College Football's Top 50 Players Stock Watch: Better or Worse in 2011?
We already have a fairly good sense of who will be the elite players in college football in 2011.
Though we will certainly be surprised by some newcomers or by guys who underperformed last season, we can look at past performance to reasonably gauge who should play really well next season.
But how well these amazing athletes actually perform in 2011 will come down to several factors, some that the players themselves can control (like, say, execution and decision making) and others that they cannot (such as schedules, performance of teammates, coaching decisions, injuries, etc.).
What is so thrilling about sports, and especially a fluid sport like college football, is that, regardless of how much data we digest, we simply don’t know what will happen in a given season and who will emerge as its heroes.
The following slideshow attempts to identify the top 50 players going into 2011 and then looks ahead and prognosticates whether the upcoming season will bring them further up the charts, or instead if their value will drop downwards.
50. Kheeston Randall, DT, Texas
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The Texas Longhorns have been safe bets in recent years, but that all changed (and all previous guarantees were off) when both the team and its associated market value crashed during the 2010 five-win season.
But this doesn’t mean that there aren’t very talented athletes in Austin, a fact that I believe will become glaringly obvious again when Texas begins to win games.
DT Kheeston Randall is a prime example of this, and despite his association with the Longhorns, he is one of the most talented defensive linemen in the country.
Randall registered 30 tackles as a junior last season (22 solo) and picked up one sack; his 6’5”, 295-pound frame isn’t huge, but he’s aggressive and balanced.
This guy will play in the NFL in 2012 and don’t be surprised if you hear his name more in 2011, especially if Texas can right the ship.
Stock Trend: Up
49. GJ Kinne, QB, Tulsa
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GJ Kinne (who began his career at Texas and then ultimately transferred to Tulsa) put up some ridiculous numbers on his way to leading Tulsa to a No. 6 national ranking in offensive scoring in 2010.
Kinne went 275-for-460 for 3,650 yards and 31 TDs last season, which made him the No. 11-ranked passer in yards and No. 9-ranked QB in TD tosses in the nation.
Though the offense returns a slew of talented players, gone is coach Todd Graham, but here to stay is a schedule that begins with a game at Oklahoma and also includes a visit to Boise State and a home game hosting Oklahoma State.
This is kid is the real deal, but it may be difficult for him to reach the high productivity he managed last season.
Stock Trend: Down
48. Shayne Skov, LB, Stanford
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ILB Shayne Skov finished his sophomore season with 84 tackles and 7.5 sacks and he had a dazzling 12 tackles and four sacks in the Orange Bowl alone.
Skov’s performance (along with that of SS Delano Howell and OLB Chase Thomas) will be key to new defensive coordinator Derek Mason’s success at maintaining Stanford’s top-10 defensive rating in 2011.
Shayne Skov should be one of the best defenders in the Pac-12 in 2011.
Stock Trend: Up
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47. Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas
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You might argue that FSU QB EJ Manuel might be more suitable for the top 50, but where was Cam Newton on these lists at this time last year? Admittedly, either guy could have a breakout year.
I went with Wilson because he has among the best receiving corps in the nation to work with and he also has the services of RB Knile Davis, who was the No. 16-ranked rusher in 2010.
Wilson showed a lot of poise in the Auburn game, which is exactly what you could have said about Garrett Gilbert’s appearance in the 2009-10 BCS championship. But again, the big difference between Gilbert in 2010 and Wilson going into 2011 is who he’s playing with.
If LSU is exposed for being as overrated as some folks contend, it may well come down to Arkansas and Alabama in the SEC West. And the bigger the stage, the higher the QB stock.
Stock Trend: Up
46. Chris Polk, RB, Washington
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Junior Chris Polk has run for over 1,000 yards each of the past two seasons and his 1,415 yards last season was No. 16 nationally and No. 2 in the Pac-10.
Polk has both speed and strength and will be one of the best rock carriers in the land in 2011.
With all the talk of Jake Locker last season, did you know that the Huskies ranked No. 84 in passing and No. 38 in rushing?
With Locker gone, the focus, attention and expectations may fall squarely in Polk’s lap which means defenses will be ready for him.
Stock Trend: Down
45. Robert Woods, WR, USC
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In 2010, Robert Woods caught 65 passes for 792 yards and six touchdowns and was named the Pac-10 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year.
If QB Matt Barkley continues to improve in his junior year and the Trojans offensive line can manage to protect him, Woods could have a break-out season in 2011.
It’s unbelievable that the Trojans seemed almost irrelevant last season; they went 8-5 in a major FBS conference and ranked No. 37 in offensive scoring and No. 63 defensive scoring. Improvements make USC a scary team to play in 2011 (regardless of their postseason availability).
Stock Trend: Up
44. Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State
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Kirk Cousins may be the most underrated QB from the most underrated team in the Big Ten.
Cousins was the No. 38-ranked passer in yardage last season, he ranked No. 18 in passer rating and, remember, this is a guy who started 11 games in 2010.
What may hurt Kirk Cousins the most in 2011 is a schedule which is much more difficult than what the Spartans faced in 2010 (remember, they didn’t leave the state of Michigan until October 23 last season).
All the pieces are in place for Cousins and Michigan State, but the road is much steeper in 2011.
Stock Trend: Down
43. Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
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Stephon Gilmore has all the right stuff to transform the Gamecocks secondary; he’s big, he’s fast and he absolutely has NFL-caliber talent.
South Carolina’s biggest statistical weakness in 2010 was pass defense, where they ranked a dismal No. 97 in the nation; it’s not an overstatement to say that Gilmore could be one of the key players in 2011 who decide how much further the Gamecocks can climb.
Stock Trend: Up
42. Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M
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While it’s easy to point to the switch to QB Ryan Tannehill as being the key to Texas A&M’s thrilling six-game streak to close out the 2010 regular season, it would be a huge mistake to overlook RB Cyrus Gray, who ran for over 100 yards in each of those contests.
Gray (in relief of the injured Christine Michael) ran for 10 scores in the final six games and tacked 223 yards on the Longhorns in the season finale.
With QB Tannehill, WR Jeff Fuller and all-but-one member of the offensive line back in 2011, Cyrus Gray has not only the opportunity to be a part of something special in College Station; he has the chance to be one of the best backs in the country.
Stock Trend: Up
41. Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
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With all the talk of the Terrelle Pryor missing the first five games of the 2011 season and coach Jim Tressel out permanently, Mike Adams may be an overlooked man.
Adams is a stud and one of the best linemen in the country. He will likely go in the first two rounds of the 2012 NFL Draft.
How 2011 plays out for the Buckeyes is completely up in the air, but you have to figure that a repeat trip to the BCS is going to be much tougher than it has been in the past.
Decreased team performance equals decreased stock values, especially for a non-skill position.
Stock Trend: Down
40. Marcus Forston, DT, Miami (FL)
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Marcus Forston has all the potential to be one of the best defensive linemen in the country but up until this point he has either been injured or unable to live up to the hype associated with him.
At 6’3”, 305 pounds Forston is a beast who may be one of the guys who most benefit from the coaching change from Randy Shannon to Al Golden.
The Hurricanes were one of the most unbalanced defenses in the country in 2010; they ranked No. 3 against the pass and only No. 84 against the run.
Forston may be due his breakout season in 2011; he absolutely has all the talent to do so.
Stock Trend: Up
39. Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama
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Despite coming back from an injury in 2009 that wiped out all but a few games of his freshman year Hightower was still Alabama’s second leading tackler in 2010 with 70 tackles.
With his knee brace off for 2011 Hightower is set to go off in his junior season and will be complemented by a unit that has everything in place but a defensive line (that should reload).
Hightower should be one of the most dominant defenders in the SEC in 2011 and has as a good shot as anyone at defensive player of the year.
Stock Trend: Up
38. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
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After losing the 2009 season to injury Griffin offensively exploded in 2010 hurling the ball for 3,501 yards and 22 TDs while rushing for an additional 635 yards and eight scores all on the way to propelling Baylor to its first bowl appearance in 16 long seasons.
The entire offense is back in 2011 (with the big exception of RB Jay Finley) but Baylor is confident they can surpass their seven win total in 2010 if only they can make steps forward defensively.
Griffin is oozing with confidence going into the fall and with the entire receiving corps and offensive line back you can bet the Bears are going to put up some obscene numbers though the schedule might prevent them from posting more wins.
If Baylor can manage capture some unexpected victories Griffin is a great deep sleeper for the Heisman.
Stock Trend: Up
37. Michael Egnew, TE, Missouri
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Hybrid TE Michael Egnew is already being mentioned on a slew of preseason first-team All-American lists and with good reason.
Egnew, 6’6”, 235 pounds, caught 90 balls for 762 yards and five scores last season but the looming question is how he will fair with a new quarterback in 2011.
Though QB James Franklin will have the benefit of almost all of Gabbert’s targets back next season how this change will affect Egnew’s numbers is a total unknown.
We do know that Egnew is super talented and we do know that he will likely be one of the first two tight ends taken in the 2012 NFL draft; we just don’ t know how his stock will be effected by a new pass tosser.
Stock Trend: Down
36. Greg Childs, WR, Arkansas
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If Greg Childs can successfully come back from injuries suffered in 2010 he could easily be one of the best receivers in the country in 2011.
Childs caught 48 balls for 897 yards and seven TDs in 2009 and had already amassed 659 yards and six scores through eight games in 2010 before the injury.
Besides the issue of returning to his old form the other looming question mark for the deep threat Childs (and the other stellar Hog receivers) is how production will be effected by the loss of Mallett and the entrance of Tyler Wilson.
If Tyler Wilson can do well quickly Childs has a chance at a special senior season.
Stock Trend: Up
35. Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
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Alfonzo Dennard is perfectly equipped to be one of the best cornerbacks in all of college football in 2011.
Dennard (5’10”, 195 pounds) registered 31 tackles and four picks in 2010 including a 31-yard interception return for a score in the regular season game against Washington.
Dennard has the benefit of being a member of what could be one of the best Nebraska defensive units in years which is the perfect weapon to catapult him up the charts.
Stock Trend: Up
34. Ronnie Hillman, RB, San Diego State
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From the alma mater of Marshall Faulk comes Ronnie Hillman who rushed for 1,532 yards and 17 scores during his stunning freshman campaign.
Not only did Hillman capture MWC Freshman of the Year honors, but he was also the No. 10 ranked ball carrier in college football in 2010.
Hillman and the Aztecs return virtually their entire offensive unit (which ranked No. 2 overall in scoring) and most of a defense that was a very respectable No. 36 in scoring.
Yes, Brady Hoke is out and former New Mexico coach and SDSU assistant Rocky Long is in but SDSU is so deep on talent it’s hard to see the offensive production dipping substantially.
Hillman is a special athlete who may not have the big stage as guys like Knile Davis or LaMichael James enjoy, but his stock is definitely moving on up.
Stock Trend: Up
33. Chris Owusu, WR, Stanford
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With top pass grabbers Doug Baldwin and Ryan Whalen gone from the Cardinal ranks, Chris Owusu (if he can stay injury free) is Andrew’s Luck’s go to guy in 2011.
Owusu was hampered by injury in 2010 but he is a well rounded receiver and can do just about everything which makes him very dangerous.
There is no doubt of his talent but Owusu being Luck’s top target will have defenses ready and this combined with the fact that the Cardinal has some issues at offensive line and the coaching turnover may overshadow his senior season.
Stock Trend: Down
32. Robert Lester, FS, Alabama
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Robert Lester will be an integral part of what might be the best secondary in college football in 2011.
Lester scored a whopping eight interceptions in his 2010 sophomore season (two each against Arkansas and Mississippi State) and tacked on 51 tackles and one sack for good measure.
Not only did Lester lead the team in picks last season, he also led the SEC and was tied for No. 2 in interceptions nationally.
This guy has a nose for the ball and great instincts, he is flat out dangerous.
Stock Trend: Up
31. Nate Potter, OT, Boise State
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Part of QB Kellen Moore’s stunning success story during his career at Boise State is an offensive line that has allowed him to work his magic with little interference.
OT Nate Potter, a 6’6”, 293-pound incoming senior is a huge factor in this protection scheme.
How successful has Potter and company been? Well, in 2010 Moore was only sacked six times (all season) which was a number no other O-line even touched with a QB that threw over 380 attempts.
He’s a preseason first team All-American and this could be the season that he and the Broncos get an opportunity to go up the next rung of the ladder.
Stock Trend: Up
30. Kenny Tate, DS, Maryland
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Kenny Tate will be one of the key elements to defensively getting off on the right foot in the Randy Edsall era at Maryland.
Tate was all-dominant in 2010 registering 90 tackles, 3.5 sacks and three picks on the way to the Terrapins No. 38 defensive scoring ranking nationally.
Maryland is a team that returns enough talent to vie for an ACC Atlantic crown which is easy to forget with all the hype regarding Florida State.
Kenny Tate, who will play a “star” position in 2011, will be one of the top defenders in the country on a team that could surprise a lot of folks.
Stock Trend: Up
29. Darron Thomas, QB, Oregon
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No one in Eugene is worried about Jeremiah Masoli this season with the Duck QB duties now safely under the wing of incoming junior Darron Thomas.
Thomas went 222/361 for 2,881 yards and 30 TDs last season and the dual-threat artist tacked on another 486 yards rushing and five scores for good measure.
The real concern for the Duck offense coming into 2011 is the retooling at offensive line; if this gets solved (the earlier the better) Thomas should be back with a vengeance next season.
Stock Trend: Up
28. Bruce Irvin, DE, West Virginia
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Bruce Irvin didn’t play every down in 2010 but he still managed a whopping 14 sacks which earned him the No. 2 spot in the nation.
The disadvantage for Irvin going into 2011 is that the WVU defense returns only four starters to a unit that ranked No. 3 nationally in scoring.
A revamped and possibly prolific offense could help but there will be quite a bit of pressure on a very talented Bruce Irvin and teammates to keep the Mountaineers atop the heap in defensive football.
Stock Trend: Down
27. Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan
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Denard Robinson was perhaps the most talked about guy in college football for the month of September 2010; but after that Robinson’s star seemed to sink as his consistency fizzled and the Wolverine defense weakened (considerably).
You can’t deny that Robinson might be the most talented athlete in college football but you have to wonder if he can play at that same prolific level for 12 or 13 games and what effects (if any) Al Borges new offensive scheme will have on his production.
My guess is that Robinson will explode in 2011 and if the defense improves, watch out.
Stock Trend: Up
26. Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
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If you watched Jones play last year, he just got better as the year went on which makes you believe that 2011 is the perfect year for him to put on a big show (especially given the talent returning to Norman with him).
Jones went 405/617 for 4,718 yards, 38 TDs and 12 picks in 2010 earning him a QB rating of 146.3 which was No. 24 in the country.
A guy, especially a skill position player, who is a leader on a team that is competing for a national championship, will always have his stock rising, even if that team falls just short of their goal.
Stock Trend: Up
25. Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
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The offensive line may well be the hinge on which the door ultimately swings for the 2011 Cardinal and Jonathan Martin is one of only two returning starters that will be on hand to get the job done.
Martin, a 6’6”, 291-pound beast was part of a stellar 2010 O-line that allowed only six quarterback sacks and led the way for the Cardinal rushing attack to average 213.8 yards per game (No. 17 nationally).
This guy is a stud but will he and RG David DeCastro be enough of an anchor to overcome the huge task of retooling along the rest of the Cardinal line?
Stock Trend: Down
24. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State
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Jerel Worthy is a key returner to a defensive line that has all the pieces in place to be dominant next season but simply won’t be able to do so without Worthy having a stellar performance.
Worthy amassed 40 tackles in 2010 with four sacks and six tackles for a loss.
Michigan State’s road to double-digit wins will be made more difficult with a schedule that isn’t near as forgiving as it was in 2010; this coupled with the fact that Sparty has Nebraska and a divisional title and championship game to contend with makes the road to the Rose Bowl look very difficult.
Stock Trend: Down
23. Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech
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Jayron Hosley may well be the most dangerous man in college football.
Hosley led the nation in interceptions last season with nine picks and had three alone in the game against NC State.
If Hosley can repeat his dominant performance in 2010 next season, 2011 may be his final college football campaign.
What helps Hosley’s stock value for next season is, despite the loss of QB Tyrod Taylor, the Hokies are the front-runner again in the ACC Coastal race which is made even more doable with a manageable schedule.
Stock Trend: Up
22. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
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And now it’s time for the Trent Richardson show at Alabama; the back who some claim is even better than Heisman predecessor Mark Ingram finally gets an opportunity to be “the man.”
How much additional pressure will come Richardson’s way with a new quarterback is an unknown but almost the entire offensive line returning is good news for the market value of the rock carrying Richardson.
If the Tide can manage to dodge all the SEC bullets and make it back to the title game, look for Richardson to be the third consecutive Heisman winner from the state Alabama.
Stock Trend: Up
21. Michael Dyer, RB, Auburn
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Michael Dyer simply went off during his freshman campaign at Auburn; 1,093 yards and five scores on 182 carries and four 100 yard games (which included 143 yards in the BCS title game) are hard not to be impressed by.
Dyer is the most proven offensive weapon left at Auburn but he will have an O-line leading the way with only one returning starter and he will also be expected to help keep the heat off whoever the new Tiger quarterback is.
Dyer is undoubtedly talented and will be a premier back but when you add an ugly schedule to the massive personnel turnover 2011 could be a tough (though still promising) season.
Stock Trend: Down
20. Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
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After a break-out season in 2010 Brandon Jenkins should be even more dominant in DC Mark Stoops second FSU defense.
Jenkins had 56 total tackles, 13.5 sacks (tied for No. 3 nationally) and 16 tackles for a loss in his sophomore campaign.
The Seminoles could have one of the dominant defenses in 2011 and if things work out at quarterback , the schedule sets up nicely (other than that little business of Oklahoma coming to town in Week 3) for at the bare minimum a run at an ACC title.
Stock Trend: Up
19. Lavonte David, LB, Nebraska
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This list is peppered with Nebraska defenders due to the fact that the Cornhuskers should be absolutely ferocious defensively in 2011.
LB Lavonte David is the middle man in a “D” that will be led up front by DT Jared Crick and shored up in the backfield by CB Alfonzo Dennard. All three should be All-Americans and the trio should be complemented by a host of talented co-stars.
David had a team leading 153 tackles and six sacks during his junior season and shows no sign of slowing down in 2011.
The defense will be good and it will be beyond intriguing to see how they match up with their new Big Ten brethren.
Stock Trend: Up
18. Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska
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Crick carries the burden of being the next great Cornhusker defensive linemen well; he is big, strong and tough and will be the anchor on a line in 2011 which should be talented and deep.
Crick amassed 70 tackles, 9.5 sacks and 12 tackles for a loss in 2010; his sack total tied him for No. 19 in the nation last.
Jared Crick’s senior season should be legendary and he will play for a Husker defense that should be as good as or better than any in recent history.
Bring on the Big Ten.
Stock Trend: Up
17. Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma
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Travis Lewis has led the Sooners in tackles for the past three seasons and his 109 tackles, 1.5 sacks and three interceptions helped propel the Sooners to a No. 33 ranking in defensive scoring in 2010.
Lewis is likely to be a first round draft choice in the 2012 NFL Draft but before that happens how far can the Sooners go in 2011?
Oklahoma has almost everything they need to finally make a run back to the top game, but even without a conference championship to contend with it’s still a full Big 12 schedule and the early non-conference trip to Florida State will tell us much about Lewis’s senior season in Norman.
Stock Trend: Up
16. Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina
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Marcus Lattimore is yet another freshman back who went off in 2010; 1197 yards on 249 carries for 17 scores.
The biggest concerns for South Carolina in 2011 in terms of rushing are the offensive line and then what if any pressure QB Stephen Garcia’s comings and goings put on the rest of the offensive unit.
What seems obvious is that this kid can carry the rock and if he does improve on last year’s totals (which should be helped along by an easier schedule) he could be a major factor in South Carolina finally reaching double-digit wins.
Stock Trend: Up
15. Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College
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Luke Kuechly is the type of player you’d want your kid to be if he played college football; he’s gritty, has a nose for the ball and does stuff that doesn’t even look possible.
If Kuechly played for Florida, Oklahoma or Ohio State he would be touted as the greatest thing since sliced bread.
Kuechly led the nation last season with 183 tackles which was only 10 short of the NCAA record for tackles in a single season; his career total of 325 through his sophomore year puts him on pace to break the all-time career record which is 545.
What hurts Kuechly’s stock is that though Boston College is a good team, they aren’t a great team and with Florida State, Maryland, NC State and Clemson all making progress in the ACC Atlantic, 2011 will be even tougher.
Stock Trend: Down
14. Matt Barkley, QB, USC
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It’s seems funny that as soon as Pete Carroll left and USC was slapped with a bunch of NCAA sanctions that the age of the golden boy QB at Southern Cal was suddenly over.
But overlooking Matt Barkley as the heir to the Trojan tosser throne is just flat wrong; this kid is definitely improving and has an arm and supporting cast that could help him perform at a high level in 2011.
The critical question for Barkley will be the offensive line that has huge holes on both sides coming into next season.
It’s unfortunate that sanctions involving previous players prevent present athletes at great programs from achieving higher goals than a winning season and perhaps a high AP ranking; while the Trojans of 2002-04 are going on with their lives the guys there now suffer the consequences.
I understand the argument on the flip side and it has to cost the program something, but there has to be a better way.
Stock Trend: Up
13. Mark Barron, S, Alabama
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The Crimson Tide’s secondary could be their strongest overall unit which can’t hurt a potential SEC and BCS title run.
Barron, an incoming senior, is the leader of the pack in the back and his 77 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and three picks in 2010 are indicative of his disruptive capabilities.
Barron is a two time All-American who should explode in 2011.
Stock Trend: Up
12. Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas
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The pressure will be squarely on Knile Davis’ shoulders to carry the Hogs offensive load while QB Tyler Wilson get used to taking all the reps under center at game time.
But Davis is a capable rock carrier who ran for 1322 yards and 13 TDs in 2010; his 6.5 yards per attempt was No. 11 in the nation and No. 2 in backs who carried the ball over 200 times.
The Razorbacks have the kind of start they need to break in a new QB with games against FCS Missouri State, New Mexico and Troy before things get real serious in Week 4 with a road trip to Alabama.
Though it’s hard to believe that a team that went to the BCS last year would “surprise” us, I think Arkansas is just that type of team, and Davis will have a lot to do with that.
Stock Trend: Up
11. Quinton Coples, DT, North Carolina
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At 6’6”, 275 pounds Coples is an NFL sized linemen who is also strong and powerful; his 59 total tackles, 10 sacks and 13 tackles for a loss where critical in 2010 for a defensive unit that still managed a No. 30 overall ranking despite the huge losses due to sanctions, etc.
Coples is the real deal but he and the rest of the Tar Heels will have to deal with serious concerns at quarterback, running back, the right side of the offensive line and the entire secondary.
Regardless, Coples is oozing with NFL talent and is likely to go high in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft.
Stock Trend: Up
10. Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame
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Despite being an incoming junior Te’o’s name is prominent among many of the very early 2012 NFL mock draft scenarios.
Te’o is part of a defense that returns a very solid eight starters in 2011 to a unit that ranked No. 23 in scoring in 2010.
Manti Te’o registered 129 tackles last season (64 solo) and his speed and strength should continue to make a difference for the Irish.
Stock Trend: Up
9. Terrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio State
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After the news broke night we know now that Pryor’s college career, despite promises made prior to the Sugar Bowl, has come to close with a big ugly thud.
Terrelle Pryor would have been one of the best overall athletes in college football in 2011 despite the haters and despite the sanctions.
If “tattoo-gate” and “Tressel-gate” had never happened we’d be talking Heisman, national title and how much Pryor could improve as a passer in his senior season.
Stock Trend: Bankrupt
8. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
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As of today, it looks like Michael Floyd is on the road to be reinstated to play his senior season at Notre Dame.
Floyd is a 6’3” 227 pound receiver who grabbed 79 balls for 1,025 yards and 12 scores in 2010; stats which led the team and made him the No. 29 receiver in college football.
Michael Floyd has all the traits to be an outstanding receiver at the next level and if the Irish let him back on the field he could make a huge impact on their attempted to return to glory.
An improved QB situation and a better offensive line means that Floyd should be able to build on his performance in 2010.
Stock Trend: Up
7. Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State
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One of the real reasons so many folks have Arizona State, who went 6-6 last season, as potential dark horse candidates in the new Pac-12 South, is a defense that looked like it had the potential to be one of the best units in the nation.
With the loss of CB Omar Bolden to injury this spring and with DT Lawrence Guy bolting to the pros the big star left in Sun Devils galaxy is the very beastly Vontze Burfict.
Burfict racked up racked up 89 tackles last season and helped lead ASU to a No. 1 rush defense ranking in the Pac-10 and a No. 16 ranking nationally.
Though Burfict is inarguably dominant how will the defense fare without its other standout leaders; sure, they’ll be good, but how good?
Stock Trend: Down
6. Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma
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Ryan Broyles 131 grabs and 1622 receiving yards in 2010 was a school record and garnered him the No. 3 receiving yards ranking in college football.
Given the return of QB Landry Jones and a doable schedule Broyles could be headed for more record breaking and ring wearing in 2011.
He is a stellar receiver, he’s tough, sure handed and he has the rising fortunes and storied history of the Oklahoma program to launch him into a number of prominent awards conversations.
What’s interesting is what happens if Oklahoma makes it back to the title game and Broyles puts up similar, record-breaking numbers? Who then becomes the Heisman candidate from the Sooner Nation (because you know they’ll be one)?
Is it the younger and less proven QB Jones or instead does Ryan Broyles become the first wide receiver to win the Heisman since Desmond Howard did it in 1991?
Stock Trend: Up
5. Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
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Jeffery may not be the fastest, flashiest guy catching the ball in college football, but he is a strong work horse that just gets the job done.
Jeffery pulled in 88 balls for 1517 yards in 2010 which made him the No. 1 receiver in the SEC and the No. 4 receiver in college football, as a sophomore.
If the Gamecocks bring the whole enchilada together, finally, in 2011 (and the pieces all seem to be on the card table in Spurrier’s living room) Jeffery’s junior season could be legendary.
Stock Trend: Up
4. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
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What Justin Blackmon did in 2010 was insane; here is a guy that out of nowhere racked up 1782 yards and 20 TDs on 111 catches.
That made him the No. 2 receiver in the country and earned him the Biletnikoff Award.
As explosive as Blackmon was (and you can’t argue his athletic ability) how much did Oklahoma State’s success have to do with first year OC Dana Holgorsen who has bolted for West Virginia?
Execution is absolutely in the hands of the athlete, but can Blackmon and the Oklahoma State Cowboys produce the same consistent stats without the guy who installed and ran the system?
Stock Trend: Down
3. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
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James ran for more yards than anyone in college football last season; his sophomore season produced 1,731 yards and 21 scores on 294 carries leading the Ducks to a No. 4 rushing ranking nationally and an appearance in the BCS title game.
The offensive line may be a challenge for both the Oregon rushing attack and James’ statistical stockpiling in 2011 but you can bet that he will still be well over the 1,000 yard mark by the end of October 2011.
Though it seems unlikely that James will stick it out in Eugene through his senior season, if he did he would have an opportunity to surpass the NCAA career rushing record of 6,397 yards set by Ron Dayne at Wisconsin from 1996-99.
Stock Trend: Up
2. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
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It’s hard to imagine a guy who is more important to his team than Kellen Moore is to Boise State (which is a great argument as to why he should move up in the Heisman voting).
Moore comes into his senior as the top rated passer in the land but will be without his top two targets from 2010; other than that the Broncos look ready to make another run at the big crystal football.
To actually grab a place at the BCS championship table and for a legitimate shot at the Heisman, Moore and the Broncos must go unscathed and look good doing it (of course it won’t hurt if only one BCS team goes undefeated).
It’s difficult to believe that the Moore era at Boise State will be over and done with in just a few months; you almost hope for his sake it is memorable and victorious.
Kellen Moore is the best player in the country who still somehow has the most to prove.
1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
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And here is the guy who shocked everyone by returning to play his final season at Stanford; and you have got to respect that.
Though Luck could have a chance at a repeat double-digit win season and a successful Heisman candidacy, the waters are made murky with the loss of receivers, offensive linemen and coaches who got more out of Stanford than seemed possible.
There is no doubt that this kid is special and he is a great player but repeating last year’s success seems really questionable, and this has nothing to do with Luck’s ability level.
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