College Football 2011: 11 Most Underrated Players

We've all heard of Andrew Luck, LaMichael James and Kellen Moore.

They are three of the most hyped players coming into the 2011 season.

But who and where are the budding stars that no one is talking about?

Are they all in the SEC? Well, there's a few there.

There are also underrated players scattered around the country that are likely to be more well known after this season.

Let's take a look at the 11 most underrated players in college football.

11. Kamar Jorden, WR (Bowling Green)

Bowling Green struggled to a 2-10 season, but Kamar Jorden had 96 receptions for 1,109 yards.

Jorden is a lanky 6'2" and has good, but not great speed. He will get a shot at the next level, but at this point he's a back-up at best.

In the Mid-American Conference, Jorden is a budding star who could help the Falcons reach a .500 season.

10. Jordan Kovacs, S (Michigan)

Michigan's defense was the Wolverines' Achilles heel during the Rich Rodriguez era, but Jordan Kovacs was a bright spot.

The hard-hitting safety is a smart, tough-nosed player.

New Michigan coach Brady Hoke is going to expect even more from Kovacs this fall.

9. Jake Knott, LB (Iowa State)

Jake Knott had a huge 2010.

As a sophomore, he recorded 130 tackles, four interceptions and four forced fumbles.

Knott wasn't highly recruited, but now he's one of the best players on the Cyclones roster.

Unfortunately, because he plays for Iowa State he may never earn the recognition he truly deserves.

8. Cameron Chism, CB (Maryland)

Maryland has big expectations this fall, and a big reason is an improved defense.

Cameron Chism, a 5'10", 190-pound corner, had 70 tackles and eight pass break-ups last year to lead a solid defensive backfield.

His lack of interceptions last year was the biggest knock on him, however, he did have four in 2009.

7. Stedman Bailey, WR (West Virginia)

West Virginia speedster Tavon Austin gets most of the publicity, but Stedman Bailey is the Mountaineers' most consistent performer.

Austin also played high school football with WVU quarterback Geno Smith, so these two have a real connection on the field.

Now that Jock Sanders and Noel Devine are gone, it's time for the new faces to finally shine.

Bailey will make a serious impact in the Big East this fall.

6. Kyle Padron, QB (SMU)

How many of you knew SMU quarterback Kyle Padron completed nearly 60 percent of his passes for 3,828 yards and 31 touchdowns last season?

Because he plays for June Jones his inflated quarterback numbers aren't a huge shock, but Padron has the moxie you want in your quarterback as well as the talent.

Now Padron has a couple years of experience in Jones' run-and-gun offense, and his numbers should explode this year.

5. Jermaine Kearse, WR (Washington)

Jermaine Kearse won't have Jake Locker throwing to him this fall, but new quarterback Keith Price is going to love seeing Kearse at receiver.

Kearse was a second-team All-Pac-10 choice the past two seasons, but he still hasn't gained the notoriety that should go to someone of his ability.

He caught a school-record four touchdowns against Oregon State last year.

He has an NFL build at 6'2" and the speed to go deep.

4. Tauren Poole, RB (Tennessee)

If Tauren Poole played in any other conference, he probably wouldn't qualify for this list.

However, the SEC is loaded with talent at running back and Poole is flying below the radar.

That's hard to believe considering he rushed for more than 1,000 yards and had six games of 100-yards or more.

If Poole has another big season, will he remain relatively unknown again?

3. Mohamed Sanu, WR (Rutgers)

Mohamed Sanu is a physical freak at 6'2", 215 pounds.

New offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti is installing a pro-style offense and he's going to look to Sanu to be a major part of Rutgers' transition.

He had 44 catches for 418 yards, while also adding 309 yards rushing.

Greg Schiano has just two more years to utilize Sanu's rare ability.

2. Brandon Bolden, RB (Mississippi)

Here we go again with the SEC.

Now let's head down to Ole Miss where Brandon Bolden is even more overlooked than Tennessee's Tauren Poole.

Bolden is a strong runner who just missed rushing for 1,000 yards last season.

He's also a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield.

1. Jeff Tuel, QB (Washington State)

Paul Wulff's Washington State team is returning 17 starters to the field this year, and luckily one of them is quarterback Jeff Tuel.

Tuel is an accurate passer who doesn't get the press of an Andrew Luck and Matt Barkley, but he's up to the challenge of being a top-notch arm.

Tuel added some weight to his 6'3" frame and he has some talented young receivers that should help him improve on last year's 2,780 passing yards and 18 touchdowns.