BCS Standings 2011: Ranking the Top 100 Players on the Top 25 BCS Teams

The latest BCS Standings are out and it is time to talk about which are the top players from the Top 25. There are hundreds of players that have a significant impact on not only their team but the entire landscape of college football.

However, there are a few All-Americans who are currently on the shelf (Marcus Lattimore & Jared Crick) so there are a couple of less heralded players that I replaced them with.

Without further ado, my top 100 players from the 25 teams in the BCS Standings.

Note: With Arizona State, Georgia and Notre Dame being the next three teams in the rankings I gave them the benefit of the doubt and included a few of their players on the list

No. 100 – Tyler Shoemaker, WR, Boise State

Season Stats: 24 receptions for 401 yards and eight touchdowns

Shoemaker has been putting up the stats every game with Kellen Moore throwing him the pigskin early and often. Not only is he a deep threat, the senior has been able to come up with plenty of crucial third down conversions. 

No. 99 – Isiah Crowell, RB, Georgia

Season Stats: 128 carries for 608 yards and five total touchdowns

The freshman is one of the top players on a Bulldogs teams that is catching fire. If they manage to win the SEC East and get to the double digit win plateau this season, I would bank on Crowell having a successful finish to his first year campaign. 

No. 98 – Nathan Scheelhaase, QB, Illinois

Season Stats: 1,407 yards passing, 64.9%, 158.8 passer rating, 396 yards rushing, 15 total touchdowns/5 INT

Just a sophomore, he took a lot of the blame on their recent loss to Ohio State. He has a ton of awareness for a youngster, but the former Mr. Missouri can flat out play.

The stats back it up and if his Illini can pony up, they may still be playing on New Year's Day.

No. 97 – Christine Michael, RB, Texas A&M

Season Stats: 93 carries for 565 yards and eight total touchdowns

Despite being a backup for the Aggies behind Cyrus Gray, Michael has been arguably the best backup in the entire nation, statistically speaking. 

No. 96 – Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

Season Stats: 27 receptions 381 yards and four touchdowns

It is hard to rank a tight end really high, but Allen has done it all, along with Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins.

No. 95 – Levy Adcock, OT, Oklahoma State

This beast of a tackle is the reason why the Cowboys are so successful up front. Jeremy Smith and Joseph Randle would be no-namers if it were not for one of the elite tackles in the nation.

No. 94 – Taylor Martinez, QB, Nebraska

Season Stats: 1,014 yards passing, 54.3%, 126.3 passer rating, 584 yards rushing and 15 total touchdowns/6 INT

Taylor Martinez had one awful game against Wisconsin but let's not let that change the fact that he is one of the best runners in the country. The 32nd rated runner is also ranked 31st overall in total offense for a Huskers squad that controls its destiny to get their rematch with Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship.

No. 93 – David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

One of the top three guards in college football has to make your top 100 list for ranked teams, right? DeCastro gives Andrew Luck a lot of time to pass and he will be recognized as a first round draft pick in April.

No. 92 – Ryan Swope, WR, Texas A&M

Season Stats: 40 receptions for 619 yards and six touchdowns

Swope has been the Wes Welker of the Aggies offense and he has been a constant with Ryan Tannehill. After his eleven catch, 206 yard, four touchdown performance over Baylor, the Aggies offense is back to being the high octane unit we all thought they would be back in the preseason.

No. 91 – George Iloka, S, Boise State

Season Stats: 23 total tackles, one tackle for loss, pass-breakup and deflection

One of the team captains for the Broncos is a sure tackler for a safety and has made plays in the secondary with the few opportunities he has had.

No. 90 – Denicos Allen, LB, Michigan State

Season Stats: 32 total tackles, 9.5 tackle for losses, and 4.5 sacks

I thought losing Greg Jones was going to make the Spartan linebackers a weak link, but the play of Allen has been impressive. His team leading tackle for losses and sacks is appreciated from a front four that allows these linebackers to roam around freely.

No. 89 – Robert Blanton, CB, Notre Dame

Season Stats: 39 total tackles, six tackle for losses, one sack and two interceptions

Robert Blanton has received a ton of blame for a secondary which has underachieved the past few seasons. However, his bend-but-don't-break and opportunistic play has given the Irish a respectable defensive backfield.

No. 88 – Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson

Season Stats: 139 carries for 740 yards (5.3 YPC) and seven touchdowns

Andre Ellington was nicked up a bit last season and the offense suffered. This season, he has given the Tigers a balanced offense that is more explosive than arguably any in the nation.

No. 87 – Rex Burkhead, RB, Nebraska

Season Stats: 107 carries for 635 yards and ten total touchdowns

Rex Burkhead, along with Taylor Martinez, is part of a two-headed monster that carries the Nebraska offense. The Huskers live and die by the play of Burkhead and his inability to go down on first contact makes him one of the elite backs in the Big Ten.

No. 86 – Mike Martin, NT, Michigan

Season Stats: 21 total tackles, 1.5 tackle for losses, 0.5 sack and one QB hurry

Mike Martin is a bulldog up front for a much improved Wolverines defense and though he may not have as good of a stats as, say, Craig Roh, he still makes an impact despite facing constant double teams.

No. 85 – Brandon Taylor, S, LSU

Season Stats: 44 total tackles, 2.5 tackle for losses, two interceptions, four break ups and six pass deflections

Taylor is one of the several high flying defensive backs on a Bayou Bengals defense that is arguably the best in the nation.

No. 84 – De'Anthony Thomas, RB/WR, Oregon

Season Stats: 21 receptions, 32 carries, 932 all-purpose yards and eight touchdowns

This freaky fast freshman filled in admirably for an injured LaMichael James last week, but the "Black Mamba" has all the moves to become an All-American next season. For now he remains one of the most explosive combo running back/wide receivers in the country.

No. 83 – Kenny Stills, WR, Oklahoma

Season Stats: 27 receptions for 330 yards and five touchdowns

If it were not for a few nagging injuries and a suspension, Stills would have ridiculous numbers in the Sooners offense. He may not only be the best number two receiver in America, but he may soon become the number one in the near future. He has just came off a freshman campaign where he broke Ryan Broyles' record (46) by hauling in 61 passes. 

No. 82 – Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford

Season Stats: 101 carries for 559 yards (5.5 YPC) and six touchdowns

Taylor runs behind an excellent run-blocking offensive line on top of an all-world quarterback but this running back is quietly becoming one of the most productive players in Stanford Cardinal history.

No. 81 – Keith Price/Chris Polk, QBs, Washington

Season Stats: 1,466 yards passing, 69.4%, 177.9 passer rating and 21 TD/4 INT

Quick, who currently leads the nation in passing touchdowns by three?

Yes, Keith Price does and he has been far more productive than Jake Locker ever was thanks in large part to an extremely explosive offense. The only question remains is if he can lead his Huskies to a victory over the likes of Stanford, Oregon or USC?

Chris Polk is basically the Robin to Price's Batman even though it was supposed to be the other way around before the season started.

No. 80 – Spencer Ware, RB, LSU and the LSU Offensive Line

Season Stats: 128 carries for 512 yards (4.0 YPC) and seven total touchdowns 

Ware is a load to bring down and running behind a top three offensive line certainly helps, but he has all the skills to lead the Tigers to a BCS National Championship. None of what Ware does would be without the help of his line and instead of ranking a lone Tigers linemen all five deserve a ton of credit: Will Blackwell, P.J. Lonergan, Josh Dworaczyk, Alex Hurst and Chris Faulk.

No. 79 – Nico Johnson/Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

Season Stats: 18 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack and one interception

Despite losing original starter CJ Mosley, Johnson has stepped his game up and has performed just as well if not better. Breaking News: This Tide defense is filthy!

No. 78 Alex Okafor/Keenan Robinson, Texas

Season Stats: 21 total tackles, five tackle for losses and two sacks

Alex Okafor is one of the few elite Longhorn defenders that gives the team an edge. Along with Keenan Robinson, the defense would struggle mightily without these two studs.

No. 77 Tevin Washington, QB, Georgia Tech

Season Stats: 1,076 yards passing, 48.1%, 190.6 passer rating, 424 yards rushing and 18 total touchdowns/ 4 INT

Before getting upset by Virginia this past weekend, Tevin Washington and the Yellow Jackets were steamrolling teams en route to a possible top ten ranking.

Now with Miami, Virginia Tech and Clemson coming up, they could be tanking. Washington however will be one of the few players on the team producing regardless if they win or lose.

No. 76 – Devon Still, DT, Penn State

Season Stats: 34 total tackles, ten tackle for losses and two sacks

The sixth rated defense is led by this beast up front. Already leading the team in tackle for losses and sacks, this Nittany Lion is going to continue to tee off on the Big Ten. 

No. 75 – Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia

Season Stats: 27 total tackles, 4.5 tackle for losses and two interceptions

Boykin can back up his play with his exceptional speed and he roams the sidelines behind a fast UGA front seven. He is a special teams stud and even can take a carry to the house as his 80 yarder against Boise State in the opener backs that up.

No. 74 B.J. Cunningham, WR, Michigan State

Season Stats: 42 receptions for 621 yards and two touchdowns

Cunningham holds the all-time record for receptions in Michigan State history (181). Also, he is about to go bonkers with the meat part of the schedule coming up so look for Kirk Cousins to air it out some more.

No. 73 – Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State

Season Stats: 45 total tackles, 4.5 tackle for losses and two sacks

This former Hurricane is getting the job done for Kansas State and he will have a heavyweight battle against Oklahoma to show the world just how talented he and his team are.

No. 72 – Tyron Carrier, WR, Houston

Season Stats: 39 receptions for 456 yards and two touchdowns

Being the son of former Carolina Panther receiver Mark Carrier gives Tyron some upside. However, this Houston Cougar is a tremendous slot receiver that will make his own mark soon on Sundays.

No. 71 – Shea McClellin, DE, Boise State

Season Stats: 21 total tackles, 3.5 tackle for losses, 3.5 sacks and one interception

McClellin is one of the four stud linemen on the Broncos upper echelon defensive line. Maybe they don't play as many ranked teams like some of the big boys do, but nobody is dominating the opposition quite like these Smurfs.

No. 70 – Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M

Season Stats: 32 receptions for 351 yards and two touchdowns

Fuller gave Patrick Petersen some trouble in last year's Cotton Bowl and, despite the slow start to this season, I would bank on his numbers to improve in a scorching hot Aggies offense.

No. 69 – Bruce Irvin, LB, West Virginia

Season Stats: 21 total tackles, seven tackle for losses and 2.5 sacks

Bruce Irvin was a freak last season totaling 14 sacks and this season he is still not too shabby for the Mountaineers. 

No. 68 – John Boyett, S, Oregon

Season Stats: 37 total tackles, two tackle for losses and five pass breakups/deflections

One of the better safeties in college football, Boyett has a knack for making the critical defensive plays. 

No. 67 – Michael Thomas, S, Safety

Season Stats: 26 total tackles, three tackle for losses, one interception, four pass breakups and five deflections

Thomas may not be as well-known as say his safety teammate Delano Howell, but he has outplayed him in the early stages of the season. 

No. 66 – Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

Season Stats: 1,742 yards passing, 67.1%, 151.5 passer rating and 16 total TD/ 6 INT

Tannehill caught fire recently against the Baylor Bears, where he threw for 415 yards passing and six touchdowns with just one interception. He anchors this Aggies offense that may not be stopped until they travel to Norman.

No. 65 – Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State

Season Stats: 1,317 yards, 65.9%, 140.5 passer rating and 8 TD/4 INT

Although his numbers are essentially the same as Ryan Tannehill's, I am giving the slight edge to this Spartan because of his knack of coming away with the big victory.

He is a flat out winner and is a proven commodity in the Big Ten with an underrated team. He may not chuck it around as much as most quarterbacks would, but Cousins delivers the ball on time and on rhythm while avoiding the costly mistake.

No. 64 – Patrick Edwards, WR, Houston

Season Stats: 37 receptions for 642 yards and five touchdowns

Since breaking his leg by unintentionally running into a golf cart, Edwards has been one of the stud go-to-guys in this offensively loaded squad. 

No. 63 – Chase Thomas, LB, Stanford

Season Stats: 25 total tackles, 7.5 tackle for losses and 5.5 sacks

Without Shayne Skov the defense up front has been carried by Chase Thomas. Not only is he one of the more talented linebackers in the nation, but he is also one of the smartest and most consistent.

No. 62 – Cierre Wood, RB, Notre Dame

Season Stats: 113 carries for 650 yards (5.8 YPC) and six touchdowns

This underrated running back is the key to Notre Dame's BCS chances and he will continue to remain productive with the development of his quarterback Tommy Rees.

No. 61 Antonio Allen, S, South Carolina

Season Stats: 60 total tackles, 6.5 tackle for losses, two touchdowns and three interceptions

This defensive stud has been performing at a high rate all season for the Gamecocks. If only they had somebody quite like him on offense.

No. 60 – Corey Lemonier, DE, Auburn

Season Stats: 26 tackles, ten tackles for loss and six sacks

Mr. Lemonier has not been blocked yet in the SEC and he is head and shoulders the best Tiger on the defensive side of the ball.

No. 59 – Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin

Season Stats: 25 receptions for 447 yards and six touchdowns

Toon has been one of the finer targets in the entire Big Ten this season and the duo of Wilson and Toon has lifted this Badgers attack to new heights.

No. 58 – Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M

Season Stats: 113 carries for 521 yards and 11 touchdowns

The Aggies may have the best two-headed monster in America with their backfield, but this combo of Michael and Gray has only made the team more difficult to defend.

No. 57 – Rueben Randle, WR, LSU

Season Stats: 28 receptions for 532 yards and five touchdowns

If this list was based solely on productivity then surely Randle would miss the list, but his deceptive home run speed and sure hands put him on this list emphatically. 

No. 56 – Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Season Stats: 29 total tackles, two interceptions, five pass breakups and seven deflections

My preseason pick for the Thorpe Award is not the leading candidate, but he is still a legit corner in the SEC. 

No. 55 – Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia

Season Stats: 1,653 yards passing, 60.6%, 150.3 passer rating and 18 total touchdowns/7 INT

Murray was hyped to become a near All-American this season. Though he is a few more years away from those possible awards, he is slowly improving his game against elite competition. 

No. 54 – Josh Chapman, NT, Alabama

Season Stats: 11 total tackles, 1.5 tackle for losses and 0.5 sack

With all of the linemen the Crimson Tide rotate in-and-out it is tough for any nose tackle to have great numbers. Still, Alabama has a few excellent pro prospects and Chapman is one of them.

No. 53 – Billy Winn, DT, Boise State

Season Stats: 17 total tackles, 1.5 tackle for loss and 0.5 sack

Billy Winn has faced off against plenty of double teams in the Mountain West, but he has been one of the major factors into completely shutting down the opposition's running game. The Broncos are allowing just 112 yards a game (29th).

No. 52 – Doug Martin, RB, Boise State

Season Stats: 121 carries for 622 yards (5.1 YPC) and nine total touchdowns

The "Muscle Hamster" is picking up steam and he is on pace to shatter his previous career-high records in yards, touchdowns and carries. Also, the Broncos BCS chances are sky high thanks to this powerful downhill runner.

No. 51 – Bacarri Rambo, S, Georgia

Season Stats: 32 tackles, one tackle for loss, five interceptions and six pass breakups

This hard hitting Georgia safety is currently second in the nation with five picks. If he continues the torrid pace his 'Dawgs may be licking their chops knowing they will get a crack at the number one team in the nation in the SEC Championship.

No. 50 – Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin

Season Stats: 107 carries, 653 yards (6.1 YPC) and 17 total touchdowns

Running behind a NFL-sized offensive line, Ball has gone bonkers for the Badgers as he is set to break last season's carries, yards and touchdowns in the next few games.

No. 49 – Robert Lester, S, Alabama

Season Stats: 17 total tackles, three pass breakups, four deflections and one interception

One of the elite safeties in the game, Lester is still making plays in coverage for Nick Saban's defense. 

No. 48 – Tony Jefferson, LB, Oklahoma

Season Stats: 33 total tackles, four tackle for losses, two interceptions and four interceptions

This Boomer Sooner has been flying around for two seasons now and he has a ton of upside. He played a ton of nickel back last season and is now a hard hitting outside linebacker.

Jefferson is still used in different packages, but he is always right around where the ball is at all times. I would not be shocked to see him named to a First Team All-Big12 team as well as some All-American teams.

No. 47 Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU

Season Stats: 21 total tackles, 5.5 tackle for losses and three sacks

Please forgive me for not including the entire LSU defense, but I did include a boatload of their stars. However, Montgomery is just one of the bevy of stars this team has in the trenches.

No. 46 – Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas

Season Stats: 27 receptions for 284 yards, 136 yards rushing and four total touchdowns

This ranking maybe a bit too high, but have you seen him ball? The kid is dynamite when he touches the ball and not only he is a solid receiver, but he is arguably the best punt returner in the entire nation.

No. 45 – Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Konz is the true anchor of the Badgers offensive line as the center exchange with Russell Wilson has been nothing but perfection. The hog molly can also block as good as any center or guard in America.

No. 44 – Collin Klein, QB, Kansas State

Season Stats: 739 yards passing, 578 yards rushing, 58.8%, 125.4 passer rating, 17 total touchdowns/3 INT

Where in the world would the Wildcats be without their star quarterback? He has been arguably the best running quarterback in the country along with Denard Robinson and Taylor Martinez.

We will soon find out what kind of guts this kid has when he faces a stout Sooners defense in what will be the biggest game of their season.

No. 43 – Marquis Maze, WR, Alabama

Season Stats: 34 receptions for 376 yards and two total touchdowns

He may only have one measley touchdown as a receiver, but he means so much to this team on special teams plus he has been one of the most consistent possession receivers in the SEC.

Throw in his one dazzling punt return touchdown or just ask any Tide player, coach or fan and they will tell you how vital he is to the team. Maze is the little engine that could!

No. 42 – Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas

Season Stats: 33 receptions for 554 yards and seven total touchdowns

One of the best receivers in the country this season has been Jairus Wright. He put on an all-time clinic of a performance against the Aggies hauling in 13 catches for 281 yards and three touchdowns (one via fumble recovery).

No. 41 Andre Branch, DE, Clemson

Season Stats: 46 total tackles, 12 tackle for losses and eight sacks!

This defense has been abysmal in previous years considering all the talent they have had, but this year has been a breakthrough and one of the biggest reasons why is the play of this future All-ACC performer. 

No. 40 – Darron Thomas, QB, Oregon

Season Stats: 1,227 yards passing, 61.3%, 163.4 passer rating, 116 yards rushing, 19 total touchdowns/ 3 INT

Hopefully Darron Thomas will be back in a few weeks from his injury but clearly the team would be nowhere without him. Thomas is no longer a threat to run and as a matter of fact he has been known more of a pocket passer prior to his injury.

No. 39 – David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

Season Stats: 147 carries for 903 yards (6.1 YPC) and seven total touchdowns

The Hokies offense revolves around the fifth rated rusher in the nation averaging 129 yards per game. The Hokies ground and pound offense has become imperative with Logan Thomas still improving as a passer.

No. 38 – Nate Potter, OT, Boise State

Nate Potter (6'6", 300-pounds) is one of the best left tackles in the country and he has been sensational protecting quarterback Kellen Moore in the pocket. Whether it is Doug Martin running untouched down the sidelines or Moore dissecting a defense, a lot of the credit should go to one of the top five tackles in all of the country.

No. 37 – A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois

Season Stats: 54 receptions for 895 yards and seven touchdowns

I wish the Chicago Bears could have a receiver with these numbers for the entire season and yet Jenkins is far from done posting All-American caliber numbers.

No. 36 – Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

Cordy Glenn is a beast at 6'5", 338-pounds and he protects the blindside of Georgia signal caller Aaron Murray. If these Bulldogs find a way to reach the SEC Championship it would be because they have a healthy offensive line paving the way.

No. 35 – Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech

Season Stats: 27 tackles, five pass break ups, eight pass deflections and three interceptions

Jayron Hosley had a sensational season last year, but he is still among the top corners in the country this season. Only a junior, watch Hosley lead his team to another Coastal crown and ACC Championship appearance.

No. 34 – Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson

Season Stats: 2,012 yards passing, 62.5%, 159.8 passer rating, 157 yards rushing, 22 total touchdowns/3 INT

Clemson struggled without Tajh Boyd as their starter last year since he was the backup, but along with the addition of Chad Morris at offensive coordinator Boyd has been magnificent. 

Boyd's Tigers have the making of an undefeated season with their high octane offense and at the worst an ACC Championship and BCS Orange Bowl appearance will be the reward.

No. 33 – Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma

Season Stats: 40 total tackles, two tackle for losses, two QB hurries and a forced fumble/pass breakup

Travis Lewis has been the quickest healer after breaking his left foot at the end of summer camp. He only missed one game and currently leads the team in tackles. A tremendous athlete with good speed, Lewis is one of the several playmakers on the defensive side of the ball for the Sooners.

No. 32 – Michael Dyer, RB, Auburn

Season Stats: 147 carries for 752 yards (5.1 YPC) and eight touchdowns

Michael Dyer is avoiding a sophomore slump by gashing the SEC every single game. He has big play ability with an extra gear that most north-south runners never have. He is built like a rock similar to Maurice Jones-Drew at just 5'9", 207-pounds.

No. 31 – Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Season Stats: 30 receptions for 451 yards and five touchdowns

Had his stats not been poor by his standards, he would have been in my top 10 since that is likely where he will be drafted. A legit athlete that has a large frame which allows him to catch anything in sight, Jeffery is also a tremendous yard after the catch threat. Bank on him being a solid player at the next level.

No. 30 – Frank Alexander, DE, Oklahoma

Season Stats: 30 total tackles, 9.5 tackle for losses, 6.5 sacks, four pass breakups and one interception

Big Frank Alexander is a beast off the edge and has been nearly unstoppable thus far in the season. 

No. 29 – Lavonte David, LB, Nebraska

Season Stats: 58 total tackles, six tackle for losses, two sacks and one interception

Lavonte David is one of the faster linebackers in the nation and he is carrying a Huskers defense that has had their fair share of problems. Without Jared Crick, David must take it up a few notches for any chance of them getting a rematch with Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship.

No. 28 – Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

Season Stats: 46 catches for 728 yards and nine total touchdowns

Slamming Sammy has been not only the best freshman in the nation, but one could argue he is the best wide receiver in all the land.

His Tigers continue to find ways to win and as long as they remain unbeaten, Mr. Watkins will have his say.

No. 27 – Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

Season Stats: 2,159 yards passing, 64%, 152.4 passer rating and 16 TD/3 INT

Geno Smith has been going bonkers in the Big East and he even threw for an absurd 463 yards against LSU in their lone loss. Their schedule will allow the Mountaineers to climb in the BCS if they continue to play mistake-free football, thanks largely to Smith.

No. 26 – Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

Season Stats: 31 tackles, nine tackle for losses, 5.5 sacks, two interceptions and three touchdowns

Melvin Ingram has been the best athlete in the nation at his position finding the end zone in an array of different ways. The ninth rated Gamecock defense is in large part thanks to Ingram.

No. 25 – Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas

Season Stats:1,779 passing yards, 64.9%, 152.9 passer rating, 14 total touchdowns/3 INTs

Tyler Wilson has been one of the best players in the SEC, let alone the best quarterback in the conference. His come from behind victory against Texas A&M has enabled his Razorbacks to move up in the BCS Standings. 

No. 24 – Alameda Ta'amu, DT, Washington

Season Stats: 18 total tackles, 3.5 tackle for losses and 1.5 sacks 

Talk about a wide load to go up against in the trenches, this Huskie will fight to the finish line. He has solid quickness for a big ugly, but thrives with his strong like a bull approach.

No. 23 – Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

Season Stats: 41 total tackles, 3.5 tackle for losses and 1.5 sacks

Brandon Thompson has been a flat out beast for the Tigers on the line and without his presence the team would not be the same. He is projected first rounder on this very talented Clemson squad.

No. 22 – Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

Season Stats: 36 total tackles, 5.5 tackle for losses, four sacks, one interception, three pass breakups and four pass deflections

The Pre-Season National Player of the Year according to Lindy's Magazine has been productive this season. However, a few ill-advised personal fouls has cost him some positive credibility, though he is still among the top defensive players in the nation with his tenacity. 

No. 21 – Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

This stud left tackle is a projected top twenty pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. He is without a shadow of a doubt the best tackle ready to be drafted and though Andrew Luck is Mr. Everything, Martin deserves a ton of credit too.

No. 20 – Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan

Season Stats: 1,253 yards passing, 762 yards rushing, 53.9%, 140.1 passer rating and 20 total touchdowns/10 interceptions

His stock certainly dropped a bit with their loss to Michigan State, but "Shoelace" is still one of the most electrifying players on the planet. 

Robinson needs to improve his accuracy though his running ability is among the best in the nation.

No. 19 – Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Season Stats: 18 total tackles, two tackles for losses, eight pass breakups/deflections

Dre Kirkpatrick has not been targeted a lot on Alabama yet he has made the most of it on the few times he has. Save the touchdown he gave up against Florida, this star in the making has been a proven commodity in the SEC. 

No. 18 – Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Season Stats: 26 total tackles, one tackle for loss, three interceptions, four breakups, seven deflections and one QB hurry.  

Electric with the ball in his grasp, Claiborne is a terrific cover corner on top of an excellent kick returner. He already brought one back to the house this season and he nearly brought a pick six back from nearly 100 yards out against Tennessee last week. 

No. 17 – Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame

Season Stats: 34 solo tackles, 59 total tackles, 8.5 tackle for losses, four sacks and one pass breakup/QB hurry/pass defelction

This fierce linebacker is among the best defensive players in the nation and his Irish may be thinking BCS soon if they continue their winning streak.

No. 16 – Case Keenum, QB, Houston

Season Stats: 2,309 yards passing, 71.4%, 174.8 passer rating, 17 TD/2 INT

Case Keenum needs just 1,178 more yards to break Hawaii's Timmy Chang (17,072) for the all-time FBS record in career passing yards.

Keenum also needs 11 more passing touchdowns to hold the all-time FBS record held by former Texas Tech and current Green Bay backup Graham Harrell (134).

It is safe to say this gunslinger is one of the greatest and most underrated to ever play but his fame will grow if his Cougars can remain unbeaten and finish high in the rankings.

No. 15 – Ronnell Lewis, DE, Oklahoma

Season Stats: 21 solo tackles, 37 total, seven tackle for losses, 3.5 sacks, three pass breakups, three QB hurries and one forced fumble

Ronnell Lewis has proven to be one of the best athletes in the country on the defensive side of the ball and though Travis Lewis may be the leader, Ronnell might be the best in America at making plays behind the line of scrimmage.

No. 14 – Mark Barron, Alabama

Season Stats: 35 total tackles, 3.5 tackle for losses, one interception, four pass breakups, five pass deflections and one QB hurry

Mark Barron is the top safety in the nation and one of the leaders on the Crimson Tide defense. He can come up in the box and put a licking on opponents. Whether he is doing his best Troy Polamalu impersonation or not, he is a stud in his own right. 

No. 13 – Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin

Season Stats: 1,557 passing yards, 74.2%, 210.9 passer rating, 16 total touchdowns/ 1 INT

Russell Wilson has turned out to be the greatest off-season acquisition through the first two months of the season I have ever seen.

Wilson has only played in one big game this season against Nebraska, but with a few more ranked opponents on the schedule time will tell how much of his legacy will grow.

No. 12 – Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Season Stats: 53 catches for 639 yards (12.1 YPC) and 4 touchdowns

The Golden Domers star receiver has a few monster games coming up and none bigger than against the USC Trojans. 

Notre Dame has received zero respect despite dominating to four straight victories. If Floyd and the Irish get back into the rankings with a national spotlight win, do not be shocked if the junior is on his way to an All-American season.

No. 11 – Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Season Stats: 53 catches for 608 yards (11.5 YPC) and seven touchdowns

Justin Blackmon was on fire last season and his numbers have dropped significantly mainly because of the production from Josh Cooper and Huberty Anyiam.

Blackmon is still an All-American and is arguably the biggest playmaker at his position in the entire nation.

No. 10 – Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State

Season Stats: 2,098 passing yards, 72.7%, 156.2 passer rating, 16 TDs/6 INT

Brandon Weeden is leading the fourth ranked Cowboys to an undefeated season and with plenty of games left, he can make his own Heisman case.

Weeden's second ranked passing offense is averaging 395 yards a game and more importantly in the last three games Weeden has no interceptions.

No. 9 – Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

Season Stats: 12 tackles, 4.5 tackle for losses, 2.5 sacks, 1 quarterback hurry

His twitter name says it all as the big guy in the middle of the Spartans front four just eats up everything in sight. He is a monster and can single handily bottle up the opposing run game.

No. 8 – Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

Season Stats: 16 solo tackles, 20 total, 10.5 tackle for losses, 3.5 sacks, 7 QB hurries, 1 forced fumble and interception for a touchdown

Another defensive stud in the SEC, Upshaw is flat out intimating with his ability to harass the quarterback as well as cover in the flats and across the field. 

Upshaw is expected to become a top ten pick in the NFL Draft and he is just one of the many reasons why the Crimson Tide defense is obliterating the competition. 

No. 7 – Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

Season Stats: 2,177 yards passing, 67.6%, 156.0 passer rating, 18 Total TD/6 INT

Landry Jones and Ryan Broyles are arguably the best quarterback-wide receiver duo we have seen in the BCS era and having their birthdays just four days apart (1 year) tells the whole story.

They play as if they are near twins being on the same page and they both contribute mightily to their team's success. The two Sooners have to be considered all-time greats because they never seem to run their mouths or get in trouble since they just shut up and play ball.

Jones has a rifle arm and is improving every single game. Known for the costly mistake at times, the Boomer Sooner signal caller has all the skills in the world to lead his team to a BCS National Championship.

No. 6 – Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma

Season Stats: 60 catches for 815 yards (13.6 YPC) and 9 touchdowns

Hauling in a record setting 326 catches is not an easy accomplishment and Ryan Broyles continues to amaze the nation. 

Landry Jones' top target is gorgeous to watch, but all the different ways he lines up on the field makes it that much tougher to defend him.

He has underrated speed and has the best set of mitts in the country for a receiver his size (5'10"). Broyles has been one of the most productive players in Oklahoma Sooners history on top of the BCS era.

With still six games left on the docket before their bowl game, the hometown kid will be exciting to watch on Sundays in the near future.

No. 5 – Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU

Season Stats: Leads team in solo tackles (29), second on team in total tackles (42), second in tackle for losses (5.5), 1.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles and 2 touchdowns.

If there is a better defensive player in the country I would like to see his numbers because nobody has been more eye popping and ridiculous than Tyrann Mathieu.

The "Honey Badger" is relentless and the top ranked defense just thrives off his amazing 5'9" play. For a defensive back that makes plays behind the line of scrimmage, I cannot say I have seen anybody quite like him. He is also an ace on the special teams whether it is making huge tackles/strips or bringing back punts.

Charles Woodson was the last player to win and contend for the Heisman as a defensive back and some believe Mathieu can do the same (or at least contend).

No. 4 – LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

Season Stats: 95 carries for 852 yards (9.0 YPC), 11 catches for 159 yards, 9 total touchdowns

The most explosive and fastest runner in America is a game changer whenever he touches the ball. It is hard to find the little guy, but as soon as you think you have him trapped he finds a way to run circles around you.

In the open field it is like trying to catch a jackrabbit except only faster, and his Ducks offense revolves around the junior out of Texas. When healthy, he has a case for being the best in America and he still has a few more games to make his case come November.

No. 3 – Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Season Stats: 132 carries for 912 yards (6.9 YPC), 15 catches for 179 yards, 16 total touchdowns

Known as the "freak" for good reason, Richardson may be on his way to becoming the second Alabama player to ever hoist the Heisman.

Alabama is favored to win all their games and if they knock off LSU on the fifth of November, Richardson would likely be a big reason why.

Richardson is the toughest player in America to tackle whether it is in the open field or if he is running right through you. A few more monster games in November and early December (SEC Championship) and he may be considered the best of the best.

No. 2 – Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State

Season Stats: 1,729 yards passing, 75.9%, 179.7 passer rating, 21 TD/4 INT 

Kellen Moore is one of the several reasons why college football, in my opinion, is the best sport to follow in America. Kids like these always come back for the greatness and pageantry of the sport due to the team aspect.

As long as his team is winning, he is happy. Moore is on the verge of becoming the winningest quarterback in FBS history by breaking Colt McCoy's record of 45 wins. Moore just needs two more wins to have the record and also needs only 15 more passing touchdowns to break Graham Harrell's record (134) for career passing touchdowns (Note: Keenum leads Moore by 4 so he will likely finish second).

Never having lost more than one game in a season is remarkable, but Moore is still in the running for that coveted Heisman and BCS National Championship. His fifth ranked Broncos are starting to click on all cylinders and the southpaw is the biggest reason why.  

No. 1 – Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Season Stats: 1,719 yards passing, 71.3%, 180.5 passer rating, 19 Total TD/3 INT

Andrew Luck is not only the best player in college football, but he is the slam dunk choice for the top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. 

He has every single tool there is in the book whether it being pocket presence, mobility, arm strength, accuracy, swagger or even smarts. The kid has it all and he rarely makes a bad decision on or off the field. Luck is the type of player that only comes once in a decade if not in a lifetime. 

Which Team Has the Most Talented Players?

Now for the fun part! Which teams have the most top 100 players on my list? After some final tallies, the following teams have the most talented players in my book.

Alabama - 8 (Can you say loaded?)

Oklahoma - 7 (Can't say I am surprised)

Boise State - 7 (Unheralded players as always)

LSU - 6 (There were a few more players that I could have added)

Clemson - 6 (Best Clemson team in forever)

Stanford -65 (Who says they don't have talent?)

Georgia - 5 (All of a sudden the sexy team in East)

Texas A&M - 5 (Where would they be if they held on against OKST/Ark?)

Oregon - 4 (Defense is not bad, just so many stars on offense)

South Carolina - 4 (If we count Lattimore and a few more players on their DL, they are right there)