Updated College Football All-American Team Projections for Post Week 8
For all of the anticipation and talk surrounding college football, the season certainly passes quickly.
Saturday’s thrilling action officially marked the midway point of the 2014 season. There are only seven regular-season weeks left in the season, meaning we’ve had plenty of opportunities to see which players have lived up to their hype, which players have exceeded it and which players are disappointments. Many outlets, like SI.com, have released their midseason All-America teams.
It’s the perfect time to project which players will be All-Americans when the season ends. These projections are based on performances to date, their statistical efforts and overall importance to their teams.
*Stats from ESPN.com, Sports-Reference.com and individual team sites were used in comprising this article.
Oregon Quarterback Marcus Mariota
1 of 25Oregon is firmly in the chase for the College Football Playoff, and junior quarterback Marcus Mariota is a huge reason why. Mariota has established himself as college football’s best quarterback after a 2013 season that saw him throw for 3,665 yards with 31 touchdowns against four interceptions. This year, he leads an offense that averages 43.6 points per game (sixth nationally).
He has 19 touchdowns with zero interceptions on his way to 1,957 passing yards and is an elusive player who works well in or out of the pocket. Mariota also has five rushing touchdowns. He is a strong candidate for the Heisman Trophy and a surefire All-American.
He is a strong 2015 NFL draft candidate but tells The Oregonian's Andrew Greif that he hasn't thought about a decision yet.
"I'm really trying to prolong it as much as I can because once you start diving into those things, it can become a distraction. There are lot of things that kind of play into those decisions. I'm waiting ’til the end of the year and we'll make the decision as a family.
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Wisconsin Running Back Melvin Gordon
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Wisconsin averages 343 rushing yards per game, No. 1 nationally, and the Badgers wouldn’t be there without junior tailback Melvin Gordon. Through six games, Gordon has 1,046 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground, averaging an eye-popping 7.9 yards per carry.
He is on pace for 2,092 yards, which would bolt past last season’s effort of 1,609. Gordon has rushed for at least 140 yards in all but one game, with his biggest day a 13-carry, 253-yard, five-touchdown outburst against Bowling Green. He has power and breakaway speed and could emerge as a dark-horse Heisman Trophy candidate.
Nebraska Running Back Ameer Abdullah
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At 6-1, Nebraska looks like the class of the Big Ten West. One of the Huskers’ strongest points is their ground game, which averages 293.6 yards per game (seventh-best nationally). Senior tailback Ameer Abdullah is at the heart of that offense. While Abdullah is smaller in stature (5’9”, 195 lbs), he plays huge.
Abdullah has 1,024 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns and has surpassed 100 rushing yards in all but two games. He's also scored at least one rushing touchdown in every game so far. On Saturday, he gashed Northwestern for 146 yards and four touchdowns. He has speed to burn and makes things happen every time he touches the ball.
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Alabama Wide Receiver Amari Cooper
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Alabama’s offense broke out Saturday, blasting Texas A&M 59-0, and it’s no surprise that junior receiver Amari Cooper was right in the middle of the action with eight catches, 140 yards and two scores.
He has clearly been one of college football’s top wideouts with 62 receptions for 908 yards and seven scores. He has already surpassed his season totals from 2013 (45 receptions, 736 yards, four scores).
Cooper is Blake Sims’ top target and has excellent speed and leaping ability. If Alabama pushes for a College Football Playoff bid, you can bet that he’ll be a driving force.
West Virginia Wide Receiver Kevin White
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After many took notice of West Virginia following Saturday’s 41-27 upset of then-No. 4 Baylor, the Mountaineers became one of the nation’s favorite turnaround stories. West Virginia has a potent offense, averaging 37.3 points per game, and senior receiver Kevin White is one of its best cogs.
He has 69 receptions for 1,020 yards with seven touchdowns. He's been consistent too. White has surpassed 100 receiving yards in every game for the Mountaineers.
White stands 6’3”, 210 pounds and catches everything thrown his way. He’s a perfect fit for WVU’s high-octane system.
Florida State Tight End Nick O'Leary
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Florida State is again one of the nation’s top teams and firmly in the hunt for a College Football Playoff bid. The Seminoles wouldn’t be doing it without senior tight end Nick O’Leary. The 6’3”, 247-pounder is an excellent all-around tight end.
He has 27 receptions for 288 yards and two touchdowns on the season. More than just a receiver, O'Leary is a physical blocker more than capable of opening up big plays for teammates. He has made at least two receptions in all but one game this season and is clearly the nation’s best tight end.
Texas A&M Offensive Tackle Cedric Ogbuehi
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Last winter, Texas A&M tackle Cedric Ogbuehi considered entering the NFL early. The Aggies are certainly glad he decided to return for his senior season. Ogbuehi never played left tackle before this season, but he has fit in perfectly. He has excellent versatility: He began his career as a guard then moved to right tackle as a junior.
A&M was blasted 59-0 by Alabama Saturday but still has the nation’s No. 5 passing offense, averaging 364.1 yards per game. Ogbuehi, who stands 6’5”, 305 pounds, is a big reason why. He protects sophomore quarterback Kenny Hill’s blind side from opposing defensive ends. He is expected to be a high first-round pick in next spring’s NFL draft.
Iowa Offensive Tackle Brandon Scherff
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Iowa has a strong tradition of sending offensive linemen to the NFL, and senior tackle Brandon Scherff is poised to continue that tradition as perhaps its best yet. The 6’5”, 320-pound left tackle has been the Hawkeyes’ best player for much of this season. He is a versatile, powerful player who fires off blocks and serves as an excellent blindside protector for Iowa’s quarterbacks.
While Iowa is averaging only 146.3 rushing yards per game, No. 90 nationally, that number would be a lot worse without Scherff.
South Carolina Offensive Guard A.J. Cann
9 of 25
At 4-3, South Carolina is muddling through a disappointing 2014 after three consecutive 11-win seasons. But senior guard A.J. Cann has been one of the biggest bright spots. Cann stands 6’4”, 311 pounds and is more than capable of pushing opposing defensive linemen around.
He is an excellent run-blocker who can open big holes for talented Gamecock tailback Mike Davis, who has 662 rushing yards and eight touchdowns this season.
Florida State Offensive Guard Tre' Jackson
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While Florida State’s offensive line hasn’t quite reached the heights it did in last season’s national title run, senior guard Tre' Jackson has continued his strong play. Jackson stands 6’4”, 339 pounds and is a massive force in the Seminoles’ interior line. He has been the ACC’s Offensive Lineman of the Week twice. In a 38-20 win at Syracuse, Jackson graded out at 94 percent, the highest by any FSU offensive lineman this season.
FSU averages 316.9 passing yards per game, No. 13 nationally, and Jackson is a big piece of that puzzle while protecting quarterback Jameis Winston. He’ll be a key part of the Seminoles’ push for a College Football Playoff bid.
Auburn Center Reese Dismukes
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A center can be one of the most unsung pieces of a great offense. Anyone who has watched Auburn’s offense closely knows that’s the case with senior Reese Dismukes. Dismukes was a key part of the Tigers’ charge to the BCS title game last fall, and he has been very important again this season.
Auburn averages 262 rushing yards per game, No. 14 nationally, and 38.8 points per game, No. 15 nationally. Dismukes is a team leader and the guy who gets the offense set at the line to pull the trigger for Nick Marshall and Co. In that sense, he’s invaluable.
Clemson Defensive End Vic Beasley
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Last January, Vic Beasley delighted Clemson fans by returning for his senior season of college football. He was a borderline first-round pick and told Heather Dinich of ESPN.com he felt he could enhance his draft stock with another season of development.
Smart move, Vic. Beasley has only 16 tackles but has 10 tackles for loss and eight sacks. He is also now Clemson’s all-time sack leader. He has built on a standout 2013 season which saw him pile up 41 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and six pass breakups. NFL.com's Mike Mayock says Beasley has first-round potential.
Beasley came to Clemson as a linebacker and moved to tight end before finally settling at defensive end. He is projected as an outside linebacker/rush end hybrid in the NFL, but for the next two months, he’ll be a problem for collegiate left tackles to solve.
Southern California Defensive End Leonard Williams
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If you polled Pac-12 offensive linemen about the scariest defensive linemen to line up across from them, chances are Southern California defensive end Leonard Williams would rise to the top of survey.
The junior, who stands at 6’5”, 300 pounds, is one of the most impactful defensive linemen in college football. He loves to shed blocks and disrupt the pocket, with 45 tackles, five tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks as well as an interception.
Williams has drawn favorable comparisons to Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. A 2013 All-American, he is one of the top overall prospects in the 2015 NFL draft. ESPN insider Todd McShay (subscription required) lists him as his top overall prospect.
Ole Miss Defensive Tackle Robert Nkemdiche
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If you want the poster boy for the idea that stats aren't everything, look no further than Ole Miss sophomore defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche. One of the nation’s top recruits two years ago, Nkemdiche has just 17 tackles, two tackles for loss and two sacks. But he is one of the most active, impactful defensive linemen—down-in, down-out—in college football.
He is a dominant interior force who is consistently a tough draw for opposing offensive linemen and a huge part of the Rebels’ dominant defense. He came to Ole Miss as a defensive end but has grown into one of the nation's best defensive tackles.
Texas Defensive Tackle Malcom Brown
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It hasn’t been the easiest debut season for Charlie Strong at Texas. Following Saturday night’s wild 48-45 win over Iowa State, the Longhorns are 3-4 and have made more headlines for off-field disciplinary issues than anything they’ve done on the field.
A bright spot? Defensive tackle Malcom Brown. Brown has 46 tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, and he has been a constant presence in opponents’ backfields. He stands 6’0”, 320 pounds and has a consistent drive as one of the nation’s top defensive tackles.
Washington Linebacker Shaq Thompson
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If you’ve seen a Washington player make an electric defensive highlight this season, chances are you were watching linebacker Shaq Thompson. Thompson has been one of the nation’s best big-play defenders. He has four defensive touchdowns, tops in the FBS, with an interception and three fumble returns. He even has a rushing touchdown as well as 53 tackles, two tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and a sack.
The Huskies defense has been just average this season, but Thompson has excelled. Chances are you’ll see him making big plays at the next level very soon.
Mississippi State Linebacker Benardrick McKinney
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Mississippi State’s defense has played a huge role in the Bulldogs’ ascension to the nation’s No. 1 team, and no player has been more valuable than junior middle linebacker Benardrick McKinney.
The 6’5”, 245-pound junior has solid stats. He has 41 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks and two fumble recoveries. But he is also the Bulldogs’ defensive leader—a capable, versatile player who can play multiple linebacker slots and the key to a nasty front seven. While quarterback Dak Prescott gets the headlines, McKinney is equally important to MSU’s success.
Oklahoma Linebacker Eric Striker
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Oklahoma began this season with hopes of making the College Football Playoff, so this has been a disappointing campaign. One player who hasn’t been a disappointment? Junior linebacker Eric Striker.
Striker lives up to his last name. He's a big hitter who makes huge plays from sideline to sideline. He has 31 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and five sacks.
Striker stands just 6’0”, 221 pounds, but his impact on the Sooners defense has been giant. He’s the kind of player who must be accounted for at all times when he is on the field—a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Ole Miss Cornerback Senquez Golson
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Ole Miss’ breakout season has largely been due to its nasty, dominating defense. One of its biggest pieces? Senior cornerback Senquez Golson. It was Golson’s end-zone interception that sealed the Rebels’ 23-17 upset of then-No. 3 Alabama, and he has seven picks on the season, returning them for a combined 105 yards.
Golson was the Boston Red Sox’s eighth-round pick in the 2011 MLB amateur draft and played both sports in his first year at Ole Miss. He picked football, and the only people sad about that are opposing SEC quarterbacks.
Oregon Cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu
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Oregon is known for its offense, but the Ducks defense isn’t too shabby either. Opposing teams have only scored 23.7 points per game on the Ducks. The Oregon defense is a young group made better by senior cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu’s decision to return for his senior season. Ekpre-Olomu is a versatile player who can play either cornerback or safety. He has excellent speed too.
Ekpre-Olomu has only two interceptions thus far, but opposing quarterbacks consistently throw away from him. His athletic interception of a Connor Cook pass was one of the plays of the young college season and helped turn the tide in the Ducks’ 46-27 comeback victory over then-No. 7 Michigan State. He’ll play a huge role in the Ducks’ push for a College Football Playoff berth.
Alabama Safety Landon Collins
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Nick Saban’s Alabama football teams win with defense, and this season is no different. While the Crimson Tide has had ups and downs offensively, Bama yields just 13.1 points per game, No. 3 nationally, and already has a pair of shutouts.
Junior safety Landon Collins is a significant piece of that defense. He stands 6’0”, 222 pounds and is capable of playing either safety spot. That versatility gives Alabama a big boost. He’s quick, explosive and the kind of player opposing receivers don’t want to see driving at them with a full head of steam.
He has 49 tackles, best on Alabama’s roster, with two tackles for loss, two interceptions and five pass breakups.
Louisville Safety Gerod Holliman
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After losing a pair of NFL first-round picks, it wouldn’t have been surprising to see Louisville’s impressive defense take a step back this season. That hasn’t happened, and sophomore safety Gerod Holliman is a huge reason why.
Holliman has made a gigantic impact in the Cardinals secondary, picking off a nation-leading eight passes. The Cardinals allow only 14.6 points per game to foes, fourth-best nationally, which has helped patch issues caused by an offense that averages only 30.9 points per game, No. 57 in FBS.
Florida State Kicker Roberto Aguayo
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Florida State kicker Roberto Aguayo is only a sophomore, but he’s already the best kicker in college football. Aguayo won the Lou Groza Award last season, given to the college game’s top kicker, and he has backed it up this season.
He has made all 31 extra-point attempts and is 14-of-14 on field-goal tries, with three makes from 40-49 yards and two from 50 and beyond. Other Seminoles might get more headlines, but Aguayo is one of FSU’s best weapons.
Utah Punter Tom Hackett
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Utah has emerged as one of the nation’s top teams this season due in part to the Utes' excellent field position. One reason why? Punter Tom Hackett, who is capable of flipping the field with a single boot.
Hackett averages 47.1 yards per punt, with a long of 65 yards. He has 14 punts of 50-plus yards and has pinned 18 punts inside the 20-yard line. He’s an impressive and often unsung weapon.
Oklahoma Kick Returner Alex Ross
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Alex Ross serves as a key member of Oklahoma’s deep backfield, but he has made his biggest impact on special teams. Ross averages 38 yards per kick return and already has two kick return scores this season, including a 100-yard return.
He’s the kind of player who opposing kickers actively try to kick away from, lest he get the ball in his hands with a head of steam and green grass in front of him.
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