College Football's Top Prospects for the 2014 NFL Draft

There aren't going to be many arguments this offseason about who's the top prospect for the 2014 NFL draft. 

Unlike in recent years, when highly touted quarterbacks such as Matt Barkley, Andrew Luck and Jake Locker hogged up most of the spotlight, this summer, it will be South Carolina DE Jadeveon Clowney, who will be the most talked-about player in college football. 

Clowney has already solidified his status as the most exciting and intriguing prospect in the 2014 draft class. However, he's certainly not the only great player who scouts will be keeping a close eye on. 

Here's a very early look at college football's top pro prospects for the 2014 NFL draft.

Top Senior QB: David Fales, San Jose State

If you’re looking for the best pure passer and the most pro-ready quarterback in college football, then look no further than David Fales.

Fales, who transferred to San Jose State after leaving Nevada and spending a few years in the JUCO ranks, had an incredible first season as the starting signal-caller for the Spartans.

He led the nation with a 72 percent completion percentage, threw for over 4,100 yards, and he finished the season with an outstanding 33-9 touchdown-interception ratio.

What was most impressive, however, is that he led San Jose State to its first double-digit win season in 25 years.

The supremely gifted 6’3’’, 220-pound senior signal-caller has the size, athleticism, arm strength, accuracy, leadership qualities and important intangibles to develop into a top-flight franchise quarterback in the NFL.

The Top 10 Senior Quarterbacks

1. David Fales, San Jose State

2. Tajh Boyd, Clemson

3. Aaron Murray, Georgia

4. AJ McCarron, Alabama

5. Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech

6. Taylor Martinez, Nebraska

7. Casey Pachall, TCU

8. Derek Carr, Fresno State

9. Bryn Renner, North Carolina

10. Connor Shaw, South Carolina

10 Senior Quarterbacks to Watch

James Franklin, Missouri

Jeff Mathews, Cornell

Jordan Lynch, Northern Illinois

Keith Price, Washington

Stephen Morris, Miami

Taylor McHargue, Rice

Terrance Owens, Toledo

Tyler Russell, Mississippi State

Tyler Tettleton, Ohio

Zach Mettenberger, LSU

Top Underclassmen QB: Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville

Teddy Bridgewater’s performance in a huge upset win over Florida in the Sugar Bowl has helped the young quarterback generate plenty of buzz so far. The question is: can he live up to the hype in 2013?

Bridgewater has been a savior for the Cardinals over the past two years, as he’s helped transform the program into a nationally relevant team once again.

The former blue-chip recruit from Miami possesses a natural feel for the game, and he seems to always know where the ball has to be on every passing play. Plus, obviously, it helps that Bridgewater’s been blessed with tremendous arm strength and outstanding physical ability.

The 6’3’’, 218-pound junior signal-caller clearly has all the skills to be a star. Now, we’ll just have to see if he can live up to the pressure.

The Top 10 Underclassmen Quarterbacks

1. Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville

2. Marcus Mariota, Oregon

3. Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M

4. Kevin Hogan, Stanford

5. Braxton Miller, Ohio State

6. Brett Hundley, UCLA

7. Jeff Driskel, Florida

8. Blake Bell, Oklahoma

9. Devin Gardner, Michigan

10. Brett Smith, Wyoming

10 Underclassmen Quarterbacks to Watch

Andrew Manley, New Mexico State

Blake Bortles, UCF

Bo Wallace, Ole Miss

Chuckie Keeton, Utah State

Clint Trickett, Florida State

Cody Fajardo, Nevada

David Ash, Texas

Everett Golson, Notre Dame

Sean Mannion, Oregon State

Taylor Kelly, Arizona State

Top Senior RB: Jeremy Smith, Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State’s offense experienced a huge blow when RB Joseph Randle decided to declare for the 2013 NFL draft.

Luckily, though, the Cowboys have Jeremy Smith, who looks like he's ready to become the team’s next breakout star rusher.

Smith has had to play second-fiddle to Randle during his time in Stillwater, but when he has gotten the ball in his hands, he’s shined, averaging 6.3 yards per carry over the last two years.

The 5’10’’, 208-pound senior is more quick than he is fast. Nevertheless, there’s no denying that he’s got the power and natural running instincts to be a difference-maker at the next level.

The Top 10 Senior Running Backs

1. Jeremy Smith, Oklahoma State

2. Silas Redd, USC

3. Dri Archer, Kent State

4. Damien Williams, Oklahoma

5. Alfred Blue, LSU

6. James White, Wisconsin

7. John Hubert, Kansas State

8. LaDarius Perkins, Mississippi State

9. Venric Mark, Northwestern

10. Ben Malena, Texas A&M

10 Senior Running Backs to Watch

Branden Oliver, Buffalo

Carlos Hyde, Ohio State

Charles Sims, Houston

James Sims, Kansas

Jeff Scott, Ole Miss

Marion Grice, Arizona State

Prince Tyson-Gulley, Syracuse

Roderick McDowell, Clemson

Senorise Perry, Louisville

Stephen Houston, Indiana

Top Underclassmen RB: Jeremy Hill, LSU

It’s quite possible that both of LSU’s early entrant underclassmen running backs, Michael Ford and Spencer Ware, may not hear their name called in the 2013 NFL draft.

Still, it’s hard to blame them for leaving, considering they would have likely had to defer plenty of carries to emerging star Jeremy Hill next season.

Hill was overshadowed by his fellow freshman conference counterparts, Todd Gurley and T.J. Yeldon, this past season. But he still put together a tremendous debut campaign, rushing for 755 yards on just 143 carries and scoring 12 touchdowns.

The 6’2’’, 225-pound redshirt sophomore has the size, speed, vision and power that you look for in a potential NFL featured back.

If you’re a fan of watching great players making clutch plays in crunch time, then watch this highlight of Hill’s 50-yard “dagger” touchdown against South Carolina.

The Top 10 Underclassmen Running Backs

1. Jeremy Hill, LSU

2. Ka’Deem Carey, Arizona

3. De’Anthony Thomas, Oregon

4. Lache Seastrunk, Baylor

5. Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska

6. Bishop Sankey, Washington

7. Devonta Freeman, Florida State

8. Joe Bergeron, Texas

9. James Wilder, Florida State

10. Brendan Bigelow, California

10 Underclassmen Running Backs to Watch

Andrew Buie, West Virginia

George Atkinson III, Notre Dame

Henry Josey, Missouri

Isaiah Crowell, Alabama State

Kenny Hilliard, LSU

Kevin Parks, Virginia

Lyle McCombs, Connecticut

Malcolm Brown, Texas

Michael Dyer, Arkansas Baptist

Storm Woods, Oregon State

Top Senior WR: Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt hasn’t produced many high-profile NFL prospects in recent years. However, the Commodores now have a prized possession in WR Jordan Matthews, who will surely have the full attention of pro scouts next season.

Matthews is coming off a terrific junior season, in which he finished first in the SEC with 94 catches for 1,323 yards.

The 6’3’’, 205-pound senior is truly a nightmare matchup waiting to happen. 

He's already established himself as one of the premier players in college football's powerhouse conference. Now it's time for Matthews to take his game to the national stage in 2013.  

The Top 10 Senior Wide Receivers

1. Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt

2. Cody Hoffman, BYU

3. Jalen Saunders, Oklahoma

4. Devin Street, Pittsburgh

5. Tevin Reese, Baylor

6. Ryan Grant, Tulane

7. Mike Davis, Texas

8. Jared Abbrederis, Wisconsin

9. Noel Grigsby, San Jose State

10. Kofi Hughes, Indiana

10 Senior Wide Receivers to Watch

Alex Amidon, Boston College

Bennie Fowler, Michigan State

Eric Ward, Texas Tech

Jeremy Gallon, Michigan

Josh Huff, Oregon

Kevin Norwood, Alabama

Michael Campanaro, Wake Forest

Nick Harwell, Miami (Ohio)

Shaquelle Evans, UCLA

TJ Jones, Notre Dame

Top Underclassmen WR: Marqise Lee, USC

You can never judge a receiver based solely on stats. Still, it's hard not to be impressed with the type of numbers that Marqise Lee put up in 2012. Lee led the nation with 118 catches for 1,721 yards and scored 14 touchdowns. 

The 6'0''. 195-pound pass-catcher isn't just a terrific athlete, he's also an incredibly gifted playmaker, who has all the physical traits to develop into a dangerous No. 1 receiving threat for an NFL offense. 

Although his production will be hampered by playing with an inexperienced quarterback, there's no reason Lee shouldn't continue to flourish and eventually become a top-5 pick in the 2014 NFL draft.

It's a shame he isn't eligible for the 2013 draft, because there are plenty of teams picking in the top 10 that would love to have him.

The Top 10 Underclassmen Wide Receivers

1. Marqise Lee, USC

2. Sammy Watkins, Clemson

3. Brandon Coleman, Rutgers

4. Josh Stewart, Oklahoma State

5. Mike Evans, Texas A&M

6. Malcolm Mitchell, Georgia

7. Rashad Greene, Florida State

8. Donte Moncrief, Ole Miss

9. Odell Beckham, LSU

10. Allen Robinson, Penn State

10 Underclassmen Wide Receivers to Watch

Austin Hill, Arizona

Brandin Cooks, Oregon State

Brandon Carter, TCU

Davante Adams, Fresno State

DeVante Parker, Louisville

Jarvis Landry, LSU

Justin Hardy, East Carolina

Kasen Williams, Washington

Kenny Bell, Nebraska

Tyler Lockett, Kansas State

Top Senior TE: C.J. Fiedorowicz, Iowa

Iowa simply couldn't find an offensive identity in 2012, which is why the Hawkeyes struggled to a 4-8 record. Clearly, the team lacked an offensive spark this past season, but that will change this fall if TE C.J. Fiedorowicz has anything to say about it. 

Fiedorowicz was one of the most productive tight ends in the nation last season, catching 45 passes for 443 yards. 

The 6'7'', 265-pound senior is a naturally gifted athlete who can easily create mismatches in the passing game. 

If he can solidify and fine-tune his blocking, Fiedorowicz will quickly develop into a coveted commodity in 2013.

The Top 10 Senior Tight Ends

1. C.J. Fiedorowicz, Iowa

2. Arthur Lynch, Georgia

3. Kaneakua Friel, BYU

4. Blake Jackson, Oklahoma State

5. Jacob Pedersen, Wisconsin

6. Crockett Gillmore, Colorado State

7. Trey Burton, Florida

8. Chris Coyle, Arizona State

9. Gator Hoskins, Marshall

10. Ted Bolser, Indiana

10 Senior Tight Ends to Watch

Asa Watson, NC State

Beckett Wales, Syracuse

Gabe Holmes, Purdue

Gabe Linehan, Boise State

Jordan Najvar, Baylor

Kevin Haplea, Florida State

Nehemiah Hicks, Texas A&M

Nexon Dorvilus, Florida Atlantic

Ryan Hubbell, Louisville

Zane Fakes, Ball State

Top Underclassmen TE: Eric Ebron, North Carolina

Eric Ebron hasn't thrown many textbook blocks during his collegiate career, but that doesn't really matter.

Sure, being a one-dimensional receiving tight end may be frowned upon by some. But when you possess the kind of natural athleticism and speed that Ebron does, it simply doesn't matter.

The 6'4'', 235-pound junior caught 40 passes for 625 yards and four touchdowns in 2012, and he displayed remarkable explosion and quickness for a player his size. 

Ebron definitely fits the description of a wide receiver who was born in a tight end's body. 

The Top 10 Underclassmen Tight Ends

1. Eric Ebron, North Carolina

2. Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington 

3. Jake McGee, Virginia

4. Xavier Grimble, USC

5. Nick O’Leary, Florida State

6. Jace Amaro, Texas Tech

7. Colt Lyerla, Oregon

8. Clive Walford, Miami

9. Randall Telfer, USC

10. A.C. Leonard, Tennessee State

10 Underclassmen Tight Ends to Watch

Ben Koyack, Notre Dame

Dejzon Walker, Northern Arizona

Issac Blakeney, Duke

Jack Tabb, North Carolina

Jake Murphy, Utah

Jay Rome, Georgia

Kivon Cartwright, Colorado State

Richard Rodgers, California

Rory Anderson, South Carolina

Ryan Malleck, Virginia Tech

Top Senior OT: Jake Matthews, Texas A&M

Jake Matthews bypassed the chance to join his Texas A&M teammates Luke Joeckel and Damontre Moore in the 2013 NFL draft, which is a bit surprising considering he was guaranteed to be a top-15 pick. 

Matthews, the son of legendary tackle Bruce Matthews and cousin of star LB Clay Matthews, certainly has the type of genes to be a standout pro. 

The 6'5'', 305-pound senior has manned the right tackle spot for the Aggies for the past three years. But now that Joeckel's gone, he'll have the chance to prove himself on the right side in 2013. 

If Matthews can show that he can handle the SEC's speedy edge-rushers, while continuing to dominate in the running game, there's no reason he shouldn't be a top-10 pick in 2014. He should even garner some consideration to be the No. 1 overall selection. 

The Top 10 Senior Offensive Tackles

1. Jake Matthews, Texas A&M

2. Taylor Lewan, Michigan

3. Zack Martin, Notre Dame

4. Morgan Moses, Virginia

5. JaWuan James, Tennessee

6. Seantrel Henderson, Miami

7. Austin Wentworth, Fresno State

8. James Hurst, North Carolina

9. Bryce Quigley, San Diego State

10. Jack Mewhort, Ohio State

10 Senior Offensive Tackles to Watch

Billy Turner, North Dakota State

Brandon Thomas, Clemson

Cornelius Lucas, Kansas State

Davonte Wallace, New Mexico

Ed Olson, Minnesota

Emmanuel McCray, Ole Miss

Jeremiah Sirles, Nebraska

John Fullington, Washington State

Kenarious Gates, Georgia

Wesley Johnson, Vanderbilt

Top Underclassmen OT: Cyrus Kouandjio, Alabama

Alabama's offensive line has lost three players—Chance Warmack, Barrett Jones and DJ Fluker, who will be high picks in the 2013 NFL draft.

Luckily, however, the Tide have a young budding star lineman, Cyrus Kouandjio, who will be the new leader in the trenches. 

Kouandjio has quickly gone from being one of the top-rated prospects of the 2011 recruiting class to being one of the most reliable and consistent lineman in the country. 

The 6'6'', 311-pound junior is a rare physical specimen who possesses the size, strength, quick feet and overall toughness to develop into a franchise left tackle for an NFL team. 

The Top 10 Underclassmen Offensive Tackles

1. Cyrus Kouandjio, Alabama

2. David Yankey, Stanford

3. Tyler Johnstone, Oregon

4. Eric Lefeld, Cincinnati

5. Brandon Scherff, Iowa

6. Chaz Green, Florida

7. Antonio Richardson, Tennessee

8. Quinton Spain, West Virginia

9. Malcolm Bunche, Miami

10. Cameron Fleming, Stanford

10 Underclassmen Offensive Tackles to Watch

Aundrey Walker, USC

Brett Boyko, UNLV

Brey Cook, Arkansas

Cameron Erving, Florida State

Daniel Koenig, Oklahoma State

Daryl Williams, Oklahoma

Jamon Brown, Louisville

Josh Cochran, Texas

Kaleb Johnson, Rutgers

Rob Havenstein, Wisconsin

Top Senior IL: Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State

The SEC was home to the best offensive guard prospect for the 2013 NFL draft, Alabama's Chance Warmack. The league will also be home to the best guard prospect for the 2014 draft, Mississippi State's Gabe Jackson. 

Like Warmack, Jackson is a big, strong and physical guard who can overwhelm and maul opposing defenders in the running game with his size and power. 

The 6'4'', 320-pound senior is also surprisingly nimble and agile for a player his size. 

Jackson is the complete package in terms of physical skills. If he puts together a dominant senior campaign next season, there's a good chance that he'll end up being a first-round pick in 2014. 

The Top 10 Senior Interior Linemen

1. Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State

2. Cyril Richardson, Baylor

3. Anthony Steen, Alabama

4. Gabe Ikard, Oklahoma

5. Andrew Norwell, Ohio State

6. Jonotthan Harrison, Florida

7. Brandon Linder, Miami

8. Spencer Long, Nebraska

9. Travis Swanson, Arkansas

10. Mason Walters, Texas

10 Senior Interior Linemen to Watch

Antwan Lowery, Rutgers

Bronson Irwin, Oklahoma

Bryan Stork, Florida State

Chris Burnette, Georgia

Chris Watt, Notre Dame

Jon Halapio, Florida

Josh Williford, LSU

Tyler Larsen, Utah State

Tyler Strong, Wyoming

Weston Richburg, Colorado State

Top Underclassmen IL: Josue Matias, Florida State

Back in 2011, Josue Matias arrived at Florida State as a heralded 4-star recruit out of New Jersey.

It hasn't taken him long to show that he's got the physical tools to develop into an All-American-caliber offensive lineman. 

In his first year as a full-time starter in 2012, Matias displayed tremendous athleticism and strength, and he proved that he was versatile enough to handle himself as both a pass-blocker and a run-blocker. 

The 6'6'', 326-pound junior clearly has the size, strength and agility that scouts are looking for in an upper-echelon guard prospect. If Matias can continue to refine his technique and work on his fundamentals, he should emerge as one of the top offensive lineman in the country in 2013. 

The Top 10 Underclassmen Interior Linemen

1. Josue Matias, Florida State

2. Trai Turner, LSU

3. Xavier Su'a-Filo, UCLA

4. Marcus Martin, USC

5. Russell Bodine, North Carolina

6. La’el Collins, LSU

7. Hroniss Grasu, Oregon

8. Brandon Vitabile, Northwestern

9. Tre Jackson, Florida State

10. B.J. Finney, Kansas State

10 Underclassmen Interior Linemen to Watch

A.J. Cann, South Carolina

Alex Lewis, Colorado

Andrew Miller, Virginia Tech

Chad Slade, Auburn

Cyril Lemon, North Texas

Daniel Quave, Louisiana-Lafayette

David Andrews, Georgia

Laken Tomlinson, Duke

Marcus Jackson, Tennessee

Reese Dismukes, Auburn

Top Senior DT: Dominique Easley, Florida

Florida's defense lost a lot of star power with the early departures of DT Sharrif Floyd, SS Matt Elam and LB Jelani Jenkins. However, the Gators are still loaded with plenty of talent on the defensive side of the ball for 2013. 

The defender to really watch out for is Dominique Easley. 

Easley has shown that he can line up all over the defensive line, whether it's at end or at tackle, and make a big impact. He's the type of versatile defensive lineman prospect, who could fit in as either a 4-3 defensive tackle or a 3-4 defensive end once he reaches the NFL. 

The highly athletic 6'2'', 280-pound senior is a former All-American recruit, who hasn't yet fully lived up to his high school hype. However, now that he'll be fully recovered from a torn ACL he experienced late in the 2011 season, Easley should be ready to dominate in his final season in Gainesville. 

The Top 10 Senior Defensive Tackles

1. Dominique Easley, Florida

2. Will Sutton, Arizona State

3. Calvin Barnett, Oklahoma State

4. Byran Jones, Arkansas

5. Kerry Hyder, Texas Tech

6. Ra’Shede Hageman, Minnesota

7. Demonte Mcallister, Florida State

8. Daniel McCullers, Tennessee

9. Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh

10. Bruce Gaston, Purdue

10 Senior Defensive Tackles to Watch

Ashton Dorsey, Texas

Beau Allen, Wisconsin

Derrick Hopkins, Virginia Tech

Jay Bromley, Syracuse

Jibreel Black, Michigan

Khyri Thornton, Southern Miss

Nikita Whitlock, Wake Forest

Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe, Boise State

Roosevelt Nix, Kent State

Wade Keliikipi, Oregon

Top Underclassmen DT: Louix Nix, Notre Dame

Manti Te'o received pretty much all of the credit in 2012. However, it was actually DT Louis Nix, who was the real key to Notre Dame's defensive success. 

Nix's performance in the trenches was the main reason why the Irish ranked 11th in the nation in rushing defense this past season. 

The 6'3'', 326-pound nose tackle was an immovable rock, who constantly clogged up running lanes and caused havoc for opposing blockers.

Not only can the monstrous middle-man eat up blockers and free up others to make plays; he can also make crucial stops himself. Nix finished the 2012 season with 50 total tackles, including 20 solo stops, 7.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. 

With Te'o gone, the talented run-stuffer should finally start to garner the type of recognition he deserves in 2013. 

The Top 10 Underclassmen Defensive Tackles

1. Louis Nix, Notre Dame

2. Timmy Jernigan, Florida State

3. Anthony Johnson, LSU

4. Kelcy Quarles, South Carolina

5. Tyeler Davison, Fresno State

6. Desmond Jackson, Texas

7. George Uko, USC

8. Ego Ferguson, LSU

9. Danny Shelton, Washington

10. Leon Orr, Florida

10 Underclassmen Defensive Tackles to Watch

Angelo Blackson, Auburn

Brandon Ivory, Alabama

Camaron Beard, Cincinnati

Elkino Watson, South Florida

Gabe Wright, Auburn

Justin Hamilton, Louisiana-Lafayette

Shawn Underwood, North Carolina

Travis Raciti, San Jose State

T.Y. McGill, NC State

Viliami Moala, California

Top Senior DE: Jackson Jeffcoat, Texas

If it wasn't for an unfortunate pectoral injury that kept him sidelined for the second half of the 2012 season, right now, we'd likely be talking about Jackson Jeffcoat as a potential top-15 pick for the 2013 NFL draft. 

In just two and half seasons of action, Jeffcoat has already proven that he's a true game-changing defensive difference-maker. 

Over the past two years, the 6'5'', 245-pound junior has racked up 12 sacks and 33 tackles for loss in just 19 games of action. 

Jeffcoat, the son of former first-round NFL draft pick Jim Jeffcoat, is an athletic and explosive edge-rusher, who could end up being either a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 rush linebacker in the pros.

The Top 10 Senior Defensive Ends

1. Jackson Jeffcoat, Texas

2. James Gayle, Virginia Tech

3. Morgan Breslin, USC

4. Kareem Martin, North Carolina

5. Ben Gardner, Stanford

6. Ed Stinson, Alabama

7. Cassius Marsh, UCLA

8. Taylor Hart, Oregon

9. Deandre Coleman, California

10. Garrison Smith, Georgia

10 Senior Defensive Ends to Watch

Chaz Sutton, South Carolina

Chidera Uzo-Diribe, Colorado

Chris Smith, Arkansas

Darryl Cato-Bishop, NC State

David Gilbert, Wisconsin

Denico Autry, Mississippi State

Dominic Alvis, Iowa

Jason Ankrah, Nebraska

Ryne Giddins, South Florida

Tyler Scott, Northwestern

Top Underclassmen DE: Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina

Jadeveon Clowney arrived at South Carolina as one of the most highly touted high school football recruits of all time. However, he certainly hasn't let the pressure and sky-high expectations affect him at all so far.

Clowney has already become the type of dominant pass-rushing phenom that many projected him to be when he was coming out of high school. 

The 6'6'', 256-pound junior definitely deserves the label "physical freak" for the type of size-speed combo that he has to offer. He put those rare physical skills to good use in 2012, as he totaled 13 sacks, 23.5 tackles for loss, five quarterback hurries and three forced fumbles. 

There's no doubt that Clowney would be the first pick in the 2013 draft if he were eligible, which is why he'll enter next season as the overwhelming favorite to be the No. 1 pick in 2014. He'll also be one of the top early contenders for the Heisman Trophy. 

Even though he's sure to face plenty of double-teams in 2013, the "once-in-a-generation" pass-rusher still has a chance to put together one of the best performances we've ever seen from a college defender.

The Top 10 Underclassmen Defensive Ends

1. Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina

2. Stephon Tuitt, Notre Dame

3. Demarcus Lawrence, Boise State

4. Scott Crichton, Oregon State

5. Kony Ealy, Missouri

6. C.J. Johnson, Ole Miss

7. Vic Beasley, Clemson

8. Chuka Ndulue, Oklahoma

9. Henry Anderson, Stanford

10. Marcus Rush, Michigan State

10 Underclassmen Defensive Ends to Watch

Anthony Chickillo, Miami

Brock Hekking, Nevada

Corey Crawford, Clemson

Dylan Wynn, Oregon State

Jermauria Rasco, LSU

Josh Shirley, Washington

Kaleb Eulls, Mississippi State

Lorenzo Mauldin, Louisville

Ryan Russell, Purdue

Trey Flowers, Arkansas

Top Senior LB: Kyle Van Noy, BYU

If you watched the 2012 Poinsettia Bowl, then you already know just how dominant of a defender Kyle Van Noy really is. 

Van Noy completely took over the game, finishing with an eye-popping stat line, which included eight total tackles, including five solo stops and 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two touchdowns, an interception, a forced fumble and a blocked punt.

Following that exceptional performance against San Diego State, it looked like the highly athletic 6'3'', 235-pound junior was destined to be a first-round pick in the 2013 NFL draft. But the outstanding outside linebacker instead chose to return to Provo for his senior year.

After totaling 13 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, eight quarterback hurries and six forced fumbles this past season, Van Noy will now enter the 2013 season as one of the most feared defensive players in all of college football. 

The Top 10 Senior Linebackers

1. Kyle Van Noy, BYU

2. Anthony Barr, UCLA

3. CJ Mosley, Alabama

4. Christian Jones, Florida State

5. Shayne Skov, Stanford

6. Khalil Mack, Buffalo

7. Max Bullough, Michigan State

8. Andrew Jackson Western Kentucky

9. Jeremiah Attaochu, Georgia Tech

10. Lamin Barrow, LSU

10 Senior Linebackers to Watch

Anthony Hitchens, Iowa

Boseko Lokombo, Oregon

Chris Borland, Wisconsin

Christian Kirksey, Iowa

Corey Nelson, Oklahoma

Denicos Allen, Michigan State

Jonathan Brown, Illinois

Kevin Pierre-Louis, Boston College

Prince Shembo, Notre Dame

Trent Murphy, Stanford

Top Underclassmen LB: Ryan Shazier, Ohio State

Star quarterback Braxton Miller will surely be the Ohio State player who receives most of the publicity this offseason. But the Buckeyes' most intriguing player is actually LB Ryan Shazier. 

Shazier is coming off a sensational sophomore season, in which he totaled 114 tackles, including 69 solo stops, 17 tackles for loss and five sacks. 

The 6'2'', 230-pound junior is a remarkable athlete, who can fly from sideline to sideline and make crucial stops all over the field.

Ohio State has produced some great linebackers over the last decade. It wouldn't be surprising, though, if Shazier ends up being better than all of them. 

He's undoubtedly one of the top impact defenders in all of college football, and he'll play a critical role in the Buckeyes' quest for a BCS championship in 2013. 

The Top 10 Underclassmen Linebackers

1. Ryan Shazier, Ohio State

2. Adrian Hubbard, Alabama

3. Jake Ryan, Michigan

4. A.J. Johnson, Tennessee

5. Trey Depriest, Alabama

6. Hayes Pullard, USC

7. Yawin Smallwood, Connecticut

8. Steve Edmond, Texas

9. Bryce Hager, Baylor

10. Dion Bailey, USC

10 Underclassmen Linebackers to Watch

Alvin Dupree, Kentucky

Amarlo Herrera, Georgia

Carl Bradford, Arizona State

Denzel Perryman, Miami

Donnie Baggs, Texas A&M

Dyshawn Davis, Syracuse

Eric Kendricks, UCLA

Isaiah Bruce, West Virginia

Lamar Dawson, USC

Stephone Anthony, Clemson

Top Senior CB: Aaron Colvin, Oklahoma

Aaron Colvin has played both cornerback and safety during his collegiate career, but no matter where he's lined up, he's always found a way to make an impact. 

Over the past two seasons, Colvin has totaled 136 tackles, including 97 solo stops, four interceptions and 17 pass breakups. 

The 6'0'', 181-pound senior has the size, athleticism and coverage skills to go toe-to-toe with any type of receiver he matches up with. 

Colvin may not make a ton of flashy highlight-reel plays. But he's a reliable playmaker on the outside who always seems to find a way to be around the ball. 

The Top 10 Senior Cornerbacks

1. Aaron Colvin, Oklahoma

2. Jason Verrett, TCU

3. Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State

4. Bene Benwikere, San Jose State

5. Carrington Byndom, Texas

6. Marcus Williams, North Dakota State

7. Andre Hal, Vanderbilt

8. Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State

9. E.J. Gaines, Missouri

10. Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech

10 Senior Cornerbacks to Watch

Antone Exum, Virginia Tech

Bookie Sneed, Sam Houston State

Charles Sawyer, Ole Miss

Ciante Evans, Nebraska

Deion Belue, Alabama

Jimmy Legree, South Carolina

L.J. Jones, Fresno State

Pierre Desir, Lindenwood

Ricardo Allen, Purdue

Shaquille Richardson, Arizona

Top Underclassmen CB: Bradley Roby, Ohio State

Like every young college cornerback, Bradley Roby is still learning all the fundamentals needed to become a great cover corner.

Still, it's already clear that he's got the type of athleticism and playmaking ability needed to excel at the NFL level. 

Roby made some truly spectacular plays in 2012. He racked up 63 tackles, including 41 solo stops, picked off two passes and broke up another 17 throws. What was really impressive, however, is that he scored three touchdowns in three different ways (punt block return, interception return and fumble return).

The 5'11'', 190-pound junior should be even better next season. Not only will Roby be a top contender for the Jim Thorpe Award as well as All-American honors, he could very well end up being the top cornerback selected in the 2014 NFL draft. 

The Top 10 Underclassmen Cornerbacks

1. Bradley Roby, Ohio State

2. Quandre Diggs, Texas

3. Loucheiz Purifoy, Florida

4. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon

5. Deshazor Everett, Texas A&M

6. Marcus Roberson, Florida

7. Bennett Jackson, Notre Dame

8. Tim Scott, North Carolina

9. Wayne Lyons, Stanford

10. Bashaud Breeland, Clemson

10 Underclassmen Cornerbacks to Watch

Blake Countess, Michigan

Damian Swann, Georgia

Demetrious Nicholson, Virginia

Keon Lyn, Syracuse

Levander Liggins, Louisiana Tech

Merrill Noel, Wake Forest

Phillip Gaines, Rice

Rashaad Reynolds, Oregon State

Terrance Mitchell, Oregon

Tevin Mitchel, Arkansas

Top Senior Safety: Craig Loston, LSU

LSU's defense was hit very hard by underclassmen declarations. The Tigers lost standouts such as defensive ends Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo, LB Kevin Minter, DT Bennie Logan, FS Eric Reid and CB Tharold Simon. 

Now, the defense will need a new leader to step up in 2013, and the player who looks like he's most ready for that role is safety Craig Loston. 

Loston is a former 5-star recruit from Texas, who had to wait patiently to get his chance to be a full-time starter. However, once he finally got the chance to prove himself in 2012, he certainly made the most of the opportunity. 

The speedy 6'2'', 205-pound ball-hawk was flying around the field and dishing out huge hits this past season, as he racked up 55 tackles and picked off three passes.

The SEC is a conference that's usually home to some of best safeties in the country. It appears as if Loston is destined to be the league's next great player at the position. 

The Top 10 Senior Safeties

1. Craig Loston, LSU

2. Lamarcus Joyner, Florida State

3. C.J. Barnett, Ohio State

4. Tre Boston, North Carolina

5. Brian Blechen, Utah

6. Daytawion Lowe, Oklahoma State

7. Jaylen Watkins, Florida

8. Ahmad Dixon, Baylor

9. Hakeem Smith, Louisville

10. Isaiah Johnson, Georgia Tech

10 Senior Safeties to Watch

Avery Patterson, Oregon

Christian Bryant, Ohio State

Demetruce McNeal, Auburn

Deone Bucannon, Washington State

Dezmen Southward, Wisconsin

Isaiah Lewis, Michigan State

Marquis Flowers, Arizona

Nickoe Whitley, Mississippi State

Sean Parker, Washington

Ty Zimmerman, Kansas State

Top Underclassmen Safety: Ed Reynolds, Stanford

Stanford's pass defense wasn't anything special in 2012. However, the Cardinal did have one special player in the secondary, safety Ed Reynolds. 

Reynolds displayed the type of natural playmaking instincts, recognition ability and ball skills that you look for in a potential NFL safety. He picked off six passes, returning three for touchdowns. 

The 6'2'', 207-pound junior appears to be fully recovered from a knee injury that kept him out the entire 2011 season. That's bad news for Pac-12 quarterbacks. 

The big, athletic playmaking free safety has the skills to be one of the biggest defensive stars in the country in 2013. 

The Top 10 Underclassmen Safeties

1. Ed Reynolds, Stanford

2. Ha’Sean Clinton, Dix, Alabama

3. Erick Dargan, Oregon

4. Tevin McDonald, UCLA

5. Calvin Pryor, Louisville

6. Jonathan Dowling, Western Kentucky

7. Tra’Mayne Bondurant, Arizona

8. Karlos Williams, Florida State

9. Ibraheim Campbell, Northwestern

10. Sam Carter, TCU

10 Underclassmen Safeties to Watch

Brison Williams, South Carolina

Clayton Geathers, UCF

Corey Moore, Georgia

Dean Marlowe, James Madison

Derron Smith, Fresno State

Howard Matthews, Texas A&M

Jared Tevis, Arizona

Jason Hendricks, Pittsburgh

Jeremy Ioane, Boise State

Vinnie Sunseri, Alabama

The Top 100 Overall Prospects: 1-10

1. Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

2. Marqise Lee, WR, USC

3. Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

4. Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame

5. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

6. Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama

7. Jackson Jeffcoat, DE, Texas

8. Kyle Van Noy, LB, BYU

9. Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State

10. Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State

The Top 100 Overall Prospects: 11-20

11. David Fales, QB, San Jose State

12. Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame

13. Gabe Jackson, OG, Mississippi State

14. Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt

15. Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson

16. Craig Loston, SS, LSU

17. Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

18. Dominique Easley, DT/DE, Florida

19. Adrian Hubbard, LB, Alabama

20. Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia

The Top 100 Overall Prospects: 21-30

21. Anthony Barr, LB, UCLA

22. Will Sutton, DT, Arizona State

23. CJ Mosley, LB, Alabama

24. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

25. Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State

26. David Yankey, OT, Stanford

27. Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

28. Jake Ryan, LB, Michigan

29. Lamarcus Joyner, FS, Florida State

30. Ed Reynolds, FS, Stanford

The Top 100 Overall Prospects: 31-40

31. Christian Jones, LB, Florida State

32. Anthony Johnson, DT, LSU

33. Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

34. Zack Martin, OT, Notre Dame

35. Scott Crichton, DE, Oregon State

36. Kevin Hogan, QB, Stanford

37. Jeremy Hill, RB, LSU

38. Demarcus Lawrence, DE, Boise State

39. Cody Hoffman, WR, BYU

40. Jeremy Smith, RB, Oklahoma State

The Top 100 Overall Prospects: 41-50

41. Quandre Diggs, QB, Texas

42. AJ Johnson, LB, Tennessee

43. Aaron Colvin, CB, Oklahoma

44. Ka’Deem Carey, RB, Arizona

45. Braxton Miller, QB, Ohio State

46. Jason Verrett, CB, TCU

47. De’Anthony Thomas, RB, Oregon

48. Brandon Coleman, WR, Rutgers

49. Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State

50. Josue Matias, OG, Florida State

The Top 100 Overall Prospects: 51-60

51. Josh Stewart, WR, Oklahoma State

52. Loucheiz Purifoy, CB, Florida

53. Lache Seastrunk, RB, Baylor

54. Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina

55. Trey Depriest, LB, Alabama

56. Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska

57. Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Washington

58. Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia

59. Bene Benwikere, CB, San Jose State

60. Hayes Pullard, LB, USC

The Top 100 Overall Prospects: 61-70

61. Cyril Richardson, OG, Baylor

62. Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA

63. Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M

64. Morgan Breslin, DE, USC

65. AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama

66. Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri

67. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon

68. Bishop Sankey, RB, Washington

69. Calvin Barnett, DT, Oklahoma State

70. James Gayle, DE, Virginia Tech

The Top 100 Overall Prospects: 71-80

71. Shayne Skov, LB, Stanford

72. Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech

73. Carrington Byndom, CB, Texas

74. Ha’Sean Clinton-Dix, FS, Alabama

75. Jake McGee, TE, Virginia

76. Kelcy Quarles, DT, South Carolina

77. Yawin Smallwood, LB, Connecticut

78. CJ Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa

79. Kareem Martin, DE, North Carolina

80. Silas Redd, RB, USC

The Top 100 Overall Prospects: 81-90

81. Malcolm Mitchell, WR, Georgia

82. Trai Turner, OG, LSU

83. Deshazor Everett, CB, Texas A&M

84. Erick Dargan, FS, Oregon

85. Ben Gardner, DE, Stanford

86. JaWuan James, OT, Tennessee

87. C.J. Barnett, FS, Ohio State

88. Marcus Williams, CB, North Dakota State

89. Seantrel Henderson, OT, Miami

90. Xavier Grimble, TE, USC

The Top 100 Overall Prospects: 91-100

91. Dri Archer, RB, Kent State

92. Tre Boston, SS, North Carolina

93. Jalen Saunders, WR, Oklahoma

94. Anthony Steen, OG, Alabama

95. Khalil Mack, LB, Buffalo

96. Brian Blechen, SS, Utah

97. Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa

98. Ed Stinson, DE, Alabama

99. Gabe Ikard, OG, Oklahoma

100. DE Cassius Marsh, DE, UCLA