If College Football Had Trades, Which Ones Would Make Sense for 2012?

In this day and age of free agency, trades have mostly become a thing of the past, especially in football, as you rarely see many trades in the NFL anymore. However, just because they're becoming increasingly rare, that hasn't stopped many sports fans from dreaming up all types of different trade scenarios for their favorite teams. 

Every day, all across America, fans call in to their local sports radio show to give their opinion about what move their team needs to make to get better.

One fanbase that never has the chance to get in on that fun, though, is college football fans.

Since there are no trades in college football and there never will be, college football fans can only dream about what it would be like if they could somehow trade for that second wide receiver to complete their offense or find a way to acquire that dominant run-stuffing defensive tackle to stick in the middle of their defense.

Even though it can never happen, it's at least fun to think about all of the possible trades that schools could make to better themselves and make their squads stronger for the upcoming season. 

With that in mind, here’s a look at some hypothetical trades that would benefit both teams involved for the upcoming 2012 season.

 

Arizona Trades DT Justin Washington to Michigan for QB Devin Gardner

Why Does It Work For Arizona?

Arizona will have to find a way to replace its best player from last season, QB Nick Foles. What complicates matters is the fact that Rich Rodriguez's spread offensive system is very different from the one the Wildcats ran under Mike Stoops, and the personnel doesn't exactly match up. 

The expected replacement is Matt Scott, who is athletic and mobile enough to at least handle what Rodriguez will ask him to do, but a much better fit to lead the former Michigan coach's offense would be Devin Gardner, who Rodriguez signed when he was at the helm of the Wolverines. 

Gardner, a former blue chip recruit, had the misfortune of arriving in Ann Arbor just as Denard Robinson was becoming a breakout star, and he's had to watch from the sideline in each of his first two seasons. But Gardner is the type of gifted athlete who looks like he would excel in Rodriguez's zone read scheme. Sadly, though, he just never got the chance to prove it.  

Why Does It Work For Michigan?

Michigan's defensive line was a big reason that the Wolverines were able to revive their defense in 2011, but now coach Brady Hoke will have to figure out how to fill two big holes up front after the departures of Mike Martin and Ryan Van Bergen. 

William Campbell is expected to take over for Martin at nose tackle, but he hasn't exactly been the model of consistency during his career. Highly touted incoming recruit Ondre Pipkins seems to have a bright future ahead of him, but he's still very raw. 

With Martin and Van Bergen now gone, the Wolverines could use an active and disruptive defensive tackle like Justin Washington to fly around the field and cause a commotion in the trenches. 

Oklahoma Trades QB Blake Bell to Oregon for CB Terrance Mitchell

Why Does It Work For Oklahoma?

Oklahoma has the luxury of having three quarterbacks—Landry Jones, Drew Allen and Blake Bell, who are all starting caliber players. But with Jones returning for the 2012 season, Allen and Bell will be forced to sit and watch again. 

Bell was used in a special rushing role periodically throughout his freshman season in 2011, and he finished the year with a team-high 13 rushing touchdowns. 

While he's shown that he can be effective in short distance and goal line rushing situations, the mobile Bell hasn't been able to show whether or not he's got the big arm to sling it around like Jones.

When Jones leaves, there's no guarantee that Bell will be able to beat out Allen for the starting spot. 

If Oklahoma could somehow get a young, talented corner like Terrance Mitchel to replace Jamell Fleming and help out Aaron Colvin, who struggled to maintain his consistency last season, that would really help to solidify the secondary. 

Why Does It Work For Oregon?

QB Darron Thomas shocked everyone surrounding the Oregon football program when he announced that he was going to leave school a year early to enter the 2012 NFL Draft. 

The move will now force Chip Kelly to find a replacement for the two-year starter, and freshman Bryan Bennett is the likely replacement.

While Bennett showed that he could keep the offense running smoothly when Thomas went down with an injury in the middle of last season, there's a better quarterback out there who would be an ultimate weapon in Kelly's up-tempo spread offense, and that's Blake Bell. 

With his type of size and mobility, Bell looks like he would absolutely crush defenses if he played in Oregon's offensive attack, and he seems like he's the type of quarterback who was built to excel in the kind of offense that the Ducks employ.  

Georgia Trades DT John Jenkins to Miami for OT Seantrel Henderson

Why Does It Work For Georgia?

Georgia has two of the top nose tackles in the country with John Jenkins and Kwame Geathers, and the Bulldogs added another big run-stuffer to the mix when they signed four-star recruit Jonathan Taylor. 

The problem for Georgia surely isn't at tackle on the defensive side of the ball, however, the same can't be said on the offensive side where both of last year's starters—future first-round pick Cordy Glenn and solid veteran Justin Anderson—are both gone. 

If the Bulldogs want to establish the running game with Isaiah Crowell and company in 2012, they're going to need at least one strong road-grading tackle to set the tone up front. 

One tackle that has both the strength and the athleticism to survive in the SEC trenches is former five-star recruit Seantrel Henderson, who has shown a few flashes of his enormous potential over the past two yeas at Miami. 

Although giving up a strong nose tackle like Jenkins would soften up the middle of Georgia's 3-4 defense, Geathers and Taylor would probably be able to pick up most of the slack. 

Why Does It Work For Miami?

Miami coach Al Golden knew he was going to lose DT Micanor Regis after the 2011 season, but he didn't expect Marcus Forston to declare for the draft after suffering through a junior season that was marred by injuries and a suspension.

The Hurricanes could use a big defensive tackle that can clog up space in the middle of the defense and eat up blockers, and John Jenkins excels at both of those things. 

Giving up a young developing tackle like Seantrel Henderson wouldn't be an ideal move, but Miami has talented linemen like Jon Feliciano and Malcolm Bunche who could grow into a nice pair of bookends. 

Notre Dame Trades DE Stephon Tuitt to USC for WR Marqise Lee

Why Does It Work For Notre Dame?

With the departure of Michael Floyd, one of the best receivers in school history, Notre Dame will now be searching for a new No. 1 receiving target for next season. 

Even though he likely won't be able to consistently produce like Floyd did, Theo Riddick has the potential to fill that void, and both T.J. Jones and incoming freshman Davonte Neal will play key roles as well. However, there's no doubt that the Irish could use another proven threat at the position. 

USC's Marqise Lee had a standout freshman campaign, hauling in 73 passes, and he's the type of explosive weapon that would fit in perfectly in Brian Kelly's offense. 

It would be tough to give up a young pass-rushing prodigy like Stephon Tuitt to get Lee. However, with Aaron Lynch and Kapron Lewis-Moore holding down the fort for the 2012 season and with Sheldon Day looking like he could be perfectly suited to play end in a 3-4 system, Tuitt's a player that could ultimately be parted with. 

Why Does It Work For USC?

USC's defense experienced a tough blow when star DE Nick Perry, who led the team with 8.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss in 2011, announced that he would be foregoing his senior year and entering the NFL Draft. 

Luckily, the Trojans still have Wes Horton on the other side, but there aren't many known commodities at the position besides Devon Kennard, and more help is definitely needed. 

Stephon Tuitt has the potential to develop into a star pass-rusher, and he could become just as good, if not better than, Perry. 

It would be hard to part ways with a receiver like Marqise Lee, but when you have the best receiver in college football, Robert Woods, and a host of other former highly touted recruits at the wide receiver position, it definitely makes it a little easier. 

Alabama Trades OT Tyler Love to Louisville for C Mario Benavides

Why Does It Work For Alabama?

Alabama only has one hole to fill on its stacked offensive line for 2012, and that's center, as the Tide will be looking to replace long-time stalwart William Vlachos. 

Some believe that versatile Outland Trophy winner Barrett Jones could make the move from left tackle to center, but given the way Jones excelled at tackle last season, the best case scenario would be to keep him and D.J. Fluker on the outside. 

Bringing in a linchpin like Mario Benavides, one of the top centers in the country, would help to widen the gap between Alabama's offensive line and the rest of the front-fives in college football. 

OT Tyler Love could start for most teams in America, but he happens to be stuck behind two of the best tackles in the country, Jones and Fluker, and with the emergence of freshman Cyrus Kouandjio, it looks like the only way he'll see serious playing time as a senior next season is if there's an injury. 

Why Does It Work For Louisville?

QB Teddy Bridgewater proved in 2011 that he's one of the most talented young quarterbacks in the country, and it's extremely important that Louisville makes sure he stays healthy and on the field if the Cardinals truly want to make a run at a BCS bowl game in 2012. 

It doesn't help, though, that both of last year's starting offensive tackles, Hector Hernandez and Ryan Kessling, will have to be replaced. 

Tyler Love is a starting caliber tackle who would have no trouble keeping Bridgewater's blind side safe. 

Wisconsin Trades RB James White to Purdue for QB Caleb TerBush

Why Does It Work For Wisconsin?

Many people expected Montee Ball and James White to form one of the best running back duos in the country last season. However, it was Ball who stepped up and really took over as the main man in the backfield, as he rushed for over 1,900 yards and accounted for 40 total touchdowns in 2011. 

With Ball coming back for his senior year, it will be interesting to see how the two split carries next season. What will be even more interesting to see, though, is how much defenses will load the box to stop the run now that QB Russell Wilson isn't there to keep them honest. 

It would be great if Wisconsin had a reliable starting quarterback that's already proven that can guide a team to success.

There happens to be a quarterback right in the Big-Ten who fits that description, and it's Purdue's Caleb TerBush.

TerBush certainly isn't the same type of difference-maker as Wilson was, but he's got a nice arm, and he's a sound decision-maker. Last year, he completed 61 percent of his passes and only threw six interceptions, as he guided the Boilermakers to their first bowl since 2007. 

Why Does It Work For Purdue?

Purdue may not have an elite quarterback on its roster, but it does have two signal-callers who are capable of starting with Caleb TerBush and Robert Marve. 

If TerBush wasn't in the equation, Marve could definitely step in and do a serviceable enough job leading the offense. 

The only problem is he would need a quality running back behind him, as last year's leading rusher Ralph Bolden tore his knee up for the second time late last season, and his status for 2012 is still unclear. 

The Boilermakers haven't had many running backs that are as good as James White, and he would bring a valuable, different element to the offense. 

Auburn Trades DE Nosa Eguae to Oklahoma for WR Jaz Reynolds

Why Does It Work For Auburn?

Auburn had some growing up to do along the defensive line last year, as there were a lot of new faces in new places in 2011, but as the season wore on, you could tell that it really started to click for many of the talented, younger linemen, especially defensive ends Corey Lemonier and Nosa Eguae. 

Lemonier was the star of the defensive line, but Eguae definitely made his presence felt as well.

With other ends like Craig Sanders and Dee Ford providing valuable depth, though, end will be one of the deepest positions on Auburn's roster next season. 

One position that certainly isn't the deepest is wide receiver, where Emory Blake is the only proven commodity. 

The Tigers would love to add a complementary receiver to ease some of the pressure off of Blake, and Oklahoma's Jaz Reynolds is just that. 

Reynolds would be a perfect No. 2 weapon for the Tigers' passing game. 

Why Does It Work for Oklahoma?

By now, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops is used to having to replace talented pass-rushing defensive ends, as he seems like he has to do it on an almost yearly basis. 

This offseason, Stoops will have to figure out how to replace not just Frank Alexander but also Ronnell Lewis, who left early for the NFL after failing to qualify academically.

Alexander and Lewis combined for 14 sacks in 2011. 

David King should be able to step into one of the spots, but obviously, there are some question marks surrounding the position. 

Adding a player like Nosa Eguae to the edge of the four-man line would give the Sooners a much needed disruptive force on the outside. 

It would be tough to part ways with a consistent receiver like Jaz Reynolds, but Kenny Stills should be able to fill the No. 1 receiving role without much of a problem, and Trey Franks and Kameel Jackson both look capable of stepping up in a big way next season. Oh, and let's not forget about the five big receiver recruits that are headed to Norman, the most notable of them being five-star prospect Trey Metoyer.

Baylor Trades WR Lanear Sampson to Toledo for QB Terrance Owens

Why Does It Work For Baylor?

Although Baylor is losing the most productive receiver in school history, Kendall Wright, the Bears are actually still pretty deep at the position, as returning receivers Terrance Williams, Lanear Sampson and Tevin Resse combined to catch 152 passes in 2011. 

The problem is now that Heisman winner Robert Griffin III has left school for the NFL, Baylor doesn't have a proven starting quarterback to get them the ball. 

Last year, Toledo's Terrance Owens was one of the most underrated passers in the country, as he completed 72 percent of his throws (the same amount as RG3) and had an eye-catching 18 to 3 touchdown to interception ratio. 

Giving up one of the three talented receivers in order to get a quarterback that can open up the offense would be a wise trade-off. 

Why Does It Work For Toledo?

Toledo fans were sad to see ultra-productive receiver Eric Page leave school early for the NFL, as Page had been the MVP for the Rockets' offense since his freshman year. 

Losing that kind of reliable difference-maker is a huge blow, especially since three of the other top five pass-catchers from 2011 are gone as well.

Toledo would be fine throwing Austin Dantin into a full-time role at quarterback, as he was almost as equally as successful as Owens was last season when the two split time. However, Dantin would need a No. 1 target to throw to, and Lanear Sampson has the speed and playmaking ability to fill Page's shoes. 

Clemson Trades RB Mike Bellamy to Ohio State for DT Michael Bennett

Why Does It Work For Clemson?

A lot was expected out of Mike Bellamy when he arrived at Clemson as a coveted four-star recruit last year, but off-the-field problems caught up to him in his first season with the team, and he definitely tested the coaching staff's patience.

When he was out on the field, though, he definitely turned some heads. Bellamy only touched the ball 57 times, but he made them all count, averaging six yards a carry. 

With Andre Ellington coming back for his senior season, Bellamy will have to sit in the No. 2 hole again, that is, if he can win back the coach's trust over the offseason. 

Given the flashes that fellow freshman D.J. Howard showed last year, if Dabo Swinney had the option of trading Bellamy for something valuable in return, he would probably think long and hard about it. 

One place that Clemson needs some help is at defensive tackle, where both Brandon Thompson and Rennie Moore will have to be replaced. 

Adding a big, agile run-stopper like Michael Bennett to the middle of the defense would change the entire complexion of the Tigers' defensive front seven for 2012. 

Why Does It Work For Ohio State?

Right now, new Ohio State coach Urban Meyer doesn't possess a lot of the true, homerun threats that he loves to utilize in his spread attack. While he'll surely be able to find plenty of Percy Harvin clones in recruiting in the years to come, at the moment, he could use a speedy running back to throw at defenses next season, and Mike Bellamy is just that. 

DT Michael Bennett just may be one of the best defensive tackles in the Big-Ten, but he hasn't had much of a chance to prove it yet.

With Johnathan Hankins, Adam Bellamy and Garrett Goebel all returning and highly touted incoming freshman Tommy Schutt set to enter the fray next season, the interior of the Ohio State defensive line will be awfully crowded in 2012. 

Washington State Trades DE Travis Long to Texas Tech for WR Alex Torres

Why Does It Work For Washington State?

New Washington State coach Mike Leach made it clear during his time at Texas Tech that he can never have too many receivers to throw out there in his pass-happy Air Raid attack.

We know Leach will at least have one great receiver to exploit in Pullman next season, and that's Marquess Wilson, but outside of him, there really doesn't seem to be much to work with.

I'm sure the former Red Raiders coach would love to get his hands on receivers that fit into his unique style of play, and one of those players is Alex Torres, who was one of the last recruits that Leach signed while at Tech.

Torres would be a perfect complement to Wilson, and he would be a terrific target for QB Jeff Tuel.

Why Does It Work For Texas Tech?

Texas Tech had no problem getting production out of its receivers last year, as Eric Ward, Darrin Moore and Alex Torres combined to catch 191 passes in 2011. Sadly, though, the Red Raiders couldn't get much production out of their pass-rushers, as they finished with the second lowest sack total in the Big-12 with just 16 sacks. 

It wouldn't hurt to add a nice penetrating edge-rusher who can get by offensive tackles and find his way into the opposing backfield.

That's just what Washington State's Travis Long does best, as Long racked up four sacks and 12 tackles for loss in 2011.

Oklahoma State Trades LB Alex Elkins for DE Jermauria Rasco

Why Does It Work For Oklahoma State?

Oklahoma State needs to replace both starting defensive ends from last year, Jamie Blatnick and Richetti Jones, who combined to rack up 12 sacks in 2011. 

The Cowboys are strong at linebacker and in the secondary, but if the defense is going to improve on last year's shaky showing, there will need to be some new life injected into the pass-rush. 

Why Does It Work For LSU?

LSU DE Jermauria Rasco is one of the most intriguing young defensive ends in the country, but because of the Tigers' ridiculous depth at the position, which includes two All-American candidates, Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo, and solid returning veteran Lavar Edwards, Rasco will only see limited snaps in Baton Rouge next season. 

One spot where LSU isn't so deep at is linebacker, which is considered to be the weakest link of LSU's stacked defense. 

LSU's linebacker corps isn't bad by any means, as the leader Kevin Minter is developing into a special player, but more reinforcements are needed to really help solidify the unit. 

Alex Elkins may not be the greatest athlete in the world, but he's the type of tough, physical player who never backs down from anyone, and he's got the type of proper attitude that can spread throughout a locker room. 

West Virginia Trades WR Ivan McCartney to Florida for CB Jaylen Watkins

Why Does It Work For West Virginia?

West Virginia has two terrific receivers to exploit next year in Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey. 

Austin and Bailey are two of the most explosive playmakers in the country, and they fit in perfectly with the type of offense that Dana Holgorsen is trying to build in West Virginia. 

The Mountaineers could certainly use some help stopping opposing receivers, though, as cornerback Pat Miller looked lost throughout most of the 2011 season and Brodrick Jenkins is talented, yet still largely unproven. 

Since the Mountaineers have two stellar pass-catchers in Austin and Bailey, they could theoretically survive trading off a productive receiver like Ivan McCartney to land a starting caliber cornerback like Florida's Jaylen Watkins. 

Why Does It Work For Florida?

Florida's passing offense wasn't exactly earth shattering in 2011, as the Gators finished ranked 89th nationally in pass offense, averaging just 185 yards per game. 

Even though the team's most productive receiver, Andre Debose, will be returning for the 2012 season, more help is needed in the receiving corps for next season.

Whoever ends up winning the offseason quarterback battle between Jacoby Brissett and Jeff Driskel could use all of the receiving targets that they can find. 

Alabama Trades QB Phillip Sims to Maryland for LB Lorne Goree

Why Does It Work For Alabama?

Phillip Sims arrived at Alabama as a highly touted quarterback recruit with hopes of one day leading the Tide to a national championship, however, Sims has seen much more of the sideline than he has the actual field during his first two years in Tuscaloosa.

It's a shame because Sims does seem like he possesses the physical gifts to be a quality starting quarterback, but he's just not going to be able to pass A.J. McCarron after failing to beat him out in a battle last offseason.

You would never like to trade a talented backup quarterback, but if Alabama were given the chance to trade Sims to a quarterback needy team like Maryland and get a great edge-rusher like Lorne Goree in return, I'm sure Nick Saban would jump at the chance.

The versatile Goree would be a perfect fit for Alabama's 3-4 defense.

Why Does It Work For Maryland?

When you go 2-10 the previous season, and your starting quarterback decides to transfer, well, need I say more?

Maryland had its eye on Phillip Sims and offered him a scholarship when he was coming out of high school, and he’s the type of signal-caller that would fit in well in new offensive coordinator Mike Locksley’s offense.

Nebraska Trades DE Eric Martin to Wisconsin for DT Beau Allen

Why Does It Work For Nebraska?

Nebraska has three competent options at defensive end with Cameron Meredith, Jason Ankrah and Eric Martin all coming back, but with Jared Crick gone, the Cornhuskers lack a proven defensive tackle to stick next to Baker Steinkuhler on the inside.

Trading for a big run-stuffer that could complement Steinkuhler's style well would really help the Cornhuskers get over last season's disappointing defensive effort. 

Wisconsin's Beau Allen is the type of big, physical and strong defensive lineman that you would expect to see playing in the Big-Ten, and he would really mesh well into a defense like the one Nebraska runs. 

Why Does It Work For Wisconsin?

Wisconsin will be both gaining and losing an important member of the defensive end rotation this offseason, as David Gilbert will return from injury, while Louis Nzegwu, the team leader in sacks form 2011, will be someplace other than Madison because his eligibility is all used up. 

If Gilbert is healthy, he won't have much problem producing at the same level or higher than Nzegwu did last season, but adding depth to balance out the defensive line certainly wouldn't hurt.

Virginia Trades RB Kevin Parks to Iowa for WR Kevonte Martin-Manley

Why Does It Work For Virginia?

Virginia has two of the most underrated running backs in the country, Perry Jones and Kevin Parks, but the problem is, only one of them can touch the ball at a time. 

The even bigger problem for the Cavaliers offense, though, is the lack of receivers now that last year's top producer Kris Burd is moving on. 

Tim Smith is a nice weapon, and former highly touted recruit Darius Jennings can be dangerous, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to add another piece to the receiver corps to help out QB Michael Rocco. 

It would be tough to give up a quality back like Parks, but with Jones coming back and with fellow freshman Clifton Richardson looking like he's ready to take a big step up next season, the depth at the position would still be solid without him for 2012.

Adding a receiving threat like Kevonte Martin-Manley would really help to diversify the offense. 

Why Does It Work For Iowa?

For the second year in a row, Iowa lost its top running back. 

First it was Adam Robinson in 2010; then it was Marcus Coker in 2011. 

Coker, who transferred to Stony Brook a few weeks ago, was the Hawkeyes' most important offensive weapon in 2011, rushing for over 1,300 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns. 

Without him, the backfield looks barren, as there isn't another back on the roster that's shown that they can even come close to doing what Coker did last year. 

Kevin Parks is the type of back who would fit in well in Iowa's offense, and he's the type of back who has a running style that would blend in nicely in the Big-Ten. 

UCLA Trades QB Kevin Prince to Ole Miss for WR Nickolas Brassell

Why Does It Work For UCLA?

New UCLA coach Jim Mora will have plenty of quarterbacks to choose from in his first offseason with the program, as there appear to be three contenders—Richard Brehaut, Kevin Prince and Brett Hundley—who will be battling for the position. 

The way it looks now, it seems like Brehaut, who began last season as the starter before going down with an injury midway through the year, has to be the favorite to win the position. 

While Prince played well last season, Hundley appears to have the ability to handle being a backup, just as long as he can improve on his fundamentals and get a good grasp on the playbook over the offseason. 

The Bruins don't need two capable backup quarterbacks. What they really need is a wide receiver, as three out of last year's four most productive receivers are gone. 

Although he only caught 24 passes in 2011, Mississippi's Nickolas Brassell showed some intriguing flashes in his freshman season, and he seems like the type of potential breakout star who could shine if he got the proper quarterback play. 

Why Does It Work For Ole Miss?

I wouldn't expect many head coaches from around the country to throw in the tape of Mississippi's 2011 offense and try to learn a thing or two, as there were plenty of times last year when the Rebels seemed more interested in setting offensive football back a few decades than actually moving the ball efficiently. 

For a variety of different reasons, with the main one being inconsistent and often times just dreadful quarterback play, Ole Miss finished ranked 107th nationally in passing offense in 2011, averaging an ugly 151 yards through the air per game. 

Kevin Prince would be an upgrade over both Randall Mackey and Zach Stoudt, who combined to complete just 48 percent of their passes last year. 

Florida State Trades RB Devonta Freeman to Florida for OT Xavier Nixon

Why Does It Work for Florida State?

After losing both starting offensive tackles, Zebrie Sanders and Andrew Datko, from this past season, Florida State could now use some help on the outside of its offensive line. 

One player that has the athleticism and strength to fit in as either a left or right tackle is Florida's Xavier Nixon. 

While Nixon struggled at times in 2011, his rare natural physical ability for his size is simply undeniable, and when his engine is going, there aren't many offensive linemen out there that can dominate like he can.

Florida State will have a deep stable of running backs for 2012 with Chris Thompson, Devonta Freeman and James Wilder Jr. all returning and highly touted incoming freshman Mario Pender also entering the fold.

Freeman has a bright future ahead of him, but there's enough talent on the depth chart to get the job done without him. 

Why Does It Work For Florida?

It wouldn't be surprising if Xavier Nixon was slowly phased out at Florida. Once thought to be a future star, Nixon's inconsistencies during the 2011 season rubbed some Florida coaches and fans the wrong way. 

With Chaz Green looking like he's going to keep the right tackle job locked down for the rest of his career in Gainesville, and Matt Patchan and incoming 5-star freshman D.J. Humphries competing at the left tackle spot, it's unclear what Nixon's role will be moving forward. 

He's got the talent, everyone knows that. He just has to put it all together. 

After losing their top two rushers from 2011, Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey, the Gators are going to be wishing that they had as much competition at running back as they do for the left tackle spot during the offseason. 

Mike Gillislee is pegged to be the new work horse, but depth is definitely needed. 

Michigan State Trades DE Denzel Drone to California for DT Kendrick Payne

Why Does It Work For Michigan State?

Losing an impact defensive tackle like Jerel Worthy is always going to sting, especially when there really isn't anyone waiting in the wings to step up and replace him after he leaves. 

What Michigan State has is four very solid defensive ends in William Gholston, Marcus Rush, Denzel Drone and Tyler Hoover, but without Worthy the Spartans are going to be weak up the middle. 

Finding a big, disruptive force to shut down the middle of the field like Worthy did would really help the defense stay at the high level it reached in 2011. 

Parting ways with one of the four defensive ends to bring in a guy like Cal's Kendrick Payne to help out in the middle would be a wise move if it could actually happen. 

Why Does It Work For Cal?

Last year's two starting defensive ends, Trevor Guyton and Ernest Owusu, are both gone, which means the Golden Bears are going to have to find another end to stick on the other side of DeAndre Coleman in Cal's 3-4 defense. 

One player who has the physical makeup and skill set to handle the task is Denzel Drone. 

Since Aaron Tipoti appears to be developing as expected, it might not hurt to give up a tackle like Kendrick Payne to get some stability at the important end position.  

South Carolina Trades LB Quin Smith to Texas for DT Calvin Howell

Why Does It Work For South Carolina?

After losing both Travian Robertson and tackle/end tweener Melvin Ingram, many around South Carolina thought that Byron Jerideau wouldn't have much trouble stepping into the starting defensive tackle spot next to Kelcy Quarles this offeseason.

However, after being arrested back in January, Jerideau is currently suspended from the team, and it's unknown when he'll be reinstated and what his status will be for the 2012 season.

With some uncertainty surrounding Jerideau, there are now some definite uncertainties surrounding the defensive tackle position for South Carolina, as it remains to be seen how well Quarles and whoever ends up next to him will be able to hold down the middle of the defense next season. 

Grabbing a big, physical proven tackle like Calvin Howell from Texas to stick up front would give South Carolina's defensive line a major boost for 2012.

Why Does It Work For Texas?

After losing both Keenan Robinson and Emmanuel Acho, the team's two leading tacklers from 2011, Texas now has to find a way to help strengthen its linebacker corps for next season. 

We know Jordan Hicks will hold down one of the three spots, but the other two are still up in the air. 

One player who would be a nice fit for the Longhorns defense is Quin Smith, who has the speed and the strength to pull of a good Acho imitation. 

Giving up a tackle like Calvin Howell wouldn't be easy, but Ashton Dorsey is the type of disruptive defender who could handle the middle along with Desmond Jackson, and big-time tackle recruits like Malcom Brown and Paul Boyette Jr. will add some depth at the position. 

Stanford Trades RB Anthony Wilkerson to Washington for Safety Justin Glenn

Why Does It Work For Stanford?

Without Andrew Luck at the helm, Stanford will be looking to rely more on its rushing attack in 2012, and the Cardinal are lucky that they have four solid backs in Stepfan Taylor, Anthony Wilkerson, Tyler Gaffney and incoming freshman Barry Sanders. 

Theoretically, though, the offense should be able to survive with Taylor leading the way, and two backs spelling him. 

If Stanford could trade one of its backs, the Cardinal would most likely be looking for a safety in return, as last year's two starters, Delano Howell and Michael Thomas have to be replaced. 

While Washington's Justin Glenn may not be a star, he's definitely a solid starting safety who can keep things in order on the back end of a defense. 

Why Does It Work For Washington?

Chris Polk was one of the most consistent running backs in the country for the past three years, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his three seasons of action, and he'll now be greatly missed in the Huskies' backfield. 

Jessie Callier and Bishop Sankey will be called on to try to make up for his loss, however, it wouldn't hurt to add another pair of strong legs to the group as well. 

Stanford's Anthony Wilkerson is talented enough to start for a variety of different BCS schools, but since he's at Stanford, he has to wait his turn behind Stepfan Taylor. 

With budding star Sean Parker, reliable stalwart Nate Fellner and incoming five-star prospect Shaq Thompson all in the mix, safety should be one of the deepest positions on Washington's roster for 2012, which means the Huskies could afford to trade away a player like Justin Glenn without taking too much of a hit.

Arkansas Trades RB Dennis Johnson to Boise State for WR Geraldo Boldewijn

Why Does It Work For Arkansas?

Arkansas will have to figure out how to replace three of its top receivers from 2011—Joe Adams, Jarius Wright and Greg Childs—which certainly won't be easy.

The Razorbacks have a budding star at the position in Cobi Hamilton, but he and tight end Chris Gragg will need some help if the offense wants to be good enough to contend for an SEC championship.

With Knile Davis back, the Razorbacks will now have a three-headed backfield of Davis, Dennis Johnson and Ronnie Wingo Jr. With the way Arkansas can throw the ball, the offense could survive with just two main backs, as long as there are enough receiving threats to stretch the defense.

Why Does It Work For Boise State?

Doug Martin and D.J. Harper combined to rush for over 1,800 yards and score 28 touchdowns last season. However, with both of them gone, the Broncos are now in dire need of some serious help in the backfield, especially since opponents will be looking to load up the box and dare new quarterback Joe Southwick to beat them through the air next season.  

Adding a speedy back like Dennis Johnson to the rushing mix would be a godsend for Boise State.

The Broncos have capable receivers like Matt Miller, Mitch Burroughs and Kirby Moore, who would be able to make up for the loss of Geraldo Boldewijn, a very physically gifted receiver who has yet to reach his potential. 

Texas A&M Trades TE Hutson Prioleau to Alabama for S Jarrick Williams

Why Does It Work For Texas A&M?

Abysmal is a pretty good word to use if you're looking to describe the performance of Texas A&M's secondary in 2011. The Aggies finished ranked 109th nationally in pass defense and gave up an average of 276 yards through the air per game last season.

What makes things even worse is that A&M will have to figure out how to replace three out of last year's four starting defensive backs, meaning the 2012 group has the chance to be even worse. 

As the Aggies head into SEC play, they're going to need SEC caliber defenders to handle the type of speed they'll see on a consistent basis in their new conference. Right now, it doesn't look like they have many SEC caliber defenders in the defensive backfield. 

Adding a player like safety Jarrick Williams to roam around the field would give the secondary a big boost. 

Why Does It Work For Alabama?

Alabama incorporates its tight ends into the offense as well as any team in America, as the Tide showed last year by using Brad Smelley and Michael Williams frequently in the passing game. 

While Williams is returning for 2012, Smelley is not, and his presence will certainly be missed by QB A.J. McCarron. 

Finding another tight end target besides Williams that can get open in the short to intermediate areas of the field would definitely help out McCarron a lot. 

With Alabama's tremendous depth at safety, giving up a player like Jarrick Williams wouldn't make all that much of a difference to the defense, as Robert Lester, Vinnie Sunseri, Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix and Landon Collins will form a more than strong enough nucleus. 

Georgia Tech Trades LB Brandon Watts to TCU for WR Skye Dawson

Why Does It Work For Georgia Tech?

Georgia Tech is set to have one of the deepest and most talented linebacker corps in the country for the 2012 season, with guys like Julian Burnett, Jeremiah Attaochu, Brandon Watts, Daniel Drummond and Quayshawn Nealy all returning. 

The problem is since WR Stephen Hill left school a year early, the Yellow Jackets will have one of the weakest receiver corps in the country with four of the top-five pass-catchers from 2011 gone. 

Granted, Georgia Tech certainly doesn't have to rely on the pass to be successful, but finding a receiver that can stretch the field and keep secondaries honest like Hill and his predecessor Demaryius Thomas did is important. 

The Yellow Jackets could afford to give up one of their linebackers if it meant landing an explosive receiver.  

Why Does It Work For TCU?

Kenny Cain may be one of the most underrated linebackers in the country, but with partner in crime Tank Carder gone, and with Tanner Brock now facing drug charges, coach Gary Patterson is going to need to find another linebacker to stick into his 4-2-5 scheme. 

With last year's top three receivers—Josh Boyce, Skye Dawson and Brandon Carter all returning—the Horned Frogs could afford to give up one of them if it meant that they would be able to land a linebacker that could fit into their special defensive system. And Georgia Tech's Brandon Watts happens to be a terrific match for the role. 

Watts is athletic, instinctive and intelligent, and he would be a great complement to Cain.  

Alabama Trades DE Qunton Dial to Louisiana-Lafayette for K Brett Baer

Why Does It Work For Alabama?

Alabama's kicking woes in the "Game of the Century" was one of the biggest stories of the 2011 season. While kicker Jeremy Shelly did redeem himself in the BCS championship game, nailing five of his seven attempts, the fact is, he doesn't have a very strong leg, and you have to wonder if he's the type of kicker who you want to depend on when the game is on the line. 

Louisiana-Lafayette kicker Brett Baer, on the other hand, proved in the New Orleans Bowl that he's exactly the type of kicker who you want kicking in crunch time, as he nailed a pressure-packed 50-yard game-winner to give the Ragin Cajuns their first bowl win in over 40 years. 

It also helps that Baer was the most accurate kicker in the country last season, only missing two attempts all year. 

In the SEC, the difference between winning and losing often times comes down to key special teams players, and Alabama would jump at the chance to get a sure-thing kicker. 

With defensive end set to be one of the deepest positions on the Tide's roster in 2012, Alabama could afford to give up a player like Quinton Dial if it meant strengthening the kicker position. Dial would be missed, but with Jesse Williams, Damion Square, Ed Stinson and a few top recruits coming in, the Tide would certainly be able to live without him. 

Why Does It Work For Louisiana-Lafayette?

You never want to give up a great kicker, but if a Sun Belt team like Louisiana-Lafayette ever had the chance to get a defensive difference-maker like Quinton Dial, the Ragin Cajuns would be all over him.

With four of the team's top five pass-rushers from last year gone, Louisiana-Lafayette could certainly use some help at defensive end for 2012.