10 Former College Football Stars Who We Want to See in the Announcing Booth

Generally, college football stars go to the NFL, play for a few years (or a couple of decades, if they translate well to the pro level) and either disappear from sight or enter the announcing circuit.

There are a few personalities that fans practically deserve to see in the announcing booths. From larger-than-life figures to men who are simply knowledgeable about the game and have excellent composure, they would provide a great spark to the commentary.

Here are 10 former collegiate stars who we would love to see in the announcing booth, presented in alphabetical order.

Chris Cooley (TE, Utah State Aggies)

Chris Cooley was a great player for the Utah State Aggies, and he went on to be one of the most popular players in the NFL while with the Redskins.

He has a great down-to-earth personality that has been covered extensively by sites like Deadspin, where his persona is greatly appreciated.

His unique combination of personality, football knowledge/experience and general awesomeness would be welcome in any booth nationwide. Cooley easily makes the list, and if it were a ranked list, he would be much closer to the top.

Maurice Jones-Drew (RB, UCLA Bruins)

Maurice Jones-Drew isn't just a former college football star, he's an NFL great. He plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and he's currently giving kids all across the nation real-life proof that finishing your degree is important.

While every player on this list would provide a unique perspective on the game, Jones-Drew's various off-field interests would add a special edge to his commentary. He has definitely earned his keep on the gridiron, and he's also raising money to help the Wolfson Children's Hospital and underprivileged kids.

Instead of talking about how awesome these guys are and how much they should be respected, why don't we respect them by giving them prominent positions in the community?

Plus, with his football camps, Jones-Drew would be able to give way-too-early evaluations of up-and-coming stars who aren't yet out of high school.

Larry Fitzgerald (WR, Pittsburgh Panthers)

Larry Fitzgerald is no stranger to winning awards, either in college or as a professional. Fitzgerald's father, Larry Fitzgerald Sr., was a press-box presence in Minneapolis as Larry Jr. grew up.

He had to have learned something about broadcasting from his father, even if it wasn't on purpose. When Fitzgerald Jr. takes his leave of pro football, he would make a lot of sense behind the mic.

Hopefully, fans aren't the only ones who realize this.

Barrett Jones (OL, Alabama Crimson Tide)

Barrett Jones was a superstar for the Crimson Tide during his championship-laden run at Alabama. While he has yet to play a down in the NFL, it's safe to say that he will not be a bust.

Jones was a weekly guest on the Tim Brando Show this past season, and for anyone who knows Nick Saban, that's impressive. Granted, he was a senior, but Saban doesn't let just anyone go on the air and start discussing, well, anything.

If you saw any of his interviews, you know that Jones carried himself well. He was eloquent without being unapproachable, and he was generally a funny guy. He was at his best when he was talking about his own mistakes as well.

He has a great personality and a vault full of football information on his shoulders. Whenever the time comes, he'll be a great addition to the booth.

Ray Lewis (LB, Miami Hurricanes)

Ray Lewis achieved legendary status with the Miami Hurricanes, and he was inducted into their Hall of Fame back in 2006. He went on to gain the same level of notoriety with the Baltimore Ravens, and he was also known for his motivational speeches.

The great news for people who want to see him in the booth is that you won't have to wait long. Back in February, Lewis signed on with ESPN for NFL games.

While we'd all love to see him in the collegiate booth, at least he's on the ESPN depth chart. Maybe he'll get some face time during bowl season.

Randy Moss (WR, Marshall Thundering Herd)

Randy Moss has been a star since he suited up in high school, and he has not let fans down on the field since then.

There is already a Randy Moss who reports (NSFW, some language) for NBC, but it's not the same one we're talking about here.

If this Randy Moss is half as funny and spontaneous as some of the stories say he is, he would be a delight on the air. Admittedly, he might also be a bit of a liability, but the benefits would far outweigh the risks.

Clinton Portis (RB, Miami Hurricanes)

Clinton Portis was a key contributor on the legendary 2001 Miami Hurricanes squad, and he was a great tailback in the NFL. He amassed more than four yards per carry over his nine-year pro career.

Portis also has a gigantic personality. If Lee Corso is the big blind, then Portis would be akin to the chip leader going all-in. Now, there's no reason to take football commentary so far out of the way as to create another genre of entertainment, but there's also no reason to keep it mundane.

As the Internet continues to gain footholds in all aspects of journalism and reporting, the guys on TV are going to have to up the ante at some point. Portis is the man to accomplish this.

Jeff Reed (PK, UNC Tar Heels)

This might be playing a little fast and loose with the term "star," but Jeff Reed worked his way from walk-on to scholarship kicker at UNC. After earning his scholarship status, he was a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award back in 2000 (the first year he ever kicked a ball).

A true hardworking spirit, Reed earned the respect of his peers at every level, including the NFL. If you handed him a list of guidelines and practice requirements, he'd be top-notch at whatever he tried.

That kind of work ethic will take him far, but his off-the-cuff spirit and general likability make him well-suited for the announcer's chair. We'd love to see him there sooner rather than later.

Tim Tebow (QB, Florida Gators)

Tim Tebow was a Heisman-winning superstar for Florida and he did great things for them, including being a contributor to two national championships and a Sugar Bowl win.

The college phenom has a great, approachable personality, and he's easily one of the great prospects on this list. Tebow's angle as a quarterback would be great to have in the booth, especially coming from a spread offense.

As the NFL takes on some of the principles exemplified by the fast-paced college teams like Oregon and Texas A&M, it would be nice to see someone who knew that type of offense intimately.

Plus, for those of you tired of hearing about him, you finally wouldn't have to hear about him anymore. Of course, you'd have to hear from him, so that's a point against.

Ricky Williams (RB, Texas Longhorns)

Ricky Williams is easily one of the best running backs in the history of college football, and you can hear in the video that he has the poise and eloquence required to sit in the booth.

Williams did something back in 2004 that really got a ton of people's attention. He retired when he appeared to be at his best. He came back after a year off, but he came back as a lover of the game.

When he was unable to give his it all for his team, he simply walked away. He came back when he was personally ready to put in 100 percent.

That kind of self awareness, confidence and courage would be great to hear coming out of the TV every Saturday. Williams would get to be a legend on the college field, the NFL field and the booth. He comes in last on the list alphabetically, but he's one of the top three on this list.