College Football Predictions 2011: Projecting Next Year's All-American Team

I know, I know—the national title has been settled and the college football season is over.

But for all the excitement that the game generated for college football fans the world over, only Auburn fans were able to truly call this season a success.

That being said, given the players returning to Eugene next fall, Oregon, last year's runner-up, has even greater reason for optimism heading forward.

Optimism and pessimism for next year stems mainly from the knowledge of which players will be enrolled in school next year. Here we will explore the potential All-American offensive team for 2011.

Quarterback

Kellen Moore

Boise State was a thorn in the side of the BCS in 2010, and that doesn't appear to be changing in 2011.

Moore will return without some of his biggest weapons on offense, but it doesn't appear to be something that the stud quarterback can't handle.

Look for Moore to have another stellar season and improve his draft stock considerably.

Andrew Luck

I will admit, I thought Luck was ridiculously dumb in returning for his senior year: His coach is gone, he is undoubtedly the No. 1 pick (carrying with it a hefty paycheck) and he risks his draft stock falling considerably (Jake Locker anyone?).

That being said, Luck is the complete package at quarterback, capable of stretching a defense in a number of ways.

Even if his new coaches have growing pains, Luck should be able to carry his team to at least nine wins, and likely more.

If he can avoid injury, he will again have a top-notch year.

Denard Robinson

There are a number of QBs that are likely to have big years, including the signal-callers at Florida, Ohio State, Oregon and even the young guy at Arkansas.

But of all of those young guys that are looking to take their place amongst the great ones, Robinson is the only battle-tested quarterback that set records last year.

Sure, Robinson is inheriting a different offense, as Brady Hoke has taken over for Rich Rodriguez and installing a pro-style offense.

But Robinson is just too talented to not be used, and Hoke is too smart to not let new offensive coordinator (the genius Al Borges) take his QB out for a walk.

Look for Robinson to have another great year at Ann Arbor.

Running Back

LaMichael James

This class begins and ends with LaMichael James: He is a tough, smart and quick runner that can run between the tackles and break off the home run.

Look for Oregon's stud runner to bulk up in the offseason and become more of the prototypical runner that the pros will be looking for.

James should have a monster year.

Rex Burkhead

Nebraska is primed for a huge year in their first season in the Big Ten, and nobody typifies this optimism like Burkhead.

The junior will be returning as the featured back and as long as quarterback Taylor Martinez doesn't hog all the limelight (and rushing yards), Burkhead could just surprise some folks.

Marcus Lattimore

The explosive USC (the other one, in the South) runner dropped a bomb on the rest of the SEC last year, helping Steve Spurrier's squad finally become the threat they were hoping for the last few years.

Lattimore hits the hole with reckless abandon and also shows the ability to hit the home run.

Look for him to take a big next step for Gamecock nation.

Wide Receiver

Justin Blackmon

Blackmon uses his strong, Anquan Boldin-like frame to square away defenders and uses his superior hands to finish the job.

Blackmon was an All American last year as a sophomore and is primed for bigger things this year. He definitely has his eyes on the Heisman.

Ryan Broyles

Broyles is young and has a young QB. That is the good news.

Additionally, the Big 12 is going to be weaker next year, which should improve his numbers even more. That is also the bad news—as his chances at national fame hinges on how much credit his conference receives.

That being said, Broyles has all the tools to be a great wideout.

Juron Criner and Michael Floyd

Criner is the most likely of these two to have a great year, but Floyd probably has the bigger upside.

However, Floyd is playing for an inconsistent Notre Dame team and there are major questions as to whether or not the QB play will be any better.

I figure it will, but just to be safe, look for Arizona's Criner to have the better year.

Tight End

Michael Egnew

The Missouri tight end has all the tools you want in the position.

The key for him in 2011 will be to continue to improve his blocking and avoid costly drops.

Tackle

Mike Adams

The Ohio State tackle is an absolute beast on the outside, thwarting both speed and power rushers effectively.

The key for his development is to improve his stamina and avoid becoming complacent. Look for him to just power through the year, again.

Bradley Sowell

The man that replaced Michael Oher took major strides last year, and is poised to take more this year.

Sowell needs to better guard against the speed rush, but look for him to prove his detractors wrong in 2011.

Guard

Cordy Glenn

Georgia has a lot of holes on offense, but their starting guard is not one of them. Glenn is a ridiculously strong man that is exceptional in the running game.

As long as his offense doesn't let him down, Glenn should show off his game this year.

Barrett Jones

Jones, like Glenn, can maul with the best of them. Given that 'Bama should be a 2011 powerhouse, Jones should be able to show off his technique in the SEC.

Look for him to become a high first-rounder in the NFL draft.

Center

T-Bob Hebert

I admit, this might be a bit of a flyer, but his name alone should merit some consideration. Additionally, shotgun snaps tend to be an adventure and who doesn't like that?

LSU returns a stud offensive line, and Hebert may be the best of the best in a loaded SEC.