College Football Predictions: The Next 10 Marcell Dareuses in College Football

Marcell Dareus has skyrocketed up draft boards since the season ended. While his production fell off a bit this season, he remained a dominating force.

He may not have led Alabama's team to another National Championship, but his versatility and relentless play has made him one of the most coveted linemen in a fierce crop of defensive draft prospects.

Before we begin with the slideshow, it is important to explain the criteria. What is a Marcell Dareus? Dareus played in a five technique in Nick Saban's defense. He is a versatile lineman with great leadership qualities and a nose for the quarterback.

These lineman have at least some of those same characteristics.

1. Jerel Worthy, Michigan State

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ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 09: Jerel Worthy #99 of the Michigan State Spartans rushes Denard Robinson #16 of the Michigan Wolverines during the game on October 9, 2010 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Michigan State Spartans defeated the Mich

Jerel Worthy isn't dazzling on a stat sheet.

Like Dareus, teams game-planned against him. He could stand to bulk up just a bit to slip into the 3-4 nose role, but he could be a fit for either scheme.

As of right now, he could find himself going in the mid first-round. He is one player who could gain a lot of momentum during the season and beyond.

2. Marcus Forston, Miami

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GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 06: Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Florida Gators throws a pass as he is hit by Marcus Forston #99 of the Miami Hurricanes at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 6, 2008 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty

Marcus Forston has the size to be a dominant defensive tackle at the next level with Dareus' surprising agility. He is dominant at the line of scrimmage and makes his presence felt in the backfield. He may be better suited for a 3-4, and there are plenty of teams in that scheme who need a nose to anchor the defense.

3.Jared Crick, Nebraska

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LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 13: Jared Crick #94 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers runs down D.J. Beshears #20 of the Kansas Jayhawks during first half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty I

Jared Crick could be the most like Dareus of any player on this list.

He can play inside or out and will probably gain the most momentum heading into the draft. Nebraska is on the cusp of being a top flight defense. Prince Amukamara wasn't projected by many to be in the top 25 picks. Now he could go in the top ten.

Crick could see a similar fate.

4. Baker Steinkuhler, Nebraska

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LINCOLN, NEBRASKA - SEPTEMBER 11: Idaho Vandals quarterback Nathan Enderle #10 looks up from the turf as Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive tackle Baker Steinkuhler #55 and Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive tackle Jared Crick celebrate a sack during first half a

Let's keep it in Nebraska for a moment.

Baker Steinkuhler may be playing second fiddle to Crick at the moment, but he could join him in the first round if he decides to come out early. He may be a bit too big to play defensive tackle, but he is seeing success at defensive end for the time being.

Whether or not he will move inside at the next level is yet to be seen.

5. Billy Winn, Boise State

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LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 22: Billy Winn #90 of the Boise State Broncos holds up a trophy as he celebrates the team's 26-3 victory over the Utah Utes in the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas at Sam Boyd Stadium December 22, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan

Billy Winn has been a mainstay on Boise State's defense since he entered the program. He lacks size, but makes up for it with his polished game—as many Broncos inevitably do.

He could potentially slip outside, but he could be a household name as the draft approaches.

6. Logan Harrell, Fresno State

Logan Harrell lacks a lot of things.

He is undersized, his competition level isn't exactly SEC dominant, and he has major holes in his game. What sets him apart is his production is that he hit double digit sacks last season and could be a fit for the 4-3 scheme.

His biggest concern should be adding weight, but his stats are outstanding.

7. Melvin Ingram, South Carolina

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COLUMBIA, SC - OCTOBER 30: Denarius Moore #6 of the Tennessee Volunteers is tackled by Melvin Ingram #6 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 30, 2010 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka

Melvin Ingram hasn't seen the sort of success Dareus did during his entire collegiate career, but he has certainly come on during the end of it. He is going to see pro caliber talent regularly, which makes him easier to evaluate.

Ingram could project to a mid-round guy, but he will probably have a spectacular season next year.

8. Jurrell Casey, USC

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SAN FRANCISCO - DECEMBER 26: Dave Shinskie #15 of the Boston College Eagles is sacked by Jurrell Casey #91 of the USC Trojans during the 2009 Emerald Bowl at AT&T Park on December 26, 2009 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

Jurrell Casey is going to fit nicely into someone's 4-3 scheme. He doesn't have the versatility of Dareus, but he has the tenacity.

He plays at USC, which should help his draft stock out. He could emerge as the most productive player on USC's defense, making him highly coveted.

9. Kerry Murphy, Alabama

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ATLANTA - DECEMBER 5: Kerry Murphy #64 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates their 32-13 win against the Florida Gators during the SEC Championship game at Georgia Dome on December 5, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Kerry Murphy comes from Alabama, which is going to immediately draw comparisons to Dareus. He is bigger than Dareus and won't be moved outside, but that shouldn't hurt his draft stock.

He could be a Casey Hampton type nose. An unmovable object, there is a lot to like.

10. Lawrence Guy, Arizona State

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TUCSON, AZ - DECEMBER 02: Defensive tackle Saia Falahola #77 and Lawrence Guy #50 of the Arizona State Sun Devils celebrate after defeating the Arizona Wildcats in college football game at Arizona Stadium on December 2, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. The Sun D

Lawrence Guy can probably be groomed to fit either scheme and play in a number of positions. He is a great pass rusher for the Sun Devils. Think more along the lines of Marcell Dareus and not so much Terrell Suggs.

Guy is extremely athletic, but could stand to gain some weight and join the 300 pound club.