2011 College Football Predictions: The 50 Most Explosive Players on Offense
ex·plo·sive
[ik-sploh-siv] –adjective 1. tending or serving to explode.
Thanks to dictionary.com for the definition.
Explosive—it's probably not a word you use every day, and yet, it finds its way into our descriptions of athletes on a regular basis.
It may be difficult to explain in an athletic context, but here we go...
The working definition for this list will be someone of superior strength/speed who has the ability to dominate a game.
So while Andrew Luck may be the best player in college football this year, don't expect to find him at the top of this list.
Keep reading for the players who will give us plenty of "what just happened" moments next season.
50. Ladarius Green TE: Louisiana-Lafayette
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Green is not the most well-known guy in the world but has the ability to be a game-changer from the tight end position.
Green only had 44 receptions but gained 794 yards for an average of 18 per catch.
His 6'6" height and the ability to leap make him a matchup nightmare for defensive backs, and his speed makes it hard for a linebacker to stay with him.
Green missed two games last season, but if he can stay healthy this season, he will be a huge contributor on the offensive side of the ball.
49. Zach Line RB: SMU
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SMU finished the season at 6-2 in the C-USA and earned a berth in a bowl game.
Zach Line was a big part of that.
Line averaged 6.1 yards per carry and finished with 10 trips to the end zone.
Given the fact that he was only a sophomore, one can only believe he will improve this season in June Jones' system.
48. Michael Egnew TE: Missouri
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Tight end is not necessarily the position that produces "explosive" guys.
Michael Egnew is that rare exception.
At 6'6", Egnew presented a prime target for quarterback Blaine Gabbert, and if the Tigers can find someone to throw the ball to him this season, he will have another great year.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
47. B.J. Daniels QB: South Florida
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Daniels has been somewhat of a Jekyll-and-Hyde kind of player to this point.
However, if he can build off of a big bowl game against a tough Clemson defense, he will be tough to stop.
46. Adonis Thomas RB: Toledo
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While not a player you hear about every weekend on SportsCenter, Thomas has all the physical tools to make this list.
He finished last season with a 6.3 yards per carry average and eight touchdowns as a junior.
His 5'10" height and shiftiness make him difficult to bring down in traffic, and once he hits the secondary, he explodes with his speed.
45. Nate Potter OT: Boise State
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Potter is great at keeping Kellen Moore on his feet.
At 6'6", 293 pounds, Potter is a little light but has the strength and quickness to block anyone.
44. Dominique Davis QB: East Carolina
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This guy played quarterback opposite Cam Newton in the 2009 junior college championship game, and while he is definitely no Cam, Davis is a superb athlete.
Davis completed nearly 65 percent of his passes for 3,967 yards to go with 37 touchdowns en route to a bowl game for the Pirates.
43. G.J. Kinne QB: Tulsa
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Kinne completed 60 percent of his passes and threw 31 touchdown passes and only 10 interceptions last season.
This season, he will approach the 4,000-yard mark.
That, my friends, is explosive.
42. James White RB: Wisconsin
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True freshman James White was a delightful change of pace for Wisconsin fans used to big, powerful backs.
White, who started spring practice at the third position on the depth chart, wowed with his incredible cutback ability and home-run speed.
He won the Big Ten Offensive Freshman of the Year Award and averaged 6.7 yards per carry while finding paydirt 14 times.
The departure of standout back John Clay leaves even more carries for White, and with the Badgers' emphasis on the run game, he will have plenty of opportunity to showcase his speed.
41. Chris Owusu WR: Stanford
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Owusu is a tremendous talent.
He just hasn't seen enough of the field to show us all of it.
He only caught 25 passes last season, but expect many more this season if he can stay healthy.
Owusu also doubles as a return man and is a real contributor on special teams.
40. Jonathan Martin OT: Stanford
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You don't always think of an offensive lineman as being explosive, but Martin proves that premise incorrect.
His ability to blow up tacklers and stay on his blocks make him a prime NFL prospect, and he accomplishes his primary responsibility, that of keeping Andrew Luck upright, with style.
39. Cyrus Grey RB: Texas A&M
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Gray is one of the few remaining seniors with real NFL potential.
While he stands only 5'10", Gray is scary fast and will be a huge contributor out of the backfield for the Aggies this season.
Just ask Texas how quick he is.
38. Robert Woods WR: USC
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In the wake of NCAA recruiting sanctions, it seems like we haven't heard a whole lot about USC.
Robert Woods will help put the Trojans back in the limelight in 2011.
With Ronald Johnson departing to play on Sundays, it's easy to see how Woods could be the next big thing at WR for the Trojans.
37. Chris Rainey RB/ WR: Florida
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It's like Percy Harvin all over again.
Rainey is reportedly going to be moved in and out of the backfield and also play some receiver this season.
He has the speed and elusiveness to score on every touch.
36. Edwin Baker RB: Michigan State
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Baker had a great sophomore season last year, helping the Spartans to a share of the Big Ten title while gaining over 1,200 yards.
His strength and ability to change direction are outstanding, and the Spartans will have a potent ground game next season, led by this young man.
35. Jermaine Kearse WR: Washington
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Kearse will be an integral part of acclimating Washington's new quarterback.
He averaged over 16 yards per reception last season and hauled in 12 touchdowns.
If the Huskies can find someone to get him the ball, he will have another huge season in his senior year.
34. Marcus Coker RB: Iowa
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With the transfer of Jewel Hampton and the dismissal of Adam Robinson, Coker finds himself in sole possession of the Hawkeyes' running chores.
And if his performance against Missouri in the Insight Bowl is any indication of things to come, Iowa will be tough to stop.
33. E.J. Manuel QB: Florida State
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With the departure of Christian Ponder (who else feels like he has been playing since before WWII?), Manuel will finally have the opportunity to shine for Jimbo Fisher.
His ability to elude tacklers is somewhat reminiscent of Terrelle Pryor, but a little speedier.
32. Montel Harris RB: Boston College
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The Eagles offensive line loses three starters, but don't expect this to impede Harris all that much.
Harris knows how to produce and will continue to put up big numbers for BC next season after leading the conference in rushing last season.
31. Andre Ellington RB: Clemson
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Ellington is no C.J. Spiller, but he can certainly run the ball.
Ellington had 10 touchdowns and averaged 5.8 yards per carry last season.
30. Zac Dysert QB: Miami(OH)
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While Dysert did not have particularly good numbers last season, he has the tools and teammates to put up huge numbers this season.
Dysert's season was shortened by injury in 2010, but if he can beat out backup Austin Boucher for the starting job, he will have the opportunity to put up big numbers this season.
29. DeVier Posey WR: Ohio State
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Another one of the famed "tattoo five," Posey is a speedster who is absolutely deadly if he gets the ball in the open field.
Posey finished last season with 53 receptions and seven touchdowns to go with a 16 yards per catch average.
His ability to make guys miss, coupled with Terrelle Pryor's ability to create time in the pocket, will lead to many big plays next season.
28. Taylor Martinez QB: Nebraska
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Martinez was absolutely incredible during Nebraska's first eight games last season, scoring 21 touchdowns, 12 on the ground, and only throwing three picks.
Then he hit some rough spots and finished the season with only one touchdown in the Huskers' last six games while only playing in four of them.
But let's not kid ourselves.
This kid has tremendous potential.
Even though he has some growing up to do, Martinez is still the best option for Bo Pelini here, and he will provide plenty more "did he just do that?" moments for Husker Nation.
27. Trent Richardson RB: Alabama
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Following the departure of Heisman winner Mark Ingram, Richardson has some pretty big shoes to fill.
That being said, there may not be anyone in the country who is more capable.
With a new quarterback starting for 'Bama, Nick Saban will use Richardson to establish the Tide's offense and open up the field for the passing game.
Richardson's strong running style and ability to hit the hole hard make him a threat to find paydirt every time he gets his hands on the ball.
26. Kendall Wright WR: Baylor
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Justin Blackmon and Ryan Broyles are the clear favorites for best receiver in the Big 12, but Wright will not be far behind.
Wright has been extremely good at running right by defensive backs en route to catching the deep ball.
With the experience Robert Griffin brings at quarterback, Wright has the perfect guy to hit him on the deep post for some huge gains.
25. Nick Foles QB: Arizona
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This may be the year nick Foles gets the attention of the nation.
It was Foles, not Matt Barkley or Andrew Luck, who led the Pac-10 in passing yards per game last season, and coupled with receiver Juron Criner, he figures to make a big splash this season.
Should Foles solve some of his accuracy and consistency issues, he may be one of the top five quarterbacks in the nation in 2011.
24. Ryan Lindley QB: San Diego State
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San Diego State lost its coach to Michigan but brings back a plethora of talent on the offensive side of the ball.
It all begins with quarterback Ryan Lindley.
Lindley has the arm strength to find receivers deep but is sometimes interception-prone.
If Lindley finds a way to improve his accuracy, he will improve on his 3,830-yard, 28-touchdown season.
23. Chris Polk RB: Washington
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Polk was a bright spot last season for the Huskies and will continue to provide moments of brilliance now that Jake Locker has departed to play on Sundays.
Washington will rely heavily on the run while they break in a new quarterback, and Polk will provide the offense on the ground while they get things figured out.
As a sophomore, Polk rushed for over 1,400 yards last season, outgaining both Shane Vereen and Jacquizz Rodgers.
22. Bryant Moniz QB: Hawaii
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Yeah, we all know Hawaii throws the ball an awful lot.
We also know that the Warriors quarterbacks put up ridiculous numbers year after year.
Bryant Moniz is no exception—call him a "system quarterback," call him whatever you want, but this guy is explosive.
21. Knile Davis RB: Arkansas
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Davis averaged 6.5 yards per carry for Arkansas last season.
And with the departure of quarterback Ryan Mallett for the NFL, he will get more opportunities to shine as the Razorbacks break in a new quarterback.
Davis has deceptive speed for his 220-pound frame, and the ability to create space on his own makes him extremely dangerous with the ball.
20. Chandler Harnish QB: Northern Illinois
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Harnish is another somewhat overlooked player.
He's kinda like that guy at work who has a name, but nobody is quite sure what it is.
Harnish has had a great career for the Huskies, and with the departure of running back Chad Spann, figures to have a few more opportunities to make things happen with the ball next season.
He finished the season averaging 6.1 yards per attempt on the ground and scored seven rushing touchdowns.
His passing numbers weren't bad, either.
Harnish threw 21 touchdowns and only five picks all season.
Check out his highlights...
19. Brandon Weeden QB: Oklahoma State
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Weeden joined receiver Justin Blackmon in surprising everyone by returning for another season.
He will be a senior this season, and after he finally took over the offense last season, it's easy to see why he is on this list.
Weeden accumulated more than 4,200 yards through the air to go with 34 touchdowns.
He finished the season with an incredible 154.10 passer rating.
18. Marcus Lattimore RB: South Carolina
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This guy is a monster.
Lattimore finished the 2010 season with 17 touchdowns. And he did it in the most dominant conference in college football, the SEC.
Did we mention he was a freshman?
And he will be back for more next season.
17. Robert Griffin QB: Baylor
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Robert Griffin III is a superb athlete.
Griffin threw 22 touchdown passes while completing almost 70 percent of his passes last season.
He also has the ability to do some damage on the ground, putting the ball in the end zone that way eight times last season.
Heisman candidate?
16. Tavon Austin WR: West Virginia
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Is Tavon Austin a wide receiver, kick returner or running back?
He is a true triple threat with the ability to spread the field from the receiver position, as well as take it to the house on kick returns.
15. Marquess Wilson WR: Washington State
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Wilson, a freshman, broke the 1,000-yard mark last season on 55 receptions for an average of 18.3 yards per catch.
His ability to outrun the defense will be a big factor in his productivity as a sophomore, and one more year's experience for Wilson and quarterback Jeff Tuel will lead to big numbers for this guy.
14. Kellen Moore QB: Boise State
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Kellen Moore decided to return to the college realm for another season.
Good choice.
Moore, one of the most dynamic arms in the game, is likely to approach the 35-touchdown, 4,000-yard mark this season.
He averaged 10 yards per completion last season.
13. Alshon Jeffery WR: South Carolina
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Steve Spurrier has done a tremendous job of bringing talent to Columbia, SC, and Alshon Jeffery may just be his best yet.
Jeffery has the ability to create separation from the defense with his speed and also use his body, as evidenced here.
12. Andrew Luck QB: Stanford
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Andrew Luck is the best pure passer in college football.
And as passers go, he is definitely explosive.
Luck completed over 70 percent of his passes last season while racking up 32 touchdowns and only eight interceptions.
On top of that, he averaged nine yards per completion and amassed over 3,300 yards throwing the ball.
Even without Jim Harbaugh, Luck may be the best player in the country next season.
Expect to see his face on several magazine covers.
11. Juron Criner WR: Arizona
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This guy is ridiculous...
While he may have an unusual name, his talent is even more unusual.
Criner's height and leaping ability make him a great target for quarterback Nick Foles, and his ability to get open and create separation led to his 15 yard per catch average.
10. Greg Childs WR: Arkansas
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Childs was leading the Razorbacks in receiving, averaging over 14 yards per catch, when an injury to his patellar tendon forced him to sit out the last five games of the season.
After surgery, Childs will return to the lineup and use his sure hands and height to make big plays in Bobby Petrino's offense once more.
9. David Wilson: RB Virginia Tech
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So long to Ryan Evans and Darren Williams.
Say hello to David Wilson, one of the most exciting young running backs in the college game.
After finishing last season averaging nearly 5.5 yards per carry, his increased opportunities this season will lead to increased production.
8. Isaiah Pead RB: Cincinatti
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Pead had moments where he looked like the best back in the nation last season.
He amassed 169 yards on just 21 attempts against Oklahoma and scored five times against Rutgers.
The problem was, he missed two games due to injury and had four contests in which he compiled fewer than 50 yards.
That being said, this guy is good, and if he can iron out his consistency issues, he will be one of the top five backs in the country.
7. LaMichael James RB: Oregon
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James may have been surrounded by controversy and questions for much of his college career, but there is no denying his sheer athletic ability.
James' speed, coupled with his ability to elude tacklers like some presidents elude questions, make him a threat to score every time he gets his hands on the football.
Though only 5'9", James managed to find the end zone 21 times last season, good enough for second in the country...and he will only be better this season.
6. Ronnie Hillman RB: San Diego State
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Hillman will be a legitimate Heisman contender this season.
At 5'10" 175 pounds, Hillman does not present an imposing figure, and yet, he managed to make his way to the end zone 17 times last season.
He averaged over 117 yards per game and figures to have another fantastic season this year.
5. Denard Robinson QB: Michigan
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As if we didn't all know this guy would be in the top five...
Robinson is spectacular; there is no other way to put it.
Even with durability and accuracy issues, he may well be the most exciting, explosive player in the game this season.
Robinson averaged 6.6 yards per carry, with a long of 87 last season, and was second in the country in rushing yards.
He also averaged almost nine yards per completion and was 20th in the country in passing yards accumulated.
His elusiveness and speed are not something that can be learned, but should "Shoelace" learn to make better decisions and protect himself, expect video game-like numbers from this guy...
4. Terrelle Pryor QB: Ohio State
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Even with the five-game suspension for "tattoo-gate," Pryor is still going to be one of the most exciting players to watch next season.
Love him or hate him, believe the hype or believe the vitriol, it's hard to argue that Pryor is one of the most athletic football players in the college game today.
Yes, the hype was overdone, yes the tattoo parlor incident was somewhat discouraging, but a 23-3 record and back-to-back BCS bowl game MVP awards should earn him a little leniency.
Try to take off the glasses of bias when this young man gets on the field and just enjoy his superiority as an athlete.
3. Justin Blackmon WR: Oklahoma State
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Blackmon is looking to make Oklahoma State fans forget about troubled star Dez Bryant.
And thus far, he has been rather successful.
The defending Biletnikoff Award winner finished last season with 111 grabs for over 1,700 yards while leading the nation in touchdown receptions and averaging over 16 yards per catch.
2. Geno Smith QB: West Virginia
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Last season, Smith threw for over 2,700 yards and 24 TDs while completing 64 percent of his passes, and that was on an offense that led the conference in rushing attempts.
Think what this guy will do in 2011 with Dana Holgorsen calling the plays.
1. Ryan Broyles WR: Oklahoma
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Broyles led the nation in catches last season with 131, and his connection with quarterback Landry Jones will only get better this season.
His highlight reel goes on and on, and he may challenge Okie Lite's Justin Blackmon for the Biletnikoff Award this season.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
