BCS Bowl Predictions: Top Players at Each Position

As you would expect, the 2012 BCS bowl games will be loaded with talent at every position in every game.

From NFL-ready quarterbacks, to explosive running backs, to fearsome defenders, there will be elite players all over the field in college football's highest-profile games.

These are the best players at each position in this season's Bowl Championship Series.

Quarterback: Andrew Luck, Stanford

This year's BCS games feature some incredible quarterbacks like Wisconsin's Russell Wilson, Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden and Oregon's Darron Thomas.

However, Stanford's Andrew Luck is the best of them all. Luck has been sitting atop NFL draft boards for over a year now, due to his size, accuracy, mechanics and intangibles.

He has all the necessary tools to become a great NFL quarterback. He still has one year of eligibility left, but the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 2 will likely be his last collegiate game.

Running Back: Montee Ball, Wisconsin

Oregon's LaMichael James also has a strong case for this honor, but it's tough to argue with Montee Ball's 2011 season.

Wisconsin's junior tailback led the nation in both rushing yards (1,759) and rushing touchdowns (32). He also caught 20 passes for 255 yards and six touchdowns.

It will be a pleasure to watch Ball and James trade big runs in the Rose Bowl on Monday, Jan. 2.

Wide Receiver: Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State

Justin Blackmon joined Michael Crabtree this season as the only players to win back-to-back Fred Biletnikoff Awards, the honor given out to the nation's best receiver.

Blackmon finished in the top 10 in receptions (113), receiving yards (1,336), and touchdown catches (15) this regular season.

Look for him to shred Stanford's secondary all day long in the Fiesta Bowl.

Tight End: Dwayne Allen, Clemson

Clemson's Dwayne Allen won the 2011 John Mackey Award as the nation's top tight end.

He caught 48 passes for 577 yards and 8 touchdowns. If he decides to enter the NFL draft, the 6-foot-4, 255-pound Allen will likely be a first-round pick.

Offensive Tackle: Jonathan Martin, Stanford

A quarterback is only as good as his offensive line, which means plenty of Andrew Luck's success should be credited to big man Jonathan Martin.

The 6-foot-6, 304-pound offensive tackle has had Luck's back the past few years in Palo Alto. He will be a top 10 draft pick this spring.

Guard: David DeCastro, Stanford

Like Martin, the 6-foot-5, 310-pound DeCastro has helped propel Andrew Luck to the star status that he currently enjoys.

The senior excels in both run and pass blocking, using his size, quickness and exceptional awareness to keep opposing defensive linemen out of the backfield.

Oklahoma State's defense will have a tough time penetrating Stanford's O-line.

Center: Peter Konz, Wisconsin

Russell Wilson and Montee Ball got all the media love this season, but don't forget to give some props to Peter Konz.

He missed a few games due to an ankle injury, but he appears to be back at full health. The 6-foot-5, 315 pound Konz is an excellent blocker and has a mean streak that NFL scouts love to see.

Defensive Tackle: Brandon Thompson, Clemson

Brandon Thompson is an elite run stopper and is excellent at disrupting plays in the middle.

He finished the 2011 regular season with 45 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 5 tackles for losses. The 6-foot-2, 310-pound senior will likely be a mid- to late-first round pick in the upcoming draft.

Defensive End: Andre Branch, Clemson

Thompson's partner in crime on the defensive line is the 6-foot-5, 260 pound Andre Branch.

Branch was phenomenal in 2011, recording 73 tackles (14 for loss) and 10.5 sacks.

Branch has exceptional awareness and the ability to drop into coverage. He and Thompson will wreak havoc on West Virginia all day long in the Orange Bowl.

Outside Linebacker: Courtney Upshaw, Alabama

Courtney Upshaw is a straight-up animal at the linebacker position.

The 6-foot-2, 265-pound senior registered 45 tackles and 8.5 sacks this season. He also returned an interception 45 yards for a touchdown in Alabama's blowout win over Florida.

He doesn't have elite speed, but he's a violent tackler with great awareness skills. He will play a big role in the Tide's quest to beat LSU in the BCS National Championship.

Inside Linebacker: Dont'a Hightower, Alabama

Like Upshaw, Hightower is a beast defensively. He recorded 79 tackles (39 solo) and three sacks on the season.

The 6-foot-4, 260-pound junior will be key in stopping LSU running backs Spencer Ware and Michael Ford.

Cornerback: Tyrann Mathieu and Morris Claiborne, LSU

It was impossible to choose between the two, so Tyrann Mathieu and Morris Claiborne will share the honor of best cornerback in a BCS bowl.

The LSU tandem has been incredible this season.

Mathieu is the best non-offensive playmaker in the country. He recorded 71 tackles, intercepted two passes, forced five fumbles and provided a spark in the return game whenever LSU needed a boost.

Claiborne will be a top five pick in the NFL draft, if he comes out. The junior intercepted six passes, including one that he returned 45 yards for a touchdown in the SEC Championship game.

Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick gets an honorable mention here.

Safety: Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State

I almost went with Alabama's Mark Barron here, but we'll give Markelle Martin the nod.

Martin was phenomenal in 2011, making 65 tackles, forcing two fumbles and breaking up 11 passes.

Andrew Luck will have to be very careful with Martin lurking in the secondary.

Kicker: Quinn Sharp, Oklahoma State

Sharp missed a crucial field goal in the Cowboys' only loss of the season, but he's still as reliable as any kicker in college football.

He made 20-of-23 field goals (87 percent) this season, including two of over 40 yards.

Sharp also handles punting duties for Oklahoma State. He punted the ball 42 times this season and his average of 46.6 yards per punt was the second highest in the NCAA.

Returner: De'Anthony Thomas, Oregon

Oregon freshman De'Anthony Thomas is one of the most dangerous returners in college football.

The 5-foot-9 speedster returned 31 kickoffs for 858 yards and two touchdowns. His average of 27.7 yards per return was third-best among all players who returned at least 30 kickoffs.

He has had some problems with holding onto the ball, but he can be an incredible weapon for Oregon in the Rose Bowl.