College Football Preview: The Top Player for Every Top 25 Team

College football is less than a week away, and every team is gearing up for the journey into another season.

With the AP Top 25 released this past weekend, many teams are on the cusp of beginning a season that may end in the history books of their universities.

While team unity as a whole is very important and a team could not win without each and every player, there are some individuals who are able to give their teams that extra "kick" of energy to push them from good to great.

This is a list of the top players on every team in the AP Top 25 Preseason Poll.

25. USC: QB Matt Barkley

2010 Statistics:

94.8 rating, 2791 yards, 26 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 62.6% completions

2011 Outlook:

Recruited originally as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, Matt Barkley decided to stay with USC, a program he loves, despite all of the scandal and sanctions surrounding the school.

Through his career at USC, he has put up great numbers in a not-so-great time for the program, but has given 100% effort every single game. He has great pocket presence and a great arm to compliment his fairly good mobility. Accompanied by a bevy of talent on the offensive side of the ball, look for Barkley to have another outstanding year as the Trojans enter their final year under sanctions.

In 2011, Barkley will look to play spoiler to both Stanford and Oregon's dreams of becoming the first ever Pac-12 title holder, and while USC cannot win the Pac-12, look for Barkley to help USC prove that they are still a force to be reckoned with.

Runner Up: WR Robert Woods

2010 Statistics:

65 receptions, 792 yards, 6 touchdowns, 12.2 yards per catch

24. West Virginia: QB Geno Smith

2010 Statistics:

144.7 rating, 2763 yards, 24 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 64.8% completions

2011 Outlook:

Despite what some may call a "lanky" frame, don't be fooled into thinking Geno Smith cannot play.

Heralded once as one of the best dual-threat QBs of his class, this junior is looking to lead the Mountaineers to a Big East title in 2011.

Though many have tabbed him as a speedster who can open up the passing game with his legs, Smith threw for nearly 2800 yards last year while also accounting for 24 TD, making him one of the elite passers in the nation.

Now running Dana Holgorsen's spread offense that score at what seems to be a point-a-minute, Smith will look to contend for the Heisman trophy as well as lead the Mountaineers to a BCS appearance.

Runner-Up: DE Bruce Irvin

2010 Statistics:

22 tackles (19 solo, 3 assisted), 14 sacks (2nd in the nation), one forced fumble

23. Auburn: RB Michael Dyer

2010 Statistics:

182 carries, 1093 yards, 6.0 yards per carry, 5 touchdowns

2011 Outlook:

Once known as the top running back recruit in the nation, Michael Dyer will look to build off of a breakout national championship game, where he ran for 143 yards on just 22 carries against the Oregon Ducks.

Only in his second full year with the Tigers, Dyer is already a Heisman watch-list candidate and will look to further impress the nation with both his speed and versatility. He is a tough runner who can cut to the outside and shed tackles.

Somewhat masked by Cam Newton's performance last year as well as fellow back Onterio McCalebb, 2011 will be the season that the Auburn Tigers will be carried by Michael Dyer. 

Look for him to have an outstanding year as he tries to prove to the nation why he is the top running back, and that the Auburn Tigers can live on without Cam Newton.

Runner-up: RB Onterio McCalebb

2010 Statistics:

95 carries, 810 yards, 8.5 yards per carry, 9 touchdowns

22. Florida: QB John Brantley

2010 Statistics:

116.4 rating, 2061 yards, 9 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 60.8% completions

2011 Outlook:

Being a replacement to perhaps the greatest quarterback in Florida history will never be an easy thing. For the most part, John Brantley has done fairly well as a replacement for Tim Tebow. Although Florida has gone through turmoil these past few seasons, John Brantley will look to improve upon his 2010 season and lead Florida back to greatness.

Entering his senior season at Florida, Brantley will lead the Gators back to an SEC Title game and will be heavily aided by all of the developing talent around him, including up-and-coming QB Trey Burton, who will most likely share some playing time with Brantley. 

Runner-up: QB/RB/WR Trey Burton

2010 Statistics:

75 attempts, 349 yards, 4.7 yards per carry, 11 touchdowns

21. Missouri: TE Michael Egnew

2010 Statistics:

90 receptions, 762 yards, 5 touchdowns, 8.5 yards per catch

2011 Season Outlook:

After leading the tight-end rotation with 90 catches and being second on the team in receiving yards with 762, look for Missouri to use this big tight-end a lot in building up confidence for their young quarterback, James Franklin.

Runner-up: WR T.J. Moe

2010 Statistics:

92 receptions, 1045 yards, 6 touchdowns, 11.4 yards per catch

20. Mississippi State: Vick Ballard

2010 Statistics:

186 attempts, 968 yards, 5.2 yards per carry, 19 touchdowns

2011 Season Outlook:

After virtually coming out of nowhere to surprise the nation, Ballard will be looking to once again lead a dangerous Mississippi State team on the ground against tough SEC defenses. Though he was a junior college transfer, Ballard still impressed immensely with both his speed and versatility. 

At only 5'10", Ballard has more of a nose for cutting to the outside, but will power through the line if he needs to.

With another spring, summer and fall camp under Ballard's belt, look for him to be more comfortable in the offense and impress NFL scouts even more. 

Runner-up: QB Chris Relf

2010 Statistics:

141.0 rating, 1789 yards, 13 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 58.6% completions

19. Georgia: QB Aaron Murray

2010 Statistics:

154.5 rating, 3049 yards, 24 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 61.1% completions

2011 Season Outlook:

After being tabbed as Georgia's QB heading into the 2010 season, Murray was able to grow and develop . He showed why he can become one of the better quarterbacks in the SEC and lead Georgia back to greatness.

Looking ahead to his sophomore season, expect more impressive numbers from Aaron Murray, as he has grown and Georgia has added more weapons around him.

Runner-up: Isaah Crowell

2010 Statistics:

No stats compiled yet; true freshmen who may start against Boise State in the season opener on Sept. 3rd

18. Ohio State: WR DeVier Posey

2010 Statistics:

53 receptions, 848 yards, 7 touchdowns, 16.0 yards per catch

2011 Season Outlook:

Despite all of the turmoil Ohio State has gone through this offseason, DeVier Posey is still a bright spot for the Buckeyes. 

Entering his senior season, Posey is one of the most talented players in the nation. With no other truly proven wideouts, the Buckeyes will be looking for a lot of production from their star wide receiver.

Runner-Up: DL John Simon

2010 Statistics:

41 tackles (22 solo), 3.0 sacks

17. Michigan State: QB Kirk Cousins

2010 Statistics:

150.7 rating, 2825 yards, 20 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 66.9% completions

2011 Season Outlook:

Entering his final season at Michigan State, Cousins will look to prove that he is indeed the best quarterback in the Big Ten.

After putting up great numbers in 2010, Kirk Cousins will look to help Michigan State repeat in their drive towards another memorable season in 2011.

Despite not having great games on the biggest stages, Cousins will be even more motivated this year to prove that his is the Big Ten's elite signal-caller, and that he has what it takes to win championships. 

Runner-up: RB Edwin Baker

2010 Statistics:

207 carries, 1201 yards, 5.8 yards per carry, 13 touchdowns

16. Notre Dame: WR Michael Floyd

2010 Statistics:

79 receptions, 1025 yards, 12 touchdowns, 13.0 yards per catch

2011 Season Outlook:

Largely Notre Dame's most productive receiver last season, Floyd will look to help QB Dayne Crist develop and make a smooth transition into the Notre Dame offense. 

A versatile player who can be argued to be Notre Dame's best receiver in history, Floyd will have plenty of touches to make a big impact for Notre Dame once again this year. 

Runner- up: WR Theo Riddick 

2010 Statistics:

40 receptions, 414 yards, 10.4 yards per catch, 3 touchdowns

15. Arkansas: RB/KR Dennis Johnson

2010 Statistics:

9 carries, 83 yards, 9.2 yards per carry, one touchdown

2011 Season Outlook:

Though being sidelined early on by a season-ending injury in 2010, running back Dennis Johnson will be asked to provide the Razorbacks with lots of production as they have lost both quarterback Ryan Mallett to the NFL and reigning SEC leading rusher Knile Davis to injury.

Arkansas' all-time leading kick-returner, the junior showed flashes of greatness before being injured last season.

Look for him to get lots of touches this year and to impress the nation with his versatility.

14. TCU: RB Ed Wesley

2010 Statistics: 

166 carries, 1078 yards, 6.5 yards per carry, 11 touchdowns

2011 Season Outlook:

After losing Andy Dalton to the NFL and having some questions about Casey Pachall, much of the TCU offense will be put into the hands of leading rusher Ed Wesley.

Though only 5'9", Wesley considers himself a power back and will blast through the tackles on just about every ball he is given. Wesley will try to help TCU retain national prominence in 2011.

Runner-up: ILB Tank Carder

2010 Statistics:

61 tackles (38 solo, 23 assisted), 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one interception

13. Virginia Tech: CB Jayron Hosley

2010 Statistics:

39 tackles (34 solo, 5 assisted), 9 interceptions

2011 Season Outlook:

After starting his first year at cornerback in 2010, Jayron Hosley impressed just about everybody who watched him play.

After leading the FBS with nine picks in 2010, Hosley will most likely contend to be the nation's top corner as he returns to a Virginia Tech secondary that will most likely improve upon last season.

Runner-up: QB Logan Thomas

80.7 rating, 26 attempts, 107 yards, 46.2% completions

12. South Carolina: RB Marcus Lattimore

2010 Statistics:

249 carries, 1197 yards, 4.8 yards per carry, 17 touchdowns

2011 Season Outlook:

Heralded once as the best running back prospect in the nation, Lattimore showed off to the entire college football nation why he is one of the premier running backs.

With another season under his belt at South Carolina, look for Lattimore to impress the college football landscape once again while contending for a Heisman trophy come awards season.

Runner-up: QB Stephen Garcia

148.7 rating, 3059 yards, 20 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, 64.2% completions

11. Wisconsin: RB James White

2010 Statistics:

156 carries, 1052 yards, 6.7 yards per carry, 14 touchdowns

2011 Season Outlook:

Part of the "two-headed monster" at Wisconsin, White was electric every time he touched the ball.

Leading the team in touches, this running-back will look to help new quarterback Russell Wilson, a transfer from NC State, adjust to the Wisconsin system by taking the ball and powering the Badgers up and down the field.

Heading into his second year with the Badgers, look for White to be even more comfortable with Wisconsin's offense and improve upon his already impressive numbers from 2010.

Runner-up: Russell Wilson

2010 Statistics:

127.5 rating, 3563 yards, 28 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, 58.4% completions

10. Nebraska: QB Taylor Martinez

2010 Statistics:

138.8 rating, 1631 yards, 10 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 59.2% completions

2011 Season Outlook:

Though at first Martinez may not seem that impressive as a QB based on his passing numbers, if you look at his rushing numbers, they are off the charts for a first-year QB.

In 2010, Martinez rushed for 965 yards and 12 touchdowns while leading Nebraska to a memorable year that unfortunately ended up in a loss to Washington in the Holiday Bowl, where Martinez suffered a pretty serious injury.

After recovering and apparently coming back in better shape than ever, look for Martinez to put up another year of extraordinary numbers in a Nebraska offense that will look to make a run at the national championship.

Runner-up: DT Jared Crick

2010 Statistics:

70 tackles, (36 solo, 34 assisted), 9.5 sacks, one forced fumble

9. Oklahoma State: QB Brandon Weeden

2010 Statistics:

154.1 rating, 511 yards, 4277 yards, 34 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 66.9% completions

2011 Season Outlook:

After dropping dreams of playing professional baseball, it seems as though Brandon Weeden has found his second-coming as a college quarterback.

Though 2010 was supposed to be a season of rebuilding for Oklahoma State, Weeden made sure that the Cowboys had one of their most impressive seasons in school history.

Despite losing their offense guru Dana Holgorsen to West Virginia, look for Weeden to continue to impress the nation in his second season with the Cowboy's explosive offense.

Runner-up: WR Justin Blackmon

111 receptions, 1782 yards, 20 touchdowns, 16.1 yards per catch

8. Texas A&M: RB Cyrus Gray

2010 Statistics:

200 carries, 1133 yards, 5.7 yards per carry, 12 touchdowns

2011 Season Outlook:

Cyrus Gray is another one of the running backs that will be absolutely unstoppable in 2011.

Entering his senior season, Cyrus Gray will still split time with his backfield mate, but will also be a key factor in trying to lead A&M to the Big 12 title, and perhaps a national championship game.

Runner-up: QB Ryan Tannehill

137.0 rating, 1638 yards, 13 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 65.0% completions

7. Stanford: QB Andrew Luck

2010 Statistics:

170.2 rating, 3338 yards, 32 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 70.7% completions

2011 Season Outlook:

Runner-up in the Heisman race last year, Andrew Luck is the top quarterback in the nation and will look to finally bring home the Heisman trophy in 2011.

Though he did lose the talents of coach Jim Harbaugh to the NFL, Luck is a proven leader. He has all of the weapons around him to have an even better season than his 2010 campaign.

Look for Andrew Luck to lead Stanford through a very competitive Pac-12 season and contend to the very end for the Heisman trophy.

Runner-up: WR Chris Owusu 

2010 Statistics:

25 receptions, 396 yards, 3 touchdowns, 15.8 yards per catch

6. Florida State: QB E.J. Manuel

2010 Statistics:

153.3 rating, 861 yards, 4 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 69.9% completions

2011 Season Outlook:

Despite only seeing limited action these past two season behind NFL rookie quarterback Christian Ponder (Minnesota Vikings), there is perhaps no more hyped player than Manuel heading into the 2011 season.

For Florida State, the entire offseason has been built in hopes of finally reaching the national championship again, and much of that will rely on the shoulder and legs of E.J. Manuel. 

Look for Manuel to use both his speed and arm to lead Florida State to an ACC Championship, while contending for the Heisman Trophy in his first year as the starter at Florida State. 

Runner-up: RB Chris Thompson

133 attempts, 846 yards, 6.4 yards per carry, 6 touchdowns

5. Boise Sate: QB Kellen Moore

2010 Statistics:

182.6 rating, 3845 yards, 35 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 71.3% completions

2011 Season Outlook:

There is, hands down, no more important player in Boise State history than Kellen Moore. During his tenure at Boise State, Moore has done unimaginable things with the football and is looking to cap off an impressive career with a 2011 season for the record books.

Despite losing to Nevada last year, Moore will look to lead Boise State to the national championship and grab the Heisman that has eluded him for so many years.

In 2011, Kellen Moore will look to go out with a bang, and expect him to do just that.

Runner-up: RB Doug Martin

2010 Statistics:

201 carries, 1260 yards, 6.3 yards per carry, 12 touchdowns

4. LSU: QB Zach Mettenberger

2010 Statistics:

N/A

2011 Season Outlook:

With the breaking news that Jordan Jefferson will be suspended indefinitely, it is now time for Zach Mettenberger to take the reigns at LSU (although some might argue that the quarterback choice is Jarrett Lee for the opener).

After transferring from Georgia to a junior college, Mettenberger chose LSU and will perform very well in Les Miles' system. If he is able to understand the playbook and offense to his potential, look for Mettenberger to have an under-the-radar year in which he leads an LSU team that is looking to live up to a lot of hype.

Runner-up: WR Russell Shepard

2010 Statistics:

33 receptions, 254 yards, one touchdown, 7.7 yards per catch

3. Oregon: RB LaMichael James

2010 Statistics:

294 carries, 1731 yards, 5.9 yards per carry, 21 touchdowns

2011 Season Outlook:

LaMichael James is the best running back in the nation, and one of the most electrifying as well. 

Despite his somewhat small frame, James has been known to power through attempted tackles on the way to the many big runs that he has broken throughout his two years at Oregon.

After finishing third in Heisman voting and a less than stellar national championship game, look for LaMichael James to come back with even more determination and lead the nation in rushing as well as be the front-runner for the Heisman Trophy.

Runner-up: QB Darron Thomas

2010 Statistics:

151.0 rating, 2881 yards, 30 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 61.5% completions

2. Alabama: RB Trent Richardson

2010 Statistics: 

112 attempts, 700 yards, 6.3 yards per carry, 6 touchdowns

2011 Season Outlook:

After playing a somewhat backup role to Mark Ingram in his first few years at Alabama, the offense is now Trent Richardson's to take control of.

With a force that no other running back can matchup to, Richardson is primed to lead the extremely talented Crimson Tide back to a national championship.

Look for Richardson to put up impressive numbers in 2011 and be a front-runner for the Heisman Trophy come year's end.

Runner-up: LB Dont'a Hightower

2010 Statistics:

70 tackles (30 solo, 40 assisted)

1. Oklahoma: QB Landry Jones

2010 Statistics: 

146.3 rating, 4718 yards, 38 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 65.6% completions

2011 Season Outlook:

With all of the weapons around him, it almost seems assured that Landry Jones will have one of the best seasons for a quarterback in Oklahoma history.

With yet another season under his belt (this time finally starting), look for Landry Jones to have the best season of his career in 2011 as he leads the preseason No. 1 Oklahoma Sooners to a national title berth. 

Runner-up: WR Ryan Broyles

2010 Statistics:

131 receptions, 1622 yards, 14 touchdowns, 12.4 yards per catch