
College Football Predictions 2011: The 25 Most Dynamic Offensive Players
To all of those who love the big and exciting plays, this is for you.
This list of 25 players, showcasing those who burn the scoreboard in every possible facet of offensive football.
Rushing, receiving, passing and returning are all necessities for any team to win.
However, some teams put an emphasis on one more than the other.
With that said, these players have the uncanny ability to get it done in more ways than one.
They are versatile in their respective positions, and diverse enough to be known as dynamic.
Therefore, enjoy this list of college football's most threatening offensive athletes.
Denard Robinson: QB, Michigan
1 of 25
2010 STATS
PASSING: 2,570 yards with 18 TDs and 11 interceptions
RUSHING: 1,702 yards on 256 carries, as well as 14 TDs
A first-team all-Big Ten selection by the media, Denard Robinson was also the conference's offensive player of the year.
He led a Michigan offense that averaged just over 500 yards per game, ranking them sixth in the country.
2011 OUTLOOK: Even with new head coach Brady Hoke, Robinson should be in the Heisman race once again.
Also, as long as he can cut down on interceptions while increasing TD passes, Michigan should improve on that 7-6 record.
For the fans, if you see the Wolverines on TV, do yourself a favor and watch them because Denard Robinson is lightning.
Terrelle Pryor: QB, Ohio State
2 of 25
2010 STATS
PASSING: 2,772 yards with 27 TDs and 11 interceptions
RUSHING: 754 yards on 135 carries, as well as four TDs
The biggest reason Pryor is dangerous is because of what he does on third and fourth down.
The prime example was in the game versus Iowa where the Bucks' needed a first down on fourth and 10.
Needless to say, Terrelle took the play into his own hands, got the first down, and kept Ohio State's Big Ten Championship hopes alive.
2011 OUTLOOK: Despite his five-game suspension, Pryor still remains a dual-threat QB with incredible athleticism for this size.
When he comes back in Week 6, Ohio State will need to pick things up quickly, and a lot of that relies on Pryor.
KeShawn Martin: WR/PR, Michigan State
3 of 25
2010 STATS
RECEIVING: 32 catches for 394 yards and one TD
RUSHING: 18 carries for 157 yards
PUNT RETURNING: 228 yards on 28 attempts with one TD
KICK RETURNING: 355 yards on 20 attempts
One of only four players to return a punt for a TD in the Big Ten, Martin's came against Wisconsin, He went for 74 yards en route to a Sparty W.
And, despite not being a the primary kick return man, pulling double duty from time to time showed his explosiveness.
2011 OUTLOOK: With WR Mark Dell graduating this year, KeShawn Martin could have a break-out year along side WR B.J. Cunningham.
In addition, don't be surprised if he dominates even more in the return game.
Darron Thomas: QB, Oregon
4 of 25
2010 STATS
PASSING: 2,881 yards with 30 TDs and nine interceptions
RUSHING: 486 yards on 93 carries, as well as five TDs
A second-team All-Pac-10 selection, Darron Thomas helped lead the Oregon Duck's to the national championship.
Also, the Duck's averaged 537 yards (second in the country) and 47 points (first in the country) per game.
2011 OUTLOOK: Look for Thomas and the Duck's to be the Pac 12 favorites, as well as being in national championship contention.
Thomas will also most likely be in the Heisman race along with teammate, RB LaMichael James.
Marcus Lattimore: RB, South Carolina
5 of 25
2010 STATS
RUSHING: 1,197 yards on 249 carries, as well as 17 TDs
RECEIVING: 412 yards on 29 catches including two TDs
The No. 1 recruit in the country heading into 2010, Marcus Lattimore earned first-team All-SEC as a freshman.
Not to mention he helped the Gamecocks win the SEC East and an appearance in the SEC Championship game.
2011 OUTLOOK: It's going to be rather difficult improving on his 2010 campaign, but with a good recruiting class coming in, as well as the return of some key players (QB Stephen Garcia and WR Alshon Jeffery), Lattimore should have another excellent season.
There's definitely potential for him to once again earn first-team All-SEC, but also in the discussion of the Heisman Trophy.
Andrew Luck: QB, Stanford
6 of 25
2010 STATS
PASSING: 3,338 yards with 32 TDs and eight interceptions
RUSHING: 453 yards on 55 carries, as well as three TDs
The 12-1 record that the Cardinal posted in 2010 proved to be the best season in Stanford since the 1926 national championship season.
Much thanks to Andrew Luck, who earned first-team All-Pac-10 honors as well as finishing second in the Heisman race.
2011 OUTLOOK: The front runner for the 2011 Heisman Trophy, Andrew Luck comes back to Stanford seeking a national championship.
A convincing win over ACC Champ Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl gives good momentum heading into 2011, so expect Luck to do even more (if that's possible) this year for new head coach David Shaw.
Chris Polk: RB, Washington
7 of 25
2010 STATS
RUSHING: 1,415 on 260 carries with nine TDs
RECEIVING: 180 yards on 22 receptions
An integral component to the Husky offense, Polk contributed to a year in which QB Jake Locker was rather lackluster, and a team that started out 3-6.
Then, Washington went on a four-game win streak to finish 7-6, with Polk totaling 685 yards over that stretch.
2011 OUTLOOK: If the Huskies want to compete in the newly aligned Pac-12 this fall, utilizing Mr. Polk as much as possible is key.
Defenses will most likely focus on stopping him on the ground, so varying the offense with screens and draws, as well as play-action should allow him to maintain consistency.
Eric Stephens: RB/KR, Texas Tech
8 of 25
2010 STATS
RUSHING: 668 yards on 127 carries including six TDs
RECEIVING: 212 yards on 33 nabs, as well as two TDs
RETURNING: Fifth in the country totaling 1,071 yards with a 24.3 average
Easily one of the more dynamic players in the Big 12, and definitely the most dynamic on the Red Raiders, Stephens earned Honorable Mention all-conference in 2010.
2011 OUTLOOK: With Senior RB Baron Batch graduating, Stephens should earn more carries in addition to his returning duties.
Also, he's only going to be a junior, so look for him to gain even more notoriety by seasons end.
Damaris Johnson: WR/KR, Tulsa
9 of 25
2010 STATS
RECEIVING: 872 yards on 57 catches with four TDs
RUSHING: 560 yards on 55 carries, including seven TDs
KICK RETURNING: 904 yards on 34 attempts with one TD
PUNT RETURNING: 292 yards on 27 attempts with one TD
First on the team in receptions, yards receiving and TDs, and second on the team in rush yards.
Thanks to the one-man show in Tulsa, the Golden Hurricane finished 10-3 including a 62-35 win over Hawaii in the Hawaii Bowl.
2011 OUTLOOK: With the dynamic-ism of Johnson coming back, Tulsa will once again be near the top Conference USA.
Also, if he ups his stats from last season, he may be the dark horse in the Heisman Race.
Taylor Martinez: QB, Nebraska
10 of 25
2010 STATS
PASSING: 1,631 yards with 10 TDs and seven interceptions
RUSHING: 965 yards on 162 carries, including 12 TDs
After an okay 2010 season throwing the rock, Martinez was also second on the team in rushing.
Thus, he was selected to Honorable Mention All-Big 12, as well as the conference's offensive freshman of the year.
2011 OUTLOOK: With the Cornhuskers losing their two previous conference championship games, entering a 12-team Big Ten gives new energy.
New teams, new conference, new year.
If Martinez can become more fluent in the pocket, as well as utilizing his athleticism outside of it, the upcoming season should easily be improved.
Ryan Broyles: WR/PR, Oklahoma
11 of 25
2010 STATS
RECEIVING: 131 catches for 1,622 yards and 14 TDs
PUNT RETURNING: 268 yards on 57 attempts
For the Big 12 Champs, Broyles was important as QB Landry Jones built his confidence after filling the shoes of Sam Bradford.
That said, Broyles also finished in the top 15 in punt returning to help the Sooner offense with field position.
2011 OUTLOOK: Coming off his second straight season of more than 1,100 yards receiving, Ryan Broyles can lead Bob Stoops back to the BCS title game if he continues to grow.
No one else on the Sooners came close in comparison in terms of receiving, so he should expect to see a lot of double teaming in the fall.
However, that shouldn't stop him from being in contention for the Fred Biletnikoff Award.
Marquis Maze: WR/PR, Alabama
12 of 25
2010 STATS
RECEIVING: 38 receptions for 557 yards and three TDs
PUNT RETURNING: 267 yards on 33 returns
KICK RETURNING: 189 yards on eight returns
With WR Julio Jones taking the brunt of the targets, Maze's contributions should not go overlooked.
He even went one-for-one after throwing a 19-yard TD pass.
2011 OUTLOOK: Jones is gone to the NFL, so with that said expect Maze to become the primary WR.
Also, keep your eye on him in the return game, because 'Bama will most likely use him even more come time for kickoff.
Robert Woods: WR/KR, USC
13 of 25
2010 STATS
RECEIVING: 65 catches for 792 yards and six TDs
KICK RETURNING: 971 yards on 38 attempts and one TD
Lead the team in receiving yards and catches, and was second in TDs.
He also carried the ball six times for 50 yards.
2011 OUTLOOK: Next season Woods should be QB Matt Barkley's primary target as Ronald Johnson graduates.
That said, combining Woods' receiving and returning abilities, USC will be tough to stop on offense and in special teams.
T.Y. Hilton: WR/KR, Florida International
14 of 25
2010 STATS
RECEIVING: 59 nabs for 848 yards and five TDs
RUSHING: 282 yards on 30 carries with four TDs
RETURNING: 833 yards on 29 returns, including two TDs.
Arguably the most versatile player in the Sun Belt conference, Hilton led the Golden Panthers in all areas of receiving, as well as being second in rushing TDs.
His contributions helped FIU to a 34-32 win over Toledo in the Little Caesars Bowl, and a record of 7-6.
2011 OUTLOOK: More will obviously be expected next season, so try to watch Florida International when you get the chance.
Don't be surprised to see him get more carries, just as many targets, and even more opportunities as a punt returner.
Joe Adams: WR/PR, Arkansas
15 of 25
2010 STATS
RECEIVING: 50 catches for 813 yards and six TDs
RETURNING: 249 yards on 29 attempts with one TD
With QB Ryan Mallett dishing the ball around so much, four different WRs caught 40 or more passes.
Adams however, led them all in yards, thus making him the best in yards after the catch.
And, with his punt returning skills, he's just that much more valuable.
2011 OUTLOOK: Despite the loss of Mallett to the pros, Adams still remains a dangerous threat to opponents.
Look for coach Petrino to utilize him even more in the kick return game (in addition to punt return), to utilize his versatility even more.
Rishard Matthews: WR/PR, Nevada
16 of 25
2010 STATS
RECEIVING: 56 catches for 879 yards and five TDs
PUNT RETURNING: 37 attempts for 244 yards and one TD
Led the team in all of the receiving areas, and even ran the rock five times for 76 yards and two TDs.
Could have been used more in the kick return game, but still managed 91 yards on five attempts.
2011 OUTLOOK: More will be expected from Matthews come fall with the loss of QB Colin Kaepernick to the NFL.
With that said, that includes more of a leadership role and use of his dynamic-ism.
Trick-plays to run the rock, more targets, and maybe even a pass or two.
Also, don't count him out of the pulling double duty in the return game.
Pat Shed: RB/KR, UAB
17 of 25
2010 STATS
RUSHING: 847 yards on 157 carries and three TDs
RECEIVING: 471 yards on 47 catches, including four TDs
KICK RETURNING: 738 yards on 33 attempts
Could not have been used much more in the rushing and passing games for the Blazers.
However, if UAB wants to fully utilize Shed's versatility, more use in the punt return game should be considered.
There, he only got 17 returns for 69 yards, but then again it could prevent him from being a more effective runner.
2011 OUTLOOK: Heading into next season, Shed should look to hit the 1,000 yard milestone on the ground, as well as finding the end-zone more.
Last season, UAB lost four games by less than a TD.
Therefore, if Shed can get in the zone more than seven times all year, a few more close losses could switch to wins.
D.J. Woods: WR/KR, Cincinnati
18 of 25
2010 STATS
RECEIVING: 898 yards on 57 catches, including eight TDs
KICK RETURNING: 728 yards on 33 attempts
PUNT RETURNING: 146 yards on 37 attempts
After a disappointing year for the Bearcats in 2010, WR D.J. Woods did his part in contributing to the offense.
His receiving stats were second on the team, and his returning abilities proved to be amongst the best in the in country.
2011 OUTLOOK: With QB Zach Collaros back for his senior year, the Cincy offense could fly high again in 2011.
That said, D.J. Woods could come of age even more with WR Armon Binns gone to the draft.
Jordan Jefferson: QB, LSU
19 of 25
2010 STATS
PASSING: 1,411 yards with seven TDs and 10 picks
RUSHING: 450 yards on 123 carries, including seven TDs
After a down year in 2010, Jordan Jefferson finished the season strong by throwing three TD passes en route to a 41-24 win over Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl.
Also, his rushing stats proved to be second on the team, so 2010 was not as bad as it seemed.
2011 OUTLOOK: Even with a subpar campaign last season, don't underestimate Jefferson next season.
LSU will be a legitimate contender as always, however, they will only be as successful as their QB.
Make no mistake about it, Jefferson will improve in 2011, how much is the next question.
Chandler Harnish: QB, Northern Illinois
20 of 25
2010 STATS
PASSING: 2,530 yards with 21 TDs and five interceptions
RUSHING: 836 yards on 137 carries, including seven TDs
The man at the helm in Northern Illinois, Chandler Harnish helped lead the Wolfpack to a MAC West title and a 40-17 win over Fresno State in the Humanitarian Bowl.
He spread the rock around to where four different WRs had 20 or more receptions (three with 35 or more).
On the ground he was second on the team, and proved to be a multi-dimensional force QB.
2011 OUTLOOK: Heading into his Senior season, Harnish should be expected to lead NIU to the MAC Title, and a possible undefeated season.
As long as he can continue his consistency through the air and on the ground, the Wolfpack will be especially dangerous come time for the Autumn Wind.
Jeffrey Godfrey: QB, UCF
21 of 25
2010 STATS
PASSING: 2,159 yards with 13 TDs and eight interceptions
RUSHING: 566 yards on 152 carries, as well as nine TDs
One of the best years in school history, Godfrey led the UCF Knights to a 10-3 record, a Conference USA Title, and a 10-6 win over the Georgia Bulldogs in the Liberty Bowl.
Much like Chandler Harnish of Northern Illinois, Godfrey spread the ball around. Four different WRs had 20 or more receptions (three with 32 or more).
And on the ground, his nine TDs put him third on the team.
2011 OUTLOOK: As long as Jeffrey Godfrey can maintain his consistency while dishing the rock around the horn, UCF will be dangerous next season as well.
Also, with UCF looking to repeat as C-USA Champs, opponents will zero in on Godfrey.
That said, repeating is more difficult, so Godfrey's true talent should be tested.
Chris Relf: QB, Mississippi State
22 of 25
2010 STATS
PASSING: 1,789 yards with 13 TDs and six interceptions
RUSHING: 713 yards on 194 carries and five TDs
For being in the gauntlet that is the SEC West, Chris Relf and the Mississippi State Bulldogs finished 9-4 including a 52-14 win over Michigan in the Gator Bowl.
Relf, who had somewhat of a breakout year led the Bulldogs to key wins over Georgia, Florida and Kentucky.
2011 OUTLOOK: With one more year of college to play, Relf should have high expectations for himself and the team.
That said, many outsiders don't expect to much from Mississippi State since the likes of Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, Arkansas, Auburn and LSU are battling each year.
Don't be fooled by the Bulldogs.
They are very capable of winning the SEC West (and the SEC Title), as long as Relf makes everyone else around him better.
Cyrus Gray: RB, Texas A&M
23 of 25
2010 STATS
RUSHING: 1,133 yards on 200 carries, including 12 TDs
RECEIVING: 34 catches for 251 yards and one TD
A much successful 2010 season for Cyrus Gray, he helped the Aggies win games over Oklahoma and Nebraska (Big 12 Championship teams).
Also, his 34 receptions were fourth on the team and first for RBs.
2011 OUTLOOK: A breakout year in 2010, Gray has the potential to lead the Big 12 in rushing next season.
He also could be more dangerous out of the backfield as teams may key in on his rushing attack.
Adonis Thomas: RB, Toledo
24 of 25
2010 STATS
RUSHING: 1,098 yards on 175 carries, including eight TDs
RECEIVING: 31 nabs for 372 yards and two TDs
The leading rusher and second leading receiver for the Rockets in 2010, Adonis earned first-team All-MAC for his contributions.
Also, Toledo finished 8-5 with an appearance in the Little Caesars Bowl.
2011 OUTLOOK: Come time for the 2011 season, Adonis has the potential to earn All-American honors if he can build on his success.
If that happens, the Rockets could not only improve their record, but make a run at the MAC title and even a New Year's Day Bowl game.
Patrick Edwards: WR/PR, Houston
25 of 25
2010 STATS
RECEIVING: 1,100 yards on 71 receptions, as well as 13 TDs
PUNT RETURNING: 231 yards on 29 attempts with one TD
The primary target in the Houston Cougars high-flying passing attack, Patrick Edwards finished in the nation's top 20 for yards receiving.
With his help, Houston ranked fifth in passing offense and 13th in scoring offense per game.
2011 OUTLOOK: If Edwards can improve on his 2010 campaign (even though it was amazing), he will not only be in the race for the Fred Biletnikoff Award, but possibly the Heisman.
There's a lot of talent coming back for the 2011 season, so Edwards has his work cut out for him.
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