bad that I had to spell that out for you all."
He isn't talking about stats.
JPW to Stafford is a fair comparison because nobody says that Stafford is sucks. But when you look at the numbers, they are similar.
- - - - - -
Jdawg you must be doing some of those drugs that you are talking about. How many TDs did Clausen throw for last year? He threw 7, wow, that's really good. How many games did he win? He won 3, again, wow. How many yards passing did he average per game last year? He averaged 125, i think you know. . . wow. Here is another stat for you, he got sacked 34 times in just 10 games, that's terrible.
You said Julio Jones isn't anywhere near as good as Michael Floyd. Really, remind me, who was rated higher coming out of high school? Hmm, i think you know the answer.
3 months ago
And Spenser, showing how talented you are isn't always about stats.
Eli manning never but up great stats and was the number 1 pick in the draft. Then look at a guy like Troy Smith who put up great stats his senior season.
Last year nobody would debate that McFadden was the best RB in the draft, but he didn't rush for the most yards, Td, or had the highest carry average.
If the guy with the best stats was always considered the better player than Texas Tech's QB would be drafted number one every year.
I don't want to be rude but that was a pretty weak argument. You have to watch the guy and listen to the experts opinion as the guy is talented. Anybody who has watched JPW enough knows he is very talented (strong arm, good mechanics, pretty good foot work) but he isn't always consistent.
from 3 months ago
I'm not about stats at all, never have been; that was in relation to Julio Jones mainly.
I've watched JPW and i see nothing in his play that makes me think he is anything but a less than decent college quarterback and won't be anything for than a career backup in the NFL; if even that. And in his case those stats back that argument up, which is why i mentioned them.
As for listening to "experts" opinions i laugh at that notion; those are the same guys that said Andre Woodson would be high pick, Brian Brohom, REGGIE BUSH, so on and so on. The same guys i didnt listen to when making bets; probably why i was rewarded handomsely this year i.e. LSU / NYG.
It's strange that you scoff at stats (which if you look at my track record i rarely use outside of fantasy) but you and nic here use 'experts" opinions and "projections" as a basis for a quality argument. In fact i even noted when using Rudy Carpenter that i don't think he is a great quarterback, but still managed to put up better stats...........
3 months ago
Michael,
"Julio has the size, speed and skills to be this season's Michael Crabtree with no problem. "
Those were his orginal words, so maybe some better explanation (which didn't come until later) would have been helpful so I clearly didn't read wrong, perhaps misinterpreted due to lack of info. Moreover even that sentence would lead you to believe Julio Jones will win the Blitnakoff as a freshman (like crabtree) which he won't.....
I never said JPW sucks i said he is not an extremely talent qb. Stafford has yet to live up to what many people thought he'd be thus far, yet unlike JPW, Stafford is a junior with only one real year of starting under his belt; although he played as a freshman Shockley was the starter. So no its not a fair comparision, its an easy comparison to make within your own conference. I could pull up tons of qb's around the country that have played better than JPW. And as i said to nic citing an alabama record of 18tds in a season is not only bad for JPW himself but speaks volumes about Alabama's offensive output; they are a run team with solid defense thats how they win; not through the air.
3 months ago
I agree it was easy to misinterprete his origianl statement. I guess it's just how you look at it.
I think JPW will throw 20-25 Tds and 10-13 Int this year. If he can do that then we should have a good season.
Here's a stat though. Last season against Bama's toughest competition which includes, Arkansas, Georgia, LSU, Tennessee, and Aubrun: JPW threw 10 Tds and 4 Int while averaging 244 yds/game, he also ran for 3 Tds in those games. That's pretty good against top notch competition.
from 3 months ago
"Here's a stat though. Last season against Bama's toughest competition which includes, Arkansas, Georgia, LSU, Tennessee, and Aubrun: JPW threw 10 Tds and 4 Int while averaging 244 yds/game, he also ran for 3 Tds in those games. That's pretty good against top notch competition"
Those are nice stats against quality opponents; but he also failed to throw a touchdown against the likes of Vanderbilt, Western colorado, Ole-Miss, Missisipi State, georgia, and your hated Auburn (or so says espn). And his 3 touchdown game against LSU he completed 35 % of his passes; i'm not using it agasint him i just think that is simply amazing that the game was that close adn that he even threw 3 tds while going 14/40.
His stats should be better this year and he'll probably break that pitiful 18td alabama record, especially with Julio Jones. But this team is still a year or two away in my opinion from breaking through in that conference, and to do so in the future they are gonna need better quarterback play; unless you can rekindle the same kind of defense you had in 2005, or not lose to teams like Lousiana-Monroe.
3 months ago
I don't bama will win the SEC but i think they do have a shot a the SEC West. Last year they could've easily won 10 games (lost to UGA in OT, obvioulsy should've beat ULM, was ahead of LSU in the 4th, and lost to Miss St by 5)
So with a second year in the Saban system and improved play by JPW they'll have a chance at a pretty good season.
3 months ago
Nic,
Now i've resigned myself to the fact that arguing with you is a useless edeavour; from now on have Michael help you out in writing something that has some sense of valid judgment, relevance, or credibility. Before i go though I must point out your hypocrisy....
"And if you dont think Hall was good, thats fine, thats your opinion. Its probably based on the Draft, which is a horrible base to stand on, but its your opinion"
This is by far the dumbest comment I have ever read on this site; and people write about WWE on here so that is no small task. Now coming from a guy who used "scouts" and "projections" (as you did more than once) to legitimize your earlier remarks it seems odd that you would downplay what every NFL scout, seemed to believe. So obviously not just my opinion.
Sorry that I'm so clouded with erred judgment that I believe the ability to be DRAFTED OUT OF 252 PLAYERS would signify some level of football ability and that the draft is a good place to base some things about a player; like wheter or not someone is good enough to play professionaly football. Jesus. I could care less at what number or round you get drafted, but if you weren't even picked, it speaks volumes; now i know your gonna mention someone like Rod Smith to justify your idiotic point seeing as he went undrafted, without failing to realize he is one of thousands of players that haven't and went on to sell insurance. Unfortunately for DJ I doubt his salesman abilities are to great, but i'm sure he can find a job in alabama as a has been football player; you guys seem to revel to sniffing their jockstraps anyway.
And yes 18tds as a school record is laughable; i don't care who came before him. Obviously your as drunk as Joe Namath when you try to write an article. In the meantime enjoy your ridiculously high expectations and at the end of the season Ill send you a bottle of Jack and sleeping pills to wash down your sorrow of another season gone wrong.
from 3 months ago
Spenser, Im all fine and dandy that you think you are God's gift to football, but the way you spin arguments is rather funny. Just blow off the fact that I think he was good b.c of his stats. O wait, thats right, you think stats are pointless. See, like I said, funny. Also, just blow off the fact that I said those NFL scouts had nothing against his abilities but against his attitude. If he couldn't play, he wouldn't have gotten numerous offers after the draft. Every NFL scout knew he could play, but questioned his character, thats why he wasnt drafted. Hell, Wallace Gilberry shot down numerous offers to be drafted from the 5th round on b/c he wanted to choose his team. When you don't know about the subject, its best that you dont speak out on it. Your a cornhusker, shouldn't you be more concerned about your defense earning back their black shirts and not giving up 40+ points to more than half of your schedule this season? So just keep the jack and sleeping pills, cause gun to my head, I would say you will need them a lot more than I will. Hell, if yall make a bowl this year, that might be couch-burning worthy.
from 3 months ago
Sorry Nic, but I'm going to have to call BS on that. There have been plenty of guys with attitude/character issues that were known before the draft and they were still taken...EARLY.
Pac Man Jones (6th overall)
Jerramy Stevens (28th overall)
Aqib Talib (20th overall THIS YEAR)
The list goes on. If DJ Hall had half the pro potential that you apparently think he does, teams would have been lining up to take him. NFL teams typically tend to overlook character issues in the end and will draft someone if they are talented enough.
...and lastly, being picked up as a free agent after the draft is nothing special at all. There were career backups on ND's miserable team that were picked up after the draft as well. Most guys that aren't drafted won't make a significant impact in the NFL. Sure there are rare exceptions, but for every Rod Smith there are hundreds of guys that will be selling wireless service for the rest of their careers.
3 months ago
Well Talib actually fell in the draft because of those issues and pacman probably wouldn't even be drafted if they did the draft over. At least not on the first day.
I find it hard to believe that Wallace Gilbbery would turn down being drafted so he could pick the team he wanted.
from 3 months ago
http://blog.al.com/rapsheet/2008/04/wallace_gilberry_headed_to_the.html#more
So that's positive for those looking for some good news. Rowan said Gilberry received several calls in the sixth round and five teams wanted to pick him in the seventh round. The Gilberry camp decided to pick its team via free agency.
"That gave us more freedom," Rowan said. "The Giants and the Redskins were at the top of the list. Both only chose one defensive end. He wanted the Giants."
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