2009: 11-2, Beat Oregon in Rose Bowl

B i g 10 C h a mp i o n s ( 5 t h s t r a i g h t B i g 10 t i t l e )
Head Coach: Jim Tressel, 10th Yr. @ OSU - Record: 94-21
It’s been a few years since Pryor was under center during the 2010 Rose
Buckeye Panic has taken over Bowl. And, the

1 college football nation. You

know, the feeling you had each
year in the mid 2000s that Ohio
State was going to be playing in the
national championship game, or a BCS bowl
game, and get absolutely throttled? Trust me, I
fielded enough calls and received enough emails
as to how people didn’t want anything to do
with Ohio State in a big game.
To most people’s chagrin, the Buckeyes are
back and perhaps as good as they’ve been since
the 2002 national championship team. This
group has something a little different, though,
and his name is Terrelle Pryor. Seemingly,
he’s the same Pryor that has been under center
for the past two years, but a much different
results
staggering.
w e r e Ohio State’s Vital Signs
2009 Results
His command of Run Offense 195.4 ypg 18th
this o f f e n s e , Pass Offense 173.6 ypg 103rd
Total Offense 369.0 ypg 68th
co m b i n e d w i t h Scoring Offense 29.0 ppg 49th
the running back Run Defense 90.8 ypg 7th
duo of ‘Boom’ Pass Defense 171.5 ypg 13th
He r ro n a n d Total Defense 262.3 ypg 5th
Brandon Saine, Scoring Def. 12.5 ppg 5th
makes this offense
as dangerous as 2010 Returning Starters
Off. Ret. Starters 8
it’s been in years.
Def. Ret. Starters 6
D e f e n s i v e l y,
losing both safeties hurt, but the secondary is
still loaded with the best CB duo in the Big 10.
Repeat after me, O-H-I-O is number one.

Why #1? Arguably, the best dual threat quarterback the Big 10 has ever seen in Terrelle Pryor, the
best RB duo in the Big 10 running behind an experienced OL, Miami (FL) game in the ‘Shoe

Why it may not happen? Road Big 10 schedule is tough - Wisconsin and Iowa both on the road, a
defensive line that has little depth after losing three starters, what if the Mr. Hyde Pryor shows up?

2010 Schedule Key Games

Sep 2, 2010 Marshall
Sep 11, 2010 Miami (FL)
Sep 18, 2010 Ohio
Sep 25, 2010 Eastern Michigan Last year it was Two years ago in Sandwiched
USC, this year Madison, it took a between home
Oct 2, 2010 @ Illinois T h e U. The Pr y o r fourth games against
Oct 9, 2010 Indiana Buckeyes should quarter drive to Pe n n S t a te a n d
be favored against bail out the Michigan, this will
Oct 16, 2010 @ Wisconsin a much improved B u c ke y e s i n a be the toughest
Miami squad, but 20-17 win. Badger game for the
Oct 23, 2010 Purdue a win over what turnovers killed Buckeyes in 2010.
should be a 10 win them last year and Io w a , w i t h o u t
Oct 30, 2010 @ Minnesota team will be a starting QB Ricky
if Wi s c o n s i n
Nov 6, 2010 BYE huge feather in the doesn’t turn the Stanzi, forced the
OSU cap this early ball over this year, OSU to OT in ’09
Nov 13, 2010 Penn State in 2010. It’ll be it’ll be a 60 minute in Columbus. If
the toughest home street fight in Mad Ohio State trips
Nov 20, 2010 @ Iowa game of the season Town. up, this may be it.
Nov 27, 2010 Michigan
“One of our first things to do...

Terrelle
TerrellePryor
Yr. Cmp Att Yds TDs Int. Att Yds TDs
2008 100 165 1311 12 11 139 631 6
2009 167 295 2094 18 4 162 779 7

Honor Roll
2010 Rose Bowl MVP
2009 Hon. Men. All-Big 10
2008 Hon. Men. All-Big 10
2008 Big 10 Frosh of the Year

There was Purdue and Oregon. M y point is that

The Yin and the Yang of Terrelle most defensive coordinators will
Pryor’s sophomore season at Ohio State. give Pryor the opportunity to
A game in which he was as bad as any throw the football as Oregon’s
quarterback in the nation and a game in defensive staff did. And, those

which he showed he could be the best
quarterback in the nation. Given those
two performances, you’d think it’d be
difficult to predict what to expect from
the 6’6” 235 lb. uber-sized quarterback in
2010. But, I think the clues to his 2010
season can be found in that Rose Bowl’s
first drive.
The Buckeyes offense reeled off a ten play, 74
yard drive that culminated in a tone setting
touchdown. Of those ten plays, Pryor threw
the ball eight times, completing five,
including a 13 yard swing route to
Brandon Saine for the touchdown. Of
those ten plays, Pryor dropped back to
throw on nine of them. Of the 89 overall plays
the Buckeyes ran, Pryor accounted for 58 of
those (38 throws and 20 runs). Now, he had
games where he dominated the ball, even
against Purdue, but he threw all of 4 times in
the first quarter in that game.
Pryor
teams will get burned by it as long
as Jim Tressel and his offensive staff
afford Pr y o r the
opportunity to
throw early and
often.
Is he the
n e x t
P e y t o n Ma n n i n g ?
No, but he’s the most d a n g e r o u s
weapon in college football who can eat
a defense alive if his dual threat skills
can, and are allowed to, flourish.
Tressel does a great job of minimizing
the risks his quarterbacks take, but he
found out in that Rose Bowl that Pryor might
be the one guy in which the reward FAR
exceeds the risks. If Pryor has reached that
status, Ohio State won’t get beat in 2010.

“...What he said...”
“You know, we have ongoing discussions as to how we’re progressing. We felt like that this was
a pivotal game because it marked the end of the first half of his career and that we felt like we
needed to progress a little bit more. I think we did. I think we have to watch the film and look
at the whole situation just to see how close we are to where we want to go. But we have some
very definitive goals as to how good he would like to be at his craft. I thought tonight was a
good step.”
-Ohio State HC Jim Tressel after Pryor’s performance in Rose Bowl

...was continue where we left off”

O
LG Justin Boren
He once wore the maize
6 ’3 ” 3 06 lb .
J u n ior weapons to
65
& blue as a member of the be one of
Michigan Wolverines and his transfer to OSU Ohio State’s most explosive.
was as contentious as you’d expect for someone Star Watch

f
leaving Michigan to head to OSU. Justin Boren
could’ve been a massive bust and it would’ve
left a ton of egg on in his face. It hasn’t
happened and it’s an educated guess that it
won’t. Boren was clearly the perfect fit for this
Terrelle Pryor-led offense.
Returning to Columbus for his last season, he’s
a focal point for an offense that has the
He’s a grinder with decent feet
and the desire to bury defensive linemen at the
point of attack. And, by bury, I mean that
literally. He sets the tone that the rest of this
line follows. Strong as an ox, he strikes first
and often. He can lose command at the point
of attack, but he rarely loses that first strike
moment. His pass protection needs some work
and his feet need to improve, but the Buckeyes
will run behind him all year long.

f QB 2
QB/RB
Terrelle Pryor

Herron/B. Saine is best duo in Big 10

FB 44 Zach Boren
Jr.
If it’s going to happen, it happens in ‘10
RB 1 Dan ‘Boom’ Herron Jr.

So.
TE/Receivers Offensive Line
WR 8 DeVier Posey
Has superstar written all over him
WR 12 Dane Sanzenbacher
Steady as can be, 36 rec and 16 ypc
TE 11 Jake Stoneburner
Jr.

Sr.

So.
LT

LG

C
75

65

50
Mike Adams

Justin Boren
First team All-Big 10, potential A-A
Mike Brewster
Jr.
Is he over his past off the field issues?
Sr.

Jr.

e
Seemingly always angry...and that’s good Will be a better receiver than J. Ballard Three year starter, should be All-Big 10
RG 70 Bryant Browning Sr.
Powerful interior OL, started 13 games
RT 76 J.B. Shugarts Jr.
Texan who started all 13 games as a soph.

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

NONE TE Jake Ballard T Jim Cordle

n
Play word association with college
football fans about the Buckeyes’
backfield and Terrelle Pryor’s name
will come up 99.9% of the time. So,
make sure you shake the hand of the
guy who tells you that the Buckeyes
may have the most complete
backfield in the nation with Daniel
‘Boom’ Herron and Brandon
Saine at TB and road grader Zach
I’m just going to admit it now, I don’t
have DeVier Posey as one of my
All-American receivers and in some
sense I’m ashamed by that. If he’s
All-American at the end of the year, I
can’t even say I told you so, but I
wouldn’t be surprised if he took home
those honors. He’s big time - he
finished the season with 60
receptions and 8 TDs. He’s got the
Wisconsin’s offensive line may get
more of the attention because it
returns five starters instead of the
four that Ohio State returns, but
don’t think for a second that this
Ohio State line takes a backseat to
any other line in the nation, much
less the Big 10.
Justin Boren is the name most

s
Boren at fullback.
Sure, Pryor is the key, but when he
struggles throwing the ball as he did
against Michigan last year, he will
turn to Herron and/or Saine to eat up
chunks of yards and take off minutes
on the clock. Herron is a dynamo
running between the tackles, while
Saine has become a versatile weapon
size (6’2”, 200 lb.) to dominate the
middle of the field, but he can also be
a downfield threat with his ability to
go up and snatch the ball in the air.
He ’s not alone. Dane
Sanzenbacher is the consummate
#2 receiver. He’s always available and
open and somewhat surprisingly, he
had a 15.8 yards per catch average
people will recognize as he’s the most
decorated of the Buckeye OL. He’ll
be an All-American with a solid year,
given the year he had last year. But,
he’s not alone.
M i c h a e l B re w s t e r h a s b e e n
starting since his freshman year and is
overshadowed by Boren next to him.
He’s a great leader inside with solid

e
that the Bucks use out of the
backfield as a solid receiving threat.
Given their complementary skills, the
Ohio State staff can play them
together with Pr yor which is a
nightmare for DCs.
(thanks, Toledo). Either way, the
Posey/Sanzenbacher combo is one
Pryor trusts inherently.
When Pryor finds a synergy with TE
Jake Stoneburner as well, look out
technique. Flanked by Br yant
Browning at guard, there’s no
reason Brewster and company can’t
completely mow down opposing
defenses inside. Keep an eye on J.B
Shugarts - emerging star.
 97
Star Watch
Okay, so what is
he?
Cameron
Heyward a
Is
DL Cameron Heyward
Yr.
2007
defensive 2008
end or a defensive tackle - 2009
a 3 technique?
Perhaps that’s a question for the 2011 NFL
Draft guide, which will be coming out in April,
but in some sense it’s one that has to be asked
about Heyward for this Ohio State defense.
He’s played both positions on the line and he’s
slated to stay outside this season at defensive
end, where it appears to be a more natural fit.
Defensive Line Linebackers
DE 43 Nathan Williams Jr.
8 TFL as a backup, now he starts in ‘10
DT 72 Dexter Larimore Sr.
Insiders think he’ll improve interior play
DT 54 John Simon So.
3 TFL and 1.5 sacks in 2009
DE 97 Cameron Heyward Sr.
Can play outside or inside, 6.5 sacks in ‘09
Key Losses
DT D. Worthington & T. Denlinger
DE Thaddeus Gibson
Of all of the offensive and defensive
units for the Buckeyes, graduation
and early departures may have struck
this unit more severely than any
other unit on the team.
However, it’s Ohio State, where five
star recruits follow All-Big 10/All-
American players year after year after
year. The point? The point is don’t
shed any scarlet and gray tears for the
Buckeyes and their defensive line. It
won’t be as productive as last year’s
line, but still solid.
Cam Heyward is a solidifying force
out on the edge and could be an All-
American with a strong season. The
interior guys, Dexter Larimore and
John Simon, were rotation guys in
2009 and must flourish. Nathan
Williams was third on the team
with 3.5 sacks last year and should get
plenty of single blocks playing
opposite Heyward.
6 ’5 ” 2 88 lb .
Tackles
33
S en io r
TFL
10
He’s not a burst guy and
his first step lags a bit, but
Sacks QBH there aren’t many, tackles
2.5 0 and/or tight ends who can
D
e
36 4.5 3 1 ably get across his face in
46 10 6.5 2 the run game. Although
he doesn’t “blow and go”
off the line of scrimmage, Heyward has great
feet and has the potential to be a solid pass
rusher throughout this season and on into the
NFL. But, he’s not quite there, yet. Against
the run, he’s tough to move, but if he can
improve his pass rush skills, he’ll be a top 10
pick as a 3-4 DE. So, there you go, I answered
f
my own question. Defensive end.
Secondary
OLB 51 Ross Homan Sr. CB 5 Chimdi Chekwa Sr.
Leading tackler in ’09, 108 tackles Best cornerback in the Big 10
ILB 36 Brian Rolle Sr. FS 19 Orhian Johnson So.
2nd on team in tackles, 94 tackles Has massive shoes to fill at safety in ‘10
OLB 6 Etienne Sabino Jr. SS 7 Jermale Hines Sr.
e
Not much impact in ’09, but highly talented Started 11 of 13 games, 57 tackles (4th)
CB 10 Devon Torrence Sr.
Physical corner, love the way he plays
Key Losses Key Losses
LB Austin Spitler S Kurt Coleman
S Anderson Russell
n
The Buckeyes, given the spread Again, no one is going to shed any
attacks it faced late in the 2009 tears for the Buckeyes’ secondary, but
season, played two linebackers, for as many losses as the defensive
getting five defensive backs out on line had, the losses at safety are
the field. substantial.
The good news is that the two who The duo of Kur t Coleman and
started those final games are back. Anderson Russell combined for 117
tackles and eight interceptions. Due
s
And, by the way, they’re pretty
dadgum good, too. in large part to the Bucks playing five
defensive backs late in the year,
Jermale Hines saw a bunch of time
Ross Homan led the team with 108
out on the field at nickel safety. He’s
tackles and there isn’t a play within a physical marvel who proved that
10 yards of the line of scrimmage there will be no drop-off at the free
where he won’t find himself near the safety position.
ball. He tackles well and stays on the
field for third down because of his But, the stars in this secondary are at
pass covera ge skills in the the cornerback positions. Outside of
e
intermediate areas of the field. the University of Texas, there may
not be a better CB duo than Chimdi
Brian Rolle is a beast between the Chekwa and Devon Torrence.
tackles. Strong and physical, Rolle is Chekwa is a better man cover corner,
the prototypical Big 10 run stuffing while Torrance is a more complete
linebacker although he only tops the corner, aggressive and willing to come
scales at 218 pounds. up and make tackles.
 2009: 14-0, Beat Texas in National Championship Game
SEC & National Champions
Head Coach: Nick Saban, 4th Yr. @ Alabama - Record: 33-8
A s t h e 2 0 0 9 Na t i o n a l this season. “Back up” Trent Richardson
C h a m p i o n , Ni c k S a b a n’s g a v e Te x a s a l l

2 Crimson Tide wears a crown

proudly for a wonderful 14-0
season that culminated in a 39-21
kinds of trouble Alabama’s Vital Signs
and should be a
2009 Results
1,000 yard rusher Run Offense 215.1 ypg 12th
win over Texas in the BCS National in his own right Pass Offense 187.9 ypg 92nd
Championship game. Not ten minutes after this fall. Total Offense 403.0 ypg 42nd
the game, we all started speculating about Scoring Offense 32.1 ppg 22nd
“Next Year” and it’s hard not to think of The defense loses Run Defense 78.1 ypg 2nd
Alabama repeating with the slew of talent that its interior core, Pass Defense 166.0 ypg 10th
exists on the Capstone. but LB Dont’a Total Defense 244.1 ypg 2nd
Scoring Def. 11.7 ppg 2nd
Hightower
The offense will, once again, be led by the 2009 returns from an 2010 Returning Starters
Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, who AC L i n j u r y t o Off. Ret. Starters 8
made the most of his one year as a starter and lead the defense. Def. Ret. Starters 2
featured back at Alabama. But, there are some, Overall, the key
including yours truly, who believe that Ingram will be how well the Tide stops the pass, given
might not even be the best back on his team the loss of three DBs and three starting DL.

Why #2? Best running back duo in the nation, running behind perhaps the best OL in SEC, return
of LB Dont’a Hightower, one road game after 10/23

Why not higher? It’s difficult enough to go undefeated in regular season for a year - 3 years in a row
is nearly impossible, last 6 games of schedule - each team faces Alabama after that team’s bye week

2010 Schedule Key Games

Sep 4, 2010 San Jose State
Sep 11, 2010 Penn State
Sep 18, 2010 @ Duke
Sep 25, 2010 @ Arkansas
Alabama doesn’t The Gators circled Since Nick Saban
Oct 2, 2010 Florida fear “name” non- this one on the took over as the
Oct 9, 2010 @ South Carolina conference calendar the head coach for
opponents. 2008 minute after Alabama, the
Oct 16, 2010 Ole Miss it was Clemson. ‘Bama beat them L S U -A l a b a m a
2009 it was in the SEC rivalr y has been
Oct 23, 2010 @ Tennessee Vi r g i n i a Te c h . Champ. game UF nasty to say the
QB John Brantley lea st. But, the
Oct 30, 2010 BYE Wins in both lead
presents a games have all
to perfect regular
Nov 6, 2010 @ LSU seaons. Pe n n challenge for the been competitive
inexperienced as heck and there’s
State has Evan
Nov 13, 2010 Mississippi State Royster back, but
A l a b a m a no question this
s e c o n d a r y, o n e one will be
loses star QB
Nov 20, 2010 Georgia State Daryll Clark.
week after facing another nail-biter
Ryan Mallett. in Baton Rouge.
Nov 26, 2010 Auburn
 “The legacy of Alabama football...
Yr. Att Yds TDs Rec. Yds. TD
2008 143 728 12 7 54 0
Mark
MarkIngram
2009 271 1658 17 32 334 3
Honor Roll
2009 Heisman Trophy Winner
2009 Sporting News Player of the Year
2009 Doak Walker Award Finalist
2009 Maxwell Award Finalist
2009 Walter Camp Award Finalist
2009 First team All-American
2009 SEC Offensive Player of the Year
IIngram

2009 First team All-SEC (media)

2009 First team All-SEC (coaches)
and coverages. But, then in the second
Throughout his quarter, Alabama turned to its star and Ingram
freshman responded. He got loose on some zone runs,
season in especially to the left and everything changed
2 0 0 8 , instantly. He turned the corner repeatedly and
Alabama p o u n d e d o n t h e Te x a s s e co n d a r y. He
running back hammered with such ferocity that first round
M a r k Ingram draft pick safety Earl Thomas wanted little to
w a s n’t a l l o w e d to do with Ingram once he got to the third level -
speak to the press - doing nothing but throwing his shoulder into
b l o g s , internet, Ingram, instead of making tackles. Behind his
radio...you name 116 yards and two touchdowns, Alabama rode
it, no way. So, at the outset of the Ingram’s offensive MVP performance to the
2 0 0 9 season, he finally has national title.
t h e opportunity to answer This year, the Flint, MI native will have the
some questions, talk a bit, open up bulls’ eye on his back throughout the season,
and give everyone an idea who but Richardson will provide some assistance.
Mark Ingram actually was/is. Due to the power he runs with and the stress
Okay, people, first question? h e p u t s o n h i s b o d y, In g r a m N E E D S
“Mark, what do you think of hotshot freshman Richardson. The two will be the best duo in
Trent Richardson?” Boy, how do you answer the nation, no question, but this team’s heart
that one? I guess, Ingram found the best way and soul comes from 22. Wonder what the
to answer that question was to become the first question will be this year for Ingram?
first Heisman Winner. In the great history of
the Alabama football program, Joe Namath,
Ken Stabler, David Palmer, Shaun Alexander,
“...What he said...”
Major Ogilvie...no one. Not until #22 ran over “Mark has great competitive character.
SEC defenses all season long did an Alabama He was cramping up a little bit in the
football player carry the Heisman home to game. He’s a great competitor and he
Tuscaloosa. certainly wanted to go back in the game
and we certainly needed him to. It
How?
worked out for us”
Running like an absolute beast, that’s how.
Case in point, during the first quarter of the -Alabama head coach Nick Saban
BCS National Championship Game, the Tide discussing Ingram following the BCS
offense couldn’t figure out what Texas DC Will National Championship Game win over
Muschamp was doing with his fronts, stunts Texas 37-21

...certainly had a void filled”

 LT James Carpenter

O Fi l l i n g t h e s h o e s o f
f o r m e r A l l -A m e r i c a n
Andre Smith was going to be a daunting task
for anyone. The former star held down the left
tackle spot for three years and dominated in
6 ’3 ” 3 06 lb .
J u n ior Carpenter’s
impact was
f e l t m o s t w h e n t h e Ti d e
needed it most. During the
BCS champ. game, the Tide
77
Star Watch

f
the run game unlike any that have come before
him at the University of Alabama.
But, James Carpenter stepped into Smith’s role
early in the season and all of the sudden, a
Heisman Trophy winner emerged. Okay, okay,
it wasn’t all due to Carpenter’s efforts, but the
young fella’s efforts made it a lot easier for
Ingram to take home the stiff arm trohpy.
offense was stuck in neutral.
Then, in the 2nd quarter, it started going left.
A lot. Running wide behind big #77 and the
game changed. Immediately. Ingram started
reeling off chunks of yards as Carpenter took
control of the edge. During that second
quarter, the Tide ran for 112 yards and a pair of
TDs. The Tide’s LT is primed to do more of
the same in 2010.

f QB 12
QB/RB
Greg McElroy

Mark Ingram
Sr.
Winner? G Mc hasn’t lost since Jr. High
RB 22 Jr.
’09 Heisman, identity of this ‘Bama ‘O’
TE/Receivers Offensive Line
WR

WR
8

4
Julio Jones
Can be All-World...when he wants
Marquis Maze
31 catches last season, 2nd on team
WR 15 Darius Hanks
Jr.

Jr.

Sr.
LT

LG
77

65
James Carpenter
14 starts, 2nd team All-SEC
Chance Warmack
Must replace steady Mike Johnson
C 73 William Vlachos
Sr.

So.

Jr.

e
3 TDs receiving and 17 receptions Honorable Mention All-SEC in 2009
TE 89 Michael Williams So. RG 75 Barrett Jones So.
More left tackle than tight end 14 starts at RG in 2009,
RT 76 DJ Fluker Fr.
Former five-star recruits starts in ‘10
Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses
RB Roy Upchurch TE Colin Peek G Mike Johnson
T Drew Davis
Craig Krenzel, former Ohio State I keep wanting to believe Julio All offensive linemen cherish the

n
QB, keeps coming to mind when I
think of QB Greg McElroy. Both
guys really did nothing exceptionally
well but win games. Heck, McElroy
hasn’t lost a game since junior high.
He h a d s o m e r o u g h m o m e n t s
throughout the year, but when he
HAD to step up and make plays - last
drive against Auburn and the SEC
Championship game - he did. Critics
Jones is about to become the best
receiver in the SEC, but it hasn’t
happened. It won’t stop me from
thinking that he is, alongside
Georgia’s AJ Green, but Jones will
have to do more this year than be a
bit player for this offense. Last
season, he caught only 43 passes
which led the team, but he must find
a way to add 3 to 4 explosive plays in
opportunity to hit defenders in the
face. In ‘09, the Tide offensive line
did that better than most, opening
gaping holes for Heisman winner
Ingram and Richardson. Although
the ’09 OL had to find three key
starting replacements, the 2010 OL
loses only Mike Johnson and Drew
Davis to graduation. Now, those are
two big losses, but Nick Saban’s

s
will point to the confusion that
reigned during the BCS National
Championship game for McElroy to
prove he’s not quite ready to be a
superstar. Either way, the guy wins
and you’ve got to respect him the
same way you did former star Jay
Barker and, well, Craig Krenzel.
Ingram & Trent Richardson make
each key game.
Marquis Maze is effective, but not
spectacular. Darius Hanks is,
again, a decent option, but doesn’t
concern DCs. But, redshirt FR
speedster Kenny Bell might be a guy
who does - watch him.
The most unsung player on the ‘09
recruiting efforts are more than
evident in this front five.
There’s no secret with this bunch -
they’ll physically beat teams as noted
above.
Center William Vlachos is the
point man who controls it all in the
middle of the line. Barrett Jones is

e
up the best running back duo in the
nation, and the two might be the best
backs in the SEC. Honestly, what
back from another school is
BETTER than Richardson? Tough
question, huh?
offense was former TE Colin Peek.
As McElroy progressed, he sought
out Peek on a consistent basis.
Michael Williams isn’t quite the
pass catcher that Peek was, but he
can be a great blocking tight end.
a masher at guard, while James
Carpenter is the prototype run
blocking left tackle. DJ Fluker is
thought to be one of the most
talented young tackles Alabama has
seen.
 57
Star Watch
Mo s t
nationally
fans
didn’t know
who
Yr.
t h e 2008
Tackles
4
h e c k 2009 33
Ma r c e l l D a r e u s w a s
before the BCS National Championship game,
but no matter the transcendent moment you
select, Dareus changed the complexion of the
game, not once, but twice.
The hit on great Texas Colt McCoy knocked
him out of the game, but Dareus’s pick six on
the ill-fated shovel pass nearly ended the game
at the end of the first half.
Defensive Line Linebackers
DE 57 Marcell Dareus
2010 BCS Nat’l Champ. Def. MVP
NT 99 Josh Chapman
Not as wide as Mt. Cody, but quicker
DE 96 Luther Davis
11 tackles in a backup role in 2009
Key Losses
DT Terrence Cody
DE Brandon Deaderick
The loss of Rotary Lombardi Award
finalist Terrence Cody is significant,
but not as drastic as many would
believe. In the BCS game, he played
only 3 plays in the second half, while
g u y s l i ke Jo s h C h a p m a n a n d
Marcell Dareus took over the
game.
But, the whole season may rest on
what transpires with Dareus and the
NCAA. He’s not been cleared by the
NCAA after his dalliance with a
spor ts a gent. If his impact is
lessened, this Alabama front will
struggle without him.
If Dareus does return to the team,
he’ll be instrumental in holding down
the edge. In the middle, Chapman is
quick, disruptive and tough to move.
Although it’s not a group loaded with
experience, it might ultimately be
better and more disruptive than last
y e a r ’s g r o u p . B u t , a g a i n , t h a t
assessment rests on Dareus’ presence.
DT/DE Marcell Dareus
J u n ior
TFL
0
Sacks
0
6 ’3 ” 3 06 lb .
QBH
3
Int.
0
Dareus is the key for the
defense this season, given
the loss of Mt. Cody
i n s i d e . D a r e u s c a n’t
D
e
9 6.5 7 1 eliminate interior
blockers as Cody did, but
he’s one of the best pass rushing interior
defenders in the nation.
He’s probably more 3 technique (4-3 DT) than 5
technique (3-4 DE), but his quickness and lower
body strength make him ultra-difficult to move
at either position. Alabama’s defensive scheme
will force him to move around a bit, but watch
f
when he’s lined up over guards. Oh my!
Secondary
Jr. OLB 41 Courtney Upshaw Jr. CB 21 Dre Kirkpatrick So.
Quick off the edge, great pass rusher Former five-star recruits starts in ‘10
Jr. ILB 30 Dont’a Hightower Jr. FS 37 Robert Lester So.
Surefire A-A if he’s past knee injury Replaces multi-year starter
Sr. ILB 35 Nico Johnson So. SS 4 Mark Barron Jr.
e
All-SEC Freshman team - 28 tackles All-SEC in ‘09, A-A candidate in ‘10
OLB 5 Jerrell Harris Jr. CB 1 BJ Scott Jr.
Hasn’t seen the field at all in 2 years. Former WR, redshirted ’09 as a DB
Key Losses Key Losses
MLB Rolando McClain CB Kareem Jackson & CB Javier Arenas
OLB Cory Reamer & OLB Eryk Anders FS Justin Woodall
The heart, soul and brains of the The early graduation from the Nick
n
Alabama defensive operation is now Saban Secondar y School for CB
in Oakland - Rolando McClain. And, Kareem Jackson was a little stunning
therein lies the rub for the LBs at the time. Considering the Tide
was already losing senior Javier
This group, led by, hopefully, a Arenas, the corner position became a
healthy Dont’a Hightower has major question mark for the Tide
plenty of talent and may ultimately defense.
be more talented than last year’s
s
group. But, finding the defense’s Fo r m e r f i v e s t a r r e c r u i t D re
Kirkpatrick will be a future star but
pulse, it’s heartbeat, is going to be a
he’s a sophomore, like three other
work in progress all season long.
potential secondary starters. Long
and lanky, but tough and physical,
Hightower was on his way to a Kirkpatrick has a chance to be a big-
magnificent season before he was lost time star.
with an ACL tear. There’ll be some
rust when he comes back, but if Strong safety Mark Barron is back
anyone is going to be able to fill the after a wonderful season (7 picks and
shoes of McClain, it’s Hightower. 76 tackles) and is one of the best in
e
the league at his position. His
OLB Courtney Upshaw and ILB playmaking abilities and tackling
Nico Johnson will create more make him the perfect fit for the
mayhem rushing the QB as they did Alabama secondar y. But, the
during the National Championship questions will linger at FS and CB
game. Jerrell Harris is the one until this group faces Arkansas’ QB
question mark going into the season. Ryan Mallett on Sept 25th.
 “Put the Film on, Bro”
Alabama’s “Single Wing”/Wildcat with Mark Ingram
In 2003, when Nick Saban was coaching at
LSU, he came on the radio weekly with John
and Lance. One morning, I was on with Lance
while John was out and he asked me if I wanted
to stay and interview Coach Saban. At that
point, LSU was using bruising tailback Alley
Broussard to pound on teams. Saban had little
else offensively, but Broussard and a strong RB
core. I jokingly mentioned that I’d like to see
Broussard just get in the single wing, so Saban
wouldn’t have to use a QB.
Flash forward to present day and, well, the man
can thank me later. I never took Nick Saban
for a “jump at the hottest thing/fad” type of
3 2
22
The Crimson Tide used this formation liberally
while QB Greg McElroy struggled a bit during
the middle part of the season.
Similar to the Wildcat formations throughout
the landscape of football, Mark Ingram lines up
behind center as a single back, with a myriad of
skill players lined up throughout the formation.
Typically, a WR, Julio Jones most times, goes in
motion toward Ingram, so the back can fake or
give the ball to the receiver in motion. 99% of
the time, Ingram has kept the ball so during the
season, expect to see Jones take the reverse
handoff as a wrinkle off this formation.
coach, but we do know the man will do just
about anything to win a football game.
That being said, Saban and his offensive
coaching staff realized early last season that
Mark Ingram taking snaps from center in the
oft-misdiagnosed Wildcat formation may be
considered a fad, but it was highly effective.
The true Wildcat is a tackle over look that
makes things tough for a defense because of the
tackles on the same side. What Alabama uses,
at times, is a standard two tight end, two WR -
what I call “Tech” formation - but with Ingram
taking a direct snap. Let’s take a look below.
Regardless, the offensive line zone blocks to
the motion as noted above. If Ingram pulls the
ball he has three different actions to take - he
can follow the line and Jones on path #1, he can
find an interior hole on the playside on path #2
or he can cut it back behind the zone blocking
to the backside if the defense aggressively over
pursues.
With no QB, the Tide can put two tight ends in
the game to balance out the defense and also
get both tight ends out on the field. Single
wing it isn’t, but dadgum it’s close.
 2009: 14-0, Beat TCU in Fiesta Bowl
WA C C h a m p i o n s
Head Coach: Chris Petersen, 5th Yr. @ BSU - Record: 49-4
This past Januar y after the With 21 of 22 starters coming back to Boise for

3
season had concluded, we had
an opportunity to sit down with
two-time Bear Bryant Coach of
the Year Award winner Chris
Petersen. Of course, we got a chance
to “chat” about all things Broncos, blue turf,
play design, etc...you know, the things that all
sports talk show hosts discuss with coaches.
Then, we discussed the 2010 season and talked
about what stands to be one of the most
difficult non-conference schedules any team in
any conference will face. Virginia Tech in
Washington DC. Oregon State three weeks
later on the Smurf Turf. Yet, Coach Petersen
acknowledged the toughest opponent for the
2010 season would be one off the schedule. It’s
one that teams have struggled with in the past.
The Weight of Expectation.
this season after a
14-0 run last year, Boise State’s Vital Signs
t h e r e ’s no 2009 Results
question what
Run Offense 186.1 ypg 26th
t e a m i s t h e Pass Offense 264.1 ypg 29th
“media darling” in Total Offense 450.2 ypg 10th
2010. CB Kyle Scoring Offense 42.2 ppg 1st
Wilson is the only Run Defense 120.4 ypg 28th
personnel loss for Pass Defense 179.9 ypg 21st
the Broncos, but Total Defense 300.2 ypg 14th
don’t cry in your Scoring Def. 17.2 ppg 14th
drink for the
B r o n c o s - t h e 2010 Returning Starters
Off. Ret. Starters 10
defense will be
Def. Ret. Starters 10
outstanding.
Even without
Wilson, a first round pick of the New York Jets,
the secondary may have up to four players
achieve First team All-WAC at season’s end.

Why #3? 20 starters coming back, Kellen Moore is a stud at QB, the offensive line is the best in the
WAC, escape Va. Tech and Oregon State and the rest of schedule is cake, RB D.J Harper returns

Why not higher? Road trip to Washington D.C to open the season, followed by a visit from
Oregon St., filling the shoes of Wilson isn’t easy, tricky road finale at Nevada and Colin Kaepernick

2010 Schedule Key Games

Sep 6, 2010 Virginia Tech (DC)
Sep 11, 2010 BYE
Sep 18, 2010 @ Wyoming
Sep 25, 2010 Oregon State
Fi v e y e a r s a g o , Two weeks after When Boise State
Oct 2, 2010 @ New Mexico St. when Boise State facing Ry a n announced it was
Oct 9, 2010 Toledo was coming off of
an undefeated
Wi l l i a m s , t h e leaving for the
Broncos get a visit MWC in 2011, it
Oct 16, 2010 @ San Jose State 2004 regular f r o m Ja c q u i z z appeared this
s e a s o n , Rodgers. If the would be the last
Oct 26, 2010 La. Tech expectations were Broncos get beat c h a n c e Ne v a d a
sky high for a trip by Va. Tech in DC,
Nov 6, 2010 Hawai’i to Georgia. Uh, Boise State will be
was going to have
disaster. This BSU to knock off Boise
Nov 12, 2010 @ Idaho team is quite d e s p e r a te f o r a State. But, with
different, but win. The good N e v a d a ’ s
Nov 19, 2010 Fresno State stopping RB Ryan news, though? No impending move
Williams right out team has beaten
Nov 26, 2010 @ Nevada o f t h e c h u te i s BSU in the regular
t o t h e M WC ,
they’ll see a whole
season since 2001.
Dec 4, 2010 Utah State going to be rough. lot of each other.
Kellen “He is the type we strive...
Year Cmp. Att Yds TDs Int. Rush Yds TDs
KellenMoore

2008 281 405 3486 25 10 38 -30 1

2009 277 431 3536 39 3 24 -5 1

Honor Roll
2009 First team All-American (ESPN, SI)
2009 Third team All-American (AP)
Seventh in Heisman Trophy balloting
2009 WAC Offensive Player of the Year
2009 First team All-WAC
Second in the nation for passing eff. (161.7 rating)
Second in the nation with 39 TD passes
Moore

Prior to the 2008 season, there was a ton of double h e a d e r, s o t o

buzz emanating from Boise State that the speak, in the month of
Broncos had found themselves a quarterback. S e p te m b e r.
A guy that was tearing it up on a daily basis in But, if anyone can
camp. A redshirt freshman. It was the first handle the h e a t , i t ’s
time I’d heard of Kellen Moore. Moore.

I was intrigued to see him, considering the And, at t h a t point,

excitement oozing from the Blue Turf. Then, I maybe, you’ll believe t h e
saw him for the first time and thought.... s a m e way I have.

“Really? A less than 6’ soft tossing left? Really?”

And, it’s that reaction that Moore has used as

motivation throughout his career. It didn’t take
long for him to win me over - it took all of one
throw to realize that this guy was special. 64
touchdowns and only 13 interceptions later, a “...What he said...”
whole heck of a lot of people are realizing the
same thing about Moore. “He’s a football nerd”

He’s just flat out one of the best college QBs in -Former BSU DC Justin Wilcox
the nation, no matter his size or arm strength.
“If there’s anybody that we’d ever
Since he’s been a starter, he’s 26-1 and avenged probably not care that they’re
that sole loss to TCU in 2008 by knocking off
being mentioned in that, it’d be
the Horned Frogs in the 2010 Fiesta Bowl.
That win wasn’t pretty but as Moore has Kellen because it’s not going to
proven, it’s about winning, not looking pretty. affect him or faze him”
That win followed a 39 TD/3 interception
season, one of the most efficient seasons in -Head Coach Chris Petersen on
college history. Not bad for a guy who former Moore’s ability to be in the
defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox fought for Heisman discussion without it
to get the last scholarship in the class of 2007.
bothering either him or the team
The 2010 season is going to be Moore’s
toughest yet given the Va. Tech/Oregon State

...to recruit at Boise State”

Q&A with Kellen Moore
View: 26-1 as a starter, coming off a fine 2009
season and getting ready for what is going to be a
fantastic 2010 season. Kellen Moore, QB of
the Boise St. Broncos, joining us now. How are
you doing?
Kellen Moore: I’m good, how are you?
View: Good. Man, that one burns a bit doesn’t
it? You think back to having a 10-nothing lead
against TCU, losing it to them in 2008… It burns
doesn’t it?
KM: Yeah it’s not an easy one, when you only
got one… but you learn a lot from it.
View: We were looking at and talking about
your schedule early today, and obviously a couple
of good out of conference games to go with your
WAC schedule this year, but the Virginia Tech
game, obviously the first game, right out of the
chute for the season on September 6th… Talk
about how… I would imagine last year with the
Oregon game being first game, having that sort
of marquee game on the schedule early in the
season, and the chance to go in single-minded,
preparing for that as you go through summer
camp and what not. Talk about the preparation
for Oregon last year, and maybe how you went
preparing for that and how it’s going to help you
this year?
KM: Yeah certainly in both cases, we… you
know it is nice to have a high profile game to
start off the season. No sense in looking past it
beyond this point. I really think it’s something
that is in the back of your mind for the whole off
season, taking care of summer workouts and all
that stuff. Just like last year, we have another one
this year and I’m pretty excited.
View: Kellen, have your goals, in terms of the
program, changed the fact that… hey you know
winning the WAC… that’s a sweet deal. We all
get rings and that’s fantastic. But have the goals
in the program changed… “Hey we just won
ourselves a BCS Bowl Game. We can win the
whole thing. We’re not just gonna get just Fiesta
Chips, we want the whole enchilada this year.”
Have the goals of the program changed over the
years that you have been there, because of you
got 21 or 22 starters coming back, the season you
have had last year… Are you guys now talking
bigger picture now?
KM: I think it’s a progression we have taken
through the years. We have talked about carrying
the flag from year to year. This program,
obviously, has progressed quite rapidly. In our
situation we have had a lot of success and there is
a lot of excitement out there for us, but I think
we do a pretty good job in staying low key, taking
care of business week after week, and… I think
we understand that as long as we take care of
business, we are gonna be in a good place, we are
going to be enjoying the bowl season and all of
that good stuff.
View: We’ve had a chance to meet Coach
Peterson a couple of times the past couple of
years, because of him being a finalist for the Bear
Bryant Award and winning the Bear Bryant
Award last year. We enjoy sitting down for 15
minutes inter viewing him. Talk about the
relationship you have Coach Pete. Is it the same
Coach Pete we see in interviews, the same Coach
Pete that you see in the meeting rooms, also talk
about his role in bring you to Boise.
KM: Yeah certainly. Coach Pete is a great guy. I
think there are a lot of guys, who are here, that
can point to him being the reason for coming to
Boise. A very easy down to earth guy, who takes
care of his business and doesn’t care for any of
the hoopla outside the program. Y’all have met
him, he is the same in here or out in the public.
View: Does Coach Pete hate interceptions that
much, Kellen? I mean, you only threw 3 last year.
Does he hate interceptions that much?
You threw 3?!? There are option quarterbacks
that throw more picks in a year. You had 3 and
you threw the ball over 400 times last year. Talk
about the mindset that you guys have that you are
not gonna give the ball to the other team.
KM: Yeah, I think it gets drilled in here pretty
early. You got Coach Pete, who use to be a
quarterback. We got Coach Pease, who played in
the NFL a little… he is our wide out coach and
was a QB. We also got a QB coach who was a QB.
I pretty much have 3 QB drilling into my head
that I better not be turning the ball over. We
emphasis that turnover differential like crazy I
think. You look down at the stats over the years,
and the successful teams are at the top in that
differential, and those that are not are at the
bottom. I think it’s from day 1, it’s drilled and
drilled that you are not turning the ball over. You
are not giving other teams opportunities. As long
as you do not to that, you are putting the team in
a good position to be successful.
View: You’re a coach’s kid. Right?
KM: Yep
View: And, there is your other reason why. How
many times did you throw an interception and
have to explain that one to Pops. Trust me I know
from experience… it happens right?
KM: Oh yeah. It’s been something that I have
been taught, and understood, for quite awhile I
guess.
View: Little different role for you guys this year;
How are you guys as a team, and maybe for you
personally… we were just going over the list of
guys that are coming into this season that are
potential… we will say the H word here, Heisman
accolades. This is probably not the first interview
that you have had to address it, nor the will be
last. How different is it for you personally going
into this year, and how do you manage those
expectations?
KM: I think inside our program, there isn’t much
change. You are not going to see another
perspective or attitude around everyone. It is
kinda like going along with your daily business.
Certainly outside of us there is a lot of noise, and
people are excited about us. For myself, it kinda
comes from our team’s success. Maybe they have
to throw a few individual awards since we are
doing so well.
View: This year you guys obviously have V. Tech.
right out of the chute on a Labor Day night game,
that’s going to be fantastic. Then you also have
Oregon St. coming to the blue turf as well. You’ve
got 20 or 22 starters (returning), and also the
highest pre-season ranking that you’ve ever had.
In most magazines rank you #3, sometimes as
high as #2. The weight of expectation for you as a
team, I would think, is your biggest opponent.
The fact that nobody on your team has ever been
ranked this high going into a season; talk about
team’s mindset going in, in some sense, the
hunted not the hunter.
KM: I think we are fortunate that we have a lot
of guys coming back. We only lost a couple of
guys… one a starter from last season, another who
started halfway through before getting hurt. It is
really a progression that we are going through. It’s
a lot of guys on this team as last year’s Fiesta Bowl
team. So we are really just taking the next step,
trying to get better individually, and as a team.
Really see what happens I think. Certainly there
is a lot of excitement about us, that’s awesome.
But at the same time, us as players, we kinda
understand our situation what we need to get
done, and can’t get too caught up into that
because we have enough business to take care of.
View: Hey Kellen, for you personally, who were
the player(s) that you admired and modeled your
game after? Who did you watch growing up that
you put into that category?
KM: Definitely Tom Brady. He has kinda been
playing for awhile… maybe I am a little younger I
guess. Not so much watching Joe Montana, cause
I usually get the reference, “Did you watch Joe
Montana?”… I’m like “Uh… I was born in 1988...”
But, Tom Brady I watched through my whole
growing up stages, I watched his progress, and
Drew Brees recently. Oh heck, I am a 6’ QB;
anybody around 6’ or around that I loved.
View: Hey Kellen, is it true that Nevada’s Dontay
Moch a 4.25… is that legit?
KM: I couldn’t tell you. I don’t know.
View: He hasn’t sacked you? Well you wouldn’t
know, he probably hasn’t touched you. Alright
Kellen, with every player we had on. We started
this at the Lombardi Award, we did this with
Ndamukong Suh, with your buddy Jerry Hughes,
who introduced himself at the Fiesta Bowl Game,
Gerald McCoy and Terrence Cody. We play a little
game, it’s called “Either/Or”. It gives us a little
insight into Kellen Moore. It’s very easy its either/
or, one or the other. In some cases it’s kinda
tough, in some cases it’s kinda easy… you can also
explain if you choose. It is really easy.
KM: Alright
View: “Either/Or” with Kellen Moore, here we
go. In a tough spot on 3rd down, who do you
throw the ball to, either Austin Pettis or Titus
Young?
KM: Don’t get me in trouble! (Answer redacted -
you had to be listening - we won’t get him in
trouble in print).
View: If you had to play a game on Saturday
night, or morning, or afternoon, which would you
prefer, blue turf or green grass?
KM: I gotta say blue. I would get in trouble if i
don’t say that!
View: Alright tougher place to play, Honolulu,
Hawaii or Ruston, Louisiana?
KM: WOW! Uh… I’m gonna say Ruston…
possibly.
View: At least you had the beach to relax on, I
guess, in Hawaii. Do you guys get some time
alone and to yourselves to kick back at all or is it
just a business trip?
KM: We get a little bit. We travel there an extra
day so, we get about 3 hours on Thursday and 3
hours on Friday to kinda go around and do what
we want to before our Saturday game, so you
know. They don’t let us get into the water that is
the rule. No sandals. We are not enjoying Hawaii
at all.
View: They don’t want you stepping on a shell…
KM: I got in trouble going out there this year,
because I didn’t know the rules. I showed up at a
meeting wearing sandals. A couple of the coaches
frowned at me before I figured it out.
View: How great would have that have been if
Kellen Moore had to take the first series off
because of flip flops?
View: That’s a tag that would follow you around
forever Kellen. Alright! Worse feeling for you,
physically, mentally, take your pick, interception
or a sack?
KM: Interception, because you don’t have
another opportunity.
View: What would be better, winning the
Heisman or winning the National Championship?
KM: Come on, you are not tricking me there,
National Championship.
View: They did ask Cedric Benson that question
and he had a unique answer! Okay, let’s move
on...Mac or PC?
KM: PC!
View: Oh ok, we can still be friends. When
playing College Football 2011 video game, do you
play as you or somebody else?
KM: I play both. Except that it is usually kinda
frustrating playing as Boise, because you want to
bench yourself, but you feel bad when you do that
after you throw a couple of picks. (laughter)
Cause normally you want to blame the QB that
you are playing with, but you really can’t blame
yourself!
View: “C’mon, Me, how can you throw picks in a
game, when you have only thrown three all year?”
That can’t happen!
View: Hey Kellen, real quick. Do you look at all
of the ratings on the NCAA College Football
game and go, “Man I can’t believe they gave me
this for awareness or this much for speed!”
KM: Trust me, I’ll look at myself… they gave me
way too much speed. I’ll tell you that! First of all,
if I am scrambling in that game… that is not
gonna happen. Some of our guys they get very
emotional when they come out and a guy doesn’t
have the right speed or for some cases not in the
game… Those guys are not happy.
View: Oh, those guys are ticked. Last question!
Your QB style is more similar to Drew Brees or
Peyton Manning?
KM: Drew Brees
View: Very nice. Why would you say that?
KM: I’m 6’, we are connected with that one a
little bit, and I think pocket presence something
that we both emphasis. I probably don’t act as
much out on the field, I’m pretty straight forward
and roll with the plays. We are not over there
checking things and all of that crazy stuff.
View: How much do you get to check at the line?
KM: I think it really varies between games. There
are some games we go in with an opportunity to
check or check out of some different things
depending on the defense. And then there are
other games where we are just gonna roll with
stuff and be straight forward. It really depends.
View: Hey Kellen, we were playing a little game
with some of the listeners before we got you on
the phone. We were having them take their
schools… cause I don’t know if you have hear.
Florida is raising statues outside of their stadium
of Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel, and Tim
Tebow. Tell us the three statues that you would
put up outside of the stadium of your school. If
you had to, knowing the history of Boise St., and
having been in the program for 3 seasons now,
who would be the three statues outside of your
stadium at Boise St?
KM: Good question. I think you guys might not
know him, his name was Lyle Smith. He was the
founder of athletics at Boise St. He was a coach at
a junior college level that made it up all the way
through. You got to throw Coach Pete up there
and probably Ian… Ian has to get some love, he
has certainly been the face of Boise.
View: Kellen, is the statue of Ian Johnson is on
one knee proposing to a statue of cheerleader?
KM (laughing): It very well could be.
View: Hey Kellen, over the past couple of years,
you and Case Keenum have stayed in contact with
one another. Have yall been stayed in contact
with Case this off-season at all?
KM: Yeah, I saw him at an award event in Ohio. I
haven’t talked to him recently, because there
hasn’t been much football going on.
View: Yeah that’s true. When you guys get a
chance to communicate, do you guys talk about
the game or more stuff that is off of the field?
KM: Yeah, a little bit of the game, sometimes we
have common opponents… check out some
thoughts. Other than that, sometimes I catch his
game and tell him congrats on his game.
I watch Case a little here and there. It’s always
nice watching Houston football because he
throws the ball 60 to 70 times.
View: Yeah, he is a beast on the video game too,
by the way.
KM: (laughing) I am sure he is.
View: Hey Kellen before we let you go, the big
news of college football the last couple of weeks,
thankfully college football has been in the news
for the past couple of weeks. Obviously you guys
were a part of the conference realignment,
ultimately there was only a little bit of it, but you
guys were one of the schools that ended up
moving, Boise St. moving from the WAC to the
Mountain West. Is that something that even
registers on your radar as a player, or you more
that means that is going to be a bunch of different
team across the line from us, or was that
something that is a big deal for you that that you
talked a lot about?
KM: Yeah I don’t think it’s a huge deal now, but
certainly in a year we will be getting excited to
play some different teams, but I kinda mentioned
it to some other people that there are a lot of
seniors on this team who don’t really care that we
are going to the Mountain West in two years.
They got their senior season to look forward to…
we all got our season to look forward to… and we
have enough things to take care of before we start
to worry about the Mountain West too much.
View: Yeah, it going to be a good season. It
should be a really good season in Boise. 2010
season and Kellen Moore, Heisman candidate qb,
26-1 as a starter at Boise St joining us. Kellen, that
was very cool, and we appreciate the time, and
best of luck as you go through, as you guys go
through summer camp and getting ready for the
season. Best of luck to for the upcoming season
and we look forward in doing this again soon.
KM: Sounds great. Take care!
 W R Au s t i n Pe t t i s

O Go-to guy. Beast. NFL-

ready.

No m a t t e r h o w y o u
Yr.
2007
2008
6 ’ 3” 2 01 lb .
S en io r
Rec
46
49
Yds
465
567
TDs
6
9
r e c e i v e r.
They’ve not
had an
offensive skill
2
Star Watch

f
describe Boise State 2009
receiver Austin Pettis, the
description is quite apt.
The Broncos have had some NFL talent, but
for every first rounder there’s been a Drisan
James, a Jerard Rabb or a Ryan Gilligan, i.e guys
who were great college receivers, but had no
NFL future. What the Broncos have never had
is a 6’3”, 201 pound legit NFL prospect at
63 855 14 player taken
early in an NFL draft.
Pettis could change all of that.
Although teammate Titus Young was first-time
All-WAC, Pettis is the prototype for this
position. He’s strong as an ox, uses his body
well to shield defenders and can snatch the ball
out of the air. But, he’s got to stay healthy for a
90 catch year to truly get the NFL’s attention.

f QB 11
QB/RB
Kellen Moore
39 TDs, 3 Interceptions in 2009
RB 27 Jeremy Avery
Speedy RB racked up 1,151 yds. in ‘09
FB 47 Dan Paul
Jr.

Sr.

Jr.
TE/Receivers Offensive Line
WR

WR

TE
2

85
Austin Pettis
Top NFL prospect for Broncos
Titus Young
First team All-WAC, 79 receptions
Tommy Gallarda
Sr.

Jr.

Sr.
LT

LG

C
75

73

66
Faraji Wright
Battling Charles Leno for LT spot
Nate Potter
On ’10 Rotary Lombardi Watch List
Thomas Byrd
So.

Jr.

Jr.

e
Started after R. Brockel injury, 3 TDs Started 12 games, had nine receptions Started all 14 games as a soph. in ‘09
RG 59 Will Lawrence Sr.
Started 13 games in 2009
RT 57 Garrett Pendergast Jr.
Battling Brenel Myers for RT spot

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

NONE NONE OL Kevin Sapien

You would think that the Boise State One of Moore’s strengths is his No one ever talks about the Boise

n
offense starts and ends with QB
Kellen Moore. Uh, yeah, and you’d
be dead wrong. Now, don’t get me
wrong, this 2010 Boise State squad is
special because he’s pulling the
trigger, but to think he’s the only one
on this bus, is dead wrong.
The running back situation is as good
as it gets. Jeremy Avery is a blazer
ability to spread the wealth to as
many receivers and tight ends as
possible. That only works if there are
enough weapons on the perimeter.
And, there are plenty.
Austin Pettis was injured prior to
the Fiesta Bowl last season, but he’s
still Moore’s go-to guy in tough
situations. He’s a big receiver who
State OL. Ever. But, that’s the
ultimate compliment for this bunch.
The only loss in the top five was
Kevin Sapien who hung ‘em up after
injuries proved to be too much to
bear.
If there’s a star on this offensive line,
it’s Nate Potter who is transitioning
from tackle to left guard. Potter’s

s
and was a 1,000+ yard rusher in 2009.
He’s the most complete back the
Broncos have on the roster. The
good news in Boise is that DJ
Harper returns from an ACL injury
to p r o v i d e a 1 - 2 p u n c h i n t h e
backfield.
Harper must be close to 100%
can get open in every area on the
field.
Don’t be fooled by Titus Young lack
of size, he’s a dynamic game breaker
who can light up any defense when he
gets his hands on the ball.
The combination of Pettis and Young
future is probably at RT in the NFL,
but his nasty demeanor will continue
to boost the Broncos inside power
running game. From guard to guard,
Boise State will be as good as any
team West of the Mississippi.
The question will be at tackle where
a group of young guns are battling

e
because the Broncos moved bruising
Doug Martin over to defense in the
spring. He could ultimately move
back to running back if Harper isn’t
quite ready, but if Avery and Harper
are close to healthy, look out.
is one of the best in the nation. TE
Tommy Gallarda and Kyle Efaw
don’t scare anyone, but they’re typical
BSU tight ends - no names who get a
handful of chances to catch the ball.
Yet, BSU can’t live without them.
Garrett Pendergast for a starting
position. Faraji Wright, Charles
L e n o , B re n e l Mye rs a n d
Pendergast, if anything else, provide
depth at a key position. But, can they
protect Moore well enough?
 8
Star Watch
Quick name the
stars on this
S George Iloka
6 ’ 3” 2 07 lb .
J u n ior
As a long and lanky
freshman, Iloka ran to the
Boise State Yr. Tackles TFL Sacks Int PBU ball and put himself in
d e f e n s e . 2008 48 2.5 0 1 5 position to make plays.
D
e
Some say 2009 62 5 1 4 6 But, when filling in the
there aren’t any, but, if alley against the run, well,
you insist. he was there. That’s about the best I could say.

Winterswyk. Johnson. Maybe Thompson. However, in 2009, that seemed to change.

At the end of 2010, you may think differently
after watching George Iloka, the former
Kempner HS product, start for the third
consecutive year.
He’ll never be a Taylor Mays type, size wise, but
he flew around with reckless abandon, teaming
with Jeron Johnson to form an intimidating duo
at safety. If Iloka takes that next step, that
order of stars may have to change. Quickly.

Defensive Line Linebackers

DE 98 Ryan Winterswyk
2x First team All-WAC honoree
DT 97 Chase Baker
Started 14 games in ’09, 4 TFL
DT 90 Billy Winn
Sr.

Jr.

Jr.
OLB 52

ILB 36
Derrell Acrey
34 tackles and 5.5 TFL in 2009
Aaron Tevis
4th on team in tackles with 54 stops
Sr.

Jr.
CB

S
Secondary
21

8
Jamar Taylor
All-WAC acad. team, 1 INT in ‘09
George Iloka
Started 14 games, had 62 tackles
S 23 Jeron Johnson
So.

Jr.

Sr.
f
e
2nd team All-WAC, 12.5 TFL in 2009 Hardest hitting player on West Coast
DE 92 Shea McClellin Jr. S 17 Winston Venable Sr.
Started 11 games, registered 3 sacks 2nd team All-WAC, 63 tackles (3rd)
CB 13 Brandyn Thompson Sr.
Def. MVP of Fiesta Bowl, 6 picks in ‘09
Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses
NONE NONE CB Kyle Wilson

The one thing opposing teams must
consider when playing this defense is
that they’re quicker than you think.
A lot quicker. Especially up front.
Case in point, first game last year
against Oregon. The Ducks
attempted to run LeGarrette Blount
It ’s n o t a s i f t h e B o i s e S t a t e
linebackers are a bunch of slappies,
guys who can’t chew gum and walk at
the same time. But, if an offense is
going to take advantage of a BSU
defensive unit, it’s the linebacking
corps. And, not just because there
are only two guys in the middle.
n
The loss of a first round corner is
going to sting, no question, but if any
team could absorb the loss of All-
American Kyle Wilson, it’s Boise
State.
Jamar Taylor has massive shoes to
fill, but as long as he doesn’t TRY to

on a wide zone play, but before it
could develop, Billy Winn shot the
gap and made the play for a game
ending safety. He’s going to be the
same run disrupting DT as he was in
2009. He’s quick and good with his
hands. The combination of Winn
and Chase Baker is solid.
Ryan Winterswyk is the headliner
Derrell Acrey had a strong 2008
season, but only started four times
last year in 2009. If this defense is
going to sur vive a gainst power
running Virginia Tech and, well,
power running Oregon State, Acrey
MUST step up this season.
Aaron Tevis, on the other hand, had
s
fill them, he should be okay. He’s got
good size and will get plenty of help
from his front six. Brandyn
Thompson is a vet who must excel.
The group of safeties is, arguably, the
best in the nation, led by rock hard
hitter Jeron Johnson. The senior
finished last year with 91 tackles and
is the intimidating force in the back.

for this bunch and can bring it off the
edge. He’s a relentless pass rusher,
with a deceptively quick first step.
S h e a Mc C l e l l i n d o e s n’t d r a w
double teams, but he’ll get adequate
pressure on the quarterback.
the season that many thought that
Acrey was going to have. As a junior,
with another strong season, he could
push for 2010 All-WAC honors. He
showed how athletic he was and if
Acrey doesn’t have take control of
this defense, Tevis will.
e
George Iloka is a rangy safety who’s
been more physical each year. Nickel
safety Winston Venable is nothing,
if he isn’t a Will linebacker, but so be
it, the guy is always around the ball
and an effective tackler.
 “Put the Film on, Bro”
Boise State’s TE seam route
out of “Special” Formation
FS
LB LB
CB
DE
57
11
The basic premise of offensive football is that you
have to have seven guys on the line of scrimmage.
Doesn’t matter where you line them up or who is
lined up out there, but you just have to have seven
on the line of scrimmage. Well, Boise State uses
that concept to throw off the coverage of the
secondary.
Right tackle #57 Garrett Pendergast lines up in a
wide receiver position, yet still on the line of
scrimmage. A WR lines up next to, and outside
of, him on the ball, making Pendergast ineligible.
But, Boise State doesn’t need for Pendergast to be
eligible, just make the defense react to his
presence.
What they really want is for the secondary to
adjust to the “bodies”, not who’s eligible. When
they do adjust to the formation #85 Tommy
Gallarda is open down the seam for a big play.
SS
CB
LB
DT DE
85
Speaking as a former secondary member, it’s
awfully difficult to find an eligible receiver lined
up right next to the guard. However, with two
receivers off the ball to the right, Gallarda lines up
next to the guard and is often ‘hidden’. The big
part is he’s eligible because the two outside
receivers are off the ball. Often times, the
secondary rolls coverage to the two receivers but
doesn’t ‘see’ the TE lined up at the tackle position.
On the snap, Gallarda just fires right down the
seam as Moore looks off the free safety to ensure
Gallarda plenty of area in the middle of the field
to get open. At first glance, this doesn’t seem like
the type of play that would be effective, but
because safeties often lose sight of the ‘hidden’
TE, this play works like a charm. Just ask Nevada,
who gave up a TD to this very play in the second
half of its 44-33 loss to Boise State in 2009.
 2009: 13-1, Lost to Alabama in BCS National Championship Game
Big 12 Champions
Head Coach: Mack Brown, 13th Yr. @ Texas - Record: 128-27
What if ? It’s a question that Outside of not having Colt McCoy, this team is

4
Longhorn fans have been asking reminiscent of
since the fifth play of the BCS prior Texas teams. Texas’ Vital Signs
National Championship game. Highl y athletic 2009 Results
What if Colt McCoy hadn’t gotten W R , q u e s t i o n Run Offense 147.6 ypg 61st
knocked out of that game early? It’s not mark still at RB, Pass Offense 273.6 ypg 22nd
much consolation, but whereas 2009 suffered, decent O L , Total Offense 421.2 ypg 29th
2010 got a significant boost from that injury as productive DL, Scoring Offense 39.3 ppg 3rd
freshman Garrett Gilbert was forced to take g r e a t c o r p s o f Run Defense 72.4 ypg 1st
Pass Defense 179.6 ypg 19th
off the headphones and face one of the best linebackers, but
Total Defense 251.9 ypg 3rd
defenses in the nation. one area where Scoring Def. 16.7 ppg 12th
it’s different is in
He p e r f o r m e d a d m i r a b l y a n d g o t t h e t h e s e c o n d a r y. 2010 Returning Starters
Longhorns close. Alas, the gap was too large to It’s the best unit Off. Ret. Starters 5
truly overcome, but after facing that Alabama in the nation, Def. Ret. Starters 6
defense, Gilbert must feel like everyone else he which will help
faces will be a walk in the park. Well, maybe. against the vaunted spread attacks in the Big 12.

Why #4? Best secondary in the country, young gunslinger with some ability and some big game
experience, Big 12 South is down a bit - outside of Oklahoma, best defense in the Big 12

Why not higher? Road trip to Nebraska - the Huskers are going to be better offensively than last
season, RB still a question mark - even if Tre Newton starts, Tech, UCLA, OU back-to-back-to-back

2010 Schedule Key Games

Sep 4, 2010 Rice (Reliant)
Sep 11, 2010 Wyoming
Sep 18, 2010 @ Texas Tech
Sep 25, 2010 UCLA
Oct 2, 2010 OU (Dallas) Well, what else did No t h i n g l i ke Last year, this was
you expect? This the most exciting
Oct 9, 2010 BYE game is ALWAYS
having to face an
ex- on its own turf. game in the Big 12
Oct 16, 2010 @ Nebraska the big game on After a regular season (the
the Texas schedule conference- Big 12 Champ.
Oct 23, 2010 Iowa State (last year’s 16-13 realignment laden game excluded).
snoozefest A&M returns its
Oct 30, 2010 Baylor s u m m e r, the
notwithstanding). potent QB, but
With no team in Huskers decided Te x a s d o e s n’t .
Nov 6, 2010 @ Kansas State the Big 12 South to move to the Big However, by game
10, leaving Texas,
Nov 13, 2010 Oklahoma State pushing these two,
the winner will be et. al. behind. It
12, Garrett Gilbert
will be a fourth
Nov 20, 2010 Florida Atlantic on the fast track may be the 1st of 2 year s e n i o r,
to the B12 Champ. meetings, but this experience wise
Nov 25, 2010 Texas A&M game. one will be fun! and ready to fire.
Aaron
“Water covers 2/3 of the earth...
AaronWilliams

Yr Tackles TFL Sacks Int.

2008 15 1 0 1
2009 36 5.5 2 3

The University of Texas has sent its share of of NFL teams that
defensive backs to the NFL over the past would want that guy in
decade and some change. Year in and year out, their secondary this year,
the Texas secondary is solid and productive. not next year.
But, this year’s crop is a banner one to say the
williams

least and is, without question, the best Has he gotten beat in
secondary in the nation. And, if you argue with man covera ge before?
that assessment, still you’ll agree with the fact Yep. Zone? Sure. They
that this is the best trio of cornerbacks in the all do, but what separates
nation. We’re on the same page, now? Okay, Williams from any other
good, then why isn’t Aaron Williams on any of corner is his ability to
your All-American teams? Hey preseason change direction and go
magazines, I’m talking to you. Why isn’t up in the air and come
Williams on your radar screen? down with the ball. The
interception he has in last
Here’s a dynamic player with size (6’1” and 195 y e a r ’s O k l a h o m a g a m e
lbs.). He’s got the ball skills to make any corner epitomizes his pure athleticism.
desire to be him. He’s tough. He can blitz off But, his technique has
the edge. He’s just scratching the surface of improved and will continue to
what he can do. He can play both man and get better. With Williams on one
zone. And, Texas fans don’t want to hear it, but side and
he’s a bona fide superstar, ready to make mad Curtis Brown on the
cash at the next level after year three. Sure, other, there’s no limit to
Patrick Peterson should be the first corner how aggressive defensive
taken in next year’s draft (same dilemma c o o r d i n a t o r Wi l l
somewhat...IF he declares for the draft), but Muschamp can be with
Williams is a silky smooth athlete with a desire his defensive scheme. Williams is an A-A in my
to be great. Quite honestly, there are a bunch book and should be in yours, too.

“...What he said...”
“It’s hard to compare them, because I think every corner that has started for [defensive backs
coach] Duane Akina in the last seven years has had some time in the NFL. So the guys have
been really good, but we think these three guys – Curtis Browns, Chykie Brown and Aaron
Williams – all have a chance to be NFL guys. We think they have a chance to be really good.”

-Texas head coach Mack Brown discussing his cornerback trio for 2010, including Williams

...he covers the other 1/3”

O
OT Kyle Hix
The last time any of us
6’ 7 1 /2 ” 32 0 lb.
S en io r Doesn’t
64
really paid any attention s o u n d
to offensive tackle Kyle Hix it was for his lack
of making a tackle. During the BCS National
like much to most people, but
that move could be
Star Watch

f
Championship game, Hix let Alabama’s Marcell
Dareus run unabated, errrr, slip through his
grasp as the Tide defensive end ran in for the
backbreaking score.
But, that’s not what Hix is, proverbially
speaking of course, being paid to do. The
senior will move over to left tackle to replace
Adam Ulatoski.
instrumental for this offense
and for Hix’s future.
He has the prototypical tackle build and does a
solid job in pass protection. He keeps a sound
base/foundation and slides well up and down.
He’s not a masher at the point of attack, but
that’s not been a trait of Texas OL in the past
few years. Hix, though, is the key to a stout
running game.

f QB 7

23
QB/RB
Garrett Gilbert
Saw the future in the BCS game
RB Tre Newton
UT has not had a true star RB.
So.

So.
TE/Receivers Offensive Line
WR

WR 84
9 Malcolm Williams
Most talented of this WR corps
Marquise Goodwin
Fast...and I mean really, REALLY fast
WR 11 James Kirkendoll
Jr.

So.

Sr.
LT

LG
64

63
Kyle Hix
Should be First team All-Big 12.
Michael Huey
Started 9 times at RG in 2009
C 78 David Snow
Sr.

Sr.

Jr.

e
Only starter returning, 48 recs, 6 TDs Started 5 times last year at RG
TE 83 Greg Smith Sr. RG 56 Tray Allen Sr.
More blocker than rec. threat Will foot/ankle injury keep him out?
RT 72 Britt Mitchell Sr.
Will battle L. Poehlmann for this spot
Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses
QB Colt McCoy WR/TE Greg Buckner (booted) C Chris Hall & G Charlie Tanner
WR Jordan Shipley T Adam Ulatoski
Four years ago when Vince Young The names at receiver/tight end all The Texas offensive line spent the

n
declared early for the NFL Draft, we
all said that the Longhorns were
going to suffer with some “kid”
named Colt McCoy taking over as a
redshirt freshman.
Well, 45 wins, two Heisman runner-
up seasons and countless newborns
named Colt later, the Longhorns are
faced with a similar situation. The
look very familiar. We’ve seen them
for a while, but it’s time for someone
from this group to become a
consistent pass catching star.
Inconsistency plagued each one of
these guys last year, but Colt McCoy
knew that he could rely on Jordan
Shipley to get open and go get the
ball. The others are more athletic,
entire month leading up to the BCS
National Championship game having
to hear how badly it’d been shredded
by Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh in the
Big 12 Championship game.
Think that was tough? Wait until
this unit struggles early in the season
protecting Garrett Gilbert and watch
what happens. Honestly, though, I

s
difference is that Garrett Gilbert,
at least, gave us a preview of what to
expect over the next two or three
seasons. Now the job is his, as is the
pressure of being the starter. He’ll be
fine. Transcendent like the two QBs
before him? Not ready to say that
just yet.
The bigger question to me is whether
but dropped key passes for big gains
or to move the chains on third down.
A n d , m o s t l y, I ’ m p o i n t i n g t h e
proverbial finger right at Malcolm
Williams. If there’s a guy ready for
the spotlight, it’s Williams, but he’s
got to be an 85 reception per season
receiver. Garrett Gilbert needs that
don’t expect that to happen early in
the season, but when Texas faces
Texas Tech’s multiple fronts and
Oklahoma’s talented defensive line, it
could be an issue.
The line is led by Kyle Hix who’s
going to transition over to left tackle
this season. The good news, in some

e
a TB can emerge. Tre Newton
reminds me of former FSU great
Travis Minor. Not blazingly fast, but
quick enough. Good receiver out of
the backfield. High football IQ. Can
he be the guy? Great question.
from him in 2010. Gilbert also needs
Marquise Goodwin to stay fast and
Ja m e s K i r ke n d o l l t o c a t c h
everything thrown his way. Freshmen
Mike Davis and Darius White will
push for early playing time for sure.
sense, is that the rest of the line has
experience at various positions, but
the right side of the line, Tray Allen
(if healthy) at guard and Britt
Mitchell at tackle, will need some
time to gel.
 80
Star Watch
Fo r t h e p a s t
t wo y e a r s ,
T e x a s Yr
d e f e n s i v e 2009
Tackles TFL
18
coordinator
Will Muschamp had the ultimate chess piece to
use at defensive end - Sergio Kindle. He would
use him all around the field.
With no more Kindle on the 40 Acres, the
pressure falls on the broad shoulders of Alex
Okafor, a true sophomore, who is the key to
the defensive line’s production in 2010
Defensive Line Linebackers
DE 80 Alex Okafor
Has potential to be next real def. star
DT 91 Kheeston Randall
10 starts, needs to impact game more
DT 96 Calvin Howell
Redshirted after being injured early
DE 81 Sam Acho
Hon. Mention All-Big 12 in ’09,
Key Losses
DT Lamarr Houston
DE/OLB Sergio Kindle
With one of the best secondaries in
the nation in the back and a strong
linebacker corps at the second level,
the Texas defense has a chance to be
one of the very special units in the
country.
It all comes down to the hosses up
front. And, I’m on the fence as to
whether this group has the ‘it’ factor
to be truly special. Very good? Yes.
Special? Not sure.
Sam Acho is the team’s best lineman
and provides a solid pass rush off the
edge. But, he’s not a guy that truly
worries def. coordinators. Alex
Okafor can be that guy, though.
The key to the 2009 interior was
Lamarr Houston, but he’s gone. He
w r e a ke d h a v o c c o n s i s t e n t l y.
Kheeston Randall has starting
experience, but hasn’t flashed the
chaos-inducing quickness that
Houston possessed.
1.5
DE Alex Okafor
So phomore
6’ 4 1 /2 ” 25 0 lb.
Sacks
0
I don’t expect Muschamp
to use Okafor in the same
QBH manner as he did Kindle,
2 but Okafor has the ability
D
e
to be a tremendous
college pass rusher. Opposite a guy like Sam
Acho, Okafor should be able to take advantage
of single team blocking, especially early in the
2010 season. He’ll need to rely on his
athleticism until he gets more snaps, but when
he does, he’ll turn heads.
If Okafor turns in a strong season, this defense
should be a top 10 unit in the nation.
So.
Jr.
Fr.
OLB 1
OLB 18
Keenan Robinson
Emmanuel Acho
Jr.
Hon. Mention All-Big 12, love his play
ILB 42 Dustin Earnest Sr.
Replaces 3 yr. starter, had 26 tackles
Jr.
Only 3 starts, but still HM All-Big 12
CB
FS
SS
Secondary
4
21
6
Aaron Williams
Blake Gideon
Christian Scott
Highly talented, heat seeking missile
So.
Stud. Could be top 15 pick in 2011 draft
Jr.
Steady, physical, now the defense’s leader
Jr.
f
e
Sr. CB 3 Curtis Brown Jr.
Big time play maker, part of great CB trio
Key Losses Key Losses
MLB Roddrick Muckelroy S Earl Thomas
At the outset of the 2009 season, I It’s not often that a team’s secondary,
n
didn’t think a whole lot of the Texas or any unit for that matter, can lose a
LB corps. Roddrick Muckelroy was a top 15 NFL draft pick and be better
known commodity and you could than it was the prior year.
count on him to be a factor, but
would anyone else emerge? But, that’s the case for the Texas
Longhorns’ secondary in 2010. In
Earl Thomas, the Longhorns lost a
Well, fast forward to the end of the
tremendous playmaker, but what the
2009 season and my thoughts
s
Longhorns have returning is the best
completely flipped. After the BCS
CB trio in the nation without
National Championship game, I
question.
believe wholeheartedly that this
linebacking corps is ready for prime- Aaron Williams leads the bunch in
time status in the Big 12. my opinion. Great with the ball in
the air or explosive off the edge as a
Keenan Robinson doesn’t quite blitzer or in run support, Williams
look like a linebacker, with his long, has the complete package that has
lean build, but you won’t find many NFL scouts salivating. If teams
series in which he hasn’t made a key choose to avoid Williams, it means
e
play to stop the drive. choosing to attack Curtis Brown or
Chykie Brown. Either way, it’s
throwing into trouble out on the
Emmanuel Acho, though, is the
perimeter. At safety, Blake Gideon
guy that gets me excited. He can fly,
is entering his third year as safety and
is physical, plays well in space and can
the physical tone setter in the back 4.
impact the game in a number of ways.
 2009: 12-1, Lost to Boise State in Fiesta Bowl
M WC C h a m p i o n s
Head Coach: Gary Patterson, 11th Yr. @ TCU - Record: 85-28
The Horned Frogs were about With QB Andy Dalton returning to the fold,

5
three feet away from playing the Horned Frog
Alabama in the BCS National offense will again TCU’s Vital Signs
Championship game last season. If be one of the
2009 Results
Hunter Lawrence’s kick stays to the most explosive in
Run Offense 239.5 ypg 5th
left and Nebraska had beaten Texas, the the Southwest. Pass Offense 217.2 ypg 59th
Horned Frogs would’ve taken the monumental Total Offense 456.7 ypg 7th
step of playing in the school’s first BCS The question will Scoring Offense 38.3 ppg 5th
National Championship game - the first time a be whether the Run Defense 80.2 ypg 3rd
school from a non-AQ would’ve done it. But, if defense can be as Pass Defense 159.5 ypg 6th
“ifs” and “buts” were candy and nuts, we’d all o p p o r t u n i s t i c Total Defense 238.7 ypg 1st
have a Merry Christmas. Lawrence’s kick sent without A l l - Scoring Def. 12.8 ppg 6th
the Horned Frogs to the Fiesta Bowl. American Jerr y
2010 Returning Starters
Hughes and two
Off. Ret. Starters 9
A loss to BSU dampened the spirits, if only star cornerbacks. Def. Ret. Starters 6
slightly, after a tremendous year for Gary LB Tank Carder
Patterson’s 2009 squad. But, 2010 could be and DE Wayne
even better. Daniels will see to it that the ‘D’ will not slide.

Why #5? Four year starter, Andy Dalton, returning at QB, All-American potential in the offensive
line, defensive front is best in the MWC, relatively pot-hole free schedule,

Why not higher? Could go 0-1 after facing Oregon State in the opener, no Jerry Hughes could
mean less pressure off the edge, two star CB have to be replaced in an aggressive man cover scheme.

2010 Schedule Key Games

Sep 4, 2010 Oregon St (Arl.)
Sep 11, 2010 Tennessee Tech
Sep 18, 2010 Baylor
Sep 24, 2010 @ SMU
Oct 2, 2010 @ Colorado State No t h i n g l i ke
facing a Bea ver
The Cougars are T C U e x a c te d a
measure of sweet
nowhere near as
Oct 9, 2010 Wyoming scorned...or two of
them for that
good a s they’ve revenge last season
been in recent for the crushing
Oct 16, 2010 BYU m a t t e r. The years when Max loss it suffered in
Beavers’ Rodgers Hall was pulling ‘08. In fact, TCU
Oct 23, 2010 Air Force brothers return to
the trigger for embarrassed the
their home state Utes, which makes
Oct 30, 2010 @ UNLV to make a point them. Regardless,
this trip to SLC
and TCU could be the scariest team
Nov 6, 2010 @ Utah the unfortunate is one with tricky. On paper,
the Utes defense is
Nov 13, 2010 San Diego State mark with this nothing to lose
suspect, but by
matchup in Jerry- and the
Nov., it’ll be ready
Nov 20, 2010 BYE World to open the confidence it can
to give TCU
2010 season. win. That’s BYU! headaches.
Nov 27, 2010 @ New Mexico
Andy“I feel like nothing’s new to me...
AndyDalton

Yr. Cmp Att Yds TDs Int. Att Yds TDs

2007 222 371 2459 10 11 98 179 5
2008 182 307 2242 11 5 113 432 8
2009 199 323 2756 23 8 116 512 3

Honor Roll
Winningest Active QB in college football
2009 Hon. Men. All-American (SI & CFN)
Dalton

2009 Manning Award Finalist

2009 MWC MVP (The Sporting News)
2009 MWC Off. Player of the Year
2009 First team All-MWC
2008 Hon. Men. All-MWC
2007 Hon. Men. Fresh. All-American (TSN)
2007 Texas Bowl MVP

Ask any college football expert to name the but he’s run for
nation’s best quarterbacks. Do it. Go ahead, over 1,000
don’t be scared. Get your Sporcle on. yards in his
c a r e e r .
Now, when do you mention TCU QB Andy
A n o t h e r
Dalton’s name? Top 12? Top 15? That’s a
2,700/500 yard
shame. Here’s the nation’s winningest active
season and you
QB who has thrown for 2,200+ yards and run
won’t forget
for 400+ yards each of the past two seasons.
TCU’s
How many quarterbacks in the nation can lay
#14.
claim to those wins and numbers? The Tebow
and Colt McCoy have gone off to the NFL.
Have Ryan Mallett, Jake Locker, Andrew Luck,
Terrelle Pr yor or any other “name” QBs
approached those numbers? Nope. When it
comes time for the NFL Draft in 2011, he’ll be
overlooked again. That’ll be another mistake, “...What he said...”
but that argument is for another time and
place. “The big thing about quarterbacks is
Dalton’s roughest outing last year was a loss they’re judged on wins. The biggest thing
that has haunted him since January - the Fiesta he can do is he’s tied with Sammy Baugh
Bowl loss to Boise State. That loss has driven for all-time victories in school history.
him throughout the spring and should lead to a I’m sure he has individual goals, but
even greater season. Boise State bothered him they’ve never come to the forefront with
with a solid rush off the edge and different me. I think he’s giving his all toward
looks in the secondary. Don’t expect that to what we do as a football team.”
happen again in 2010. He’s got a big arm,
plenty of weapons around him and the - TCU head coach Gary Patterson on
offensive line to keep him upright and Dalton
protected. With that protection, Dalton
shouldn’t have to get out and run for his life,

...I’ve got more control of the ‘O’”

O
WR/KR Jeremy Kerley
One of my favorite
5’ 10 ” 192 lb .
S en io r finds a way to get
85
documentaries is the ball
called the Last Yr Rec Yds TDs Rush TD Ret TD to #85.
G a m e - a b o u t a 2007 9 97 0 0 0 Star Watch

f
c o a c h i n h i s l a s t 2008 11 95 0 3 0
season with a truly Through the air or
2009 44 532 2 3 2 out of the wishbone,
great HS team in
Pennsylvania. The handing it to him,
coach has a star player with which he says Kerley can turn the game on a dime with one
“when things aren’t going well, we just turn and carry. With seven TDs in 2009 in three
give him the ball”. That’s the tact the TCU different facets, he’s the most versatile weapon
offense takes as well - when the Horned Frogs in the MWC. When the ‘O’ suffers, keep an
offense struggles to move the ball, it typically eye on Kerley - he’ll get the ball

f QB 14
QB/RB
Andy Dalton

Ed Wesley
Forms a solid duo with Matthew Tucker
Sr.
One of the best unknown players in nation
RB 34 So.
TE/Receivers Offensive Line
WR 13

WR 88
Antoine Hicks
Averaged nearly 21 yards per catch
Jimmy Young
115 career receptions and 9 TDs
WR 85 Jeremy Kerley
Jr.

Sr.

Sr.
LT

LG
61

72
Marcus Cannon
Made my A-A team in ’09, moves to LT
Kyle Dooley
Started all 13 games at LG in ‘09
C 76 Jake Kirkpatrick
Sr.

Jr.

Sr.

e
THE engine of this offense, 44 rec. Finalist for Rimington Award in 2009
TE 84 Evan Frosch Sr. RG 78 Josh Vernon Sr.
Hon. Mention All-MWC, 3 recs. Started 11 games last season
RT 62 Jeff Olson Jr.
Has Cannon’s big shoes (literally) to fill
Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses
RB Joseph Turner NONE T Marshall Newhouse

n
During the Utah game last season,
t h e Ho r n e d Fr o g s a b s o l u t e l y
m a s s a c r e d a g o o d Ut e s q u a d ,
especially on the ground. What
struck me watching that game was
the wave of good running backs the
Horned Frogs that flew at the Ute
defense.
First it was Joseph Turner, then Ed
The group of wide receivers and tight
ends returning for the Horned Frogs
is the perfect combination of pass
catchers.. What do you want? A
game breaker would be nice. A deep
threat is cool. A third down option.
And, if there’s a TE who can get open
but has the ability to hold down the
edge in the run game, we’d be stoked.
The difference between TCU being a
top 5 team in the nation and being a
nice little non-BCS story ranked in
the 18 - 25 area is right here with the
offensive line. Sure, the flyboy skill
players get the attention, but this
TCU offensive line ensures that the
skill position players will be able to
flourish. Or, at least they’ll have no
excuses not to.

s
Wesley and then a finish of powerful
Matthew Tucker. It seemed TCU
w a s n’t g o i n g t o r u n o u t g o o d
tailbacks. The bad news, Turner’s
gone. The great news? Wesley and
Tucker return, hungry for another
stellar campaign. Wesley is the
smaller and quicker portion of this
duo, while Tucker is the hammer (6’1”
and 210 lb.). Since LaDanian
Check.
Check.
Check.
Check.
Jeremy Kerley is the all-around
versatile game breaker who can put 7
on the board every time he touches
the ball. Antoine Hicks is the deep
threat, while Jimmy Young is the
Marcus Cannon was one of my
Ultimate 22 last season although he
played right tackle. He’ll transition
over to the left side this season, but
don’t expect the toughest player Jerry
Hughes ever faced to struggle with
the transition. Jake Kirkpatrick
may be overshadowed by the other

e
dependable third down option for “names” at the center position across
Tomlinson graduated, the Horned
QB Andy Dalton. Evan Frosch t h e n a t i o n ( Po u n ce y, O ’ D o wd ,
Frogs haven’t had a lead running
didn’t get the opportunity to catch Baxter), but he’s the perfect fit in the
back. But, with this duo, they don’t
many balls, but he still blocked well middle. The question mark is going
need one.
enough to be an Honorable Mention to be Jeff Olson, nearly 60 pounds
And, you already know Andy Dalton. All-MWC selection in 2009. less than Cannon on the other side.
 96
Star Watch
During the
last two years,
most of
t h e
nation
Yr
2006
DE Wayne Daniels
6 ’2 ” 2 50 lb .

Tackles TFL
1
S en io r
0
Sacks
0
Int.
0
Following in his footsteps
is going to be a task and a
half for Daniels, but don’t
be fooled, this guy takes a
backseat to no one. Last
D
e
2008 11 1 1 0
became 2009 50 9 5.5 0 year, as he wore #96,
inherently familiar with sometimes you thought
Jerry Hughes. Hughes was getting pressure, but realized that
it was the “other guy”. Well, that “other guy” is
G i v e n h i s b r i l l i a n t p e r f o r m a n c e , i t ’s
the focal point for this pressure defense in
understandable if Horned Frog fans became 2010. He’s got a great first step and is a
spoiled with his production off the edge. But,
relentless pass rusher. He doesn’t have a gaggle
you’ll have to excuse Wayne Daniels if the
of pass rush moves, but as he sees more
words “Jerry Hughes” grate on his nerves just a doubles/chip blocks, he’ll develop them for sure
little bit.

Defensive Line Linebackers

DE

NT 69

DT
52

57
Ross Forrest
Injured early in season, redshirted
Kelly Griffin
Started 13 games, 5.5 TFL in ‘09
Cory Grant
2nd team All-MWC, 5.5 TFL in ‘09
So.

Sr.

Sr.
SLB 35

MLB 43
Tanner Brock
32 tackles as backup, tough as nails
Tank Carder
The best linebacker in the MWC
So.

Jr.
CB
Secondary
27 Jason Teague

2nd team All-MWC, 59 tackles

SS 17 Tyler Luttrell
Battling Jurell Thompson for this spot
Sr.
2 starts, 2 int. in ’09, huge shoes to fill
FS 3 Tejay Johnson Sr.

Sr.
f
e
WS 9 Alex Ibiloye Sr.
DE 96 Wayne Daniels Sr.
Started 10 games, 3rd on team w/61 stops
Superstar potential, 1st team All-WAC CB 7 Greg McCoy Jr.
2 starts, 2 int. in ’09, huge shoes...part 2

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

DE Jerry Hughes SLB Daryl Washington CB Rafael Priest
CB Nick Sanders

It’s an interesting year in college When you run a 4-2-5 and lose one My only worry for this TCU defense,

football. Many of the top teams in
the nation have lost key players in the
defensive front seven. But, although
those squads are losing 2009’s front
seven stars, the front may actually be
better in 2010 due to the complete
group that returns.
linebacker, you typically feel it, right?
We l l , D a r y l Wa s h i n g to n h a d a
fantastic 2009 season and will be
missed sorely.
But, when a former BMX superstar
champion returns as the other starter,
everything is going to be okay. Well,
n
heck, the entire team is in the
secondary. It’s not that the team only
ha s two tr ue ful l- time star ters
returning in the back five. It’s the
loss of the two corners - Rafael Priest
and Nick Sanders - that most people
just took for granted. But, you could
take them for granted because they

That’s the case for TCU this year.
Jerry Hughes is off to Indianapolis
after a stellar college career, but this
front four may still be one of the top
10 groups in the nation.
Wayne Daniels is the leader and the
guy who has to create the havoc off
the edge. Sure, the other side
r e m a i n s a q u e s t i o n , b u t Ro s s
as long as that guy is an absolute
beast in the middle of the defense.
Tank Carder is that guy. He didn’t
get a ton of publicity going into the
sea son, but it didn’t take long
watching this team to know that he
was one of the best inside linebackers
not named Greg Jones or Rolando
McClain in the nation. Tough and
s
didn’t get tested by teams. Also,
having two great man cover corners
at the same time is a luxury, especially
for a team that is so aggressive and
plays as much man coverage.
Jason Teague and Greg McCoy
have experience, but they’re going to
face teams that can really sling the
rock - BYU and Utah, in particular.

Forrest or Braylon Broughton
will fight for that spot. Inside,
though, it’s going to be difficult to
find as active a duo as Kelly Griffin
and Cory Grant.
athletic, Carder can drop in coverage,
as well as he can fill gaps and tackle at
the point of attack. Tanner Brock
will match Carder’s toughness as he
transitions into the starting lineup
e
If the pass rush suffers without Jerry
Hughes, these two will be on islands
with no life raft all season long. At
safety Tejay Johnson is a standout
and should be an All-MWC player.
 2009: 13-1, Beat Cincinnati in Sugar Bowl
SEC East Champions
Head Coach: Urban Meyer, 6th Yr. @ Florida - Record: 57-10
Circle back to December 2009. prototypical pocket passer, like Chris Leak who
It could’ve been one of the preceded The

6 worst months in recent history

for the Florida Gators and their
rabid fan base. Here’s a timeline, in
Tebow. The one Florida’s Vital Signs
thing Brantley will 2009 Results
do is get the ball Run Offense 221.8 ypg 10th
case you need it. t o h i s s p e e d Pass Offense 236.1 ypg 41st
demons, but won’t Total Offense 457.9 ypg 6th
December 6th - lose to Alabama in SEC champ. Scoring Offense 35.9 ppg 10th
run it much.
December 7th - Urban Meyer rushed to hospital Run Defense 99.8 ypg 12th
December 13th - Tim Tebow is 3rd for Heisman The ‘D’ doesn’t Pass Defense 152.8 ypg 2nd
December 26th - Meyer “retires” h a v e m a n y b i g Total Defense 252.6 ypg 4th
December 27th - Meyer “unretires” names, but it has a Scoring Def. 12.4 ppg 4th
great secondar y.
Suffice it to say, it’s been one heck of an off-
CB Ja n o r i s 2010 Returning Starters
season in Gainesville and perhaps no team Off. Ret. Starters 5
Je n k i n s is
NEEDS to get on the field this fall more than Def. Ret. Starters 4
primed to bounce
the Florida Gators. But, what type of team are
back, while S Will
we going to see now that Tebow is gone? Good
Hill is a future star. But, it’s the front 7, where
question. QB John Brantley is more of a
there are significant holes to fill.

Why #6? QB John Brantley will utilize all of his dangerous weapons, perhaps the fastest set of skill
guys in the nation, offensive line experience, strong secondary, weak SEC East foes

Why not higher? SEC West crossover schedule includes road trip to Tuscaloosa and a visit from
LSU, linebacking corps took a big hit from graduation, defensive line hit was even more obscene.

2010 Schedule Key Games

Sep 4, 2010 Miami U.
Sep 11, 2010 USF
Sep 18, 2010 @ Tennessee
Sep 25, 2010 Kentucky UF has 2 losses in T h i s i s n’t y o u r Wi t h a h e a l t h y
Oct 2, 2010 @ Alabama the past 2 seasons. o l d e r b r o t h e r ’s Christian Ponder,
They can’t avenge LSU team - it’s Florida State has
Oct 9, 2010 LSU the ’08 loss to Ole just not as good as the potential to
Miss, but a trip to m a ke t h i s a n
Oct 16, 2010 Mississippi State Tuscaloosa awaits
it was in 2007. In
exciting game.
previous trips to
Oct 23, 2010 BYE to help avenge the
Gainesville, LSU
There’s a LOT to
other loss to atone for after last
Oct 30, 2010 Georgia (Jax) A l a b a m a . has done more to y e a r ’s a b s o l u t e
Regardless of the beat LSU than UF debacle in
Nov 6, 2010 @ Vanderbilt outcome, if both h a s . Ho w e v e r, Gainesville. FSU
t a ke c a r e o f LSU will be a has more to prove
Nov 13, 2010 South Carolina business, it could decided underdog than UF, but the
Nov 20, 2010 Appalachian State mean three and is ultra- Gators may have
matchups in 12 dangerous in that another game on
Nov 27, 2010 @ Florida State months. role. tap the next week.
 “Mike is the best...
Career Honors
2009 Second Team All-American (media)
2009 First-Team All-SEC (c0aches)
2009 First-Team All-SEC (media)
2009 SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week (FSU)
2008 2nd Team All-SEC (coaches)
2008 Honorable Mention All-SEC (media)
Since they emerged from their mom’s womb, Mike
and Maurkice Pouncey have been together, on the
field and off. Right next to one another for years.
Lakeland High School. Three years at the

Mike
University of Florida. You’d have thought there

MIkePouncey
would come a day when the two of them
would go their separate ways. You know,
when they ran out of eligibility together,
but that day came one year early as
Maurkice, one of the most valued interior linemen in
last year’s NFL Draft, declared for the Draft one
year early.

Pouncey
Mike, his twin brother, decided that he had
some work left to do in Gainesville. First s t e p
was going to be moving over to his brother’s
position, becoming the unquestioned leader
of this offensive line at center. With
Maurkice making all of the line calls for the
past three years, Mike followed his lead. Now,
he’s taking over and in so doing, has the chance
to shine.

Tough as a two dollar steak, Pouncey is a

combat warrior who loves to mix
it up, like his brother. He’s
strong at the point of attack, but
must prove he can move as well “...What he said...”
as his brother did, especially
“I think Mike can be even better (than Maurkice).
when Maurkice would get out
and pull on wide runs for the With another year at that position, he can continue his
Gators in past years. development. In my opinion, Mike is the best offensive
lineman in America. He’s tough, he’s physical, he’s
Mike, though, has good feet and smart, he’s a leader. He’s played guard, center, he even
won’t get beat upon first contact. played tackle this spring. He has the opportunity to
He might have been projected to play all three positions. His versatility is incredible.”
be a 3rd rounder in the 2010
Draft, but with a strong season in - Florida OL coach/Off. Coordinator Steve Addazio
the middle at center, he can find
himself in the top 50 of the 2011
Draft without question.

...offensive linemen in America”

O
RB Jeff Demps
For all of the woe is us
5’ 11 ” 2 00 lb .
J u n ior With the ball
2
type of sentiment that in his
COULD be coming out Yr. Att Yds TDs Rec. Yds. TD hands,
of Gainesville this fall, 2008 78 605 7 15 141 1 he’s pure Star Watch

f
given the loss of one of 2009 99 745
the most decorated
players in college football history, there won’t
be many feeling sorry for the Gators at all.
Why? This guy - Jeff Demps.
Although his season ended prematurely in the
Sugar Bowl with a gruesome arm injury, he’s
scheduled to return this season and be the focal
point for this Gators offense.
7 8 52 0 speed.
Put the pedal to the metal
and go. He has a little wiggle, but he can get
his shoulders turned and get north and south so
quickly that he doesn’t need much. The
question may end up being how much load can
he handle. He didn’t even carry it 100 times
last year, but he has to get at least 12 to 15
touches per game this year for this offense to
be as explosive as it can be. Or, should be.

f QB 12
QB/RB
John Brantley
Won’t be Tebow and shouldn’t be.
RB 2 Jeff Demps
Jr

Jr.
Fine season ended by injury in Sugar Bowl
Slot 3 Chris Rainey Jr.
TE/Receivers Offensive Line
WR

WR

TE
6

11
Deonte Thompson
Started 12 games, 24 recs and 4 TDs
Carl Moore

Jordan Reed
Jr.

Sr.
Injured in 2009, needs to impact season
Fr.
LT

LG

C
76

66

55
Marcus Gilbert
Started all 14 games at left tackle
James Wilson
Started first four games of ’09 season
Mike Pouncey
Sr.

Jr.

Sr.

e
Versatile burner, impacts run/pass game Former Conn. QB in HS, redshirted in ‘09 A-A candidate, 2nd team A-A in 2009
RG 59 Carl Johnson Sr.
Started ’09 @ T, finished last 4 @ G
RT 73 Xavier Nixon So.
Started the last four games of 2009

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

The Tebow WR Riley Cooper & David Nelson C Maurkice Pouncey
RB/KR Brandon James TE Aaron Hernandez

n
Could it be that without Tim Tebow,
this offensive unit may be more
dangerous?
I truly think that’s the case. For as
“large” as Tebow was, he wasn’t going
to generate explosive plays.
Highlight plays? Sure. Explosive?
Not so much.
Honestly, the most impactful losses
for the Florida offense are here.
Riley Cooper became a true go-to
receiver, while Aaron Hernandez was
the best TE in the South.
But, what Brantley has to work with
is speed. Those speedsters just have
to find a way to turn speed into
production. Of course, it’s much
Given a 13-1 record and a great deal of
success, it may have been surprising
how much change this offensive line
incurred in 2009. Only Marcus
Gilbert will start this season in the
same position he finished the season
last year.
That being said, the Gators are
bringing back nearly everyone up

s
QB John Brantley is calm, cool,
collected and composed. He’s not
Tebow - don’t expect him to be. But,
if he utilizes the weapons on his
offense, this team will be more than
fine. Furthermore, he has a quick
release which suits this quick strike
offense perfectly.
easier said than done.
Former five star stud Andre Debose
was injured last season but he has
game breaking qualities. He’s got to
get out on the field with Demps and
Rainey to truly spread teams out
horizontally.
front, just moved around a bit. All-
American Mike Pouncey moves
over to replace his twin brother at
center. It’s an interesting move for
the Gators, considering Pouncey has
never played the position.
Carl Johnson moved back inside to
a more natural fit at guard late in

e
Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey
combining for 25 touches a game is a
scary thought for defenses in the
SEC. Emmanuel Moody could be a
factor, providing a little thump when
he gets on the field.
Deonte Thompson must become
Brantley’s go-to guy - he only had a
couple of catches per game last year.
He’s got to, at least, double that
number in 2010. We’re all still
waiting on Carl Moore to produce.
2009. He should grab a lot of NFL
personnel people’s attention for sure.
Xavier Nixon could be a star in the
making with continued growth, while
Ja m e s Wi l s o n m u s t b e m o r e
consistent than he was last year.
 1
Star Watch
There are
t w o
things
you know 2008
Yr
CB Janoris Jenkins
Tackles
39
J u n ior
a b o u t 2009 38
kids from
the Muck - the Pahokee/Belle Glades region of
Florida. They’re as tough as the day is long and
they have a tremendous football IQ. That’s
Janoris Jenkins to a T.
Jenkins has started 25 of 27 games for the
University of Florida and returns for what
could be his final season for the Gator defense.
Defensive Line Linebackers
DE 96 William Green So.
12 tackles and 3 TFL in 2009
DT 90 Lawrence Marsh Sr.
Must stay healthy, played 9 games in ‘09
DT 92 Terron Sanders Sr.
Needs to have a strong senior season
DE 94 Justin Trattou Sr.
2 sacks and 4.5 TFL in 2009
Key Losses
DE Jermaine Cunningham
DE Carlos Dunlap
If h e r e ’s o n e t h i n g t h e G a t o r
defensive line will have in 2010 is
depth. How this group impacts
games could determine the overall
outcome of the season.
C a r l o s D u n l a p a n d Je r m a i n e
Cunningham were entrenched as
starters for a number of years, but
their departures open the door for
Justin Trattou, William Green
a n d e v e n u b e r r e c r u i t Ro n a l d
Powell to fight for playing time on
this year’s defensive unit. Powell is
someone to truly keep an eye on this
season - he’s too “next level-ready” to
not get on the field immediately.
If the inside players shine, it’ll be due
to sheer numbers. Terron Sanders
has been “just a guy”, but at least
there’s depth in the middle, if he
doesn’t excel. Jaye Howard got on
the field last year in a rotational role,
but he’s an average player at best.
TFL
1
5 ’ 11 ” 185 lb .
Int
3
PBU
11
Physical and solid in
coverage, Jenkins is the
rare breed of corner who
can play both man and
D
e
3 2 6 zone well and come up
and make tackles for little
or no gain.
But, his production was down last year and he
didn’t have the best season after his off-the-
field issues in the 2009 offseason. With those
issues a distant memory, Jenkins returns to shut
down one side of the field and replace Joe
Haden as the most valuable corner in the SEC.
f
Secondary
OLB 16 A.J. Jones Sr. CB 1 Janoris Jenkins Jr.
Knee injury ended season abruptly in ‘09 A-A caliber player, must have better yr. in 2010
ILB 52 Jon Bostic So. SS 35 Ahmad Black Sr.
18 tackles, world of potential Leader of the secondary, 3rd yr. starter
OLB 40 Brandon Hicks Sr. FS 10 Will Hill Jr.
32 tackles, 5 TFL and 4 sacks in 2009 With M. Wright now gone, he starts
e
CB 28 Jeremy Brown So.
Back problems have been issue for 2 yrs.
Key Losses Key Losses
LB Brandon Spikes & Dustin Doe CB Joe Haden
LB Ryan Stamper FS Major Wright
The Gators lost a linebacker trio that It’s not often that a school can lose a
n
wa s superb and dominated the first rounder and a third rounder
second level for the past three years. from a secondary and be better the
following year. But, that could
A.J Jones was off to a solid season absolutely be the case in Gainesville.
before an injury knocked him out late
in the season. He finished the season First, Janoris Jenkins must have a
with 37 tackles, but will need to, at better year than in 2009. He didn’t
least, double that number this fall to have a bad year, but his freshman year
s
become the leader of this defense. was more like what we expect out of
him. Teams will challenge the
A gaggle of competitors will battle opposite side of the field where
for the other two spots. Jon Bostic Jeremy Brown has dealt with injury
got significant playing time at the problems the past few years.
beginning of the season, but he wasn’t
quite ready. He didn’t need to be The safety position is LOADED.
100% prepared last year. This year? Ahmad Black is a three year starter
Different story - he must. and he’s going to be pushed, yet
again, for playing time. Will Hill is
e
Brandon Hicks has contributed for going to be next superstar in the
three years and has the most secondary, while true freshman Matt
experience but he’s not been a factor. Elam was sensational this spring.
Don’t be surprised if Jelani Jenkins Coaches fell in love with Elam during
is starting in the opener. spring practice and will find a way to
get him on the field.
 2009: 8-5, Beat Stanford in Sun Bowl
Tied for 3rd in Big 12 South
Head Coach: Bob Stoops, 12th Yr. @ Oklahoma - Record: 117-29
The Oklahoma Sooners have 2010 season, well, as long as injuries don’t
experienced tremendous success ravage the team

7 under Bob Stoops. 1 National

Championship. 4 BCS National
Championship game appearances. 6
yet again.

Bradford’s injury
Oklahoma’s Vital Signs
2009 Results
Big 12 Championships. Countless All- allowed Landry Run Offense 134.6 ypg 77th
Americans. All-Big 12 honors. You name it, Jones to get on- Pass Offense 289.2 ypg 11th
Total Offense 423.9 ypg 23rd
success is Oklahoma football. the-job training
Scoring Offense 31.1 ppg 29th
on a weekly basis Run Defense 92.9 ypg 8th
Which is why the 2009 season was so taxing on and OU will be Pass Defense 179.7 ypg 20th
Bob Stoops, the Sooners and the Sooner better in 2010 for Total Defense 272.6 ypg 8th
faithful. Season ending injuries knocked out it. If DeMarco Scoring Def. 14.5 ppg 7th
2008 Heisman winner Sam Bradford, All- Murray can stay
American TE Jermaine...wait, just stop, John, healthy, this team 2010 Returning Starters
just stop we can’t take it anymore. has a great shot to Off. Ret. Starters 6
Def. Ret. Starters 5
battle UT &
But, the travails of 2009 should lead to a better Nebraska for the
Big 12 Championship.

Why #7? Offensive line now has a little bit of experience - as does QB Landry Jones, RB DeMarco
Murray is back - presumably healthy, weaker year for the Big 12 South

Why not higher? Offensive line may have experience, but it’s still same questionable line, three of
the last four games on the season are on the road with visit from Texas Tech sandwiched in between.

2010 Schedule Key Games

Sep 4, 2010 Utah State
Sep 11, 2010 Florida State
Sep 18, 2010 Air Force
Sep 25, 2010 @ Cincinnati
Oct 2, 2010 Texas (Dallas) It’s been 11 years With the Big 12 L a s t y e a r, t h e
since these two South seemingly Sooners’ best
Oct 9, 2010 BYE programs have lacking a true performance came
Oct 16, 2010 Iowa State danced on the third power like a g a i n s t Te x a s
same turf. What O S U o r Te x a s A&M in another
Oct 23, 2010 @ Missouri m a ke s t h i s a Tech were in prior Sooner home
compelling years, this one is blowout over the
Oct 30, 2010 Colorado matchup is that a that much more Aggies. The
i m p o r t a n t . No margin of loss was
Nov 6, 2010 @ Texas A&M win could
other team wil l an aberration for
dramatically
Nov 13, 2010 Texas Tech impact the season
pick up the slack
and knock off
the Aggies,
s e e m i n g l y, a n d
for either team.
Nov 20, 2010 @ Baylor OU is going to get
either UT or OU,
so a win in this
th ere are thos e
who think the Ags
FSU’s best shot.
Nov 27, 2010 @ Oklahoma St. one is worth two. “quit” in that game
 “If he can stay healthy, he can be...
DeMarco
Meet “If he can stay healthy” DeMarco Murray. even though the chance of
DeMarcoMurray

Yes, I’m aware that’s not his real name, but it returning kickoffs is slim, he is a
might as well be given how often he’s been tremendous return man as well.
injured at Oklahoma. Unfortunately, it’s been Quite frankly, when Murray has
a tag that has stayed with him, and one that the ball in space, he’s as
Murray has to shake not only for himself, dangerous as anybody you’re
but for the betterment of the Sooners going to watch in 2010.
offense. When healthy...yes, there it goes
again. But, until Murray proves he can stay C a s e i n p o i n t , l a s t y e a r,
on the field, Oklahoma players and fans will Murray’s best game was against
hold their breath. But, when he does, the Aggies. Late in the first
forget it, this guy is special. half, Murray caught a short
pass from Landry Jones and
T h e S o o n e r s h a v e n’t l a c ke d f o r weaved his way to a 36 yard
offensive weapons in the backfield the touchdown. A minute and
Murray

past decade. But, Murray is a half into the second half,

different type of cat. He is not the
prototypical, pound it between the
tackles, 25 carries-a-game t y p e
of running back. That
was Adrian Peterson.
was Chris Brown,
some sense. It’s n o t
When Murray is at his best, he’s the most
explosive weapon in the Big 12. He hits the
edge and it’s over. He’s got a subtle change of
direction. He has great receiving skills and,
Murray did roughly the same thing,
catching a short screen off to the right
side of the formation, shaking A&M
defenders all the way back across the field
That and sprinting into the end zone untouched.
i n
Murray. There isn’t a running back in the Big 12 that
gives you the return, receiving and running
package that Murray does. It’s just a matter
of...well, you know the rest.

Honor Roll
2009 Second team All-Big 12 (coaches)
2009 H. Mention team All-Big 12 (media) Yr. Att Yds TDs Rec. Yds. TD
2007 127 764 13 14 60 0
2009 Second team Academic All-Big 12
2008 179 1002 14 31 395 4
2008 First team All-Big 12 (coaches)
2009 171 705 8 41 522 4
2008 Second team All-Big 12 (media)
2007 Freshman All-American

“...What he said...”
“Hey, I can get frustrated here and there, but it’s just part of God’s plan. I never question His
sayings or things like that. I just try to go with the flow and get better everyday. Since the
injury and surgery, I just pray the best thing happens in the outcome but I’ll always keep my
head up during the process. But I’m not worried about injuries or anything like that. I’m just
going out there having fun and playing hard and trying to do the best I can.”

-Murray discussing his past injuries

...the best RB in the league”

O
Sitting in a Jerry World
suite with a friend of
mine who is a staunch
Oklahoma fan, it was uncomfortable to watch
f
the ardent group of supporters grow
increasingly upset with the play of the Sooners’
offensive line. The sad thing is that for the rest
of the season, the frustration level only
increased from that opener against BYU.
Injuries and poor play killed the season for this
offensive line before it could grow and improve.
That was the case for tackle Jarvis Jones, a
transfer from LSU. Facing Heisman finalist
f QB 12
QB/RB
Landry Jones
The ‘Stache grew up in a hurry in ‘09
RB 7 DeMarco Murray
So.
Sr.
Out in space, there isn’t another like him
e
Key Losses
QB Sam Bradford
RB Chris Brown
n
Losing a Heisman winner is never
good, don’t get me wrong. However,
it’s only a bad thing for that one year.
If there’s a silver lining in losing Sam
Bradford in 2009, it’s that OU was
going to lose him in 2010. So, at the
cost of 2009, 2010 has a great chance
to be successful because Landry
Jones got the opportunity to start
ten games last year
s
Jones wasn’t perfect, but he did show
that the future after Bradford is a
bright one. The ‘Stache threw for
nearly 3,200 yards and 26 TDs, not a
bad effort for a redshirt freshman
called into duty a year before he was
destined. He has to attack all levels
e
of the field this season, but if he does,
it’ll take the pressure off of the
running game.
DeMarco Murray is a known
commodity, but expect Jermie
OT Jarvis Jones
6’ 7 ” 297 lb .
J u n ior Ndamukong
Suh, he got
rocked back
in pass protection, broke his heel
and missed the rest of year.
Although the entire OU offensive line
displayed versatility last season, Jones is
perhaps the guy with the ability to transition
from tackle to guard and vice versa. He should
start for former star Trent Williams; he’s got to
mature and be the man holding down the edge.
This is the year, the Sooners need Jones to
shine...well, that and for him to stay healthy.
TE/Receivers Offensive Line
WR 85
WR 24
Ryan Broyles
The Sooners game-breaker at this pos.
Dejuan Miller
Became more consistent as ’09 wore on
WR 16 Jaz Reynolds
Jr.
Jr.
So.
Up and down freshman season
TE 47 Trent Ratterree Jr.
Will battle Eric Mensik for this spot
Key Losses
WR Adron Tennell
TE Jermaine Gresham
The offensive line wasn’t the only
unit that took some criticism last
year. Although going into the 2009
season the Sooners had to replace
both Manny Johnson and Joaquin
Iglesias, receivers aren’t nearly as
d i f f i c u l t to r e p l a c e a s Q B s o r
offensive linemen.
Well, you could’ve fooled me.
The Sooners receivers, outside of
Ryan Broyles, rode the roller
coaster all season long. Consistency
catching the ball, getting open and
doing the little things killed this unit
all season long.
But, Broyles was a star. He did
e ver ything. 89 receptions. 15
t o u c h d o w n s . S u n B o w l M V P.
However, he needs help. Dejuan
Miller improved throughout the
year and is a physical force. But, who
else will emerge? Someone? Anyone?
76
Star Watch
LT
LG
76
77
Jarvis Jones
Versatile but can be inconsistent
Stephen Good
Started five times last year.
C 61 Ben Habern
Jr.
Jr.
So.
Will fight for All-Big 12 center honors
RG 75 Tyler Evans So.
Started four times at RG in ‘09
RT 70 Cory Brandon Sr.
Horrible ’09 season, must bounce back
Key Losses
T Trent Williams
G Brian Simmons
Perhaps no unit throughout the
nation took as much heat as the
Oklahoma Sooners offensive line.
Nothing seemed to go right for this
unit from the outset of the season.
Heck, on the first play of the season
tackle Cor y Brandon jumped
offsides...and it only got worse.
Poor play and injuries altered the
line’s look all season long. The
Sooners had 10 different
combinations of starters. But, 2010 is
a different season for this group.
Ben Habern moved into the center
position after game one and was the
o n l y p l a y e r ( o u t s i d e o f Tr e n t
Williams) who started more than five
times at the same position. He’ll take
charge in the middle of the field.
Jarvis Jones & Cory Brandon
must be 1,000% better, especially
without Williams. Brandon improved
steadily the last half of the year.
 44
Star Watch
Disrupt the
quarterback.
Jeremy Beal
has one job.
Yr
2007 21
DE Jeremy Beal

Tackles TFL
5
6 ’3 ” 2 61 lb .
S en io r
Sacks
1
Int.
0
bit of pressure from Beal
as well.

Both guys are gone and

2008 61
Go get the
2009 70
guy who throws the ball.
It’s simple and it’s something that Beal has
done extremely well the past two years.
But, he had a lot of help in the process. Former
DT Gerald McCoy was instrumental in taking
some heat off of the edge. Uh, consider that
done. Former DE Auston English took away a
D
e
15.5 8.5 0
the focus is squarely right
19 11 1
on Beal this season. He’s
going to see his fair share of double teams/TEs
staying into block/chips this season, in some
sense like he did the last half of the 2009
season. With so many teams running a version
of the spread attack, Beal is perhaps the most
important Sooner in 2010. Regardless, he’s
going to demand opposing offense’s focus.

Defensive Line Linebackers

DE 44 Jeremy Beal
One of the nation’s best off the edge
DT 86 Adrian Taylor
Can he rebound from gruesome inj.?
DT 97 Jamarkus McFarland
Sr.

Sr.

So.
Former five-star recruits starts in ‘10
OLB 28

OLB 56
Travis Lewis
The best true OLB in the Big 12
ILB 21 Tom Wort

Ronnell Lewis
Jr.

Fr.
Redshirted in 2009 after injury in camp
So.
Remember the name - he’s a future star
CB

FS

SS
Secondary
19

20

27
Demontre Hurst
Teams may attack young CB early
Quinton Carter

Sam Proctor
So.

Sr.
2nd team All-Big 12 (coaches) in ‘09
Jr.
44 tackles in 10 starts during 2009
f
e
DE 84 Frank Alexander Jr. CB 3 Jonathan Nelson Sr.
Has seven starts in last 2 years, 7 TFL Honorable mention All-Big 12 (coaches)

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

DT Gerald McCoy LB Keenan Clayton CB Dominique Franks
DE Auston English LB Ryan Reynolds CB Brian Jackson

The 2009 Sooners defensive line will The Oklahoma linebacking corps What we do know about teams in the
go down in the annals of Oklahoma doesn’t return a bunch in the way of Big 12 is that they’re going to throw

history as one of the best the school
has ever seen.
G e r a l d Mc C o y w a s a Ro t a r y
Lombardi Award finalist and three
year starter. Auston English was a
monster off the edge when he was
healthy. Jeremy Beal’s 11 sacks were
experience and starts.
However...
There is PLENTY of talent for this
unit. It starts with Travis Lewis
who is the best linebacker in the Big
12. This will be his third year as a
starter and he’s a game changer. Blitz
n
the football. Take a look at OU’s
schedule, there are presumably six or
seven teams that have to rely on
throwing the football to be
successful.
Meaning? Meaning the pass rush
better be pretty good with two
corners of the caliber of Dominique

tied for fourth best in Oklahoma
history. Adrian Taylor was the
perfect balance to McCoy inside.
This defensive line must emerge from
last year’s shadow for this defense to
truly excel. The pressure is going to
be relentless on Beal, which should
allow Frank Alexander to find a lot
of room to work on the other side.
the QB, drop in coverage and run to
the ball - you name it, Lewis does it
well. He had 109 tackles last season
and has led the Sooners in tackles for
the past two years.
Lewis is a known commodity, but
Ronnell Lewis is not. Uh, that’ll
change. Our friend OU insider Jim
Ross has been preaching about Lewis
since the outset of the 2009 season.
s
Franks and Brian Jackson to replace.
There’s good news, though, with the
return of Jonathan Nelson. He was
so good as a “backup” that he earned
Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors
from the league’s coaches. The bad
news? He did that mainly as a safety
and has to transition over to corner
to play opposite Demontre Hurst.

Jamarkus McFarland gets his
c h a n c e t o f o l l o w i n Mc C o y ’s
footsteps. He was a five-star recruit
that many wanted, but now without
McCoy he MUST thrive.
Wearing #56, it’s easy to get wrapped
up in OLB comparisons, and it’s an
even more apt comparison when you
see this guy run and hit. Wow. He’s
the next star at this position.
e
The safeties are strong with
Quinton Carter at the free and
Sam Proctor is locked into the
strong position.
 2009: 10-3, Beat Arizona in Holiday Bowl
Big 12 Nor th Champions
Head Coach: Bo Pelini, 3rd Yr. @ Nebraska - Record: 20-8
It’s been a few years since the Suh, the Huskers were in the top ten in every

8
expectations have been this high category, with the
in Lincoln. There wasn’t one exception o f Nebraska’s Vital Signs
person who felt like this team had passing defense 2009 Results
a shot to win the Big 12 last season where it was just Run Offense 147.1 ypg 62nd
and they came within three feet and one 18th. Slackers. Pass Offense 175.7 ypg 101st
second from doing just that. With 14 returning Total Offense 322.8 ypg 99th
starters and one of the deepest and most In all seriousness, Scoring Offense 25.1 ppg 75th
Run Defense 93.1 ypg 9th
physical defenses in the country, there’s no Suh’s loss will be
Pass Defense 178.9 ypg 18th
reason why the expectations shouldn’t be felt, but this
Total Defense 272.0 ypg 7th
astronomical for the Huskers in 2010. defense may be Scoring Def. 10.4 ppg 1st
just as productive
It starts with head coach Bo Pelini who has a s l a s t y e a r ’s 2010 Returning Starters
tamed his sideline demeanor a bit and helped group. DT Jared Off. Ret. Starters 8
channel his intensity into his brother’s defense. Crick returns to Def. Ret. Starters 6
Last year, led by Heisman finalist and Rotary lead the middle,
Lombardi Award recipient Ndamukong while CB Prince Amukamara is back as well.

Why #8? One of the best defensive lines in the nation, power running duo of Roy Helu Jr. and Rex
Burkhead, All-American talent in the secondary, relatively ‘easy’ road schedule

Why not higher? QB Zac Lee is not great - he may not even start, pedestrian offense, the loss of
Ndamukong Suh has to have an impact on this defense, expectations are high - can they deal with it?

2010 Schedule Key Games

Sep 4, 2010 Western Ky.
Sep 11, 2010 Idaho
Sep 18, 2010 @ Washington
Sep 25, 2010 South Dakota St.
Oct 2, 2010 BYE After losing to The Big 12 North If the Huskers are
UT in the Big 12 i s w e a ke r t h a n going to stub their
Oct 7, 2010 @ Kansas State Champ. game, the usual this year. It’s toe on the road, it
Huskers circled Ne b r a s k a a n d could be against
Oct 16, 2010 Texas this one on the ever ybody else. the explosive
Oct 23, 2010 @ Oklahoma St. calendar. After But, with Blaine Te x a s A&M
t h i s s u m m e r, i t Aggies. Last
Gabbert slinging
Oct 30, 2010 Missouri became more
the rock around
s e a s o n , A & M ’s
heated. N U ’s offense was a top
Nov 6, 2010 @ Iowa State impending move the yard, Missouri 10 caliber offense.
to the Big 10 can move the ball This year, facing
Nov 13, 2010 Kansas means this is the on anyone, that Aggie ‘O’
last time they’ll including this might be the
Nov 20, 2010 @ Texas A&M s e e e a c h o t h e r. Nebraska defense. big gest test for
Well, before Dec. It should be fun. this ‘D’ all season.
Nov 26, 2010 Colorado
 “He’s the prototypical...
Yr Tackles TFL Sacks QBH
2008 2 0 0 0
2009 73 15 9.5 16
Throughout the 2009 season, it was hard to
take your eyes off of #93 in the middle of the
formation. Big Suh. Ndamukong Suh was,
perhaps, the most decorated defensive player
we’d seen in a quite some time, if not ever. But,
often times, when you went to focus on Suh,
you kept seeing #94 make plays. Watching the
Baylor game, you kept waiting for Suh to make
plays and live up to the hype if you will, but this
#94 kept beating him to the quarterback.
You found out very quickly who Jared Crick
was. And, you weren’t the only one. With all of
the great interior defenders in this conference,
Crick finished the season as a First team All-
Big 12 selection by the coaches, playing next to
Suh.
Crick will move into the role that Suh held last
year. He’s going to be the one drawing the
double and triple teams throughout the season.
It was a role that Suh relished because his
strength was such an asset. But, for Crick, he’s
going to have to utilize his best asset to get
loose inside - quickness. There aren’t many
defensive linemen who possess the quickness
that Crick does. And, that’s not just with his
feet. His hand placement, stack and shed
abilities - everything is done suddenly and
...lunch pail guy”
Jared
JaredCrick
Crick
Honor Roll
First Team All-Big 12 (Coaches)
Second Team All-Big 12 (Media)
Big 12 Record for Sacks in game (5)
Big 12 Record for TFL in game (7)
quickly. But, as quick as he is, he never stops
working. He’s relentless, whether that’s in
pursuit of the ball carrier or staying after the
quarterback with the pass rush.
He’s not Suh and people can’t expect him to be.
He’ll carve out his own niche inside, leaving
Nebraska fans to chant his name...
CRRRRRRIIIIIICCCCCKKKKKKKK!!!
Now, that we know what his name is.
“...What he said...”
“I think people are going to be
shocked at what Jared Crick brings to
the table.”
- Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini prior
to the 2009 season about Crick
(Uh, I think the man was a little more
than right on this one)
O
Nebra ska may not be
Running Back U, but
over the past 30 years Yr. Att Yds TDs Rec. Yds. TD l o v e
there have been some 2007 45 209 0
f
pretty incredible running
2008 125 803 7
backs. Rozier. Green.
Phillips (yes, I know, but 2009 220 1147
in college he was
sensational).
The Huskers’ struggles prior to Bo Pelini’s
arrival as head coach could be traced, in some
part, back to the fact that there was no true
star at running back. That’s not true in 2010.
f QB 3
QB/RB
Zac Lee
No player has more pressure in 2010
RB 10 Roy Helu Jr.
Averaged over 5 yards per carry in ‘09
Sr.
Sr.
e
Key Losses
NONE
The spotlight on the quarterback is
n
always white-hot. It doesn’t matter
the team, the town or the university.
The quarterback carries the weight of
the team on his shoulders.
Double that and take it to the infinite
power and you have the pressure that
Zac Lee is about to face in 2010.
Well, the biggest pressure is whether
he’ll keep his job. Cody Green and
s
Ta y l o r Ma r t i n e z a r e p u t t i n g
intense heat on Lee during camp.
Although Lee finished the season
with a solid performance in the
Holiday Bowl, it’s hard to look past
what he wasn’t able to do against
strong defenses - mainly Texas and
Oklahoma.
e
He’ll get some help from a bruising
running game led by Roy Helu Jr.
and Rex Burkhead. These two
complement each other well and
should total 1,800 to 2,000 yds.
RB Roy Helu Jr.
6’ 220 lb.
S en io r Roy Helu Jr. is
that guy. I
0 0 0 watching
this guy run
25 266 0
the football. It’s not
10 19 149 0 pretty, mind you. He’s
not shifty. He doesn’t
possess phone booth quickness. But, he is a
combination of all that makes up a good
running back. He runs with power, behind his
pads, has a little wiggle and runs downhill with
some sudden burst. With a big year, he could
be remembered for a while.
TE/Receivers Offensive Line
WR 24
WR 44
Niles Paul
Mike McNeill
Pseudo TE with WR skills, 28 rec. in ‘09
WR 84 Brandon Kinnie
Sr.
Could be special, but has to keep it together
Sr.
Jr.
14 rec. in final 8 games, could break out in ‘10
TE 49 Dreu Young Sr.
More blocker than WR, 5 rec. no TD
Key Losses
NONE
When the experts start to break
down the Huskers for 2010, it’s going
to be awfully easy to focus on the
defensive side of the ball.
Defense wins championships, right?
Well, if you can’t move the football,
you can forget about winning
anything. Okay, what’s my point? My
point is that if all you do is focus on
the defense, you’ll miss the
potentially explosive weapons in the
receiving game.
Niles Paul has had some off the field
issues this off-season, but he’s a guy
who can give secondaries nightmares.
Big-time nightmares. Big, physical
a n d a b l e t o m a ke p l a y s d e e p
downfield. QB Lee must be able to
stretch defenses downfield and Paul
g i v e s h i m t h a t o p t i o n . M i ke
McNeill is a solid intermediate
weapon, while Brandon Kinnie
came on in a major way at the end of
the season. It’s a solid trio, as long as
it has someone to throw it the ball.
10
Star Watch
LT
LG
50
68
Jermaine Hardrick
“Yoshi” is a JUCO transfer
Keith Williams
HM All-Big 12 in 2009 as a junior
C 58 Mike Caputo
Jr.
Sr.
Jr.
Replaces one of league’s best centers
RG 74 Ricky Henry Sr.
Road grading monster, started 14 times
RT 78 Marcel Jones Jr.
Started 11 times at RT in 2009
Key Losses
C Jacob Hickman
T Mike Smith
The left side of the Nebraska line
may have had the “experience” in
2009, but the heart of the Nebraska
line in 2010 is on the right side.
One of the most underrated lineman
in the nation is right guard Ricky
Henry. He started all 14 games last
year and when I say he’ll pound you
at the point of attack, that’s no joke.
This guy is as physical as any guard I
watched last year. He pulls around
on power G plays and just hammers
defenders on the edge. This guy
p r o b a b l y w o n’t g e t n a t i o n a l
recognition like he deserves, but if
the Huskers are in the top ten at the
end of the year, he just might.
The other guard spot is manned by
Keith Williams, the only returning
Husker offensive lineman to garner
Big 12 honors in 2009. If Mike
Ca p u to c a n s te p i n f o r Ja co b
Hickman, the Huskers will pound
teams between the tackles all day
long. In fact, expect that to happen.
 21
Star Watch
Setting
tone.
w h a t
coaches
a
It ’s
CB Prince Amukamara

Yr
2007
6 ’1 ” 2 05 lb .

Tackles
4
S en io r
TFL
0
Int.
0
PBU
0
Prince Amukamara laid
the wood on the
Longhorn receiver setting
the tone earl y with a
D
e
talk about 2008 34 2 0 0 physical hit that
ALL the 2009 64 3 5 11 resonated throughout
time. Go out there and that game.
set the tone from play one.
And, that’s what makes Prince special - size -
Play one of the Big 12 Championship game - 6’1” and 205 lb. Corners aren’t supposed to be
the Texas Longhorns run a quick WR screen that big. You’d think he wouldn’t have great
and... ball skills at that size, but he does. Although
he’s probably a better zone corner, his combo
BOOM!
skills make him a sure fire first rounder in 2011.

Defensive Line Linebackers

DE 95 Pierre Allen
5 sacks and 12 TFLs in 2009
DT 94 Jared Crick
No Suh? No problem...he’s a stud
DT 55 Baker Steinkuhler
Following Dad (Dean) and bro (Ty)
Sr.

Jr.

So.
ILB 51 Will Compton
2nd team Freshman A-A, 40 tackles
ILB 46 Eric Martin
So.

So.
15 tackles in reserve role as a freshman
CB

FS

SS
Secondary
21 Prince Amukamara

13
DeJon Gomes
Started four games, HM All-Big 12
P.J. Smith
15 tackles in a backup role in 2009
Sr.
Top 10 prospect for the 2011 NFL Draft
Sr.

So.
f
e
DE 34 Cameron Meredith So. NS 28 Eric Hagg Sr.
Relentless end, was #3 DE in 2009 One of the most underrated players on ‘D’
CB 15 Alonzo Dennard Jr.
Opposite Prince, he’ll get a ton of work
Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses
DT Ndamukong Suh LB Phillip Dillard S Larry Asante
DE Barry Turner S Matt O’Hanlon
Is it possible to lose an interior Playing linebacker is a pretty easy job, When the Huskers went to a 4-2-5

defender like Ndamukong Suh and
still be the dominant force on a top
ten nationally ranked defense?
Uh, yeah.
Sure, Suh was such a focal point, but
the Huskers still have the best DT in
the nation - it’s just that his name is
in some sense. Go find the ball and
make a play. Right? Seems easy, but
you know as well as I do, navigating
through the trash and the 300 lb.
road blocks is a lot tougher than any
of us know.
B u t , a t Ne b r a s k a , w h e r e t h e
n
formation at the end of the season,
Defensive coordinator Carl Pelini
may have found a scheme that suits
his defensive personnel to a T.
Nickel safety Eric Hagg is the
biggest beneficiary of that move to
this scheme. He’s the prototype LB-
S hybrid and gives Pelini a ton of

Jared Crick. The junior has a much
different game than Suh, but he can
be more disruptive with his
quickness. Furthermore, he’ll get
some help inside f rom another
Steinkuhler - this one’s name is
Baker Steinkuhler. He showed
promise as a freshman as the #3 DT.
Pierre Allen is the ultimate in being
overshadowed. He’ll be the chaos off
defensive line is supposed to tie up
blockers, it actually is true - these
guys get to run to the ball free and
clear. There’s no excuse for these
guys to not be stars and have a
relatively stress free job.
The loss of Phillip Dillard is bigger
than we might realize. But, Will
Compton has a bright future. He’s
solid against the run, but he’ll have to
s
flexibility. He can blitz off the edge,
cover slot receivers and play coverage
in the curl-flat areas well. Plus, with
Hagg on the field, the Huskers can
disguise their blitz schemes well,
bringing nearly anyone, at any time.
The star, of course, is Prince
Amukamara, an Al l-American
candidate at cornerback. He won’t
see a lot of work this season, but his

e
one edge, but I’m excited about
play better in pass coverage. His opposite number Alonzo Dennard
watching Cameron Meredith on will. He’s a competitor, but he’s the
r unning mate will be fellow
the other side. He’s got solid pass one teams will choose to pick on.
sophomore Eric Martin, who can
rush skills and completes the Big 12’s Regardless, keep an eye on FS DeJon
b e a b i g - t i m e p l a y m a ke r, o r
best defensive line. Gomes this year.
sophomore Sean Fisher.
 2009: 11-2, Beat Georgia Tech in Orange Bowl
T i e d f o r 2 n d i n B i g Te n
Head Coach: Kirk Ferentz, 12th Yr. @ Iowa - Record: 81-55
After a solid 5 year run in the It was a season full of late game heroics and it’s
Big 10, Iowa fell off the national conceivable that

9 radar in some respects. They

were still invited to bowl games,
but it had been a while since Kirk
10 wins could’ve
been 7 or 8.
Iowa’s Vital Signs
2009 Results
Regardless, this is Run Offense 114.2 ypg 99th
Ferentz’s Hawks were truly a contender a better team in Pass Offense 222.1 ypg 55th
for the Big 10 Championship. 2010, led by one Total Offense 336.3 ypg 89th
o f t h e m o s t Scoring Offense 23.2 ppg 86th
That five year void was filled in 2009. 10-2 in d i s r u p t i v e Run Defense 123.6 ypg 34th
Pass Defense 152.9 ypg 4th
the regular season and a narrow 27-24 OT loss defensive lines in
Total Defense 276.6 ypg 10th
to Ohio State in the de facto Big 10 the nation. Scoring Def. 15.4 ppg 8th
Championship game. The Hawks played that
game without starting quarterback Ricky It’s a typical Iowa 2010 Returning Starters
Stanzi. With Stanzi back in the lineup, the team - not flashy, Off. Ret. Starters 6
Hawks slowed the vaunted option attack of the but they’re knock Def. Ret. Starters 8
ACC Champion Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets you into next
and thumped them 24-14. week. Is it enough to put them over the top?

Why #9? The best defensive line in the Big Ten (perhaps in the nation), both Wisconsin and Ohio
State come to Iowa City, out of conference schedule is weak, QB Ricky Stanzi returns

Why not higher? Ohio State is more dynamic offensively, in fact, Iowa could struggle somewhat
offensively, loss key OL, 3 of the last 4 games are on the road with Ohio State visit squeezed in.

2010 Schedule Key Games

Sep 4, 2010 Eastern Illinois
Sep 11, 2010 Iowa State
Sep 18, 2010 @ Arizona
Sep 25, 2010 Ball State
Oct 2, 2010 Penn State
Iowa has knocked The biggest L a s t y e a r, t h e
Oct 9, 2010 BYE off Penn State the advantage for Hawkeyes nearly
past two years, but Iowa is its home upset the
Oct 16, 2010 @ Michigan this is the most schedule - four of B u c ke y e s in
s te r n te s t Io w a the top five teams Columbus and
Oct 23, 2010 Wisconsin will face before its in the conference that was without
Oct 30, 2010 Michigan State bye week. PSU
still have RB Evan
all come to Iowa.
Facing UW is no
QB Ricky Stanzi
in the lineup. If
Nov 6, 2010 @ Indiana Royster who will walk in the park Iowa takes care of
c a r r y t h e Pe n n and stopping John Wi s c o n s i n a n d
Nov 13, 2010 @ Northwestern State offense until Clay will be a doesn’t stub its toe
a QB can emerge. chore. But, Iowa’s at any point in the
Nov 20, 2010 Ohio State If that guy does, not going to see season, the winner
Io w a ’s i n f o r a anything it hasn’t of this one should
Nov 27, 2010 @ Minnesota fight. before in this one. be Big 10 Champ.
“I’m just trying to be better...
Adrian
AdrianClayborn
Clayborn

Honor Roll
2010 Orange Bowl MVP
2009 First team All-Big 10 (coaches)
2009 First team All-Big 10 (media)
2009 Nat’l Def. POY (CFB Perf. Awards)

As good a defensive end as Adrian Clayborn is, took it to the house for a game breaking TD.
it’s a play he made on special teams, when he From that point on, the Hawkeyes were a force
wasn’t even supposed to be involved, that most in the Big 10.
Hawkeye fans and players remember.
Cl a y b o r n’s
In the driving rain and in front of 107,000+ fans day job, if
in Happy Valley, the Hawkeyes trailed #5
ranked Penn State 10 - 5 in the fourth quarter
you will,
though, is
“...What he said...”
when Clayborn’s defense slowed the Penn State what’ll make “It comes with being a
offense around mid-field. As is typical for him a rich Hawkeye football player. I
defenses when an offense is going to punt m a n . mean, we’re the only team
around mid-field, the Hawks went into a safe Strong at in the state as far as I
punt look. The defense stays on the field to the point of know”
keep an eye on a fake punt, but typically, that attack, he’s
-Clayborn on the pressure
unit just makes sure a punt takes place and gets great using of being an Iowa football
off the field. his hands to player (and nearly inciting a
get off of riot in Ames at Iowa State)
Clayborn decided he was going to push things a blocks. He
little and in so doing he changed the Iowa developing a
season with one effort play. pass rush
spin move to get loose. He’s got the size to be
Thump. Thump. Double thump? Blocked a 3-4 end and he often has to bump down inside
punt! Before Penn State could react, Clayborn to a 5-technique on run downs. If he stays out
caught the bounding pigskin on the fly and of trouble, he’ll have a great season and future.

...than I was last year”

O
RB Adam Robinson
When Jewel Hampton
was r uled out for the
season with his injury, the Yr
5 ’9 ” 2 05 lb .
So phomore co u l d p i c k
up tough yards 32
Att Yds TDs Rec Yds TDs i n the
run-focused Iowa offense 2009 181 834 5 10 80 0 middle of
Star Watch

f
was about to hand the
reins of the 2009 offense to two rookies - two
freshmen - Brandon Wegher and the man who
would become the team’s leading rusher Adam
Robinson.
It was Robinson who started making an impact
right away when the Hawkeyes needed it.
Running with power, behind his pads, Robinson
became a reliable versatile running back who
t h e
formation, just as he could catch
the ball and be a factor in the passing game.
Hampton should return this season, but he’s
returning to the offense with Robinson atop
the depth chart. Brandon Wegher has stepped
away from the team, so Hampton should get
his carries. Regardless, we’ll all be watching
Robinson as the star in this offense in 2010.

f QB 12
QB/RB
Ricky Stanzi

Needs to be focus of 2010 offense

FB 36 Brett Morse
Sr.
Not flashy, but productive and a winner
RB 32 Adam Robinson So.

Sr.
TE/Receivers Offensive Line
WR 15 D. Johnson-Koulianos Sr.
Go-to receiver, 45 rec for 750 yds in ‘09
WR

TE
7

82
Marvin McNutt
Made HUGE plays in 2009, 34 rec.
Allen Reisner Sr.
Jr.
LT

LG

C
77

63

67
Riley Reiff

Julian Vandervelde
One of the unsung heroes on ‘O’
Josh Koeppel
So.
Started 11 times @ 3 different positions
Sr.

Sr.

e
Started 13 times in ’09, 22 career Effort guy, 3 starts in 2009, 14 rec. Will battle James Ferentz for job.
RG 73 Adam Gettis Jr.
Started once in 2009
RT 56 Marcus Zusevics Jr.
Played in all 13 games
Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses
NONE WR Trey Stross G Dace Richardson
TE Tony Moeaki T Bryan Bulaga & C Rafael Eubanks
No disrespect meant for backup Iowa Offensive coordinator Ken If the Iowa offense has a question

n
quarterback James Vandenberg,
but if Ricky Stanzi had been
healthy for the Ohio State game, the
Hawkeyes would’ve had a better shot
at knocking off the eventual
champions on their home turf.
Vandenberg played admirably that
night, but Stanzi is due to start his
third year for the Hawks and is a
O’Keefe is not unlike many offensive
coordinators throughout the nation.
He’d love to establish his running
game, first and foremost, and he’s got
the hosses to do it. But, if there’s no
balance, teams will put 8 and/or 9
guys in the box to stop the run if
Iowa can’t throw.
However, with Derrell Johnson-
mark, it’s a big one and it’s this team’s
offensive line.
2010 NFL Draft first round selection
Bryan Bulaga missed a handful of
games with an illness last year so
Riley Reiff was forced to move
around and gain experience at a
number of different spots on the line.
That should serve Reiff well as he

s
much needed calming influence for
this offense. He’ll be even more
important this year given the loss of
three key starting offensive linemen.
Stanzi can rely on a deep RB group to
pound on Big 10 f ront seven’s.
Adam Robinson and Brandon
Wegher combined for nearly 1,500
Koulianos and big play Marvin
McNutt out on the perimeter, the
passing game should be able to not
only keep defenses honest, but be a
threat O’Keefe can utilize for that
penultimate balance he seeks.
DJK is a mercurial sort, but he’s
Stanzi’s most visible target - he led
replaces one of the best Iowa has
produced over the past two decades.
I’m a big Julian Vandervelde fan.
Ever y time I watched him last
season, I was impressed with his
“wins” at the point of attack. He’s
good in a zone scheme and effective
as a pass protector. He’ll have to be

e
yards and 13 TDs on the ground...as
freshmen. But, Wegher has walked
away from the team for the time
being. As such, Jewel Hampton,
who himself had a sound freshman
season, will get his touches for sure.
the team in receptions in 2009. But,
the guy who emerged last year when
the Hawks tr ul y needed it was
McNutt. He had big catches against
Michigan State, Ohio State and in
the bowl game against Georgia Tech.
e ven better without la st year ’s
starting center Rafael Eubanks next
to him. The right side could struggle
but the line truly won’t be tested until
the Penn State game in October.
 9
Star Watch
Why does
that guy
# 9 ke e p Yr
s h o w i n g 2008
Tackles TFL
53 2.5
S Tyler Sash
J u n ior
6 ’1 ” 210 lb .

Sacks
1
Int.
5
Sash teams with Brett
Greenwood as the safety
duo in the Big 10, but it’s
Sash who is the star for
D
e
up around 2009 85 5.5 0 6 this defense.
the bal l?
That was the thought of Big 10 coaches Does he benefit from a dominating pass rush?
throughout Tyler Sash’s freshman season, one in Sure, but as a guy who is always around the ball
which he had 5 interceptions. By the end of his as Sash is, his production is no fluke. Now, that
sophomore season, it probably was more along “interception” he had last year in the Indiana
the lines of...”Dadgum (insert name of Big 10 game where he took it 97 yards to the house
quarterback here) you know Sash is sittting was a tad lucky, but Sash tends to make his own
back there, what are you doing floating the ball luck. Fluke or not, you’ll see plenty of Sash this
over the middle of the field?” season...just follow the ball.

Defensive Line Linebackers

DE 94
Stud
DT 95
Ditto
DT 46
Adrian Clayborn

Karl Klug

Christian Ballard
Ditto, yet again
Sr.

Sr.

Sr.
OLB 42 Jeremiha Hunter
Has to be leader of young LB corps
ILB 33 Jeff Tarpinian
Former DB bulked up to play MLB
OLB 45 Tyler Nielsen
Sr.

Sr.

Jr.
12 tackles in 2008, 7 tackles in 2009
CB

FS

SS
Secondary
28

30

9
Shaun Prater
2 picks in ’09, solid on the perimeter
Brett Greenwood
Incredibly underrated, productive
Tyler Sash
One of the nation’s best DBs
Jr.

Sr.

Jr.
f
e
DE 91 Broderick Binns Jr. CB 18 Micah Hyde So.
Uh, guess what? Stud 8 tackles in ’09 as a backup true FR.

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

NONE LB AJ Edds CB Amari Spievey
LB Pat Angerer

Quite frankly there aren’t enough Iowa’s biggest personnel losses on Although the Iowa defensive staff
superlatives to describe this fearsome defense were at the linebacker doesn’t throw a ton of complicated

f o u r s o m e . If t h e r e ’s a b e t t e r
defensive line in the nation, I’ve not
seen it.
It begins with All-American Adrian
Clayborn on one side and
Broderick Binns on the other.
Clayborn gets the majority of the
position. A.J Edds and Pat Angerer
were multi-year starters and
combined for 222 tackles last season.
Heck, Angerer accounted for 145
tackles by himself.
Jeremiha Hunter returns after a
strong season. He finished second on
n
defensive schemes at offenses, it
could if it wanted due in large part to
the strength in the secondary.
The two safeties, Tyler Sash and
Brett Greenwood, are as good as
any pair in the nation. Sash is the
superstar and has an NFL future
ahead of him, but Greenwood is the

publicity, but when I watch this team,
Binns is just as dangerous off the
edge. He’s got longer arms and can
be just as disruptive rushing the
quarterback as Clayborn is.
Karl Klug and Christian Ballard
are rock solid in the middle of the
defense. Klug is quick as a cat off the
ball and the inability to knock these
two off the ball cost Georgia Tech the
the team in tackles with 90, a few
behind Angerer. This will be his third
as a starter on the outside. He
doesn’t get an opportunity to blitz
much or be a huge play making
presence (in fact safety Tyler Sash had
5.5 TFL whereas Hunter had only 2.5
TFL), but he’s a good tackler and
around the football.
Jeff Tarpinian was the story of the
s
p e r f e c t c o m p l e m e n t t o S a s h’s
playmaking abilities. Greenwood is
due to be a four year starter in the
middle of the field. He had three
interceptions last year and is a sound
tackler, racking up 56 tackles last
season, best in the secondary. He is
coming off of shoulder surgery and
missed spring, but he’ll be ready.
Shaun Prater will be a second year

Orange Bowl. Klug and Ballard
created a ton of problems for the
Tech option attack, helping hold the
Jackets to 14 points and a season low
143 yards rushing.
spring. He was a backup at outside
linebacker at the end of last year, but
he emerged as the starter in the
middle once spring was done. Iowa
DC Norm Parker loves this guy.
e
starter at CB and was effective
o p p o s i te f o r m e r s t a r te r A m a r i
Spievey. Although Spievey had to be
replaced, the Hawkeyes settled on
Micah Hyde very early in the spring
 2009: 10-3, Beat Miami in Champs Bowl
T i e d fo r 4 t h i n B i g 10
Head Coach: Bret Bielema, 5th Yr. @ Wisconsin - Record: 38-14
After a brilliant start to his head shot at upsetting Ohio State and an upset loss

10
coaching career at Wisconsin, at Northwestern
Bret Bielema had been feeling was a killer. Wisconsin’s Vital Signs
some pressure following two 2009 Results
subpar years in 2007 and 2008. As s u c h , Run Offense 203.9 ypg 15th
When the 2008 season ended in a expectations are Pass Offense 213.1 ypg 65th
Champs Bowl blowout, Badger fans were h i g h i n 2 0 1 0. Total Offense 416.9 ypg 30th
growing a tad bit antsy about Bielema, his However, in past Scoring Offense 31.8 ypg 25th
Badgers and his future with these Badgers. years, the Badgers Run Defense 88.2 ypg 5th
Pass Defense 217.5 ypg T-55th
haven’t handled
Total Defense 305.7 ypg 17th
Bielema and the Badgers answered the bell in t h e w e i g h t o f Scoring Def. 21.8 ppg 33rd
2009 with a 10 win season, including an expectation well.
impressive, physical win over favored Miami in This is a different 2010 Returning Starters
the Champs Sports Bowl. It was great for group, though, Off. Ret. Starters 10
Wisconsin fans to experience a 10 win season, and the pieces are Def. Ret. Starters 5
but the season was still filled with missed there for a special
opportunities. Key turnovers killed the team’s season. But, will it all come together?

Why #10? The best offensive line in the nation, Ohio State @ home, QB Scott Tolzien is back with
best running back in the Big 10 John Clay, LB corps gets Mike Taylor back, active secondary.

Why not higher? Ohio State and Iowa in back-to-back weeks, when expectations are through the
roof, the Badgers, historically, have struggled, past OL injuries could still be a problem, DL is young.

2010 Schedule Key Games

Sep 4, 2010 @ UNLV
Sep 11, 2010 San Jose State
Sep 18, 2010 Arizona State
Sep 25, 2010 Austin Peay
Oct 2, 2010 @ Michigan St. The Spartans The battle for the After jumping out
should be a bowl Big 10 Champ. will to a 10-0 lead on
Oct 9, 2010 Minnesota team, but they’re culminate on Iowa last season,
Oct 16, 2010 Ohio State no better than 4th October 16 in the Badgers got
in the Big 10. But, Ma d i s o n . T h e throttled as Iowa
Oct 23, 2010 @ Iowa this is the first Badgers shot physically beat
true road test for themselves in the them up the rest
Oct 30, 2010 BYE the Badgers of the foot repeatedly in of the day in a
season and it’s the ’09 in Columbus. 20-10 win. Now,
Nov 6, 2010 @ Purdue Big Ten opener. But, OSU has Wisconsin has to
Nov 13, 2010 Indiana Sure, the Badgers
have more at
struggled
Madison against
in travel to Iowa City
to face the Hawks.
Nov 20, 2010 @ Michigan stake, seemingly,
but MSU won’t go
average UW
teams. This team
Wisconsin can’t,
and won’t, back
Nov 27, 2010 Northwestern quietly. isn’t average. down this time.
 “Clearly, this is the best...
#68 Gabe Carimi #74 John Moffitt #66 Peter Konz #70 Kevin Zeitler #67 Josh Oglesby

LT LG
Each year since Barry Alvarez took over as head
X RG
coach at the University of Wisconsin in 1990,
the offensive line has been a focal point.
Utilizing the team’s strong zone run blocking
scheme, the Badgers consistently put players on
All-American squads and into the NFL as early
round picks.
This year’s unit may be the best line the
Badgers have seen. Ever. And, I’m not the only
one who thinks that. Okay, I’m the only one
who’ll say it, but so be it.
Sure, the Chris McIntosh-led line that opened
holes for Ron Dayne is ready to throw me off
the deep end. And, the Joe Panos-led line that
made Brent Moss and Terrell Fletcher stars is a
little peeved after that comment. However, the
depth and talent that define this year ’s
offensive line make it the most significant
offensive line in the team’s recent history.
RT
Left tackle Gabe Carimi is the team’s star at
left tackle and as long as he stays healthy, he
should be a first rounder in the 2011 NFL
Draft. Quick and nasty, Carimi is a solid pass
protector, but is a next level zone run blocking
tackle right now.
John Moffitt’s versatility makes him a future
star in the NFL. He’ll slide over to left guard
and stay there as along as center Peter Konz is
completely recovered from the blood clots that
slowed him at the end of the 2009 season.
Moffitt is the consummate Wisconsin guard -
good feet, wins one-on-one battles at the line
of scrimmage and rarely loses on zone runs.
Josh Oglesby was one of the top five star
recruits in the ‘08 recruiting class and hasn’t
quite hit his potential. However, he’s still a
junior and has a world of talent opposite
Carimi.

Prospect Report Card

Left tackle Gabe Carimi is thought to be one of the best linemen in the 2011
NFL Draft class. Here’s my prospect report card for Carimi going into his
senior year.

Size: 6’7” 315 lb. - Prototypical size for LT

Balance: Maintains balance against power rushers and speed rushers
“Yo Yo” slide (can he adjust to pass rushers): Decent change of direction
Strength: Would like to see him improve his core strength, but gets push
Footwork: Good footwork in the zone scheme, better in pass protection
Hand placement/use: Wisconsin OL are well schooled, still very natural
Nasty: He’ll swap paint with you and is competitive
Zone/Man blocker: Better suited for zone scheme
Leverage: Although he’s 6’7”, he plays with good leverage

Conclusion: Good fit at next level, powerfully adept zone blocker (top 20)

...offensive line in the nation”

O
TE Lance Kendricks
Over the past ten years,
the advent of the spread
6 ’4 ” 2 39 lb .
S en io r prevalent,
w h i c h
84
offense in college football Yr Rec Yds TDs c o u l d
has changed the face of 2007 0 0 0 eliminate Star Watch

f
college football forever. 2008
QBs don’t take snaps 2009
under center. RBs don’t
line up in the I formation. And, for the most
part, tight ends don’t exist. Wel l, the
“traditional” tight end that is. Thank god for
Lance Kendricks that he’s not the traditional
tight end. Although the Badgers don’t run the
spead, the use of three and four receivers is
6 141 0 Kendrick’s
29 356 3 effectiveness. But, more
athlete than put-your-
hand-in-the-ground TE, Kendricks is the
perfect outlet receiver for QB Scott Tolzien.
He’s such a good athlete that offensive
coordinator Paul Chryst has used him as a
runner on reverses, but with Garrett Graham in
Houston, Kendricks is the go-to guy in the
passing game, especially down in the red zone.

f QB 16
QB/RB
Scott Tolzien
Best Wisconsin QB since...ever???
RB 32
Beast. That’s all.
John Clay
Sr.

Jr.
TE/Receivers Offensive Line
WR

WR 85
1 Nick Toon

David Gilreath
Jr.
6th most rec. in a season all-time at UW
Sr.
Consummate chess piece in the offense
WR 6 Isaac Anderson Sr.
LT

LG
68

74
Gabe Carimi
The best in the nation.
John Moffitt
First team All-Big Ten in ’09, A-A in ’10??
C 66 Peter Konz
Sr.

Sr.

So.

e
Could be the downfield threat for UW First team Fresh. A-A by Sporting News
TE 84 Lance Kendricks Jr. RG 70 Kevin Zeitler Jr.
Legitimate A-A candidate, red zone threat Started all 13 games at RG in 2009
RT 67 Josh Oglesby Jr.
Started 10 games at RT.

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

NONE TE Garrett Graham NONE

n
Brent Moss.
Terrell Fletcher.
Ron Dayne.
Now you can add John Clay’s name
to the list. It didn’t look like the
former Racine Park HS star was
going to snatch that starting position
and make it his. But, halfway
through the season, it clicked and
When you think about the word
eclectic, you don’t think about the
Wisconsin Badgers. However, this
group of receivers and tight ends
might actually be closer to diverse
and eclectic than standard or
unoriginal.
Nick Toon, a Wisconsin WR legacy -
pops is Al, former New York Jet - is
You may get some argument from
those in Tallahassee, Columbus or
Gainesville, but the nation’s best, and
deepest offensive line, resides in
Madison.
At least six Badgers have experience
starting, including Travis Frederick
who can play nearly every position on
the line. Frederick stepped into the

s
Clay dominated throughout the rest
of the season, rushing for 1,517 yards.
He’s a definite Heisman candidate
and with Monte Ball backing him
up, the Badgers are set at this
position.
Scott Tolzien has been a god-send
for the Badgers offense, the poor
the team’s prototypical big-time
receiver. At 6’3” and 211 lb., with
great hands and sound route running
skills, Toon is a future NFL star - he
had 54 receptions last season.
David Gilreath is a little dynamo
who can hurt teams on reverses or in
the slot, although he’s seemingly
more suited for a spread attack.
starting lineup at the end of the
season when Peter Konz suffered
blood clots in his lungs.
But, how good is this line? Frederick
may not see the field if the top five
stays healthy. Gabe Carimi is the
name everyone knows and should be
a n A l l - B i g 1 0 / A l l -A m e r i c a n b y

e
game at Ohio State notwithstanding.
He led the Big 10 in pass efficiency
and countered Clay’s 1,500+ yards
with just over 2,700 yards passing.
He won’t be All-Big 10, but he’s the
key for a 10/11 win season.
Isaac Anderson and lithe Kyle
Jefferson complement Toon and
Gilreath. Lance Kendricks is a
tight end in name only; he’ll even run
reverses just so UW can get him the
ball.
season’s end. Overshadowed he may
be, guard John Moffitt might be the
most valuable lineman Wisconsin has.
He has started 15 games at center and
14 at guard.
 44
Star Watch
Reluctant
though he
m a y b e to
be
Yr
t h e 2009 54
LB Chris Borland

Tackles
5’ 11 ” 2 32 lb .
So phomore
TFL
10.5
Sacks
5
Int.
1
Now with Taylor back
af te r h i s k n e e i n j u r y,
Borland is freed up to be
more of an edge
D
e
team’s star disruptor, where he’s at
defender, linebacker Chris Borland is a name his best, no matter his somewhat lilliputian size
that you’re going to have to get accustomed to for a pass rusher.
seeing over the next three years in the Big 10.
He’s a relative demon rushing the QB, in large
Following an injury to steady Mike Taylor, true part because of his diminutive size - he had 5
freshman Borland stepped in for him and sacks, most of them over the last half of the
became more than a Youtube sensation (go season. The Badgers defensive line is the most
search “greatest high school tackle of all-time” inexperienced of the units on the field and will
and you’ll see what I’m talking about). need Borland to be a major factor off the edge.

Defensive Line Linebackers

DE 93 Louis Nzegwu
4th on team with 3.5 sacks in 2009
DT 95 Patrick Butrym
Jr.

Jr.
Started twice in ’09, 2.5 TFL & 1/2 sack
DT 91 Jordan Kohout
Redshirted in 2009
Fr.
OLB 53

OLB 44
Mike Taylor
Started first 7 games, then injured
ILB 15 Culmer St. Jean
2nd on team with 63 tackles in 2009
Chris Borland
Freshman All-American in ’09, 5 sacks
So.

So.

So.
CB

FS

SS
Secondary
10

2
Devin Smith
Solid, started all 13 games in 2009
Aaron Henry

Jay Valai
2nd team All-Big 10 (coaches) in ‘09
Jr.

Jr.
Started 3 games, 18 total tackles in ‘09
Sr.
f
e
DE 99 J.J Watt Jr. CB 26 Antonio Fenelus Jr.
2nd on team with 15.5 TFL in 2009 Started 5 games in ’09, 35 tackles

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

DT Dan Moore & Jeffrey Stehle ILB Jaevery McFadden S Chris Maragos
DE O’Brien Schofield CB Niles Brinkley

If the Badgers struggle this year, it Although leading tackler Jaevery Flashy? Nope.

won’t be, presumably, because the
o f f e n s e h a s n’t l i v e d u p t o
expectations. Of course, injuries can
effect that group’s performance, but
lack of production isn’t going to be a
factor.
Lack of production could, though, be
McFadden graduates, don’t expect a
drop off in the Badgers linebacking
corps.
Mike Taylor was the team’s leading
tackler as a freshman before he tore
his ACL and gave way to Chris
Borland, another freshman who had
n
Focal point of the defense? Uh, no.
Superstar laden back four? Nah.
Solid and supportive? Sure, sounds
good.
There isn’t a real good reason why
anyone should get truly excited about
the Badgers’ secondary. On the flip

a major issue for the Badgers
defensive line. Three impact starters
graduated from the DL, including
one of the best pass rushers in the
league in 2009 O’Brien Schofield.
With Schofield gone, J.J Watt takes
over as the best Badgers pass rusher.
He had 15.5 tackles for a loss and 4.5
sacks in 2009 but wil l get the
a tremendous season in Taylor’s stead.
Ironically, Borland rehabbed after off-
season shoulder surgery and missed
the spring. After rehabbing
throughout the off-season, Taylor is
not all the way back and may miss the
opening game at a miniumu. Borland
is, though, and that’s huge news.
s
side, there isn’t a reason why anyone
should think this unit is going to be
the weak link on this year’s team.
Safety Jay Valai is one of the most
physical players in the Big 10, even
though he looks like he wouldn’t be
able to start for a junior high team at
5’9” and 200 pounds. Don’t be
fooled, he pound you into next week,
but his overaggressiveness can be a

majority of attention from offensive
line schemes. The interior of the DL,
though, can be the unit’s undoing.
Patrick Butrym saw spot duty, but
Jordan Kohout has a chance to be a
player. It just needs to be in 2010.
Cu l m e r S t . Je a n i s a F l o r i d a
linebacker, or a Wisconsin linebacker
with a Florida mentality, in the
middle of the defense. As such, he
sets the tone for this defense with his
attitude.
e
problem at times. Devin Smith and
Antonio Fenelus are capable out on
the perimeter, but it’s not as if any
team in the Big 10 can really exploit
that cornerback duo, throwing the
football well enough to hurt UW.
 2009: 10-3, Beat North Carolina in Meineke Car Care Bowl
Tied for 2nd in Big East
Head Coach: Dave Wannstedt, 6th Yr. @ Pitt - Record: 35-26
For the past two years, the Pitt QB to desired asset that is going to be missed
Panthers ha ve been on the for sure.

11 precipice of winning the Big East

and heading to a BCS bowl game.
Cincinnati has ruined both of the
The Panthers will
miss him, and the
Pitt’s Vital Signs
2009 Results
pressure will fall Run Offense 180.3 ypg 34th
end of both of those seasons. Last year
squarely on the Pass Offense 211.3 ypg 67th
burned, perhaps, a bit more than the previous
shoulders of Tino Total Offense 391.6 ypg 52nd
season. The Panthers led Cincinnati 31-10 in
Sunseri. With Scoring Offense 32.1 ppg 21st
the first half, only to lose 45-44 in a crushing
Dion L e w i s Run Defense 106.3 ypg 17th
defeat. If the Dave Wannstedt’s Panthers are Pass Defense 213.0 ypg 49th
ready to take his Total Defense 319.3 ypg 23rd
ever going to get it done, in other words win a
25 to 30 carries a Scoring Def. 19.8 ppg T-19th
Big East Championship, this has got to be the
night, it may not
year.
even matter who’s 2010 Returning Starters
under center for Off. Ret. Starters 5
The only thing missing, in some sense, for the
t h e Pa n t h e r s . Def. Ret. Starters 6
Panthers is an experienced quarterback. Bill
What might
Stull transformed himself from below average
matter is whether Pitt can seal the deal in Dec.

Why #11? Some of the best individual talent in nation, tremendous pass rush tandem (J. Sheard &
G. Romeus), tremendous T duo (J. Pinkston & L. Nix), high profile out of conference games.

Why not higher? Those same high profile out of conference games (Utah, Miami, ND), back to
back road games @ U Conna and USF, 3 of last 4 on road, inexperience in interior OL and CB.

2010 Schedule Key Games

Sep 2, 2010 @ Utah
Sep 11, 2010 New Hampshire
Sep 18, 2010 BYE
Sep 23, 2010 Miami (FL)
Oct 2, 2010 Florida Int.
An opening night By this time of the T h e Pa n t h e r s
Oct 9, 2010 @ Notre Dame trip to Utah is one year The upset #2 WVU in
thing. A Thursday surprising U Conn 2007 to end hopes
Oct 16, 2010 @ Syracuse night visit from Huskies will either for a BCS game
the Miami run. The Panthers
Oct 23, 2010 Rutgers Hu r r i c a n e s i s
be licking their
perfect Big East
wounds from early
Oct 30, 2010 Louisville q u i t e a n o t h e r.
season losses or season was ruined
This is a MUST last year by WVU.
Nov 6, 2010 BYE win for Miami, they’ll be readying
Don’t think the
given their early for a Big East
Nov 11, 2010 @ U Conn trip to Ohio State Champ. game
‘Eers aren’t primed
t o r u i n P i t t ’s
on the 11th. But, a meeting with Pitt
Nov 20, 2010 @ USF win for Pitt will at home. Go with
dream of winning
the Big East.
catapult them into the latter. Great
Nov 26, 2010 West Virginia the top 10. game in the Rent.
Devine v. Lewis is
huge. Mega-huge.
Dec 4, 2010 @ Cincinnati
“He’s the best running back...
Yr. Att Yds TDs Rec. Yds. TD
2009 325 1799 17 25 189 1
Honor Roll
2009 Second team All-American
2009 National Freshman of the Yr. (TSN)
2009 Off. Freshman of the Yr. (CFN)
2009 Freshman All-American (media)
2009 Big East Rookie of the Year
2009 Big East Off. Player of the Year
2009 First team All-Big East
2009 Meineke Car Care Bowl MVP
He’s about 5’10”, probably no more than 200
pounds. He wears the #28. He can make
you miss in a phone booth. He
doesn’t fumble the ball. He’s got
mad burst and he sees cuts
before the blocking even
develops in front of him.
Dion Lewis is a modern day Marshall Faulk.
Don’t believe me? Go find Faulk’s 1992 game
against BYU. Then, watch that game after
you’ve watched Lewis’s performance against
Notre Dame or Cincinnati. Now, those
are big words “Lewis is a modern day Faulk”
and Dion Lewis can only hope to be half as
good as Marshall Faulk, but the comparisons
are uncanny.
The jump cut into open space. The home run
hitting burst. Toughness. Football IQ. Just
watch, you’ll see what I’m talking about.
We had the chance to talk with former Pitt TE/
WR Dorin Dickerson about Dion Lewis and he
couldn’t gush more about the Panther running
back. Here was a guy who practiced with him
every day and he still couldn’t believe the things
that Le wis wa s doing on a dail y ba sis.
Dickerson wasn’t the only individual to gush
about the freshman.
A lot of times freshmen burst on the scene for
highlight reel runs and Lewis had his share, no
...in the nation. Period.”
Dion
DionLewis
Lewis
doubt. However, what stood
out for me was the fact that Pitt
just kept handing him the ball,
even though he was the smallest
guy on the field, he just kept taking
it and pounding on the defense.
Against Cincinnati, he had 47 carries
and 5 receptions. Of 76 total offensive
plays, Lewis touched the ball 52 times. This
is one tough dude and he’s only going to get
better. How much better? What’s he
going to look like in the future? I don’t
really need to tell you, do I?
“...What he said...”
“You always worry about players of
any age handling the hype, the
attention, the accolades, but
especially freshmen because it’s all
new to them. But not Dion, he’s not
changed one bit. Not even a little.
He’s the same guy he was when
nobody outside of the team knew
who he was. He’s humble, he’s very
well grounded and he just wants to be
the best player he can be.”
- Running backs coach David Walker
on Lewis
O
WR Jon Baldwin
Sometimes life as an
offensive coordinator can
6 ’5 ” 2 25 lb .
J u n ior Against Notre
D a m e ,
82
be pretty difficult. Yr Rec Yds TDs Baldwin
Sometimes nothing goes 2008 18 404 3 made one of Star Watch

f
right - you can execute 2009 57
things perfectly and it
goes to Hades. But, sometimes it works the
other way - sometimes you just let fly and let
your guy go get it.
That’s what Pitt can do, and does, with WR Jon
Baldwin. At 6’5”, there isn’t one defensive back
who can match Baldwin once the ball is in the
air. Even if that DB is in perfect position.
1111 8 the best
catches of the year, laying
out on an overthrow to snag a TD you had to
see to believe. Against Cincinnati, he had two
TDs on deep throws, going up over UC
defensive backs for key first half touchdowns.
This guy can change the game on nearly every
deep thrown downfield. When it doesn’t look
good, just throw it up to Baldwin - he’ll go get
it.

f QB 12
QB/RB
Tino Sunseri
Can he take pressure off of #28?
RB 28 Dion Lewis
Sr.

So.
A legitimate Heisman contender, stud
WR 27 Henry Hynoski Jr.
TE/Receivers Offensive Line
WR 82

WR 87

TE 85
Jonathan Baldwin

Mike Shanahan

Mike Cruz
Jr.
Should be a top 20 pick in 2011 draft
So.
Had strong bowl game - 5 rec, 83 yds
So.
LT

LG

C
77

54

61
Jason Pinkston

Chris Jacobson
Sr.
A-A potential, First team All-Big East

Started once in ’09 in the bowl game

Alex Karabin
Jr.

Sr.

e
Great lead blocker for Lewis Tough to follow Byham and Dickerson Backup stepping into starting role
RG 60 Greg Gaskins Jr.
Must help power running game excel
RT 52 Lucas Nix Jr.
Started 13 games at RT as a soph. in ‘09
Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses
QB Bill Stull WR Oderick Turner C Robb Houser
TE Nate Byham & Dorin Dickerson G John Malecki & Joe Thomas

n
Two years ago, I thought that I would
be telling you what a disaster the past
few seasons had been with Bill Stull
at quarterback. But, you’ve got to
give him credit for what he did last
s e a s o n . He w a s n’t t h e b e s t
quarterback in the nation, but he was
exactly what Pitt needed to have at
this position. He was efficient and
effective, throwing for 21 TDs with
The Panthers lost a litany of pass
catching threats, especially at the
tight end position. Nate Byham and
Dorin Dickerson were an eclectic
pair of tight ends. Byham was more
in-line blocker than Dickerson, but
DD was second on the team with 49
receptions and first on the team with
10 touchdowns receiving.
Last year the Pitt offensive line led
the way for Lewis to set a Big East
freshman record rushing and become
a dark horse Heisman candidate.
But, with the brawlers this line had
inside, especially John Malecki, this
group was nasty.
Whether the 2010 version of the Pitt
offensive line will be as adept at

s
only 8 interceptions. With a back
like Dion Lewis, he couldn’t afford
to give the ball up.
With Stull gone, Tino Sunseri
emerged from spring as the starter
and the Panther coaching staff is
excited about what he brings to this
offense.
Mike Cruz and Andrew Devlin
won’t remind anyone of Byham and
Dickerson. The receiving corps will
get most of the pass catching
opportunities starting with All-
American candidate Jon Baldwin.
Of Baldwin’s 57 catches last season,
nearly half were of the highlight reel
variety. And, most of them came
winning battles at the line of
scrimmage remains to be seen. The
perimeter of the Pitt line should be in
good shape.
Jason Pinkston is a definite All-
American candidate. He’s got first
rounder potential and will protect
Sunseri, as well as create downhill

e
If all he does is hand the ball off to
Lewis, that’s a good step. Henry
Hynoski is a guard with a skill
player’s numbers and he paves the
way for Lewis.
with 2 and sometimes 3 DBs draped
all over him. Mike Shanahan (no
relation to the Redskins coach of the
same name) is a solid intermediate
threat - he had 15 receptions last year.
perimeter running lanes for Lewis.
Lucas Nix is a future star, I really
like the way he played last season
when he started all 13 games at RT. If
the interior struggles, though, it
won’t matter who’s at tackle.
 DE Greg Romeus & DE Jabaal Sheard
91
Star Watch
6’5 ” 270 lb. & 6 ’ 4” 2 6 0 l b .
S e n ior & Se ni or
Although you’ll get a major
argument from those fans in
Io w a C i t y, y o u ’ l l b e h a r d
are those (signed Dorin
D i c ke r s o n ) w h o s a i d
Sheard is “better”. Now,
97
Star Watch
D
e
pressed to find a more t h a t ’s a g o o d
Yr Tackles TFL Sacks i m p r e s s i v e p a i r o f problem for Yr Tackles TFL Sacks
2007 41 11.5 4 defensive ends than the d e f e n s i v e 2007 3 0 0
2008 51 15.5 7.5 two that man the edges co o r d i n a to r P h i l 2008 45 10.5 5.5
2009 43 11.5 8 for the Panthers - Greg Bennett. Mo s t 2009 42 10.5 5
Ro m e u s a n d Ja b a a l teams have to go to
Sheard. a quick, 3-step game to account for these two.
If an opposing offense is having too many 3rd
Ask NFL scouts and they’ll tell you that down conversion attempts, it’s going to lose
Romeus is a sure-fire first rounder, but there with these two coming hard.

Defensive Line Linebackers

DE 91 Greg Romeus

Racked up 5 TFL as a backup in ‘09

DT 94 Myles Caragein
Had one start, but had 7.5 TFL in ‘09
Sr.
If he’s not Big East Def. POY, then...
DT 98 Chas Alecxih Jr.

Jr.
OLB 55

OLB 38
Max Gruder
Teams leading tackler with 91 in ‘09
ILB 40 Dan Mason
Had 26 tackles as a backup true FR.
Greg Williams
Jr.

So.

Jr.
21 starts in 2 yrs, 33 tackles, 4 TFL in ‘09
CB

FS

SS
Secondary
22

18

31
Antwuan Reed

Jarred Holley

Dom DeCicco
Jr.
Played in all 13 games, 13 tackles, 1 int
So.
Started last 8 games, 3 picks, 48 tackles
Sr.
Big safety, 2nd team All-Big East in ‘09
f
e
DE 97 Jabaal Sheard Sr. CB 2 Saheed Imoru Jr.
...he should be - some think he’s better Texan JUCO star who must shine early

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

DT Gus Mustakas LB Adam Gunn CB Aaron Berry
DT Mick Williams CB Jovani Chappel

If a defensive line is a little bit of Playing behind this defensive line Defensive coordinator Phil Bennett

heart and soul, well, the soul
remained.
Greg Romeus and Jabaal Sheard
combined for 13 sacks from their
defensive end position, providing soul
in the defense. Both of them have
the potential to be All-Americans,
would make anyone look good, but
the linebacking corps does it’s best to
stand on its own as a, well, standout
unit on the defense.
The team’s leading tackler in 2009
was outside linebacker Max Gruder.
Fr o m C h a r l o t t e , N C , G r u d e r
n
isn’t afraid to let his corners stay out
on an island on a Saturday afternoon.
Aaron Berry and Jovani Chappel may
have been the reasons why Bennett
felt like he could be more aggressive
in his scheming. The experienced
corners have graduated opening the

players of the year in the Big East and
first round 2011 NFL Draft
selections.
If those two are the soul, Mick
Williams and Gus Mustakas were the
heart. Were being the operative
w o r d . T h e i n te r i o r h a s to b e
replaced. Chas Alecxih and Myles
Caragein were rotation guys last
embodies the typical Pitt linebacker -
tough, smart and able to stay on the
field for all three downs. However,
he may not ultimately be the most
talented linebacker on this team.
Sophomore Dan Mason backed up
All-Big East LB Adam Gunn last year,
but now he steps into that role that
has featured some of the best
s
door for fresh faces and fresh targets.
Teams will focus on the “new guys” at
c o r n e r. A n t w u a n Re e d a n d
Saheed Imoru emerged from spring
as the starters, but Ricky Gary
could step in as a starter just as easily
come September 2nd.
Dom DeCicco is out of position,
but you wouldn’t know it the way he

year and were fantastic as depth to
Williams and Mustakas. However,
they’ve got to be as effective as
starters to stop the run as well as this
unit did last year (17th in the nation
against the run and 32.5 sacks)
linebackers in the Big East (H.B
Blades and Scott McKillop). Greg
Williams is back as a three year
starter - unless the team faces a
spread attack and has to get a fifth
DB on the field.
e
plays. I wouldn’t be surprised if he
moves to OLB if Jason Hendricks
can emerge. Jarred Holley is also
out of position, a corner playing
safety, but, like DeCicco, he’s been
successful at free safety.
 2009: 9-4, Lost to Wisconsin in Champs Bowl Game
3 rd i n AC C C o a s t a l
Head Coach: Randy Shannon, 4th Yr. @ Miami - Record: 21-17
After opening the 2009 season However, if the ‘Canes are going to be a

12
with a win at Florida State in championship ball
one of the most scintillating club, it’s going to Miami’s Vital Signs
games of the season, it seemed as happen now, if at 2009 Results
though Randy Shannon’s Miami all. QB Jacory Run Offense 138.0 ypg 70th
Hurricanes were ready to break through Harris returns, Pass Offense 261.9 ypg 31st
to the Championship side. Those feelings were b u t i f i t ’s t h e Total Offense 399.9 ypg 45th
ce m e n te d a f e w w e e k s l a te r w h e n t h e Harris that played Scoring Offense 30.3 ppg 31st
Hurricanes beat Oklahoma to go 3-1 to start in the bowl game, Run Defense 122.3 ypg 32nd
Pass Defense 207.3 ypg 43rd
the season. forget it. But,
Total Defense 329.6 ypg 29th
now that he’s fully Scoring Def. 22.2 ppg 37th
But, along the way, the Hurricanes fell into the healthy, I would
trap set for relatively young and inexperienced expect to see a 30 2010 Returning Starters
teams. Losses at North Carolina and Clemson T D / 1 2 Off. Ret. Starters 5
following that start ended any hope of a New interception Def. Ret. Starters 8
Year’s Day bowl game. Then, Wisconsin season in Harris’
throttled the ‘Canes at the Champs Bowl and second season in Mark Whipple’s offense. Will
the questions started all over again. it be enough? It’d better be.

Why #12? Jacory Harris might be the best quarterback in the ACC, plenty of individual talent,
motivation (i.e chip on their shoulder) after Wisconsin beat them up in bowl game, stout D

Why not higher? Schedule is unforgiving - at Ohio State, at Pitt, at Clemson in first four games, no
dominant threat at RB, offensive line is a major question mark

2010 Schedule Key Games

Sep 2, 2010 Florida A&M
Sep 11, 2010 @ Ohio State
Sep 18, 2010 BYE
Sep 23, 2010 @ Pitt
Oct 2, 2010 @ Clemson Although on paper 12 days after the Payback is a total
this looks to be trip to Columbus, bi...well, you know.
Oct 9, 2010 Florida State crazy - going to Miami travels up The Hurricanes
Columbus in week to the Ketchup first loss of the ’09
Oct 16, 2010 @ Duke two after a Bottle to face season was a
g l o r i f i e d Dion Lewis and washout in
Oct 23, 2010 North Carolina scrimmage against the Pitt Panthers. Blacksburg in a
Oct 30, 2010 @ Virginia Florida A&M, it’s With a week off, deluge. Miami
actually a no lose expect the c o u l d n’t do
Nov 6, 2010 Maryland situation for the Hu r r i c a n e s t o anything right.
Hurricanes. Ohio have a thorough But, if things play
Nov 13, 2010 @ Georgia Tech State has all the game plan out accordingly,
pressure and offensively. But, this game should
Nov 20, 2010 Virginia Tech Miami has enough can they stop be for the ACC
athleticism to win. Lewis? Uh...
Nov 27, 2010 USF Coastal title.
Jacory
“He has zero fear...
Yr.
JacoryHarris
2008
2009
Harris
Head coaches don’t sleep too well
throughout a season, but Miami’s
Randy Shannon must of
experienced insomnia given his QB
situation last year. Watching his
star QB Jacory Harris throw the
ball over 400 times last year had
to take its toll on the man with
only a true freshman remaining
on campus behind Harris.
Whether it took its toll on
Shannon is debatable, but it
finally took its toll on Harris,
that’s for sure. He sat out
spring practice as he
rehabbed a couple of
injuries, allowing that true
freshman, AJ Highsmith, a
seasoning. Maybe that’ll
Shannon’s nerves a little bit,
one guy who won’t get too
about it.
Jacory Harris.
There probably isn’t a more cool,
calm customer in
the pocket than the
6’4” 195 lb. junior out of
fabled Miami Northwestern High School.
After a strong 2-0 start to the season, Harris
...in the pocket”
Cmp Att Yds TDs Int.
118 194 1195 12 7
242 406 3352 24 17
proclaimed he was headed to New
York for the Heisman ceremony in a
pink suit and a pimp cup. Sure,
Virginia Tech brought he and the
Canes back down to earth, but it
proved how unflappable, and
confident he is (can you imagine a pimp cup
up on stage next to the previous winners?
Priceless).
For him to be in New York this year, it’s
going to take some serious work on his
decision making. Offensive coordinator
Mark Whipple has handed Harris a solid
game plan to utilize, but he can’t throw 17
interceptions. Even without Graig Cooper
(injured knee) and Javarris James (out of
eligibility), the Miami offense has the
little potential to be as explosive as any in the
c a l m southern part of the US.
but there’s
rattled But, that’s going to fall on Harris to do his
part - stay calm, feel the rush and let his
talented receiving corps get open downfield.
The junior has proven that he can make
any throw imaginable, he’s got a strong
arm with good touch on deep throws. If
it’s harnessed, look out. If
not, the pimp cup is
staying in Coral Gables.
 WR Travis Benjamin

O He ’s n o t t h e l e a d i n g
returning receiver on the
team. He’s not the team’s
best NFL Draft prospect
Yr.
2008
2009
Rec
18
29
5’ 10 ” 175 lb .
J u n ior
YDS
293
501
TDs
3
4
No matter
over 17 yards
per catch.
3
Star Watch

f
a t r e c e i v e r. He
presumably won’t set a ton of records at Miami.
But, Travis Benjamin is the one player the
Miami Hurricanes need to shine during the
2010 season.
Look at his numbers - shoot, he topped out at
29 receptions last year as a sophomore, but at
the same time look at the yards per reception -
what he’s
done in past years, he could be a major weapon
for the Hurricanes this season. With Graig
Cooper out for the season, it wouldn’t be
surprising for Benjamin to get some reps
coming out of the backfield to get an
advantageous matchup on a linebacker in pass
coverage. He can change the game with one
touch. Remember the name: Travis Benjamin

f QB 12
QB/RB
Jacory Harris Jr.
Semifinalist for O’Brien QB Award in ‘09
RB 20 Damien Berry Sr.
Can he finally be The Man? Has to be.
FB 30 Patrick Hill Sr.
TE/Receivers Offensive Line
WR 47 LaRon Byrd
Has NFL future written all over him.
WR 85 Leonard Hankerson

TE 84 Richard Gordon
Jr.

Sr.
Big play receiver for Canes, 18 ypc in ‘09
Sr.
LT

LG

C
74

72

63
Orlando Franklin
Moving from guard to tackle for 2010
Brandon Washington
Started 2 times, including bowl game
Tyler Horn
Sr.

So.

Jr.

e
Started four times in 2009 TEs can have a field day in this offense Played in seven games in 2009
RG 61 Joel Figueroa Sr.
Best ‘Canes linemen, started 9 times in ‘09
RT 78 Jermaine Johnson Fr.
Open battle for this key spot this season

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

RB Javarris James TE Jimmy Graham T Jason Fox & T Matt Pipho
RB Graig Cooper (injured) TE Dedrick Epps C A.J. Trump

n
In Miami’s “The U” years early in the
2000s and a few years prior, the
r unning backs, it spit out were
legendary. Edge. Clinton. Willis.
Frank. Names you heard for years at
the next level.
That has changed and impacts this
team without question. Graig
Cooper could possibly have been a
The Hurricanes won’t be hurting at
the wide receiver position for a while.
Sure, the team has to replace two
fantastic red zone threats at tight
end, but even Richard Gordon has
the athletic ability to be a star.
T h e g r o u p i s l e d b y L e o n a rd
Hankerson who had a strong 2009
season. The progress he made has
The difference in this team being a
national championship contender and
just another 8-4 mid-level bowl squad
might be the offensive line. And, it
could be a major deal breaker.
The Hurricanes offensive line was
average, at best, last season,
especially after left tackle Jason Fox
went down with an injury and missed

s
guy to get people’s attention, but like
Willis McGahee before him, a major
knee injury in the bowl game last
season will either end his season
before it starts or critically limit his
effectiveness if he miraculously makes
it back.
That leaves the ball in the hands of
taken a bit of the spotlight away from
LaRon Byrd who many feel has the
most NFL potential of any Hurricane
player. Both are big, physical targets
who Harris can rely on in any on the
field.
The X factor, then, remains Travis
Benjamin. He get be a deep threat
the rest of the season. Fox then
graduated as did multi-year starters
Matt Pipho and A.J Trump, leaving
wide open barren areas on this
offensive line. Teams that win
championships typically don’t have to
start totally reconstructed offensive
and defensive lines.

e
Damien Berry who has shown some
flashes, but he’s not a real threat.
Don’t be surprised to see as many as
four guys touch it this year from this
position - Berry, Lamar Miller,
Mike James and Storm Johnson
just as he can be a catch short and
run guy. His dual abilities will force
Mark Whipple, the U’s OC, to use
more three WR sets with Hankerson,
Byrd and Benjamin on the field.
Jo e l Fi g u e ro a i s t h e m o s t
experienced of the bunch, but he
m i s s e d s p r i n g w i t h a n i n j u r y.
Orlando Franklin is moving to
tackle. The coaches like the look of
center Tyler Horn in the middle.
 57
Star Watch
I’m typically
guilty of
fawning
o v e r
2007
DT/DE Allen Bailey
4 0
Yr. Tackles TFL Sacks QBH Int.
2008 24
physical
2009 34
marvels in the game of
college football. It’s been a sort of running
joke, really. I know when Allen Bailey pops up
on the screen, it’s literally awesome.
6’4”. 288 lb. Runs and moves like a deer. Can
play inside. Better suited to play in space
outside. It’s easy to see why NFL personnel
people can’t wait to get their hands on Bailey.
Defensive Line Linebackers
DE 57 Allen Bailey Sr.
Arguably, biggest “freak” in the ACC
DT 92 Josh Holmes Sr.
If he doesn’t start, Curtis Porter will
DT 54 Micanor Regis Jr.
If healthy, Marcus Fortson will play here
DE 48 Andrew Smith Jr.
Best speed off the edge, must be productive
Key Losses
DT Joe Joseph
If there’s a signal to the rest of the
football world that the U may be on
its way back, it’s the one being sent
by the defensive line. For the first
time in a while, the defensive line has
depth and is wildly talented, led by
future first round NFL Draft
selection Allen Bailey.
Bailey has bumped around from
defensive tackle to defensive end,
back and forth. But, that had to do
in large part to injuries at that
position and matchup advantages
that Bailey could exploit with his
strength and quickness. Opposite
Bailey will be Andrew Smith who’s
blessed with speed and quickness,
battling Adawale Ojomo for the
starter’s job.
In s i d e , Ma rc u s Fo r t s o n w a s
supposed to shine, but injuries ended
his 2009 season. Josh Holmes may
not start, with Curtis Porter on his
heels.
0
6 ’4 ” 2 88 lb .
S en io r
0 0
But, and there always is
one, it’s also time for
Bailey to truly live up to
his potential. He’s had
D
e
9 5 1 0
games when he’s done
11 7 2 0
virtually nothing and then
will make a play that’ll make you shake your
head. He’s incredibly quick off the ball and he’s
strong as an ox with his hands. When he really
gets after it with his pass rush, he’s difficult to
stop one-on-one. But, offensive tackles have
found that if they can just slow him down, he
doesn’t have an array of moves to get loose. If
f
he stays outside and learns, he’ll be a monster.
Secondary
OLB 31 Sean Spence Jr. CB 1 Brandon Harris Jr.
Had much better ’08 than ‘09 Brilliant cover corner with toughness
ILB 36 Kylan Robinson Sr. FS 7 Vaughn Telemaque So.
Must become a player in the middle Strong RSFr. season, could excel in ‘10
OLB 44 Colin McCarthy Sr. SS 26 Ray-Ray Armstrong So.
e
Underrated leader of D., 2nd Team All-ACC If he plays up to potential, he’s next star
CB 8 DeMarcus Van Dyke Sr.
Started 8 games, 1 interception in ‘09
Key Losses Key Losses
LB Darryl Sharpton S Randy Phillips
n
The linebacking corps for the Canes The unit that typifies former Miami
in 2010 is a little bit of the opposite squads is the secondary. Talented,
of the defensive line. There are more nasty and physical, the Hurricanes
productive players at this position, defensive backs are as talented as any
but not as much depth. group at the U since the days of Sean
Taylor and Ed Reed.
Colin McCarthy earned 2nd team
It starts with one of the nation’s best
All-ACC honors in 2009 and is one of
s
cornerbacks - Brandon Harris. He
the most underrated players in the
can play man or zone equally well,
ACC. I love how he attacks ball
breaks on the ball with a purpose and
carriers and plays with a high football
won’t ever be a liability coming up
IQ. He may have to transition inside
and supporting the run. He finished
if Kylan Robinson isn’t ready to
the year with 15 PBUs, but the
take over at middle linebacker.
respect he earned should keep teams
away from him on a regular basis.
Robinson satisfied the coaches in the
DeMarcus Van Dyke is solid on the
spring, but if he can’t get it done early
other side.
in the season, the coaching staff may
e
make a change to get the most Va u g h n Te l e m a q u e i s a n
disruptive defenders out on the field. interesting cat, but he can play. He’ll
light ball carriers up but must not get
Sean Spence is a safety playing too a g gressive. Ray-Ray
linebacker but if the coaches want Armstrong is a stud, pure and
McCarthy staying outside, it might simple. When he turns it up this
be Spence transitioning inside. year, look out.
 2009: 10-3, Beat Tennessee in Chick-Fil-A Bowl
2 n d i n AC C C o a s t a l
Head Coach: Frank Beamer, 24th Yr. @ Va. Tech - Record: 187-92-2
It seems as though we’ve taken tough on everyone they face. QB Tyrod

13
Virginia Tech for granted as a Taylor, RB Ryan
college football public. Nice 9 or Williams and RB
Va. Tech’s Vital Signs
10 win team. Will compete for the Darren Evans
ACC Championship. Plays and will pound on 2009 Results
Run Offense 208.2 ypg 14th
competes hard. Physical. d e f e n s e s
Pass Offense 183.9 ypg 95th
incessantly, but Total Offense 392.1 ypg 50th
But, have the Hokies plateaued, in some sense? will it be enough? Scoring Offense 31.9 ppg 24th
Has the championship window closed for this Run Defense 128.4 ypg 40th
group, led by QB Tyrod Taylor? Is this a Defensively, it’s a Pass Defense 167.1 ypg 11th
group that can truly string together 11 or 12 lunch pail group Total Defense 295.5 ypg 12th
wins and be a top 5 team at the end of the a n d t h a t h a s Scoring Def. 15.6 ppg 9th
season? It doesn’t feel that way at all. t r a n s l a te d i n to
Honestly, it feels like another Chick-fil-A Bowl grand success in 2010 Returning Starters
Off. Ret. Starters 7
team that’ll miss the ACC Championship game previous years. Def. Ret. Starters 3
for the second straight season. But, there’s little
experience on ‘D’
The Hokies backfield, though, will make things and that’s a major worry for this Hokie squad.

Why #13? Best backfield trio on the East Coast - Darren Evans, Tyrod Taylor and Ryan Williams,
Only four road games - just two after October 2nd.

Why not higher? The defensive line has massive holes and no game changers, another gut busting
opener (this time Boise State), back-to-back road tilts in November - UNC & Miami

2010 Schedule Key Games

Sep 6, 2010 Boise State (DC)
Sep 11, 2010 James Madison
Sep 18, 2010 East Carolina
Sep 25, 2010 @ Boston College
Six years ago, Va . Te c h o w n s No team wants a
Oct 2, 2010 @ NC State Virginia Tech took Thursday nights, piece of Virginia
the short trip to especially in Tech more than
Oct 9, 2010 Central Michigan Washington DC Blacksburg. But, t h e U. The
Oct 16, 2010 Wake Forest to face a team last year, North Hokies hammered
from the left side Carolina came to Miami last year in
Oct 23, 2010 Duke o f t h e c o u n t r y. visit after a horrid the rain and will
USC waxed the loss to FSU and need to do it again
Oct 30, 2010 BYE future AC C u p s e t Va . Te c h , to make another
Champs. This costing the Hokies trip to the ACC
Nov 4, 2010 Georgia Tech t i m e , i t ’s B o i s e a shot at the ACC Championship
Nov 13, 2010 @ North Carolina State coming to
D C to f a c e Va .
Championship
game. It’s payback
game. If the title
comes down this
Nov 20, 2010 @ Miami (FL) Te c h w i t h 2 0 time, well, in game, it’s going to
returning starters. Chapel Hill. be an ugly war.
Nov 27, 2010 Virginia
 “It will be dangerous with...

Ryan
RyanWilliams
Yr. Att Yds TDs Rec. Yds. TD
2009 293 1655 21 16 180 1
Honor Roll
Broke ACC single season rushing record
Broke ACC single season rush. TD record
Broke ACC single season total TD record
2009 First team All-ACC (media)
2009 ACC Rookie of the Year

Williams
2009 ACC Off. Rookie of the Year

The panic could be felt through every r u s h i n g

word, sentence and blog post. Darren record in a
Evans is out for the season with an season he was supposed to
ACL tear. It’s over. Why play the rest of be an afterthought.
the season? Do we have anyone else?
Luckily, not only did Ryan Williams’ play Now, the pressure is squarely
helped the Virginia Tech faithful calm down, o n Wi l l i a m s . C a n h e
but it made them wonder what 2010 was produce another stellar
going to be like when Evans returned. He season alongside power
just may not be b a c k Ev a n s ? If s o ,
returning to his there’s no telling how
starter’s position productive this offense
after the season can be w i t h Vi r g i n i a Te c h’s
that Williams put forth in his redshirt version of Thunder and Lightning.
f r e s h m a n campaign. Evans won’t scare anyone when he
has the ball in his hands. Williams will.
As with Dion Lewis, Jacquizz Rodgers, Every single time. The worst thing to
LaMichael James and Noel Devine, Williams h a p p e n t o AC C d e f e n s i v e
isn’t a big, bruising prototypical power back. coordinators was Evans getting
But, he is a power runner with mad quicks. He hurt. That injury opened the
has what I call phone booth quickness - he can door for Williams to put
make you miss in a phone booth. Running maximum pressure on
behind seniors Ed Wang and Sergio Render, defenses throughout this league. Trust me,
Williams set the Virginia Tech single season there won’t be any panic at Va. Tech this year.

“...What he said...”
“Nah, there is no Ryan Williams for Heisman. There’s only Ryan Williams trying to help this
team win”

-Williams after his 117 yard/2 TD performance in the Chick-fil-A Bowl last season

...me, Darren & Tyrod together”

O
QB Tyrod Taylor
When Taylor was a true
freshman, I had the
6 ’ 1” 217 lb .
S en io r
l i ke
Kong.
D o n ke y 5
chance to see him up
close and personal at Yr. Cmp Att Yds TDs Int. Att Yds TDs Wel l, it’s
LSU. It was a disaster 2007 72 134 927 5 3 102 429 6 three years Star Watch

f
for the Hokies, but l a te r a n d
2008 99 173 1036 2 7 147 738 7
what struck me that in some sense we’re
night was the fact 2009 136 243 2311 13 5 106 370 5 all still waiting.
only one Hokie was Taylor has been good,
playing the game at the same speed as the rest but not great. He’s made some key plays
of the LSU Tigers - Taylor. When he came into (Nebraska last year comes to mind), but not
the game, its complexion changed as LSU dominated. With this group of running backs,
started chasing instead of mauling. I remember Taylor could fade further into the background.
thinking, man, when this kid grows up, it’s on He can’t allow that happen - he has to shine.

f QB 5
QB/RB
Tyrod Taylor Sr.
Can truly change the game when he’s “on”
RB 34 Ryan Williams So.
Teams with D. Evans for best duo in ACC
FB 31 Kenny Younger Sr.
TE/Receivers Offensive Line
WR 81

WR 19

TE 88
Jarrett Boykin
40 rec, 835 yards and 5 TDs in 2009
Danny Coale

Andre Smith
Jr.

Jr.
Solid receiving threat, over 20 ypc in ‘09
Sr.
LT

LG

C
54

75

60
Nick Becton
Great feet, athletic but inexperienced
Greg Nosal
So.

Most versatile of the bunch, solid at LG

Beau Warren
Jr.

Sr.

e
Played in all 13 games, stud blocker Only 3 receptions in 2009, blocking TE Started ten games in 2009, 12 career starts
RG 68 Jaymes Brooks Jr.
Started every game at RG in 2009
RT 62 Blake DeChristopher Jr.
Perhaps best run blocker of this OL

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

NONE TE Greg Boone T Ed Wang
G Sergio Render

n
Look around the nation - there are
plenty of good running back pairings.
There are plenty of good
quarterbacks. But, there may not be
a better mix in the backfield (maybe
Ohio State) than what the Hokies
have with Tyrod Taylor, Ryan
Williams and Darren Evans.
Taylor is in his fourth and final year
Think about Virginia Tech receivers
in the past. Has there ever been a
group that was one of the best groups
in the ACC? On the flip side has
there ever been a group that really
hamstrung the Hokies in previous
y e a r s ? Pr o b a b l y n o o n e i t h e r
account. The Virginia Tech receivers
in 2010 are probably much the same.
Good enough to not be a weakness,
If there’s a slight worry for this
offense it may be up front with the
offensive line. Three starters return
from last year’s crew, but the two
most decorated linemen - Ed Wang
a n d S e r g i o Re n d e r ( t h e te a m’s
vaunted left side) - graduated and
moved on to the NFL.
B l a ke DeChristopher is

s
as a starter and has become more
caretaker than star. But, with a
strong season, he can transform this
offense into a complex killer for ACC
opponents.
When Darren Evans tore his ACL
last year, it opened up the door for
Williams to become a star. One year
yet no one good enough to really be
considered a star.
Jarrett Boykin is the closest you’ll
get to a star. As a sophomore, he was
reliable and Taylor’s key deep threat
down the field. Both Boykin and
Danny Coale averaged over 20 yards
per catch.
embarking on his third straight year
as a starter. Along with being the
most experienced, he’s the best run
blocker for a team with one of the
best running back duos in the nation.
Beau Warren and Jaymes Brooks
solidify the remainder of the right
side of the line. It’s the question of

e
later with Evans fully healthy, the two
form the proverbial Thunder &
Lightning combination with the
whippet quick Wil liams a s the
Lightning and the powerful Evans as
the Thunder.
Greg Boone’s varied skills at TE will
be missed, but Andre Smith should
at least fill Boone’s shoes in the
blocking department.
that left side that could be an issue.
But, Greg Nosal filled in at times for
Render in 2009 so there’s at least a
bit of continuity there. Nick
Becton is a solid athlete but needs
time to truly develop.
 52
Star Watch
After being
l i t t l e
m o r e
than a bit 2008
Yr
J
LB Barquell Rivers
u
Tackles TFL
10
n
0
ior
6’ 235 lb.

Sacks
0
Int.
0
that season and one of
the memorable stops of
that whole season.
D
e
player in 2009 96 6.5 0 0
That momentum carried
2008, Barquell Rivers set himself for a solid over to the 2009 season as Rivers became a
2009 season with a play that saved the Orange consistent threat for this Virginia Tech defense.
Bowl. With Cincinnati knocking on the door Even with experienced starters and playmakers
on the one yard line late in the game, Rivers Cody Grimm and Cam Martin next to him,
was on the field for a key UC fourth down. Rivers still starred. Suffice it to say with those
And, it was Rivers who shut the door on UC two gone, Rivers is desperately needed on the
with a perfect form tackle at the goal line to field, but a quad injury could sideline him early
end the UC drive. It was one of his 10 tackles in the year. He’s the key to this season for sure.

Defensive Line Linebackers

DE 82 Steven Friday
Fifth year guy who replaces J. Worilds
DT 93 Kwamaine Battle
He or Antoine Hopkins fills in here
DT 91 John Graves
Spring Def. MVP, has a ton of pressure
Sr.

Jr.

Sr.
OLB 43

ILB 52
J. Gouveia-Winslow
Will battle talented Alonzo Tweedy
ILB 39 Lyndell Gibson

Barquell Rivers
So.

So.
Started last 5 games in ’09, 53 tackles
Jr.
Inj. in spring, should be back for season
CB

FS

SS
Secondary
17

15

2
Jayron Hosley

Eddie Whitley

Davon Morgan
So.
He has tough job at the field CB spot
Jr.
High effort guy who had a great spring
Sr.
Started last four games of ’09 season
f
e
DE 33 Chris Drager Jr. CB 21 Rashad Carmichael Sr.
Key edge guy last year, 6.5 TFL in ‘09 6 interceptions as boundary CB in ‘09

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

DT Cordarrow Thompson LB Cody Grimm S Dorian Porch & S Kam Chancellor
DE Jason Worilds & Nekos Brown LB Cam Martin CB Stephan Virgil

Defensive coordinator Bud Foster has The Hokies have had their share of The secondary does have a legitimate

been at Virginia Tech a whole heck of
a lot longer than people expected.
Re g a r d l e s s , h e ’s s e e n a to n o f
defenders come and go, and the
Virginia Tech defense has bounced
back every single season.
This year, especially up front, will be
star linebackers in the past, but it’ll
be tough to find one who made as
many plays as Cody Grimm.
Wi t h Gr i m m a n d C a m Ma r t i n
departed and Barquell Rivers
potentially on the shelf with his quad
injury, the linebacking corps is in
n
star in Rashad Carmichael at
boundary cornerback. He had six
interceptions last year and has a
brilliant NFL future in front of him.
He has the ball skills to be an
effective corner but is tough and
physical, coming up and making
tackles to assist the run defense.

Foster’s biggest challenge as DC.
If there’s a bright spot, it’s John
Graves at defensive tackle. Now,
this is assuming the big fella is fully
healthy, but when he is, Graves can
be flat out dominating.
The major question for this group is
whether it can generate any pressure
major trouble.
Jeron Gouveia-Winslow will get
the first crack at replacing Cody
Grimm. But, he’s first got to beat out
Alonzo Tweedy and earn that spot.
Both are sophomores so you can
expect some trouble due to
inexperience at that position.
s
The rest of the secondary? Well, it’s a
little more of the same as the rest of
the defense. Strong safety Davon
Morgan started the last four games
of the 2009 season and gives the
middle of the field a reliable,
dependable senior leader, which this
defense needs.

off the edge. Jason Worilds was the
focus of offensive game plans last
year, but left early for the NFL.
Chris Drager is the closest to being
a star pass rusher as possible.
When Rivers does return, he’ll
solidify the unit and if he’s ready to
go at the start of the season, it’ll keep
some gray hair from Foster’s head.
Lyndell Gibson did a solid job last
year starting last 5 games
e
The other safety spot is Eddie
Whitley’s following a solid spring.
The toughest spot on this defense is
the field cornerback spot and Foster
is entr usting that to talented
sophomore Jayron Hosley.
 2009: 8-5, Lost to BYU in Las Vegas Bowl
T i e d fo r 2 n d i n Pa c - 10
Head Coach: Mike Riley, 10th Yr. @ OSU - Record: 64-47
It’s hard to imagine putting your The big gest question for the Beavers is

14
team in a position to end a 40+ whether they’ve
year Rose Bowl drought and then recovered f rom Oregon St’s Vital Signs
losing to your hated rivals, which that loss to 2009 Results
ended that quest. Oregon. T h e Run Offense 139.9 ypg 67th
B e a v e r s w e r e Pass Offense 270.8 ypg 27th
That’s one thing. Now, double that pain - uninterested and Total Offense 410.6 ypg 34th
having the same situation repeat itself the unmotivated in an Scoring Offense 31.5 ppg 26th
following year - and you have a team that’s inexcusable loss Run Defense 114.4 ypg 25th
Pass Defense 235.1 ypg 84th
either on a mission and won’t let anything stand to B Y U i n t h e
Total Defense 349.5 ypg 46th
in its way or a team with a psyche so fragile Las Vegas Bowl. Scoring Def. 25.0 ppg 57th
that it can’t make another run for the Roses. Ho w e v e r, t h a t
might have been 2010 Returning Starters
With the Rodgers brothers on offense and the perfect tonic Off. Ret. Starters 7
Stephen Paea on defense, I’m going with the for Mike Riley’s Def. Ret. Starters 7
team on a mission belief, but it’s not going to team as it heads
be an easy road for anyone. into a wide open Pac-10 race in 2010.

Why #14? Experienced offensive line, more athletic quarterback who can put a ton of pressure on
opposing defenses, only two road trips the final seven weeks of the season, the Rodgers brothers.

Why not higher? Out of conference schedule is one of the toughest in the nation - TCU in
Arlington and Boise State on the blue turf, Ryan Katz is still a rookie QB, Oregon has OSU’s number

2010 Schedule Key Games

Sep 4, 2010 TCU (Arlington)
Sep 11, 2010 BYE
Sep 18, 2010 Louisville
Sep 25, 2010 @ Boise State
Oct 2, 2010 Arizona State Boise State will be Sure, the Trojans OSU’s headed into
Oct 9, 2010 @ Arizona a top 3 team to
start the season
are on probation
and everyone will
the Civil War the
past 2 years, with a
Oct 16, 2010 @ Washington and it doesn’t lose want to get their ticket to the Rose
at home. They’ve licks in, OSU is Bowl awaiting
Oct 23, 2010 BYE not lost a regular one of those teams them with a win.
season game at that actually took Those two nights
Oct 30, 2010 Cal home since 2001. care of business ended in crushing
But, if Boise State before the
Nov 6, 2010 @ UCLA loses early to probation.
defeats to the
hated Ducks. Last
Nov 13, 2010 Washington St. Virginia Tech, it They’ve won 2 of year’s loss stung
could be a the last 3 against most as the Ducks
Nov 20, 2010 USC vulnerable, USC - those two win sent them to
pressing BSU in Corvallis, like Pasadena. Payback
Nov 27, 2010 @ Stanford squad that night. this one.
Dec 4, 2010 Oregon
 “And to think, many in the state...
Jacquizz
JacquizzRodgers
Rodgers
“...What he said...”
“He not only has great vision
but it’s what he does with that
vision. He takes advantage of it
with his quickness, I mean, he’s
tremendously quick - with very
good speed - and the other
thing he’s got is leverage. He’s
extremely strong and he gets
u n d e r e ve r y b o d y ’ s p a d s .
People have a hard time really
getting a good shot at him.”
- Oregon State head coach Mike
Riley
...thought he was too small”
Yr. Att Yds
2008 259 1253
2009 273 1440
Honor Roll
2009 Third team All-American (media)
2009 First team All-Pac 10
2009 Elite RB (CFB Perf. Awards)
2008 Third team All-American (media)
2008 First team All-Pac 10
2008 Pac 10 Offensive Player of the Year
I was driving home
f r o mw o r k o n e a f te r n o o n
about six years ago when I got
a call from one of my best
friends in the world, Mike
Zierlein, who was coaching
at my alma mater Lamar
C o n s o l i d a te d Hi g h
School. He had been
there for a couple of
years, so w e h a d
t a l ke d a b i t
about how things
w e r e transpiring
a t “home”.
T h i s t i m e ,
though, I could sense there
was something different in his
voice.
“Jaybird, we’ve got these two
kids - Quon and Quizz”.
It was the first time I’d heard
of Jacquizz Rodgers and his
older brother James, but I’d
known about them for longer
than that. Their uncle is a
good friend and was a
teammate in high school.
Their other uncle played for
my dad at Lamar Consolidated
and is a current NFL safety.
So, I had a “feeling” about
them both.
TDs Rec. Yds. TD
11 29 247 1
21 78 522 1
Most college football fans
point to the September night
in 2008 when ‘Quizz lit up the
vaunted USC defense, but
fortunately for me, I’d seen it
well before that.
Wi t h n e a r l y 2 ,7 0 0 y a r d s
through his first two seasons,
‘Quizz is on pace to finish in
the top ten in career rushing
yards all-time. He’ll challenge
Charles White for the best
mark all-time in the Pac 10.
But, for that to happen, he’s
got to get a bit better play out
of his offensive line this
season. Last year, against the
better defenses in the Pac-10,
‘Quizz often found little space
and had to generate yardage
on his own.
The other thought is that he
might not stay for a senior
year once his brother
graduates, declaring for the
NFL, especially if Oregon
State finally gets to the Rose
Bowl. B u t , t h a t ’s n o t
something to discuss now, just
make sure you see him now, so
you can say you saw him when.
O
Four returning starters on
the offensive line. The
best pair of offensive Yr. Cmp Att Yds TDs Int. Att Yds TDs K a t z
w e a p o n s i n t h e 2009 14 27
f
Pa c- 1 0 . A n d , a
sophomore at quarterback. It’s like turning a
Ferrari over to a 16 year old who just got his
license. Well, sort of - you get my point.
Ryan Katz replaces Sean Canfield after one of
the most effective seasons in OSU football
history. Canfield was fantastic, throwing for
3,271 yards while maintaining a 3:1 TD to
f QB 12
1
QB/RB
Ryan Katz
Jacquizz Rodgers
So.
Can he be as effective as S. Canfield?
RB Jr.
Again, he’ll be the focus of this ‘O’
e
Key Losses
QB Sean Canfield
n
Going into the 2009 season, there
was a question as to who was going to
be the Beavers signal caller. In the
end, Sean Canfield won that job and
made the most of his lone year as a
starter. Why do I bring that up? It’s
just good to keep it all in perspective,
in some sense. If Canfield could have
such a fantastic season in his one year
as a starter, Ryan Katz can be just as
s
effective in his first year as a starter.
That’s hoping and dreaming, but if he
plays up to his talent, this Oregon
State offense will be layered, multi-
dimensional and flat out productive
as can be.
However, Katz has the luxury of
handing off to the one of the most
e
decorated backs in recent memory in
the Pac 10 - Jacquizz Rodgers.
‘Quizz averaged nearly 26 touches a
game - 273 rushes and 78 receptions,
2nd in the Pac 10 (just behind his
brother, WR James).
QB Ryan Katz
6 ’ 3” 215 lb .
So phomore interception
12
ratio.
232 1 0 9 27 0 d o e s n’t
Star Watch
have to
match those numbers, but what he does have to
do is put pressure on defenses. If Katz can
force linebackers and secondary members to
“think”, there’s enough offensive firepower to
make Oregon State the best offense in the
league. If not, the Beavers will struggle to
move the ball with 8 guys, regularly, in the box
to stop Jacquizz Rodgers.
TE/Receivers Offensive Line
WR
WR 15
8 James Rodgers
Darrell Catchings
Sr.
He’ll not rest until team makes Rose Bowl
Jr.
Time to put all that potential to work
WR 23 Jordan Bishop So.
LT
LG
77
70
Michael Philipp
Has the potential to be a superstar
Grant Johnson
Started all 13 games last season
C 60 Alex Linnenkohl
So.
Jr.
Sr.
13 receptions in 13 games in 2009 Could vie for Pac 10 honors (HM in ’09)
TE 87 Joe Halahuni Jr. RG 74 Burke Ellis Jr.
4th on team in receiving in ’09 - 35 rec Replaces All-Pac 10, multi-year starter
RT 50 Mike Remmers Jr.
A tad stiff, but tough & solid in run game
Key Losses Key Losses
WR Damola Adeniji G Gregg Peat
This is an interesting receiving corps Last year, the Oregon State offensive
returning for Oregon State in 2010. line struggled mightily opening holes
for the Beavers running backs. It was
The leader, of course, is a 5’6”
a tough year when this line faced a
dynamo from Texas. The guy that
quick, active and aggressive defensive
HAS to emerge as a threat played all
front like Oregon’s.
of 3 games in 2010. And, there’s a
tight end who thinks of himself more
That was the bad news. The good
as a receiver. Okay, that last one is a
news is that 80% of that group
stretch, but I had to go somewhere
retur ns in 2010 with a load of
with it.
experience. Is experience enough to
Senior James Rodgers led the get you excited about this bunch?
Pac-10 with 91 receptions last year - Can’t hurt, can it?
between James and his brother
‘Quizz, they combined for 169 With a rookie at quarterback, it’s
receptions. Tougher than dirt, ultra-important that tackles Michael
Rodgers will fight for any ball in his Philipp and Mike Remmers have
area and if he gets a step on a DB, great seasons. The younger Philipp is
that guy is toast. a future NFL player and is a
prototypical left tackle. Remmers
Darrell Catchings was supposed to
competes his butt off, but they both
be the star that Rodgers is. It hasn’t
have to protect Katz. Alex
turned out that way for him, but a
Linnenkohl should be a Rimington
solid season will make people forget
Award semi-finalist.
his first two subpar seasons.
 54
Star Watch
Overshadowed
at DT throughout
the 2009
s e a s o n b y 2008
guys
Yr
l i ke 2009
Tackles TFL
41
43
G e r a l d
McCoy and Ndamukong Suh, Stephen Paea
had a national stage all to himself when Oregon
State traveled to Eugene for the Pac 10
Championship deciding Civil War. Good thing
he made the most of his opportunity.
Paea was seemingly all over the field, although
his numbers may not back up that claim. He
Defensive Line Linebackers
DE 99 Gabe Miller Sr.
Started 5 games, tied for lead in sacks
DT 54 Stephen Paea Sr.
The best defensive player in the Pac 10
DT 78 Brennan Olander
Relentless former wrestler,
Sr.
DE 91 Taylor Henry So.
Matt LaGrone left team opening spot
Key Losses
DE Matt LaGrone (family)
Heading into the spring, the Oregon
State defensive line was returning
four guys who started fourth of the
last five games together. It looked to
be a stout unit with the time spent
t o g e t h e r. Ho w e v e r, D E Ma t t
LaGrone decided prior to spring
practice to leave the team due to
family issues.
But, no matter the loss of LaGrone,
the defensive line was going to rise
and fall based on what Stephen
Paea does inside. The All-Pac 10
defensive tackle is the star, but he’s
got some help coming back. Inside,
Brennan Olander is a former
wrestler - understands leverage and is
tough.
DE Gabe Miller had three sacks
and started the last five games of the
year at his defensive end position.
He’s not a guy who strikes fear into
the heart of opposing offensive
coordinators, but he’s effective.
DT Stephen Paea
11
6 ’1 ” 2 95 lb .
S en io r
Sacks
5 1
showed the quickness
that has many NFL teams
QBH r unning a 4-3 defense
drooling over an ultra-
quick 3 technique. But,
D
e
8.5 3 1
he also showed how
strong he is, which may have been more
impressive. He tackled Jeremiah Masoli with
one hand. He “stacked and shed” offensive
linemen with one arm. He’ll be a marked man
this season, but that would imply that he wasn’t
last year. You may not have known about him
before that Civil War matchup, but Pac 10
coaches have known, and suffered, for a while.
OLB 59
OLB 35
Dwight Robertson
Started all 13 games in 2009, 55 stops
ILB 43 Tony Wilson
Keith Pankey
Sr.
So.
Massive shoes to fill, coming off knee inj.
Jr.
Ruptured achilles in Feb., might be back
CB
FS
SS
Secondary
4
10
5
James Dockery
Started all 13 games, 2 picks in ‘09
Lance Mitchell
Physical presence in secondary
Cameron Collins
4th on team with 70 tackles in ‘09
Sr.
Jr.
Jr.
f
e
CB 17 Brandon Hardin Jr.
Long and athletic, 1 pick in 2009
Key Losses Key Losses
LB David Pa’aluhi (joined military) CB Tim Clark
LB Keaton Kristick
With LaGrone leaving the team, the There are no question marks in the
n
defense couldn’t truly afford any more secondary. Well, seemingly. This
losses, but the linebacking corps group has length, size and
suffered a massive blow. David aggressiveness, but it’s got to play
Pa’aluhi, the team’s leading returning better against the heavies in this
tackler, decided to join the military conference.
and left the team prior to the spring.
USC lit them up for 42 points last
year. Oregon put up 37. BYU scored
OLB Keith Pankey ruptured his
s
nearly every time it touched the ball.
Achilles prior to spring practice, but
Okay, maybe it just felt that way. But,
Beavers fans are hopeful he can make
there were game changing moments
it back. The coaching staff feels he
in key games that cost them dearly.
can be ready for fall camp, but how
James Dockery getting absolutely
much is lost after that injury will
to r c h e d b y Je f f Ma e h l a g a i n s t
remain a question.
Oregon. Lance Mitchell not
wrapping up Jeremiah Masoli on a
Dwight Roberson is the best
key final drive.
linebacker remaining and he’ll be
back for another season at the Will Either way, it’s a group with some
e
linebacker spot. experience. James Dockery, Lance
Mitchell and Cameron Collins
A number of returning lettermen will accounted for 35 starts last season.
fight for the MLB spot, but Tony Mitchell is the physical presence in
Wilson, coming off an injury in ’09, the back. He and Collins combined
emerged as the starter after spring. for 142 tackles on the season.
 2009: 8-5, Beat Texas A&M in Independence Bowl
Tied for 2nd in SEC East
Head Coach: Mark Richt, 10th Yr. @ Georgia - Record: 90-27
Perhaps Mark Richt set the He found Todd Grantham who installed a 3-4

15
bar so incredibly high for scheme and a
himself and the coaching staff at more aggressive Georgia’s Vital Signs
t h e Un i v e r s i t y o f G e o r g i a . attitude during 2009 Results
Perhaps the program needs a boost, the spring. Then, Run Offense 161.0 ypg 47th
needs a kick in the silver britches or Richt let spring Pass Offense 201.2 ypg 80th
something. Perhaps the off-the-field issues play out before he Total Offense 362.2 ypg 75th
have worn people thin. Perhaps Georgia just a n n o u n c e d h i s Scoring Offense 28.9 ppg 51st
has to beat Florida. starting QB was Run Defense 126.2 ypg 36th
Pass Defense 213.2 ypg 51st
going to be
Total Defense 339.4 ypg 38th
Whatever the reason (or excuses) might be, it’s freshman Aaron Scoring Def. 25.9 ppg 63rd
clear that this is a highly important season for Murray.
Richt and the Georgia Bulldogs. Don’t think 2010 Returning Starters
he isn’t aware of the challenge he has in front of So, the new Off. Ret. Starters 7
him. The change started immediately after the s c o r e c a r d Def. Ret. Starters 5
season when he fired defensive coordinator reads...new DC,
Willie Martinez and looked for a different voice new 3-4 scheme & new QB. Will it work?

Why #15? Experienced OL, AJ Green is one of the best playmaking receivers in the nation, road
schedule is not highly challenging, Florida is good, not great and vulnerable with no Tebow.

Why not higher? Inexperience at the QB position, changes in the defensive scheme may not fit
given the personnel already on campus, hot seat affects the way Richt goes about his business

2010 Schedule Key Games

Sep 4, 2010 UL Lafayette
Sep 11, 2010 @ South Carolina
Sep 18, 2010 Arkansas
Sep 25, 2010 @ Mississippi St.
Oct 2, 2010 @ Colorado The South
Carolina game is
Just as OU-Texas
h a s d e te r m i n e d
The Deep South’s
O l d e s t R i v a l r y.
always a tricky one the Big 12 South UGA’s toughest
Oct 9, 2010 Tennessee in the second champion the past road tilt is at
week of the decade or so, the Au b u r n , the
Oct 16, 2010 Vanderbilt season, especially winner of culmination of 10
w h e n i t ’s i n
Oct 23, 2010 @ Kentucky Columbia. But,
Georgia-Florida straight weeks of
puts itself in the g a m e s . AU i s
Oct 30, 2010 Florida (Jax) making it just as catbird seat for breaking in a new
difficult is Ryan the SEC East QB but with Gus
Nov 6, 2010 Idaho State Ma l l e t t and championship. Malzahn as OC, it
Arkansas awaiting
Nov 13, 2010 @ Auburn the Bulldogs the
With Tennessee plays awfully fast.
down this year, the Fatigue and pace
Nov 20, 2010 BYE following week in
winner will be the could be problems
Athens. Champ, yet again. for UGA.
Nov 27, 2010 Georgia Tech
 “A.J. Green is...

A.J.
A.J.Green
Yr. Rec. Yds. TD
2008 56 963 8
2008 53 808 6

Honor Roll

Green
2009 First team All-SEC (Coaches, media)
2008 First team Freshman All-American
2008 First team All-SEC
2008 SEC Freshman of the Year

Things seemingly come easy for Georgia wide touchdown to

receiver A.J. Green. Of course, when you put the Bulldogs
watch him you don’t really appreciate how ahead (of course,
difficult it is to do the things he does. For a bogus 15-yard penalty
example, catching the football. Looks easy, but h u r t Georgia later, but
not so much. You see him catch the ball over t h a t ’s a different story for a
the head of (insert SEC school here)’s (insert different time).
name of defensive back here) and you think
everyone’s supposed to do that. Hey, my guy He ’s a sublime talent who has
can do that, right? Uh, well, not really. The a brilliant NFL future ahead of
transcendent few can make it look like you him, where
could go out and catch all those passes. The e ver yone makes
truth is A.J. Green is skewing the bell curve for it look easy. It’ll be up
all of you with his myriad of skills. to Green to carry t h i s offense
throughout the season,
Case in point, last year, Georgia is facing LSU especially due to the fact that a
in a key SEC game. With less than a minute redshirt freshman Aaron Murray
left in the game, QB Joe Cox looks up Green is at the controls. But, what might be
and launches one to the end zone near the perceived as
sideline. LSU’s CB Chris Hawkins is in perfect Green’s big gest test
position to knock down the deep route throw, is just another simple catch across
but Green reaches up over his head, pulls in the the middle - Easy.

“...What he said...”
"A.J.'s fully aware. Defenses can't stop him vertically and horizontally. That's the thing he
needs to understand. They can't stop us completely. When they do try to stop him with
two people, that opens up somebody else and that's where schematically we've got to be
smart on who they're giving us and put stress on the defense that way and take what they
give us.”

- WR coach Tony Ball discussing Green’s “growth”

...on his own planet”

O
RB Washaun Ealey
When Knowshon
So phomore
5’ 11 ” 2 05 lb . season, Ealey
3
Moreno decided to leave finally got
Georgia after h i s Yr. Att Yds TDs Rec. Yds. TD on the field
sophomore season, most
p e o p l e t h o u g h t t h a t 2009 125 717 3 3 23 0
after he Star Watch

f
Caleb King would step
right in and the running game wouldn’t miss a
beat. Especially running behind this offensive
line.
Washaun Ealey wasn’t about to follow THAT
plan, even as a true freshman.
Sitting and watching the first few games of the
healed from
his nag ging
injuries to lead the team in rushing after only
playing in 8 games.
Wearing #24 last year, it was hard to tell the
difference between Ealey and Moreno. He’ll
switch to #3 this season, but the comparisons
will still be there. A shorter, power runner with
wiggle and burst - Ealey is the real deal.

f QB 11
QB/RB
Aaron Murray
Highly touted QB gets his chance
RB 3 Washaun Ealey
Ealey and Caleb King are good together
FB 49 Shaun Chapas
Fr.

So.

Sr.
TE/Receivers Offensive Line
WR

WR 12

TE
8
The Best. Period.

7
AJ Green

Tavarres King
Became more consistent as ’09 wore on
Orson Charles
Jr.

So.

So.
LT

LG

C
60

71

61
Clint Boling
One of the SEC’s best, leader of OL
Cordy Glenn
Started @ 3 different positions in ‘09
Ben Jones
Sr.

Jr.

Jr.

e
All-around talent leading the way for RB Freshman All-American, 23 rec & 2 TD Entering his third year as a starter
RG 63 Chris Davis Sr.
Started 12 times at RG in 2009
RT 78 Josh Davis Sr.
If T. Sturdivant is healthy, he’ll push Davis

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

QB Sam Cox NONE T Vince Vance

n
Let’s be honest...Joe Cox didn’t set
the world on fire in 2009. He was
following one of Georgia’s best QBs
in recent memory Matthew Stafford.
Most Georgia diehards would tell you
they were looking forward past 2009
to 2010.
A fifth year senior turns the position
over to a redshirt freshman. But,
T h r e e we e k s a g o , t h e G e o r g i a
receiving corps looked to be in very
good hands, excuse the pun.
A.J Green just might be the best
offensive weapon in the SEC and he’s
definitely the best receiver in the
conference. It doesn’t really matter
how many guys a defense throws at
him, he’s going to find a way to go up
It’s hard to imagine an offensive line
with too much experience, but the
Georgia Bulldogs have too few spots
for too many good linemen bodies.
If Georgia could play seven linemen,
it would and could. It has that many
young players who could step into
this position and be successful.

s
Aaron Murray is ready for the
opportunity. He was a record-setting
QB at Tampa Plant H.S and is
stepping into as advantageous a
situation for a young quarterback as
one could have - strong OL,
transcendent WR and athletic TE
(who was his HS teammate)
and make a play. Cover him with one
guy and he’ll make you pay for a
defense’s hubris.
Throughout ‘09, former QB Joe Cox
looked to tight end Orson Charles
more and more. Charles and Murray
have been together for since HS, so
Charles will get plenty of looks.
The star of the bunch was supposed
to be Trinton Sturdivant, but the
big fella has dealt with season ending
knee injuries the last two years. If
he’s healthy, fully healthy, he could
change the dynamic of this offensive
line, he’s that talented.
But, if things stay where they are,

e
The RB position was a question mark
last year. It’s a double barreled
s h o t g u n s t r e n g t h t h i s y e a r.
Washaun Ealey and Caleb King
combined to light up Georgia Tech
last year and will do the same in 2010.
Nothing has changed for these two,
but fellow starter Tavarres King
was arrested and suspended,
muddying up the water, if you will, at
the other WR position.
Clint Boling will rack in as many
honors as humanly possible at his left
tackle position. He had arthroscopic
surgery in June, but should be back
healthy by the beginning of camp.
 42
Star Watch
G
B e a s t .
a m e
c h a n g e r.
Bad man.
OLB Justin Houston

Yr
2007
6 ’3 ” 2 61 lb .

Tackles
21
S en io r
TFL
5
Sacks
1
Int.
0
He’ll transition over to
3-4 OLB which is where
he could ultimately make
an impact in the NFL
next season.
D
e
2008 61 15.5 8.5 0
However, 2009 70 19 11 1
y o u w a n t to d e s c r i b e B u t , t h i s s e a s o n , i t ’s
Justin Houston, just know that you may have to imperative that he impacts games early in the
add one other distinction to that list by season’s season. With South Carolina on the docket in
end - SEC Defensive Player of the Year. week 2, he’s got a great chance to open some
eyes. The Bulldogs won’t open up the playbook
Is that a tall order? Well, absolutely, but no the preceding week against ULL, leaving the
player serves to benefit more from the new surprises for USC the following week. Those
Georgia’s 3-4 defensive scheme more than “surprises” will include a ton of different
Houston. blitzes/games for Houston.

Defensive Line Linebackers

DE 93 Abry Jones

12 tackles in 13 games in 2009

DE 58 Demarcus Dobbs
So.
Appeared in 12 games, had 1 sack, 2 TFL
NT 94 DeAngelo Tyson Jr.

Sr.
5.5 TFL and 4.5 sacks in ’09, 13 starts
OLB 83

ILB 51
Cornelius Washington

Christian Robinson

Akeem Dent
Only started four games in 2009
So.
Battling former starter Darryl Gamble
ILB 45 So.
Ahead of leading tackler Marcus Dowtgin
Sr.
CB

FS

SS
Secondary
2

18

39
Brandon Boykin
Return dynamo had 3 picks and 6 PBU
Bacarri Rambo
Fierce hitter who had 25 tackles in ‘09
Nick Williams
Transitions to safety from WLB
Jr.

So.

Jr.
f
e
OLB 42 Justin Houston Jr. CB 25 Vance Cuff Sr.
Has freakish talent, 3-4 suits him well 1 start in ’09, 21 tackles and 2 PBU

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

DT Jeff Owens & Kade Weston LB Rennie Curran S Reshad Jones & Bryan Evans
DT Geno Atkins CB Prince Miller

Although the Georgia defense gave In the state of Georgia and in Graduation hit the defensive line
up more points than it ever should surrounding states, there are so many fairly hard, but it also struck the

have, the defense did have some very
good individual talent, especially in
the defensive line.
With Owens, Weston and Atkins
moving on, it might be the perfect
time to transition over to a three man
front.
outside linebacker types that it’d be
surprising if Georgia was unable to
find four linebacker types to go make
plays out on the field.
Well, that’s a question for the future,
but in Justin Houston, the Dawgs
already possessed one of the best pass
n
secondary as well. It’s going to be an
interesting group to watch this
season and key to the defense’s
overall performance
Brandon Boykin is perhaps a better
return guy than he is a corner, but
he’s one of the best return guys in the
nation. He continues to improve his

DeMarcus Dobbs will have the
most difficult time, in some sense,
with the new defense, moving “in”
from a 4-3 DE, playing on the edge,
to a 3-4 DE where he’s used more as a
run stopper than pass rusher. But, his
quickness up front will open things
up for different stunts and blitzes to
his side.
rushers in the league and the ultimate
chess piece in this 3-4 scheme. With
his 11 sacks in 2009, he’s the leading
returning sack producer in the SEC.
Akeem Dent must step up this
season and be a consistent force in
the middle. He started ten games in
2008 and was a key factor on that
defense, but he suffered a hamstring
injury that left him with only 8 games
s
cover skills and is the type of play
maker this defense needs to have out
on the edge.
The safety position is going to be fun
to watch. FS Bacarri Rambo has
one of the best names in college
football, but he’s a ruthless hitter in
the middle of the field. Exiting
spring practice, Nick Williams was
the starter at strong safety after

DeAngelo Tyson will be key over
the nose. He’s not the prototypical
“fat guy” over the nose, but he’s
sound fundamentally and plays hard.
in the 2009 season. When healthy,
he can be an impact player in the
middle. Christian Robinson and
Cornelius Washington emerged
from spring ahead of former starters.
e
m o v i n g f r o m t h e we a k s i d e L B
position. If Williams can make the
transition, it’ll be a group that
intimidates and shuts down the
middle of the field.
 2009: 10-3, Lost to Ohio State in Rose Bowl
Pa c 10 C h a mp i o n s
Head Coach: Chip Kelly, 2nd Yr. @ Oregon - Record: 10-3
You’ll have to excuse Oregon problems over the past two season, but what

16
head coach Chip Kelly if he h a s n’t b e e n a
needs to get off the roller coaster p r o b l e m i s t h e Oregon’s Vital Signs
for just a little while. It’s been a Ducks play out on 2009 Results
wild 365 days - it included a season the field. Run Offense 231.7 ypg 6th
opening debacle in his first game as head Pass Offense 180.3 ypg 98th
coach up at Boise State, a scintillating Civil Now, that can all Total Offense 412.0 ypg 33rd
Wa r w i n o v e r O r e g o n S t a te , a Pa c 1 0 change with the Scoring Offense 36.1 ppg 8th
Championship, a Rose Bowl berth, a loss to dismissal o f Run Defense 128.7 ypg 42nd
Pass Defense 207.6 ypg 44th
Ohio State, a Paul Bear Bryant Coach of the Jeremiah Masoli.
Total Defense 336.3 ypg 35th
Year finalist nomination, January arrests for his The good news is Scoring Def. 23.8 ppg 51st
two stars and finally, his QB not adhering to the that LaMichael
goals set out for him and getting kicked off the Ja m e s d i d n’t 2010 Returning Starters
team. completely blow Off. Ret. Starters 9
h i s c h a n ce a n d Def. Ret. Starters 7
That’s all? Yeah, what, that wasn’t enough? returns to build
on his record breaking freshman season. No
The Ducks have had their share of off the field matter what happens, it’ll be another wild ride

Why #16? LaMichael James is back after a brilliant freshman season, best overall offensive line in
the Pac 10, athletes on defense, momentum generated by winning the Pac 10 in 2009

Why not higher? Former QB Jeremiah Masoli shot himself in the foot repeatedly and he’s gone,
road games in conference - USC and Oregon State (both want revenge), road trip to Tennessee early

2010 Schedule Key Games

Sep 4, 2010 New Mexico
Sep 11, 2010 @ Tennessee
Sep 18, 2010 Portland State
Sep 25, 2010 @ Arizona State
Oct 2, 2010 Stanford T h e Vo l u n te e r s UCLA is going to No t h i n g l i ke
have been through have one of the ruining your most
Oct 9, 2010 @ Washington St. as many ups and best defenses in hated rivals
downs as the the Pac 10, but big gest dreams.
Oct 16, 2010 BYE Ducks have had. ha ven’t had any No t o n c e , b u t
It’s just that the firepower to speak twice. However,
Oct 21, 2010 UCLA Ducks have won of on the offense this year ’s Civil
Oct 30, 2010 @ USC championships
and Tennessee has
side of the ball. If
UCLA does find
War takes place in
Covallis and the
Nov 6, 2010 Washington been average. A some offensive Beavers are
win over Oregon consistency, this looking for
Nov 13, 2010 @ Cal would be a major will be a whale of a revenge and a Pac
confidence boost Thursday night 10 Champ. The
Nov 20, 2010 BYE for Derek game in Eugene winner of this one
Dooley’s Vols. on national TV. wins the Pac 10.
Nov 26, 2010 Arizona
Dec 4, 2010 @ Oregon State
 “I want to stay small, I don’t...
Honor Roll

LaMichael
2009 Pac 10 Off. Freshman of the Year

LaMichaelJames
2009 Fresh All-American (FWAA & CFN.com)
Yr. Att Yds TDs Rec Yds TDs 2009 3rd team All-American (AP, TSN)
2009 230 1546 14 17 168 0 2009 1st team All-Pac 10 (media)
2009 2nd team All-Pac 10 (coaches)
2009 Team’s Most Outstanding
Player

Newton’s third law of motion Quick to the perimeter,

essentially states that for Ja m e s ’ speed put pressure on every
every action there is an equal e d g e defender the Ducks faced.
and opposite reaction. That O n e player changed everything.
was never more evident than Defensive coordinators
after the Punch Heard Around the l o s t sleep wondering how
World. When LeGarrette Blount threw a James would hur t them next.
punch that essentially ended his season, it James helped lead the Ducks to the Pac
seemed as if that was it for the vaunted 10 title and a trip to the Rose Bowl for
Oregon running game. But, with Blount the first time since 1995.

James
out, confident Texan, LaMichael James,
finally got his shot and the Duck offense But, the offseason wasn’t kind to James
made an amazing transformation with his (and others you already kn0w
insertion into the starting offense. Blount’s about). After pleading guilty to a
punch (action) helped pave the way for James misdemeanor for a fight
(reaction). with his girlfriend,
James will sit out the first
With James at RB, the Ducks offense went game, but as most of you know, he
from stodgy to potent. Slow moving to didn’t play in last year’s first game
dangerous. Every time James touched the ball, either. Can he finish with another
he was THAT close to making a house call. 1,500+ yd. season? Don’t bet against him.

“...What he said...”
“They are different. They are totally different style of guys I think. He's (Rodgers)
really fast and can get out on the run. I don't know what his time, it's in the 100, but
this guy (James) is a 10.5 guy, so great breakaway speed, much like you've got the
best...but they are both smaller type guys.

They are different. Rodgers is a very unique style runner and he's got a real power
about him that jumps out at you as well as the speed and quickness and all the rest of
the stuff. He's just different I think. James is averaging 6.9 per carry so he is
obviously had tremendous games, a lot of big, long break out plays where he's leaving
guys in the dust. So there's huge problems with both guys and facing them.”

- Former USC head coach Pete Carroll comparing James and OSU’s Jacquizz Rodgers

...want anyone to get a clean hit”

O
QB Nate Costa
For the past two years,
Na te C o s t a h a s b e e n
6 ’1 ” 219 lb .
S en io r
but Costa is a
confident guy
7
Yr. Cmp Att Yds TDs Int. Att Yds. TDs
2006 5 5 73 0 0 7 39 0 Star Watch

f
2008 0 0 0
2009 20 33 197 1
nothing but an interested observer, well, for the
most part as he watched Jeremiah Masoli lead
the Ducks to a Pac 10 Championship. But,
Masoli couldn’t keep it together off the field
and the beneficiary is Costa.
There might be plenty of panic for O nation,
0 0 0 0 0
1 16 40 1
who now has the reins for this offense. But, for
how long? Is he going to the guy over Darron
Thomas? If Costa is the Man at QB, it’ll be
interesting to see how much of last year’s
gameplan is utilized with Costa. He’s a better
thrower, so expect the Ducks to continue to
stretch teams horizontally, just without as
much option.

f QB 7
QB/RB
Nate Costa

LaMichael James
Sr.
Won’t be Masoli... that’s good and bad
RB 21 So.
Ran for Pac-10 Fr. record with 1,546
TE/Receivers Offensive Line
WR 23

WR 80
Jeff Maehl
Leading Duck receiver with 53 rec in ‘09
Lavasier Tuinei
Led receivers with 30 yds rec in Rose Bowl
WR 10 D.J Davis
Sr.

Jr.

Sr.
LT

LG
69

77
Bo Thran
Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List
Carson York
2nd team Freshman A-A by CFN.com
C 54 Jordan Holmes
Sr.

So.

Sr.

e
Had 23 catches and 2 TDs in 2009 Team co-captain, started all 13 games
TE 42 David Paulson Jr. RG 79 Mark Asper Jr.
Key contributor in ’09, 12 receptions Best run blocker on team, strong as an ox
RT 68 C.E Kaiser Sr.
Started 12 games in ’09, 22 career starts
Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses
QB Jeremiah Masoli (booted) TE Ed Dickson NONE
RB LeGarrette Blount

n
The Ducks backfield was absolutely
brilliant AFTER the first game of the
season. Yes, that one.
Part of the reason that the offense
went to a different level was the fact
that LaMichael James’ speed
changed the way the Ducks wanted
to attack defenses. Whereas the
powerful LeGarrette Blount was
Although former Oregon WR Jamere
Holland took the Masoli Road i.e
getting kicked off the team - being a
Facebook butthead, really, the Ducks
aren’t lacking for effective receiving
options.
But, if the Ducks do throw the ball
more this season, one of these guys
must be a true go-to receiver.
Sure, Oregon fans panicked when
they found out Masoli had been
suspended for the season, but they
only had to look at the Oklahoma
Sooners in 2009 to gain a little
comfort. Wait, what?
We l l , t h e S o o n e r s r e t u r n e d a
s upe rs ta r qu ar te rb ack and o ne
o f f e n s i v e l i n e m a n . It w a s a

s
nothing but blunt trauma when he
ran, he didn’t put pressure on the
edges, the way James did.
With Masoli gone, will James still
have the same effectiveness? Great
question, but expect him to still find
room to run. With Nate Costa or
Darron Thomas under center and
That might be Jeff Maehl. He led
the team in receptions last year and
O r e g o n S t a te f a n s w i l l a l w a y s
remember seeing #23 running free
down the field for a key first half
touchdown in the Ducks 37-33 win for
the Pac 10 Championship.
nightmare. My point is what would
your choice be - an entire offensive
line returning in tact or a quarterback
returning with no OL starters?
Pretty simple answer really.
This group got better and better
throughout the 2009 season. Tackle
Bo Thran is perhaps the best of the

e
the way Chip Kelly likes to throw
quickly, the Ducks can still make 53
yards (width of field) work well for
them. Keep an eye on backup RB
Kenjon Barner and true freshman
Lache Seastrunk.
If i t ’s n o t Ma e h l , i t m i g h t b e
Lavasier Tuinei. He’s got to be
more consistent catching the football
but he’s a physical beast (6’5”) and can
hurt teams in a number of different
places out on the field.
bunch, but Carson York will be the
best, most NFL ready lineman when
he graduates in three years. Jordan
Holmes is the leader in the middle,
while Mark Asper and C.E Kaiser
hold down the right side.
 55
Star Watch
The

h e a r d
name
y o u ’ v e
Yr
b e f o r e . 2007
Tackles
18
LB Casey Matthews
S en io r
TFL
4
6 ’ 2 ” 237 lb.

Sacks
1
Int.
0
Matthews is the perfect
fit in this defense. He’s
not the biggest linebacker
and he doesn’t have a
D
e
P l e n t y o f 2008 67 13 2 0 classic defensive line in
times before. It’s just 2009 81 4.5 3 1 front of him, but, as his
that you’ve seen it at Pops and his bro both
USC. Father Clay and brother Clay were proved, he knows where to be and understands
stalwarts for Pac 10 rival USC, but Casey, like what a team is doing to attempt to exploit the
his younger brother, developed a little later and defense. It’s what we call a high football IQ.
has found a home in Eugene as the leader of But, Matthews is used to make plays behind the
the Ducks defense. line of scrimmage. The defense is going to have
to pick up the slack in 2010 and it starts with a
A 2nd team All-Pac 10 selection as a junior, name you’ve heard - Matthews.

Defensive Line Linebackers

DE 45 Terrell Turner
One of strongest members of team
DT 88 Brandon Bair
Had 45 tackles, led the DL in 2009
DT 99 Zac Clark
Played in 13 games, 18 tackles & 1 TFL
Jr.

Sr.

Sr.
OLB 56 Josh Kaddu
Depth here helped push E. Pleasant to S
ILB 55 Casey Matthews
2nd team All-Pac 10 selection in ‘09
OLB 35 Spencer Paysinger
Hon. Mention All-Pac 10 (coaches)
Jr.

Sr.

Sr.
CB

S
Secondary
37 Talmadge Jackson III Sr.
Tied for 4th in Pac 10 with 4 picks
20

11
John Boyett

Eddie Pleasant
Moves from LB to SS, 8 TFLs
So.
Future star in making, always around ball
Jr.
f
e
DE 58 Kenny Rowe Sr. CB 3 Cliff Harris So.
LB size, DE motor, Hon. Men All-Pac 10 Was going to redshirt, played last 7 games

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

DT Blake Ferras NONE CB Walter Thurmond
DE Will Tukuafu S T.J. Ward

Two things stand out about a Chip Playing the game fast is the mantra A couple of key injuries early in the

Kelly coached team. One, it plays the
game fast. Two, what you think is
normal is nowhere near being normal.
Case in point, this defensive line.
6’7” defensive tackles. Linebacker
s i z e d d e f e n s i v e e n d s . No 3 0 0
pounders. Guys who play quick and
across the board and the linebacking
corps has bought into that message.
As mentioned above, Casey
Matthews is the bell cow of the
linebacking unit. He should be a
First team All-Pac 10 performer after
his 81 tackle season in 2009. He’s a
n
2009 season opened the door for
some young players to get an
opportunity. What it also did was
make 2010 a year when there’s a ton
of experience coming back with
depth in the back four.
Safety John Boyett was the biggest

fast, not fat guys who plug gaps.
The star of the unit is the undersized
but highly productive Kenny Rowe
at defensive end. Speed is his game
and pass pressure is his game. It’s not
a thinly veiled secret; he’s there to
rush the QB, that’s it. If he provides
anything to bolster the Ducks run
defense, that’s a gift.
student of the game and rarely seen
out of the picture. Wait, what?
Watch the Ducks defensive cut-up
film from last year - how many times
do you see a play within 8 yards of the
line of scrimmage and NOT see
Matthews nearby? Not often.
Spencer Paysinger is a former
receiver (and hated in Norman, OK
s
beneficiar y of an injur y. When
superstar T.J Ward went down with
an ankle injury, the freshman Boyett
jumped right into the lineup and was
stellar. When Ward returned, it was
difficult to get Boyett out of the
lineup. He’s a star in the making
going into his second season.
When Walter Thurmond went down

Brandon Bair looks like a power
forward, plays like a defensive end
and plays defensive tackle, and does it
well. He can’t sit in the gaps and play
off blocks, he has to move and slant.
b u t i t ’s n o t h i s f a u l t ) w h o ’s
transitioned well to the outside
linebacker position. He can run,
obviously, but he’s shown an uncanny
ability to play in space and make
plays.
e
with an injury, Talmadge Jackson
had to take over as the #1 cover
corner, while Cliff Harris essentially
took off his redshirt and started the
rest of the season. Now, those two
both return with solid futures ahead.
 “Put the Film on, Bro”
Oregon’s “Zone Read Option” w/slot as pitch man
FS
SS CB

CB
$B LB
LB
DT DT DE
DE

24

21
7
Although the “zone read” has been in vogue for To counter the QB runs upfield, teams started
the past eight to ten years, it’s truly grew in taking the QB away when the defensive end
stature after Vince Young ran it as well as he did in “crashed” down the line by having the backside
the Texas Longhorns’ 2005 national championship linebacker/nickel back stay home and wait for the
season. QB to run right back to him. So, Kelly, being a
spread offense guru put in the wrinkle that you see
Oregon’s Chip Kelly has taken the zone read
above - the zone read with an option pitch to the
concepts to a different level and that was evident
slot wide receiver.
in the de facto Pac-10 championship game against
Oregon State. Throughout the game, the Ducks’
The play starts as it always does and looks exactly
Jeremiah Masoli, alongside whippet quick RB
like the traditional zone read. When the
LaMichael James, conducted the zone read to a T.
defensive end crashes, the QB pulls the ball and
Things may change a bit with Nate Costa or
starts downfield. As the nickel back/linebacker
Darron Thomas at QB, but not as much as you’d
takes a dead run to the QB, #24 Kenjon Barner
think.
“moonwalks” back into pitch relation with the
QB, something the nickel back/linebacker doesn’t
Now, the concept of the zone read is quite easy -
see. The QB flattens out a bit to make sure he has
traditional zone concepts for the OL. The
the proper pitch relationship with Barner. When
defensive end crashes, the QB pulls the ball. If
the backer darts toward the QB, he flips the ball
DE stays wide, the RB gets the ball. As you can
to a wide open Barner. This play accounted for a
see above, if the defensive end (in the blue dotted
first down every time the Ducks ran it against the
circle) crashes down the line on James (#21) as he
Beavers and it won’t be the last time you see the
takes a potential zone read handoff, the QB pulls
zone read with a pitch to the slot.
the ball and makes a bee line downfield where that
DE had vacated, running into wide open space.
 2009: 8-5, Beat Northwestern in Outback Bowl
T i e d f o r 4 t h i n S E C We s t
Head Coach: Gene Chizik, 2nd Yr. @ Auburn - Record: 8-5
When Gene Chizik stepped off pains and all, is going to be a major factor in

17
the plane on his first day as the SEC for a
Auburn’s head coach, there were good while. Auburn’s Vital Signs
a handful of “fans” who heckled 2009 Results
him as the new Auburn head coach. W h a t Au b u r n Run Offense 212.0 ypg 13th
It’s hard to know exactly what to does this season Pass Offense 219.8 ypg 56th
call those people (without using a word I can’t) will d e p e n d Total Offense 431.8 ypg 16th
that stood outside the airport to await Gene heavily o n Scoring Offense 33.3 ppg 17th
Chizik’s arrival back to Auburn in 2009. w h e t h e r J U C O Run Defense 156.1 ypg 78th
Pass Defense 218.0 ypg 57th
superstar and
I suppose the best word I would use to describe Total Defense 374.1 ypg 68th
f o r m e r F l o r i d a Scoring Def. 27.5 ppg 79th
those “fans”...wrong.
Gator Cameron
Now, don’t get me, well, wrong, this is still a Newton can be 2010 Returning Starters
program growing and maturing under a second the star Auburn Off. Ret. Starters 8
year head coach, in the same division (and same fans all envision. Def. Ret. Starters 8
state) as the 2009 National Champions. But, If h e ’s s p e c i a l ,
Chizik proved last season that Auburn, growing there’s no telling where Auburn can go in 2010.

Why #17? An experienced offensive line, led by Lee Ziemba and Ryan Pugh, a potent group of
receivers, easy out-of-conference schedule, six of first eight games are on the Plains, only 4 roadies

Why not higher? Alabama is still a beast and that game is in Tuscaloosa this year, is there a true
game changer on offense, QB position up in the air - Cameron Newton or Neil Caudle.

2010 Schedule Key Games

Sep 4, 2010 Arkansas State
Sep 9, 2010 @ Mississippi St.
Sep 18, 2010 Clemson
Sep 25, 2010 South Carolina
Oct 2, 2010 ULM Last year, Auburn Auburn’s got a two Alabama is far and
went to F’ville and game losing streak above the SEC’s
Oct 9, 2010 @ Kentucky got throttled. As to LSU, including best team, but as
Oct 16, 2010 Arkansas if the Tigers need last y e a r ’s Au b u r n p r o v e d
more motivation, embarrassing 31-10 last year, it’s not
Oct 23, 2010 LSU SEC media and loss. Considering infallible. Auburn
coaches have the road trip fell prey to a last
Oct 30, 2010 @ Ole Miss selected Arkansas round robin for minute ‘Bama
as the #2 team in Arkansas, LSU drive for the game
Nov 6, 2010 Chattanooga t h e S E C We s t and Auburn, the winner. This year,
Nov 13, 2010 Georgia behind Alabama.
Jordan-Hare will
loser of this one is
presumably out of
the pressure will
be squarely on
Nov 20, 2010 BYE be primed for
Ryan Mal lett &
the race for 2nd in
the West. Winner
Alabama, which is
the slight opening
Nov 26, 2010 @ Alabama company. still has a shot. Auburn may need.
“I can’t speak for everybody else...

Lee
LeeZiemba
Ziemba
Honor Roll
2009 Second team All-SEC (Coaches)
2009 Hon. Mention All-SEC (Media)
2007 Freshman All-SEC
2007 First team Freshman All-American (CFN)
2007 First team Freshman All-American (TSN)
The quote sandwiching this write-up on Lee he’s extremely talented and actually fits into
Ziemba, in some sense, speaks to the fickle Gus Malzahn’s offense fairly well.
nature of SEC football fans. Here’s a decorated
left tackle who has a solid NFL future in front He’s as big as a house and can be relatively stiff
of him; yet, he’s been a focal point for criticism in pass protection, but he can really move in
due in large part to a plethora of penalties he’s run blocking. And, by move, he’s as quick as
racked up throughout his three years as a any other tackle zone blocking the edge or
starter. moving up to the second level (linebacker
level). He needs work on delivering a blow and
Of course, without him, the Auburn line would finishing his blocks, but rarely can a left tackle
be in a world of hurt, but that’s not what most get to the spots on the field in run blocking
fans see (most Alabama fans are still screaming that Ziemba can.
at Ziemba for the phantom holding call that
wasn’t against ‘Bama in last year’s game on With a rookie “mobile” quarterback behind
Terrell Zachery’s long touchdown run in the him, the pressure is on Ziemba to make his
first quarter). Regardless of how a few fanatics QB’s life easy in the pocket. Only then will
look at Ziemba, the truth of the matter is that Ziemba be fully appreciated.

“...What he said...”
"What he's trying to do now is to develop his game to the point where he can be one of the
best offensive linemen in the country. The difference between being a very good offensive
lineman and being a great one, a lot of times, is because of the small technical details.
He's a lot further along this year than he was at this point last year."

-Auburn Offensive Line coach Jeff Grimes on Ziemba

...he’s not under-appreciated by us”

O
WR Darvin Adams
No t h i n g l i ke h a v i n g
things change overnight. Yr. Rec
Or from one season to 2008 3 18
f
the next. As a freshman, 2009 60
Darvin Adams was a little
used wide receiver in a scheme, well, in 2008,
no one’s really sure what scheme the Tigers
were supposed to be running. It was a mess.
Regardless, as Gus Malzahn took over as the
Tigers offensive coordinator and installed a true
spread attack, it opened things up in a major
way for the 6’3” Adams. He had 20 times more
f QB 2
QB/RB
Cameron Newton
JUCO A-A must hold off Neil Caudle
RB 27 Mario Fannin
With Tate gone, it’s Fannin’s show
HB 32 Eric Smith
Jr.
Sr.
Jr.
e
Started 7 times, but only 20 carries in ‘09
Key Losses
QB Chris Todd
RB Ben Tate
n
The one thing coaches always want,
no matter how talented or how
experienced players are, is
competition. Well, look no further
than the Tigers backfield for the
epitome of competition.
After Gus Malzahn helped turn Chris
Todd into a legitimate threat at QB,
he’ll have to do it again with either
s
Cameron Newton or Neil Caudle.
Newton was recruited to play in this
scheme out of junior college, while
Caudle was recruited by the previous
staff. And yet, at the end of spring,
the anointed one Newton was barely
hanging on to the starting job.
Well when there are a number of RBs
it’s called depth. Mario Fannin and
e
Onterrio McCalebb return after
the departure of Ben Tate. But, most
fans are clamoring to see tr ue
freshman Michael Dyer, future
Auburn superstar. Or present, who
knows? It’ll be fun to watch.
6 ’3 ” 2 05 lb .
J u n ior
89
receptions
YDS TDs in 2009 and
0 can have an Star Watch
997 10 even more
outstanding season in
2010.
He looks lanky; suppose that most would call
him “wiry”. However, he’s strong going up for
the ball and can be a superb pro prospect. He
is quick to get separation and can get open in a
number of different areas on the field.
TE/Receivers Offensive Line
WR 89
WR 81
WR 80
Darvin Adams
Terrell Zachery
Emory Blake
Jr.
Nothing in ’08, dangerous as can be in ‘09
Sr.
67 yard TD run on reverse vs. ‘Bama in ‘09
Fr.
LT
LG
73
57
Lee Ziemba
Could be best OL in the SEC.
Byron Isom
18 career starts, 11 last season
C 50 Ryan Pugh
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
1 start, 8 receptions in ‘09 He and M. Pouncey (UF) are two best in SEC
RG 66 Mike Berry Sr.
48.5 pancakes last season, 13 starts
RT 75 Brandon Mosley Jr.
JUCO standout must fit in with 4 seniors
Key Losses Key Losses
TE Tommy Trott T Andrew McCain
When Auburn head coach Gene There might be a better offensive line
Chizik hired offensive coordinator in the nation, but you’ll get a long and
Gus Malzahn to run the true spread a r d e n t a r g u m e n t f r o m Au b u r n
attack, many scoffed that Auburn faithful as t0 the future success of the
would struggle to do so without Tigers’ offensive line.
gamebreaking receivers. Fast forward
to preseason 2010 and that statement Georgia and Florida each have some
is quite foolhardy. solid candidates for All-SEC honors,
b u t Au b u r n h a s t wo d e f i n i t i v e
Dar vin Adams was the team’s candidates for honors - Lee Ziemba
leading receiver as a sophomore in and Ryan Pugh.
2009. He finished the year with just
under 1,000 yards receiving, and over Ziemba is a definite early round
16 yards per reception. prospect at tackle, but if there’s a
concern, it’s the number of penalties
Terrell Zachery is nearly Adams’ he’s committed the past three years.
twin. The two look identical out on He’s a legit stud, often times playing
the field, but which one are teams on the edge with little assistance/help
going to take away with double against a team’s best pass rusher.
coverage? Regardless, Zachery and
Adams accounted for 75% of all the Pugh is the consummate leader in the
Tigers receptions to wide receivers middle. He h a n d l e s a l l t h e
and “tight ends”. Just as with the communication up front and is solid
RBs, keep an eye on Trovon Reed, a both in the run game and in pass
true frosh with playmaking skills. protection.
 17
Star Watch
Although
J o s h
Bynes is
never at a 2007
Yr
10
LB Josh Bynes
J u n ior
Tackles TFL
2
5’ 11” 2 21 lb.

Sacks
0
Int.
0
Fo r m e r A l a b a m a L B
Rolando McClain wasn’t
the state’s only linebacker
to maintain full control of
D
e
loss for 2008 53 3 0 3 his defense in the middle.
w o r d s , y o u ’ l l n e v e r 2009 104 6 1 1
mistake his confidence for cockiness. His Bynes is constantly gesturing, motioning,
orating skills are used mostly to lead this moving, gyrating and leading his charges. But,
Auburn defense. when the ball is snapped, he’s closing in a hurry
on ball carriers. He sets the physical tone for
Bynes nearly doubled his tackle output in 2009, the defense with the way he strikes ball
taking over as the unquestioned leader of the carriers. But, most importantly, he’s Auburn
Tiger defense in 2009. defensive coordinator Ted Roof out on the field

Defensive Line Linebackers

DE 45 Antoine Carter
1.5 sacks and 4.5 TFL during ‘09
DT 93 Mike Blanc
3rd on team with 6.5 TFL in ‘09
DT 90 Nick Fairley
Replaces underrated Jake Ricks inside
Sr.

Sr.

Jr.
OLB 46 Craig Stevens
Perhaps most dynamic of the LB corps
ILB 17 Josh Bynes
Leading tackler for Tigers in 2009
OLB 25 Daren Bates
Hybrid LB/S, gives D a ton of versatility
Sr.

Sr.

So.
CB

S
Secondary
15

22
Neiko Thorpe
Made play to save Outback Bowl win
Zac Etheridge

T’Sharvan Bell
Led the Tigers in interceptions in ‘09
Jr.

Sr.
Can he bounce back from horrific neck inj.?
So.
f
e
DE 49 Mike Goggans Sr. CB 2 Aairon Savage Sr.
Starter in ’08, bit player in 2nd half of ‘09 Similar to Etheridge, coming off of major inj.

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

DT Jake Ricks NONE CB Walter McFadden
DE Antonio Coleman

The two losses from 2009’s defensive This year’s most experienced, and The question marks in the secondary

line are, figuratively and literally, big.
Impact defensive tackles like Jake
Ricks are tough to find, while
dynamic pass rushers like Antonio
Coleman aren’t growing on trees.
However, don’t go crying in your beer
for Auburn defensive coordinator Ted
least risky unit, outside of the
offensive line, is the linebacker unit
for Auburn.
It all starts with Josh Bynes at Mike
linebacker. The vocal leader. The
attitude. The focal point. Bynes had
a fantastic 2009 season, paving the
n
are about health, not about ability. At
least for two key members of the
secondary.
The only true healthy returning
starter is Neiko Thorpe, who saved
the Outback Bowl last season with a
game ending tackle on a fake field

Roof. It’s not needed in the slightest.
The New A.C is Antoine Carter, a
senior, who is a blend of pure speed
and powerful speed. Take your pick.
He can run, but can he generate the
amount of pressure that Coleman did
off the edge?
Mike Blanc and Nick Fairley
way for a truly special 2010. He’s
quick to the football, explodes
through ball carriers and does a solid
job getting off of blocks. I like what
he does for this defense.
The outside spots are, well,
interesting. On one side, Craig
Stevens is a good looking athlete.
He runs well and can play up at the
s
goal attempt. Opposite Walter
McFadden last year, he got his fair
share of action, but has been solid.
The injury questions start with Zac
Etheridge. The hard hitting safety
left last year’s Ole Miss game on a
stretcher and didn’t return. He’s
been medically cleared and is a bona
fide star if he’s right. No one will

should fill Ricks’ shoes ably. They’re
both beasts getting off of blocks and
can actually generate some pressure
at the feet of the quarterback.
Although Fairley wasn’t a starter, he’s
perhaps more productive inside.
line in some Bear 46 fronts across
from the tight end. Daren Bates is
on the other side, playing a
c o m b i n a t i o n l i n e b a c ke r / s a f e t y
position on the other. Suffice it to
say, these three guys can fly.
e
know, including Etheridge, if he is
until that first hit of the season.
Aairon Savage missed the year last
season, but is primed to return at
cornerback opposite Thorpe.
 2009: 8-5, Beat East Carolina in Liberty Bowl
T i d e f o r 4 t h i n S E C We s t
Head Coach: Bobby Petrino, 3rd Yr. @ Arkansas - Record: 13-12
When Houston Nutt left for The defense, though, is quite another story.

18
Oxford, following the 2007 Last year ’s unit
season, he didn’t leave much in gave up over 400 Arkansas’ Vital Signs
the cupboard for new head coach yards of total 2009 Results
Bobby Petrino. But, it’s not as if offense and got Run Offense 131.8 ypg 81st
Pe t r i n o h a s n’t w a l ke d i n to s o m e shredded. Def. Pass Offense 295.5 ypg 10th
“unique” situations before. Fast forward 2 years C o o r d i n a t o r Total Offense 427.3 ypg 20th
and the Hogs, under the leadership of Petrino, Willy Robinson Scoring Offense 36.0 ppg 9th
are primed to be a major player in the SEC has his hands full Run Defense 152.7 ypg 73rd
West. this year, but if Pass Defense 248.5 ypg 99th
Total Defense 401.2 ypg 89th
this unit matches Scoring Def. 25.1 ppg 58th
However, Petrino wasn’t making his mark with
the o f f e n s e ’s
Casey Dick at quarterback, hard as though
p r e d i c t e d 2010 Returning Starters
Petrino tried to succeed with Dick at QB. He
production, this Off. Ret. Starters 9
just had to wait one year to get his man. The
could be a ten win Def. Ret. Starters 6
Razorbacks are ready for prime time because of
te a m a n d p u s h
one man - Ryan Mallett. He led the SEC
Alabama for top honors in the West. If not?
with 3,624 yards passing and was the proverbial
Hello, Liberty Bowl...yet, again.
straw stirring the drink.

Why #18? Ryan Mallett and Bobby Petrino. Yep, that is all...well, receiving corps, too.

Why not higher? Alabama. A porous defense that doesn’t have a single play-making impact worthy
player, road trips to Georgia and Auburn could turn a 9-3 team into 7-5 squad.

2010 Schedule Key Games

Sep 4, 2010 Tennessee Tech
Sep 11, 2010 ULM
Sep 18, 2010 @ Georgia
Sep 25, 2010 Alabama
Oct 2, 2010 BYE No respite for the If Alabama is as A tough year for
wear y, that’s for good as LSU would put its
Oct 9, 2010 Texas A&M sure. One week advertised, coach Les Miles
Oct 16, 2010 @ Auburn after traveling to ever yone in the on a definitive hot
face Georgia, the S E C We s t i s seat, making the
Oct 23, 2010 Ole Miss Hogs get a visit playing for second Ti g e r s t r i p t o
from the National place. And, this is Arkansas a must-
Oct 30, 2010 Vanderbilt champs. Last o n e o f t wo ke y win situation for
year’s browbeating L S U. A r k a n s a s
Nov 6, 2010 @ South Carolina in T-Town was an
games to
lost narrowly to
determine who
Nov 13, 2010 UTEP eye-opening
experience and
ends up in second. LSU in Baton
Rouge la st year
Au b u r n w a n t s
Nov 20, 2010 @ Mississippi St. another blowout
will sting going
desperately to turn and, again, a win
could mean 2nd
the tide of la st
Nov 27, 2010 LSU into a bye week. year’s U of A win. place. A loss? 4th.
 “I think he’s going to be a better...
Honor Roll
Ryan
Manning Award Finalist
RyanMallett

2nd Team All-SEC (media and coaches)

2010 AutoZone Liberty Bowl MVP
SEC Offensive player of the week twice
Led the SEC in TD passes (30), passing
yards (278.8)
Threw 5 or more touchdown passes in a
game 3 times
Mallett

Yr. Cmp Att Yds TDs Int.

2007 61 141 892 7 5
2009 225 403 3624 30 7

When you see Ryan Mallett Mallett - he’s under control. Relatively
throw the football for the speaking. He completed nearly 56% of his
first time, it makes you passes, which is a marked increase from his
jump out of your chair. freshman year at Michigan. But, that
The tight spiral. The percentage still doesn’t come close to what
effortless motion. The Petrino wants from his strong-armed signal
“whooooosh” out his hands. You caller. However, it’s a start.
remember guys who threw the ball
like him. Will Mallett tr ul y be a Heisman
candidate and lead Arkansas to a 10
The first one that comes to mind is win season? Well, flip that around -
f o r m e r Wa s h i n g t o n State QB Drew if he does lead Arkansas to a ten win
Bledsoe. He seemed to flick the ball out season, he most certainly will be a
of his hand and it went 60 yards. candidate. Ronnie Wingo is a
The scary thing for Arkansas’ solid option at RB, but he’s not a
foes is that Ma l l e t t is 1,000 yard rusher, so the Hogs
bigger, stronger and has an even more explosive offense will only go as far as Mallett’s right arm
cannon for a right arm. is going to take them.

But, there have been plenty of

quarterbacks who haven’t been able to
harness the howitzer they possess.
“...What he said...”
Those quarterbacks would be spraying “He’s a gym rat. He loves sports, he loves being out
stray bullets all over the yard and then there on the field. It’s not hard for him to get out
tracking down opponents who’ve come
there and watch the front, watch the coverage,
away with errant throws that resulted in
concentrate, see what’s happening.”
interceptions. In his first full year as a
starter, Mallett finished the year with
only seven interceptions, remarkable for -Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino on Mallett during
a guy who threw the ball over 400 times. spring practice, watching, observing and getting
something out of his spring, even though he sat out
That’s the one thing, under the guidance entirely.
of Bobby Petrino, that has changed for

...QB when he gets back”

O
WR Greg Childs
Arkansas has had its share
6 ’ 3” 217 lb .
J u n ior Joe Adams was
85
of decent pass catchers in All-SEC 2nd
its history. Chuck Dicus, Yr Rec Yds TDs team, while
going way back to the late 2008 18 273 2 J a r i u s Star Watch

f
1960s teams. Marcus 2009
Monk was a good one in
the past decade.
The best of the bunch may ultimately be
Childs, the junior who averaged over 18 yards
per catch for the Razorbacks last season. The
only thing that could slow down Childs is the
fact that he shares the limelight with one of the
best receiving corps in the nation.
48 894 7 Wright was
t h e O f f. M V P i n t h e
Liberty Bowl last year. And, oh by the way, TE
D.J Williams is one of the best in the nation.
But, Childs is the one who has defensive
coordinators in a panic. He’s got NFL size and
elusiveness. He can go up and get it. He
worked on his route running and, oh by the
way, his QB is Ryan Mallett. It’ll be a great year

f QB 15
QB/RB
Ryan Mallett Jr.
Arguably #1 QB in the 2011 Draft class
RB 20 Ronnie Wingo So.
Averaged 6.5 ypc, 319 yards rushing
TE/Receivers Offensive Line
WR 85

WR 3
Greg Childs
Potential A-A season on horizon
Joe Adams
2nd team All-SEC in 2009, 29 rec.
WR 4 Jarius Wright
Jr.

Jr.

Jr.
WT 73

WG 72
Ray Dominguez
Started 10 games in 2009 at tackle
Grant Cook
First year starter for the Hogs OL
C 60 Seth Oxner
Sr.

Jr.

Jr.

e
Off. MVP in Liberty Bowl last year Started all 13 games at center in 2009
TE 45 D.J Williams Sr. SG 71 Wade Grayson Sr.
John Mackey Award candidate Started 10 games for the Hogs in ‘09
ST 65 DeMarcus Love Sr.
On 2010 Outland Trophy Watch list

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

RB Michael Smith NONE G Mitch Petrus

n
A backfield that includes Ryan
Mallett pulling the trigger is almost
automatically going to be one of the
best in the nation, without question.
Mallett’s one year at Arkansas was as
successful as it possibly could’ve
been. What stands out more than
anything else was the fact that we’re
talking about one of the strongest
Saying that Arkansas has the best set
of receivers/tight ends in the nation...
a. You could make a strong argument
for that statement.
b. You would have a difficult time
refuting that statement.
Greg Childs is the guy who gets all
the attention and it’s warranted,
without question. He averaged
The Hogs only lose one starter from
last year’s offensive line, but he was a
great one - Mitch Petrus.
The remaining four fit into the Hogs
offense well. Although it was year
two in the Petrino offense, the group
showed it was transitioning well to
the pass/run balanced system. That
being said, they’ve got to improve on

s
arms in the game throwing only seven
interceptions. Typically, guys blessed
with howitzers will test that arm to
the tune of, at least, double digit
interceptions. Not Mallett last year
under the leadership and guidance of
Bobby Petrino.
The question though may be whether
nearly 19 yards per reception last year
so he’s a big play threat downfield.
Although Joe Adams missed some
time early in the season with a heart
ailment, he was back in the lineup for
ten games and proved he was a
dependable, tough across the middle
option. Add in Jarius Wright,
second on the team with 41
the sack numbers - the 2009 line
y i e l d e d 2 5 s a c k s l a s t y e a r, b u t
considering the fact that Mallett
dropped to throw the ball 420+ times,
that’s not a bad number.
DeMarcus Love is perhaps the best
player on the line. Good quickness
and a nasty demeanor serve him well

e
Ronnie Wingo is the answer at
running back. He came on a bit at
the end of last season and took
advantage of teams playing a fifth
defensive back, taking linebackers
out of the run defense.
receptions, and the receiving corps is
dynamite.
Throw in DJ Williams, an A-A
candidate and it’s a tremendous
group ready for a even bigger season.
at the team’s strong tackle spot. Ray
Dominguez is a hulking run blocker
on the other side. Seth Oxner and
Wade Grayson jump right back into
their spots on the line, but ably filling
Petrus’ spot is a must.
 91
Star Watch
Ask Arkansas
offensive
players
about the 2009
Yr
2008
DE Jake Bequette

Tackles TFL
27
6 ’4 ” 2 80 lb .
J u n ior
3
Sacks
1
QBH
3
It somewhat goes without
saying that
Razorbacks defense is the
the

39
progress
the Arkansas defense has made since 2009 and
without question, the first name that comes up
is Jake Bequette.
You don’t find a bunch of 6’4” 280 pound speed
defensive ends coming off the edge. That’s
what Bequette is and his size and effort make
him the key component for this defense in ’10.
p r o v e r b i a l “ f o r g o t te n
D
e
9 5.5 8
unit”. The pressure of
performance is squarely on the shoulders of
Bequette and the defensive line. Last year, the
majority of pressure came from blitzing. When
the ‘D’ didn’t blitz, the secondary got shredded.
Bequette is the key. Teams won’t respect the
pass rush until Bequette proves he can create
pressure. When he does, it’ll open things up
for the rest of the line. Can it happen? Has to.

Defensive Line Linebackers

DE 91 Jake Bequette

Started eight games in 2009, 1 TFL

DT 95 Patrick Jones
Jr.
Tied for team lead in sacks and TFLs
DT 61 Zach Stadther Jr.

Sr.
Filling shoes of All-SEC M. Sheppard
OLB 31 Jerico Nelson
74 tackles and 6.5 TFL in 2009
ILB 53 Jermaine Love
Played in 3 games in 2009 season
OLB 46 Freddy Burton
143 career tackles, 12 in Liberty Bowl
Jr.

Sr.

Sr.
CB

S
Secondary
26

4
Ramon Broadway
55 tackles, 2 TFL and 4 PBU in 2009
Tramain Thomas
Def. MVP of Liberty Bowl last year
Rudell Crim
Played entire 2009 season at CB.
Sr.

Jr.

Sr.
f
e
DE 43 Tenarius Wright So. CB 21 Darius Winston So.
2009 All-SEC Freshman team, 7 TFL Played in four games in 2009

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

DT Malcolm Sheppard LB Wendel Davis S Matt Harris
DE Adrian Davis

The Hogs defensive front hasn’t been Arkansas’ group of linebackers is the If the proof is in the pudding, or the

much to write home about the past
few years. Add to that, the “best”
player, Malcolm Sheppard ran out of
eligibility. Whereas this group
doesn’t have a standout player, like
Sheppard, it’s a group that can top
last year’s due to sheer depth.
most experienced of the defensive
units. It’s an athletic group that
D e f e n s i v e C o o r d i n a t o r Wi l l y
Robinson uses in a myriad of ways,
but it’s got to be more consistent
against the run, in particular.
Jerico Nelson wa s the team’s
n
stats, the secondary was the weakest
link on the worst defense in the SEC.
The pass defense was 12th in the
conference on the 12th ranked
defense in the conference.
Ouch.

DE Jake Bequette is perhaps the
best candidate to be All-SEC. He’s a
motor, effort, never-quit player; plus
he’s only a junior, so he’s can really
grow this year coming off the edge.
Tenarius Wright is the most overall
talented edge rusher the Hogs have.
The two of them will be pushed by
Damario Ambrose for time; either
way, he’ll be in the rotation.
s
second leading tackler in 2009,
But, if there is a positive, well, it can’t
f i n i s h i n g o n l y b e h i n d Je r r y
get worse, can it?
Franklin, who is in a battle to start
at outside linebacker with Freddy
True, but the poor play in the back
Bur ton. Nelson and Franklin
four last season forced the staff to
combined for 168 tackles in 2009. In
make some changes in the personnel
fact, Franklin has led the Hogs for
and positions.
the past two seasons. Burton started
seven games last season. Perhaps all
Rudell Crim started all last season
three start with Franklin or Burton
at cornerback, but he’ll transition

Zach Stadther has the experience,
but don’t be surprised if the defensive
tackle position is manned by some
freshmen. If this defense struggles
mightily, it might be because of the
DTs.
transitioning inside. Coming out of
spring, though, Jermaine Love had
a slim lead for this spot.
This group can be mixed and
matched in a lot of different ways,
which is good news.
e
over to safety. It opens up the
cornerback spot for Darius
Winston or Isaac Madison. Elton
Ford started eight games, but he’ll
start the season behind Tramain
Thomas at safety.
 2009: 7-6, Beat West Virginia in Gator Bowl
3 rd i n AC C At l a n t i c
Head Coach: Jimbo Fisher, 1st Yr. @ FSU
Sure, the Seminoles sent Bobby What it needs most of all is players. Ponder,
Bowden out the right way, CB Greg Reid

19 knocking off West Virginia in

t h e Ga to r B o w l , b u t i f y o u
watched any of the final three games
and G Rodney
Hu d s o n a r e ,
FSU’s Vital Signs
2009 Results
arguably, the best Run Offense 149.5 ypg 59th
of the season, you had to wonder what at their positions Pass Offense 271.9 ypg 25th
the heck had gone wrong with this program. in the ACC, but is Total Offense 421.4 ypg 28th
there much else? Scoring Offense 30.1 ppg 32nd
Run Defense 204.6 ypg 108th
Okay, so I’ll give you the fact that QB
Pass Defense 230.0 ypg 77th
Christian Ponder was on the shelf with an Where the ‘Noles
Total Defense 434.6 ypg 108th
injury, but that doesn’t even begin to explain struggled mightily Scoring Def. 30.0 ppg 94th
the debacle that was taking place on the other was getting off
side of the ball. In all, the 6-6 regular season the field. Often 2010 Returning Starters
put Bowden on the fast track to retirement and c o n f u s e d Off. Ret. Starters 7
Jimbo Fisher in the catbird’s seat. And, it’s this defensively, the Def. Ret. Starters 6
“shot” of Fisher that can be the tonic that this unit needed help
program needed. and a kick in the butt. Hello, Mark Stoops.

Why #19? The return of dark horse Heisman candidate QB Christian Ponder, the five returning
starters on OL, the defense gets a shot of Stoops - Mark Stoops, only 2 road games after October 9th

Why not higher? The secondary is a sieve, there are no game changers on the defense, with the
exception of perhaps Greg Reid, the run game’s consistency is still at issue, early matchup with OU.

2010 Schedule Key Games

Sep 4, 2010 Samford
Sep 11, 2010 @ Oklahoma
Sep 18, 2010 BYU
Sep 25, 2010 Wake Forest
Oct 2, 2010 @ Virginia Fa cin g S am f ord Payback is a, well, FSU faces only
isn’t going to do you know the rest. o n e t r u e AC C
Oct 9, 2010 @ Miami (FL) anything at all for M i a m i c a m e to Atlantic division
F S U, e s p e c i a l l y threat on the road
Oct 16, 2010 Boston College with the Sooners
Tal laha ssee la st
- NC State. On a
year and stole the
Oct 23, 2010 BYE on the horizon the
following week.
opener. It was an Thursday night in
Raleigh, anything
offensive display
Oct 28, 2010 @ NC State OU is looking to
unlike anything
can happen,
bounce back and a especially with
Nov 6, 2010 North Carolina win over a solid we’re used to Russell Wilson at
FSU squad is a seeing when these QB for State. But,
Nov 13, 2010 Clemson must. Suffice it to two do battle. FSU is coming off
say, FSU is headed That may not of a bye week and
Nov 20, 2010 @ Maryland i n t o a h o r n e t ’s change in 2009 should be primed
Nov 27, 2010 Florida nest. down in Miami. and ready.
Christian “The expectations are high...
Yr. Cmp Att Yds TDs Int. Att Yds TDs
ChristianPonder

2007 8 18 105 1 2 5 51 0
2008 177 318 2006 14 13 119 423 4
2009 227 330 2717 14 7 72 179 2

Coming from the state of Texas, playing situation. On a Thursday night in Kenan
his college ball in the state of Florida, Stadium against the Tar Heels, Ponder and
Christian Ponder carries a ton of pressure the Noles were in such a situation.
on his shoulders. But, it pales in Down 17-6 at the half, the Seminoles
comparison to the pressure he’s looked dead. A TJ Yates 10-yard TD
must feel run should’ve been the nail in the
a t te m p t i n g to coffin. But, Ponder didn’t let the
turn around Seminoles quit. For the rest of
Florida State the 2nd half, Ponder lit up the
Ponder

football. A program that was a fixture in supposed vaunted UNC defense

the top five nearly ever y
season...gone...just...like...that. The fall was,
perhaps, more precipitous than people
anticipated after the Chris Rix years and the
FSU “reclamation project” has fallen into
the hands of head coach Jimbo Fisher,
with Ponder as his lead architect.
His injury sent Florida State’s
offense into a tailspin at the end o f
last season, but his return in 2 0 1 0
could spell a resurgence for t h e
S e m i n o l e s . Po n d e r
reminds me of a young
Matt Schaub, with a l i t t l e b i t m o r e
mobility in the pocket. He has the ability to
make something happen if the play’s original
design breaks down. He’s not going to scare
any DCs running the ball, but he’ll find a way to
move the chains. He’s accurate with the
football and truly grew on me throughout the
2009 season. He throws a catchable ball with
some zip and has a nice touch on his deep
throws.
But, a quarterback is going to be evaluated on
what he does in crunch time or in a tough
with 3 touchdowns, finishing the
night with 395 yards passing in a
30-24 come-from-behind win.
Will that night be Ponder’s
career turnaround
moment like it was for
Charlie Ward against Georgia Tech in
1992? Not quite to that degree, but it
did give all of us a clearer picture of
how good Ponder can tr ul y be this
season.
“...What he said...”
“Honestly I don’t pay that much
attention to what other people do,
especially if it’s a different position.
Maybe I’ll compare myself to what the
other quarterbacks are doing, but I
don’t really keep up with specifics.
When you start comparing yourself to
other people it becomes a distraction
and start putting unnecessary pressure
on yourself to perform so I don’t really
get in the habit of doing it too much.”
-Ponder on the attention he may gather, including
a dark horse run at the Heisman

...we’re set to play pretty well”

O
For a school that spit out So phomore
top notch running backs
for a couple of decades, Yr. Att Yds TDs Rec. Yds. TD Thompson’s
the Florida S t a t e 2009 23 120
f
Seminoles have lacked
some punch at this position for a while. Now,
is the running back’s performance tied into the
lack of offensive line talent and production?
Most certainly, but on the other hand, there
hasn’t been a guy that has put pressure on
opposing defenses the way Sammie Smith or
Amp Lee or Edgar Bennett or Travis Minor or...
Well, you get the point.
f QB 7
QB/RB
Christian Ponder
For FSU to win 10, he has to be healthy
RB 23 Chris Thompson
May beat out starter Jermaine Thomas
FB 24 Lonnie Pryor
Sr.
So.
So.
e
156 yds. rushing, 10 rec. & 1 TD in ‘09
Key Losses
NONE
The 2009 season disintegrated in a
n
major way, well, after week one, but it
went into a free fall after Christian
Ponder threw his shoulder into
Clemson’s DeAndre McDaniel after
an interception and missed the rest of
the season
He says he’s 100% healthy and that’s
great news because this offense a
chance to be one of the best in the
ACC with him under center Ponder
s
is a prototypical pocket passer who
has grown by leaps and bounds in the
three years since he took over
We all know that Ponder is the leader
under center, but who’ll tote the
mail? Chris Thompson, from
nearby Madison County, is a pocket
sized Travis Minor and emerged from
s p r i n g p r a c t i c e a s t h e s t a r te r.
e
Jermaine Thomas was the starter
in 2009 and won’t give up the
position that easily. He led the
’Noles with 832 yards rushing in ’09.
FB Lonnie Pryor is a hybird TB/FB,
so he’ll get touches in this ‘O’.
RB Chris Thompson
5 ’ 8” 18 6 lb .
Now, it’s going to
be Chris
2 2 10 0 turn to see if
he can
change the game for Florida State. Although
he sat behind Jermaine Thomas for much of
last year, the offensive staff feels like Thompson
gives them more of a chance to be explosive in
2010. Thompson is reminiscent of a faster
Travis Minor. Quick, runs low to the ground,
good balance and has decent hands out of the
backfield. FSU fans would love another Minor.
TE/Receivers Offensive Line
WR 83
WR 84
TE 88
Bert Reed
Rodney Smith
Beau Reliford
Jr.
Closes thing to game breaker the ‘O’ has
So.
Big, strong, physical WR - must step up
Jr.
11 rec as a backup, now he gets to start
Key Losses
WR Rod Owens & Taiwan Easterling
TE Caz Piurowski
For the casual fans, it’s hard to think
of an FSU team without a quality
receiver out on the edge.
Kez McCorvey, Snoop Minnis, Peter
Warrick, Greg Carr, E.G Green. The
past 20 years have produced some of
the best receivers in the ACC, if not
the nation.
Those days have changed. Well, not
totally - it’s not as if there are a bunch
of stiffs on the perimeter, but I don’t
know if this is a group that scares def.
coordinators whatsover. Well, I know
they don’t.
Bert Reed is no bigger than your
junior high son, but he caught 60
passes in 2009, but he averaged only
11.8 yards per game with those
receptions and NO touchdowns.
Jarmon Fortson got kicked off the
team, so Rodney Smith, who’s got
great size, must be a factor across the
middle of the field. TE Beau
Reliford must make an impact.
23
Star Watch
LT
LG
C
67
62
60
Andrew Datko
Looks like TE, plays like a star
Rodney Hudson
Ryan McMahon
Jr.
Sr.
The best guard in the nation. Period.
Sr.
Should be candidate for Rimington Award
RG 79 David Spurlock Jr.
Nominated for All-ACC honors by coaches
RT 77 Zebrie Sanders Jr.
Been a starter since his true FR. year
Key Losses
NONE
If there’s a bright spot on this offense
not named Christian Ponder, it’s the
offensive line that’s going to protect
the Seminoles signal caller.
Offensive line coach Rick Trickett
has a crew that might be the best in
FSU’s recent history. In fact, Trickett
noted that last year, his five starters
all were nominated for All-ACC
honors for the first time in his
legendary coaching career.
The star of the class is guard Rodney
Hudson, who’s on my Ultimate 22
team for this season. He’s not a
massive, mud slide like most guards,
but he plays with great technique and
is as nasty as anyone that plays this
position.
Andrew Datko, Ryan McMahon
and David Spurlock have started
for the past three years together, but
for all five to be together in 2010,
Zebrie Sanders must prove to be
healthy after spring surgery.
 5
Star Watch
When Greg
Reid changed
his mind Yr
on signing 2009
CB Greg Reid
5’ 11” 2 21 lb.
J u n ior
Tackles Sacks
23 0
Int.
2
The young play maker
was perhaps the only one
PBU w i t h a p e n c h a n t f o r
6 making plays on defense.
D
e
d a y , And, he didn’t even start.
turning down the Florida Whether that was on defense (2 picks) or in the
Gators for the FSU Seminoles, the FSU faithful return game, Reid proved, as a true freshman,
felt like perhaps the tables were turning in the that he has the ability to change games.
state of Florida.
At corner this year, he’s going to be on the spot,
Well, one recruit isn’t going to swing the but teams that challenge him are going to find
pendulum entirely to one side, but there were a that he’s up to that challenge. He’s not in the
lot of happy people when Reid ended up in T. Buck/Primetime class yet, but give the young

f
Tallahassee rather than in Gainesville. man a couple of years and you never know.

Defensive Line Linebackers Secondary

DE 98 Markus White Sr. OLB 16 Mister Alexander Sr. CB 5 Greg Reid So.
10.5 TFL in ’09, needs more than 2 sacks Replaces Dekoda Watson...maybe. Reminds FSU fans of great former CBs
DT 90 Moses McCray Jr. ILB 29 Kendall Smith Sr. FS 4 Terrance Parks So.
Started 9 games in 2009 2nd leading tackler in ’09 with 85 Played in only 9 games, 6 tackles
DT 99 Jacobbi McDaniel So. OLB 13 Nigel Bradham Jr. SS 10 Nick Moody So.

e
Madison County’s finest needs huge yr. Leading tackler in ’09 with 93 2 starts in ’09, had 33 tackles
DE 49 Brandon Jenkins So. CB 15 Ochuko Jenije Sr.
3 TFL as a backup in 2009 Sole returning starter, 4 picks in ‘09

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

DT Everett Dawkins LB Dekoda Watson S Jamie Robinson & Korey Mangum
DE Craig Yarborough CB Patrick Robinson

Take a long hard look at the rushing After living in Florida and watching The Florida State secondary suffered

yards per game, the Seminoles yielded
in 2009.
204.6 ypg.
Really? That won’t happen again.
Last year’s defensive front was as
porous as any front in the last 30
years at FSU. Not one of the four
FSU football for a good long time, it’s
sad in some sense to see the
linebacker position take a step, or
three, backwards. This is supposed
to be Derrick Brooks, Marvin Jones
and Tommy Polley territory. It hasn’t
been. The FSU LB have been good,
but not great. That has to change for
this to be a next level team.
n
the most personnel losses of any unit
on the team. And, depending on your
state of mind, that could be or bad.
The absence of Myron Rolle was felt
in 2009 without question. Jamie
Robinson and Korey Mangum were
seemingly lost throughout the season.
I can’t tell you how many times I

s
starters was nominated for All-ACC remember seeing Mangum chasing a
Ke n d a l l S m i t h a n d Ni g e l
honors. play from behind because he blew a
Bradham have a shot to be
coverage or was totally lost reading a
difference makers. The two returning
Whether it’s a productive group or false key. And, Robinson was in a
starters had 178 tackles between them
not, this group will nearly similar boat. This year, inexperience
in 2009 and solidify this unit. But,
singlehandedly carry the fate of the will reign, but it’s a different scheme
with the varied way teams run the
entire team on its shoulders. Play under Mark Stoops. Nick Moody
ball in the conference, these guys
stout and tough - could be a should start at one spot, while
have to do a better job of making
championship year. Roll over like it Terrance Parks, Gerald Demps
plays at or around the line of

did last year and it’s an 7-5 year at
best.
Jacobbi McDaniel is the most
talented guy up front and at 6’, he’s a
difficult DT to move. But, what else
around him is there? Great question.
scrimmage.
Nigel Carr was projected to replace
Dekoda Watson, but he got booted
after getting arrested, so Mister
Alexander or Vince Williams will
fill Watson’s spot on the outside.
e
and Jajuan Harley will fight for the
other.
At cornerback, the Noles should be
in good shape. Greg Reid is a future
star and Ochuko Jenije is the
secondary’s only returning starter.
 2009: 8-5, Lost to Pitt in Meineke Car Care Bowl
4 t h i n AC C C o a s t a l
Head Coach: Butch Davis, 4th Yr. @ North Carolina - Record: 20-18
No one is ever going to feel sorry It’s not what Davis wants to deal with, nor
f o r B u tc h D a v i s , No r t h would any coach,

20 Carolina’s head coach. He’s had a

decorated coaching career. He
turned the University of Miami back
but he must now.
This is a team
UNC’s Vital Signs
2009 Results
oozing with NFL Run Offense 132.9 ypg 79th
into THE U. He got the Cleveland
first r o u n d Pass Offense 174.9 ypg 102nd
Browns to the playoffs - a miracle, it would
defensive talent. Total Offense 307.8 ypg 108th
seem. He’s even put North Carolina football
Howe ver, it’s a Scoring Offense 23.8 ppg 83rd
back on the map, if you will. Run Defense 95.6 ypg 10th
team with a QB Pass Defense 174.0 ypg 14th
But, for a guy who’s kept it clean and based his that has been up- Total Defense 269.6 ypg 6th
college coaching reputation on keeping it clean, and-down more Scoring Def. 17.1 ppg 13th
the timing of the NCAA investigation into his than a Six Flags
players’ communication/transgressions with an amusement ride. 2010 Returning Starters
agent couldn’t have come at a worse time. Off. Ret. Starters 10
Throw in a marijuana charge against star LB Davis has pulled Def. Ret. Starters 9

Quan Sturdivant two weeks prior and you his teams f rom
have a massive hornet’s nest stirred up three the proverbial wreckage before, and if he does
weeks before fall camp (charge was dropped) it this time, it could result in a Championship.

Why #20? More NFL talent than any team in the ACC, stout and talented defensive front seven,
solid and improving running game, only leave state of North Carolina once after October 23rd

Why not higher? This current investigation could overshadow the entire season, QB T.J Yates is a
liability (but it could mean Bryn Renner takes over), LSU opening game, road trips to Miami & FSU

2010 Schedule Key Games

Sep 4, 2010 LSU (ATL)
Sep 11, 2010 BYE
Sep 18, 2010 Georgia Tech
Sep 25, 2010 @ Rutgers
After watching Va. No one will ever The best matchup
Oct 2, 2010 East Carolina Tech and Clemson “own” Miami, but in the ACC this
get hammered in the Tar Heels have year is not a game,
Oct 9, 2010 Clemson Atlanta the past the past two years, per se. The tete-a-
two years by knocking Miami tete that I’m most
Oct 16, 2010 @ Virginia Alabama, North out of any looking forward to
Carolina figured it p o t e n t i a l watching this
Oct 23, 2010 @ Miami (FL) would take a shot championship season is UNC’s
Oct 30, 2010 William & Mary against
susceptible LSU
a c h a s e . U N C ’s
assets match up
front seven facing
Va. Tech’s talented
Nov 6, 2010 @ Florida State squad. A win
would mean a ton
well against
Miami’s liabilities
backfield trio. No
matter, the winner
Nov 13, 2010 Virginia Tech for the ACC and (i.e UNC’s DL vs. of the game hould
boost the Heels Miami’s OL), so it be in great shape
Nov 20, 2010 NC State confidence will be a battle. for a Coastal title.

Nov 27, 2010 @ Duke

 “He can do whatever he wants...
Quan Sturdivant
UNC’s
UNC’sFab

Robert Quinn
Bruce Carter
FAb44

Ask any college football emanating from

fan the following question - “so
what team has the best front seven in
the nation?” The answers are to be
expected.
Florida? USC? Ohio State?
In 2010, those are all wrong answers. The best
front seven in the nation resides in Chapel Hill,
North Carolina, led by a foursome that includes
DE Robert Quinn, DT Marvin Austin, LB
Quan Sturdivant and LB Bruce Carter.
If the names sound somewhat familiar, it’s
because Austin and Sturdivant have been in the
headlines, lately, for potential transgressions off
the field. The charges against Sturdivant have
been dropped, but if the “agent talk” about
Austin is true, it could throw a major monkey
wrench into the plans for him and for this team.
If the name Robert Quinn sounds familiar, it’s
because your local NFL team has a serious man
crush on the Tar Heel defensive end. They
can’t say it on the record, but walk past a GM’s
office when he has film of Quinn going on the
DVD player and you’l l hear the “lo ve”
that room.
Quinn is the type
o f pass rusher that
team’s drool over. He’s long
armed, quick as a cat and has a blazing fast first
step. Wearing a skill players number #42 at
UNC, he’ll evoke comparisons to former star
Julius Peppers. He’s not as big, but he might be
a little quicker.
Austin hasn’t come close to reaching his
potential, but when he does, he’s a top 25 pick
as a 3-technique defensive tackle. This
investigation will raise some red flags, though.
Although I do think he’s underachieved a great
deal, he still is a manchild on the interior.
Sturdivant is the team’s tackling machine. Find
the ball, make a tackle. He’s the guy who keeps
the game simple, but he’s not as physically
gifted as Quinn or Austin. Unfortunately, he’s
not as fast as Carter, one of the best play
makers on either side of the ball in the league.
Whether he’s making plays in space or blocking
kicks, Carter typically delivers one potential
game changing play per game. He had 5
blocked kicks last year.

“...What he said...”
"We all agreed that next year can be the year. We believe we can be special, not only as
a defense, but as a team."

-North Carolina S Deunta Williams after three of the Fab 4 decided to stay for one more year,
along with Williams and Kendric Burney, who both thought about leaving for the NFL.

...when he wants”
O
Built like a Greek god,
Greg Little was definitely
not built like a running Yr. Att Yds TDs Rec. Yds. TD s o l v e d
back. However, as the 2007 59
f
Tar Heels struggled to
2008 78
find someone, anyone to
carry the football, the 2009 29
offensive coaching staff
turned to Little to be that guy. He was average,
but had his moments. Then, Shaun Draughn
and Ryan Houston emerged as weapons in the
offense and Little could move back over to
wide receiver. WR...where he has a chance to
carve out a future at the next level.
f QB 13
QB/RB
T.J. Yates
Might, no should, be RSFr. Bryn Renner
RB 20 Shaun Draughn
Forms solid pair with Ryan Houston
FB 45 Devon Ramsey
Sr.
Sr.
Jr.
e
Basically he’s a guard playing fullback
Key Losses
NONE
n
Most of the, wait, all of the starting
positions are set in stone going into
the season.
With the exception of one - the
quarterback. T.J Yates emerged as
the starter from last year’s fall camp,
but sitting in the wings was freshman
Bryn Renner. Davis didn’t think
that Renner was completely ready as
s
a true freshman to take over. So,
Ya t e s r e m a i n e d t h e s t a r t e r
throughout the season to the
detriment of the Tar Heels. 15
interceptions later, the question mark
still lingers. Yates may be the starter
coming out of camp, but by the
opener, it may be Renner’s job for
good.
e
Shaun Draughn and Ryan
Houston combined for 1,280 yards
and 10 touchdowns. The running
game is in good hands. The passing
game? Wait and see.
WR Greg Little
J u n ior
6 ’3 ” 2 20 lb .
It was as if the
8
Tar Heels
300 2 13 99 1 t w o Star Watch
problems
339 3 11 146 0
in one when the two RBs
166 1 62 724 5 started producing. At
6’3” and 220 lb, Little has
the size to dominate ACC defensive backs.
The only question nagging Little this season is
what is his involvement with a sports agent.
He’s facing a similar problems that are facing
teammate Marvin Austin. If cleared, he’s in for
a huge season, if not, the offense will suffer.
TE/Receivers Offensive Line
WR
WR 88
TE
8
17
Greg Little
He’s a WR for good...finally
Erik Highsmith
37 receptions and 2 TDs in 2009
Zack Pianalto
Sr.
So.
Sr.
LT
LG
C
71
70
64
Carl Gaskins
Alan Pelc
Jonathan Cooper
Jr.
Injured during spring, but should be back
Sr.
Started 13 games, injured missed spring
So.
SHOULD be All-ACC, CAN be A-A Freshman A-A, moves to center in ‘10
RG 76 Travis Bond So.
As a true freshman, started in bowl game
RT 66 Mike Ingersoll Sr.
Started 12 of 13 games in 2009
Key Losses Key Losses
NONE T Kyle Jolly
Now, that Greg Little has finally The Tar Heels offensive line isn’t
found a home at receiver, the full going to move the needle whatsoever
receiving corps is complete. as one of the top units in the nation.
But, it does have experience and has
Little is a beast in the middle of the
the potential to get better each and
field. No matter who is under center,
every week. If Bryn Renner does
the Tar Heels have to be effective
take over as the starting quarterback,
between the hashes downfield. If
he’s going to need as much assistance
they can’t throw the ball to the
reading defensive fronts and
middle of the field, forget it. Little is
coverages as possible. Furthermore,
the key to the middle of the field, as
opening up holes in the run game
long as he’s on it
allows Renner to just turn and hand
TE Zack Pianalto is the type of the ball off and get out of the way.
threat I absolutely love. Athletic and
tough, he’s the other guy who can Leading the way is freshman All-
make a proverbial living going across American Jonathan Cooper at
the middle. Although he was injured center. He’s moving over to that spot
and missed a significant amount of after spending last year at guard. He
time, he had 33 receptions, nearly missed a couple of games with an
four a game. injury but has the talent to be a star
in the ACC.
WR Erik Highsmith had a strong
freshman season and is a perfect
Alan Pelc is the most experienced of
complementary piece to Little, who
the bunch, but he’s coming off of
may have to take Little’s #1 spot.
spring surgery that shelved him.
 27
Star Watch
T h
defensive
front Fab
e

4 gets all
t h e
Yr
2007
FS Deunta Williams
6 ’2 ” 210 lb .
S en io r
Tackles
57
Int.
3
PBU
2
of the nation’s top free
safeties. Trust me, you’ll
want to watch him this
season so you can say you
knew him when.
D
e
2008 65 3 3
publicity. 2009 47 6 8
Wow, when does that Whether it’s filling in the
happen? A bunch of grimy linemen get the alley in run support or playing in coverage,
headlines and the brilliant secondary stars stay Williams does both awfully well. Now, the
in the background? Yep...in Chapel Hill anyway caveat is that Williams needs the assistance of
those linemen, but he can more than handle his
Well, at least for now. By the end of March and own in the back. He’s athletic and smart and
the beginning of April, 2011 you’ll want to know will impact this team with his play. Can he get
more and more about FS Deunta Williams, one just a little limelight, please?

Defensive Line Linebackers

DE 42 Robert Quinn
2nd in balloting for ACC Def. POY in ‘09
DT 9 Marvin Austin
Time for big #9 to step up his game
DT 91 Tydreke Powell
Played DE during ’09, moves inside
Jr.

Sr.

Jr.
OLB 54

OLB 52
Bruce Carter

Quan Sturdivant
Has ACC Def. POY potential
Sr.
Will make one game changing play a game
ILB 48 Kevin Reddick So.
Freshman All-ACC LB, 45 stops, 5.5 TFL
Sr.
CB

FS

SS
Secondary
16

27

21
Kendric Burney
38 career starts, four year starter
Deunta Williams
First team All-ACC in 2009, 6 int.
Da’Norris Searcy
Started all 13 games, 35 tackles
Sr.

Sr.

Sr.
f
e
DE 90 Quinton Coples Sr. CB 12 Charles Brown Sr.
6.5 TFL in ’09 as rotation DE Solid ‘09 season, 66 tackles and 1 int.

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

DE E.J Wilson NONE NONE
DT Cam Thomas

The defensive line coming out of If the defensive line stays intact, the Four seniors. Four potential All-ACC
spring had NFL people drooling all linebackers will reap the benefits. players. Four reasons why the North

over Robert Quinn and Marvin
Austin. Maybe a bit too much.
NCAA representatives spent a
significant amount of time discussing
a recent trip Austin made to South
Beach Miami, FL. Whether Austin
paid his own way or not, this will
However, this group has experienced
it’s own setbacks by, arguably, its
player.
During July, All-ACC player Quan
Sturdivant was arrested at a local
Bojangles for carrying a “substance”.
But, the charges were dropped and
n
Carolina secondary is the best on the
East Coast.
It star ts with one of the most
complete, playmaking free safeties in
the nation, Deunta Williams. Had
Williams decided to make an NFL
city his home in 2010, he would’ve
been an early second rounder. In the

hang over the program for a while,
and presumably into the season.
Quinn, on the other hand, is the
more impressive pro prospect.
Fr e a k i s h l y b u i l t , Q u i n n i s s o
incredibly quick off the edge, it’s
scary. Downright scary. Watching
him work on offensive tackles, it’s
really awesome.
the senior leader of the North
Carolina defense could take his
rightful spot at linebacker yet again.
Sturdivant is a complete player who
should excel when on the field in
2010.
Opposite Sturdivant is the athletic
Bruce Carter. Dude can fly and he
can make plays - big ones. He’s a
demon on the outside and on special
s
2011 NFL Draft, he’ll definitely be a
valued commodity. For the Tar Heels
he sets the tone along with his
r u n n i n g m a te a t s t r o n g s a f e t y
Da’Norris Searcy.
The corner position is just as strong
as the safety position. On one side,
Kendric Burney has been starting
since he stepped on the Chapel Hill
campus - rock solid, dependable with

Tydreke Powell will move inside to
replace Cam Thomas. He’s going to
be ultra-quick for guards and centers
to block. His move inside opens up
the DE spot for Quinton Coples.
teams where he blocked 5 kicks in
’ 0 9 . At M L B , Ke v i n Re d d i c k
returns after his strong freshman
season. This trio is tough to top and
should be outstanding.
e
great ball skills and playmaking
ability. Opposite him, Charles
Brown gets a lot of attention as
teams look to avoid Burney, but he
more than holds his own.
 2009: 10-4, Lost to Air Force in Armed Forces Bowl
C U S A We s t C h a m p i o n s
Head Coach: Kevin Sumlin, 3rd Yr. @ Houston - Record: 18-9
The Cougars went to Stillwater The defensive line has one starter coming back,

21
and pulled off what many David Hunter,
thought was the upset of the b u t n e e d s t o Houston’s Vital Signs
year as Kevin Sumlin’s bunch improve rapidly 2009 Results
methodically took apart Oklahoma to stop Donald Run Offense 129.6 ypg 83rd
State in a 45-35 upset. But, it was no B u c k r a m f r o m Pass Offense 433.7 ypg 1st
fluke. Two weeks later, the Cougars fought UTEP and Brynn Total Offense 563.4 ypg 1st
through a difficult 3rd quarter to knock off Ha r v e y f r o m Scoring Offense 42.2 ppg 1st
another Big 12 foe, Texas Tech. So, then UCF - two guys Run Defense 226.6 ypg 115th
Pass Defense 224.7 ypg 72nd
explain how the Cougars lost to UTEP, UCF, who ran wild in
Total Defense 451.3 ypg 111th
East Carolina and Air Force? Great question wins against UH Scoring Def. 30.1 ppg 95th
in 2009. If
It was easy to point the finger at the defense
Stewart can get 2010 Returning Starters
and former defensive coordinator John
opposing offenses Off. Ret. Starters 8
Skladany who lost his job over the defense’s
under 25 points Def. Ret. Starters 6
performance, or lack thereof. New defensive
per game, the
coordinator Brian Stewart has revamped the
Cougars have a great shot to make a dent in the
look of the defense, not only changing the
BCS standings by mid-season. If not, then it’ll
scheme to a 3-4, but adding some much needed
be another season of head scratching questions.
JUCO impact players.

Why #21? Case Keenum back for his fourth year, one of the best groups of wide receivers in the
nation, defense should be much improved, CUSA still doesn’t offer much in the way of resistance.

Why not higher? Consistency or lack thereof for the Cougars, some team will trip them up that
you’d not expect, three straight CUSA road games in October, defense will be a question mark early.

2010 Schedule Key Games

Sep 4, 2010 Texas State
Sep 10, 2010 UTEP
Sep 18, 2010 @ UCLA
Sep 25, 2010 Tulane There won’t be a The Cougars I didn’t think that
Oct 2, 2010 BYE ton of marquee throttled SMU these two fan
matchups this last year at home, bases hated each
Oct 9, 2010 Mississippi State week across the but the Mustangs o t h e r l i ke t h e y
nation. But, I’m truly do, but if you
Oct 16, 2010 @ Rice telling you right
ran off a string of
were at Robertson
wins following
Oct 23, 2010 @ SMU now, there won’t
be a better
that loss. And,
Stadium last year,
you found that out
perhaps no team
Oct 30, 2010 @ Memphis offense-defense
carries as much
in a hurry. Now
tete-a- tete that the two get
Nov 5, 2010 UCF weekend than this momentum from a together on a
one. U of H’s ‘O’ bowl win than Thanksgiving
Nov 13, 2010 Tulsa vs. UCLA’s quick SMU. This game weekend. Tech
Nov 20, 2010 @ Southern Miss and nasty ‘D’
should be a blast.
should decide the won’t stop running
the ball this time.
CUSA West.
Nov 27, 2010 @ Texas Tech
Case “His expectation levels are...
Yr. Comp Att Yds TDs Int.
CaseKeenum

2007 187 273 2259 14 10

2008 397 589 5020 44 11
2009 492 700 5671 44 15

Honor Roll
2009 Sammy Baugh Trophy Recipient
2009 First team All-America (CFN.com)
2009 Walter Camp Second team All-America
2009 Davey O’Brien National QB Award Finalist
Keenum

2009 Manning Award Finalist

2009 Walter Camp Player of the Year Award Finalist
2009 CUSA MVP
The numbers are insane, let’s be honest, but there won’t be
another quarterback more debated at season’s end than Keenum.
If you hear the words “system quarterback”, you’ll hear it a
thousand times. But, I’ve been a firm believer that you create
your own system and Keenum does that for the Houston
Cougars offense.

The first thing that stands out about Keenum is the quick
release. Seemingly, no quarterback in college football can get the
ball out of his hand quicker than Keenum. He can make the
quick slant throw right now. He can hit the bubble screen in a
hurry, but does that translate to the next level? Slant? Sure.
Bubble screen type throws? Not as much.

All coaches sit back behind their quarterbacks and are always
screaming “Throw it. THROW it. THROW IT!”, but that
won’t happen with Keenum. When he decides
to throw, it’s gone. He’ll drop the arm slot at
times and the ball can sail on him as he’s
looking to hit the 15-17 yard in/dig routes. “...What he said...”
But, when he gets on top of it, the ball has
plenty of revolutions and gets to its target in a "It's hard to ask a guy who has led the
hurry. country in total offense two years in a
row to be better. He doesn't have to do
The critics that want to label him a system any more or any less than last year. He
quarterback will have a field day with the knows what it takes to win. He's played
Cougars last two games in 2009 - East long enough and studied enough tape.
Carolina and Air Force. In the bowl game, I'll put it this way -- his expectation
especially, Keenum struggled, with a career
levels are a lot higher than most realize
high 6 picks. And, maybe for that reason, he
and even some of the coaches realize.”
returned to the Scott St. campus. In his mind,
he’s got a lot of unfinished business and if he
can throw for 5,500 yards in the process, well, -Houston head coach Kevin Sumlin on
he may walk away with a handsome trophy Keenum
handed out every year in New York. More
importantly, Keenum wants a champ’s ring.

...a lot higher than most realize”

O
WR/KR Tyron Carrier
Game breakers come in
5 ’ 9” 18 5 lb .
J u n ior breaker that U of
35
all shapes and sizes. But, H c a n’t d o
one constant amongst all Yr Rec Yds TDs Ret TD w i t h o u t .
game breakers, though, is 2008 80 1026 7 1 Whether it’s Star Watch

f
that they want the ball at 2009 91
the team’s most dire time.
Case in point, last November, Houston trailed
Tulsa 38-27 in the third quarter. Tulsa decided
to kick to Tyron Carrier.
It became 38-34 in a hurry and that touchdown
kept the Cougs in the game - one they won
46-45. With speed that’s unmatched, even on
this squad, Carrier has become the game
1029 9 4 o n k i c ko f f
returns or
from the slot, Carrier gives this offense its
dynamic component. His ability to catch the
ball in space and make people miss is more
valuable to an offense than people expect.
Why? A play caller misses every now and then
and needs a player to make one to save him and
get him to a new set of downs. Carrier does
just that. Keep an eye on him this year.

f QB 7
QB/RB
Case Keenum
The Man. Nothing else.
RB 25 Bryce Beall
Sr.

Jr.
Must carry run game with C. Sims out
TE/Receivers Offensive Line
WR 35

WR 19
Tyron Carrier
Dual threat - THE game breaker
James Cleveland
Jr.

Jr.
104 receptions in ’09, 1st team All-CUSA
WR 83 Patrick Edwards Jr.
LT

LG
76

60
Jacolby Ashworth
Injured for much of the 2009 season
Jaryd Anderson
Started four games at LG in 2009
C 73 Jordan Shoemaker
So.

Sr.

Sr.

e
Rebounded from leg injury, 85 recs. Moves from G to C to replace C. Barnett
WR 84 Kierrie Johnson Sr. RG 70 Chris Thompson Jr.
16 receptions and 1 TD in 2009 2009 Honorable mention All-CUSA
RT 74 Roy Watts Sr.
Former JUCO must step in a big way

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

RB Charles Sims (Academics) WR Chaz Rodridguez OL Carl Barnett
OL Jarve Dean (Dismissed)
The Cougars suffered a massive blow The best unit the Cougars have The Cougars offensive line projected

n
in June when star running back
Charles Sims was ruled ineligible
for the 2010 season. He took over
the starting role from Bryce Beall
during the season, but the good news
is that Beall has seen the field plenty
in his two years at. His experience
means more this year than ever.
Beall ran for 670 yards, 2nd on the
without question. There are plenty
in the city of Houston who believe
that the Cougars have the most
dangerous crop of receivers in the
nation. And, it’s really hard to argue
with that sentiment, honestly.
James Cleveland is a stud, pure and
simple. Big, strong, fast and almost
always open downfield, he’s a man’s
to be one of the best in CUSA
following the 2009 season, having to
replace only one starter, All-CUSA
center Carl Barnett.
But, during spring practice, head
coach Kevin Sumlin booted T Jarve
Dean off the team leaving, at least,
one gaping hole at the key tackle
position.

s
team behind Sims, but where he’s
really got to pick up more slack is in
the passing game. Sims had 70
receptions in 2009, while Beall had
only 35. What makes this offense go
is the availability of every eligible
receiver anywhere on the field, so
Beall is a major key matched up
against linebackers or even strong
receiver and he’ll be a “hot” All-
America selection in the pre-season.
Tyron Carrier changes games, but
Patrick Edwards balances out this
unit. Teams that double Cleveland or
focus on Carrier get torched by
Edwards and his 85 receptions. There
weren’t many people who believed
Roy Watts, a former JUCO All-
American, started 9 games at left
tackle last year, but is more of a right
tackle in this, or any offense. So,
expect to see him on the right side
this year. Jordan Shoemaker
moves over to center to replace
Barnett. Chris Thompson looks to
build off a strong sophomore season
where he earned All-CUSA honors.

e
safeties. That was an area where Sims
made his living. Beall probably has
more wiggle than Sims, but the key is
that it’s a one man show, so to speak.
Also, Case Keenum is good.
that Edwards could bounce back
f rom the horrific leg injur y he
suffered against Marshall in 2008, but
he came back almost better than he
was prior to the injury. Kierrie
Johnson provides solid depth.
The major questions are at the other
tackle position and whether Jacolby
Ashworth can play and whether he
can play left tackle or move to right.
 55
Star Watch
After the
Te x a s Te c h
win,
headed
I
Yr
d o w n t o 2008
LB Marcus McGraw
5’ 11” 2 21 lb.
J u n ior
Tackles TFL
103 6.5
Sacks
0.5
Int.
0
of middle backer in a 3-4
could really open him up
to be an impact player in
the conference.
D
e
the press 2009 156 9 4 0 He’s quick as a cat, but
room where a foursome of often NEEDS to r un
Cougars answered questions from the media. I around blocks to keep from getting pounded.
was struck by how slight inside linebacker He’ll run himself out of some plays having to
Marcus McGraw was that night. But, no do that, but when the game is over the stat
matter how big or small, it’s about production sheet almost always reads the same thing:
and making plays. McGraw does that...and McGraw - double digit tackles
then some.
The spotlight will be on McGraw and his mates
The junior has 259 tackles in two seasons as the
throughout this season.

f
leader of this defense, but moving into the role

Defensive Line Linebackers Secondary

DE 95 David Hunter Jr. OLB 8 Sammy Brown Jr. CB 22 Loyce Means Sr.
Only true DL starter coming back Another JUCO transfer, must impact Former five-star recruits starts in ‘10
NT 56 Tyrone Campbell So. ILB 55 Marcus McGraw Jr. FS 41 Nick Saenz Jr.
Played in 13 out of 14 games, 12 tackles Focal point of the Houston defense Third on team with 114 tackles
DE 57 Matangi Tonga Sr. ILB 38 George Bamfo Fr. SS 21 Jacky Candy Sr.
JUCO transfer arriving in nick of time Redshirted for 2009 season Knee injury forced him out for all of ‘09

e
OLB 42 Phillip Steward So. CB 32 Jamal Robinson Sr.
All-CUSA Freshman team in 2009 Led the team with five interceptions

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

DE Zeke Riser (ACL tear in spring) LB C.J Cavness CB Brandon Brinkley
DE Tyrell Graham S Carson Blackman
Remember the Riddler from the old There are some bright spots at the Something tells me that this back
Batman cartoons? Sure you do - he’d linebacker positions this fall for four can be special. That same

wear that green costume with a big
question mark on his chest? That’s
pretty much the way I’d sum up this
defensive line.
One big question mark.
The loss of Zeke Riser didn’t help
Houston. The move to the 3-4 is
going to be a step in the right
direction given the athletes amongst
this group, and the athletes it can
draw from the Greater Houston area.
Expect the Cougars to throw
everything but the kitchen sink at
opponents this year, which should
n
something is telling me that this
group could really get shredded this
season. And, at season’s end, it may
be a combination of both.
Again, a 3-4 front, on paper, doesn’t
appear to impact the secondary, but it
absolutely does with the zone dogs

matters after he tore his ACL in the
spring. But, this group was going to
be under heavy scrutiny, no matter
who lines up on opening day.
David Hunter must adjust to
moving out to DE from DT. But, the
bigger question is whether Matangi
Tonga can impact this group during
2010. The original thought was to
put Tonga over the nose, but when
allow the lineabckers to flourish.
Overall, this unit needs solid
defensive line play to succeed, but it’s
not without some talent. The star in
the middle is Marcus McGraw, a
2nd team Al l-CUSA performer.
Outside linebacker Phillip Steward
was a pleasant surprise as a freshman
last season, finishing 3rd on the team
with 89 tackles. But, keep an eye on
s
and stunts you can run up front -
getting pressure while playing more
zone, instead of getting pressure
HAVING to play man-to-man.
Either way, Jamal Robinson had a
solid season in 2009, finishing the
season with five picks, including one
memorable picks six against
Oklahoma State to seal the 45-35 win.
However, the projected starter on the

Riser went down, the defense needed
him to bump outside to a 5-
technique. If the Cougars don’t get
great play out of Tyrone Campbell,
Tonga could transition back inside.
JUCO transfer Sammy Brown and
how much he impacts the game from
the edge. The Cougar coaching staff
went hard after the JUCO ranks at
DL and LB, so production is a must.
e
other side Loyce Means has to find
his footing early and lock down the
other side. Safety Nick Saenz has
been steady but he can’t finish the
season with triple digit tackles.
 2009: 9-4, Lost to Penn State in Capital One Bowl
2 n d i n S E C We s t
Head Coach: Les Miles, 6th Yr. @ LSU - Record: 51-15
Fo o t b a l l provides no So, although he’s averaging 10 wins a season,

22
guarantees. Wins, losses, Miles will remain
championships, big plays, on a brutally hot
LSU’s Vital Signs
transcendent moments...none of it seat until he can
is guaranteed. There’s one stark g e t t h e Ti g e r s 2009 Results
Run Offense 122.8 ypg 90th
exception, however; no matter how the back to the top of
Pass Offense 181.8 ypg 97th
season pans out for the Tigers, Les Miles won’t t h e S E C We s t . Total Offense 304.5 ypg 112th
satisfy this fan base. Ever. Especially not after Presumably, this Scoring Offense 24.9 ppg 76th
the last two seasons in which LSU finished a isn’t that team. Run Defense 133.4 ypg 46th
combined 17-9 with some of the best talent the Alabama is, well, Pass Defense 194.2 ypg 29th
SEC has produced. good and Auburn Total Defense 327.6 ypg 26th
and Arkansas are Scoring Def. 16.2 ppg 11th
The Tigers have lost to Alabama twice in making a strong
consecutive years and they’ve suffered losses to push to move past 2010 Returning Starters
Off. Ret. Starters 4
losses to Florida the last two years as well. L S U i n 2 0 1 0. Def. Ret. Starters 4
Understandable. Losing to Ole Miss the last And, if they do,
two years? That’s not going to sit well with the that might be
rabid legion of Tiger fans. more than anyone in Baton Rouge can handle.

Why #22? It’s still LSU and it’s a team with a ton of physical ability, Jordan Jefferson is now a third
year starter, CB Patrick Peterson will shut down one half of the field, only one road game after 10/23

Why not higher? The opener against UNC could exploit average offensive line, defensive line is
suspect, road trips to Florida and Auburn within a three week span, Alabama is still king with Saban

2010 Schedule Key Games

Sep 4, 2010 UNC (ATL)
Sep 11, 2010 @ Vanderbilt
Sep 18, 2010 Miss. State
Sep 25, 2010 West Virginia
Oct 2, 2010 Tennessee The one thing I Although the Sure, Alabama is
do know about Tigers pulled off a losing a ton of All-
Oct 9, 2010 @ Florida LSU is they’ll be win in 2008 the American talent
ultra-prepared for last time LSU on the defensive
Oct 16, 2010 McNeese State this game in the went to Auburn, side of the ball,
Oct 23, 2010 @ Auburn Georgia Dome. this is a different but it’s still Ala-
Fr o m w e e k t o Au b u r n s q u a d f r e a k i n’ - B a m a .
Oct 30, 2010 BYE week during the under the Each of the last 3
season, not so leadership of Gene meetings have
Nov 6, 2010 Alabama much, but with a Chizik. His Tigers been bare
Nov 13, 2010 ULM whole summer to
prepare, Les Miles
laid an eg g la st
year in Baton
knuckled battles,
but the last 2 have
Nov 20, 2010 Ole Miss and his staff will Rouge, but that g o n e A l a b a m a ’s
be ready for the w o n’t happen way. LSU has two
Nov 27, 2010 @ Arkansas stout UNC ‘D’. again at home. weeks to prepare.
 “I’m trying to do things...
Honor Roll
Patrick
2009 Second team All-America (TSN) Yr Tackles TFL Int. PBU
PatrickPeterson

2009 Second team All-SEC (Media) 2008 41 0 1 0

2008 52 0 2 13
2009 Second team All-SEC (Coaches)

Draw up the perfect cornerback. against LSU last season - it wasn’t

Tall, say 6’1” or so. Build, about 205
or 210 at best. Physical. Able to
match a receiver cuts. Ball skills.
Attitude. Work ethic. Drive.
Uh, I just described the best cornerback in
Peterson
against Peterson). The duel between
Georgia’s A.J Green was so much
fun to watch. There isn’t much
a r g u m e n t a s to w h o t h e to p
defensive back prospect is in college
football.

the nation and the odds on favorite to win

the Jim Thorpe Award in 2010 - Patrick Peterson has NFL personnel people
Peterson. salivating over the opportunity to add
the 6’1” 210 pound uber-corner out of
Since he set foot on LSU’s campus, he’s been Florida. He can play man and turn and
an impact player for this defense, but that go with just about any receiver he’s faced.
truly bore itself out last season when Peterson But, he’s physical enough to come up
took on nearly every great receiver in the SEC and play cover two or rolled up corner
and shut them down. Julio Jones didn’t in zone. Most cover guys don’t want
make one impact play while Peterson any part of striking ball carriers, but
was in the game (before that’s not Peterson. He’s a complete
Alabama fans start player at the position and probably the
screaming at the top of t h e i r most complete corner we’ve seen in
lungs, it was safety Brandon Taylor who some time. He’s only a junior, but
was covering Jones when he turned in the with his myriad of skills, it should be
76 yard catch and run for a touchdown h i s last year in Baton Rouge.

Prospect Report Card

Peterson is one of the nation’s best at his position and projects to be one of the top players
in the 2011 or 2012 NFL Drafts. Here’s my prospect report card for Peterson going into his
junior year:

Confidence - Definitely has it, but does it without being cocky

Ball Skills - Has receiver-like intuition and field acumen, breaks on the ball with a fury
Press Man - physical at line of scrimmage, fits him best
Off Man - more comfortable in man coverage at line of scrimmage, needs a little work here.
Zone cover - Instinctive and natural
Hip turn and redirection - Solid, not without peer
Recovery speed - Has it, but doesn’t get beat often enough to use it.
Closing speed - He’s closes on receivers and ball carriers better than any corner I’ve seen in a while
Tackling - Better than most safeties, physical presence anywhere on field.

...other corners aren’t doing”

O
QB Jordan Jefferson
Ask most interested LSU
6 ’ 3” 215 lb .
J u n ior doesn’t make a
9
football obser vers throw
about Jordan Jefferson Yr Cmp Att Yds TDs Int. Att Yds TDs t h a t
and you might get a 2008 36 73 419 4 1 49 134 1 makes Star Watch

f
blank stare. Maybe a 2009 182 296 2166
quizzical look. Maybe a shrug of the shoulders.
Well???
“I don’t know, he’s alright”
And, therein lies the problem for Jefferson, he’s
done enough in his time as a starter to still be
the starter. He’s not been an impact player, but
he hasn’t killed the team with backbreaking
17 7 112 171 1 y o u
want to keep coming back to watch him.
He’s safe. But, in 2010, he can’t be safe any
more. It’s time for Jefferson to truly take this
offense over. It’s got to be his offense and he’s
got to take the steps to be the leader, not its
caretaker. Sure, he’s only a junior but look
around this offense, who’s going to carry the

f
turnovers. He’ll make the safe throws, but load? It has to be Jefferson this year.
QB/RB TE/Receivers Offensive Line
QB 9 Jordan Jefferson Jr. WR 80 Terrence Toliver Sr. LT 78 Joe Barksdale Sr.
Third year starter must carry young ‘O’ 53 receptions in ’09, needs a huge yr. in ‘10 Potential to be All-SEC. Potential, mind you
RB 34 Stevan Ridley Jr. WR 2 Rueben Randle So. LG 68 Josh Dworaczyk Jr.
180 yards rushing and 3 TDs in ‘09 Randle and Russell Shepard will star @ WR Started all 13 games at LG in ‘09
FB 33 Dominique Allen So. TE 19 DeAngelo Peterson Jr. C 64 P.J. Lonergan So.

e
Basically he’s a guard playing fullback 2 of 5 receptions in ’09 went for TDs Will still have to fight off T-Bob Hebert
RG 60 Will Blackwell Jr.
Saw time in all 13 games last year
RT 72 Alex Hurst So.
Versatile OL who backed up G & T in ’09
Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses
RB Charles Scott WR T. Holliday & B. LaFell T Ciron Black
RB Keiland Williams TE Richard Dickson G Lyle Hitt

n
This is not one of the best years LSU
has had in the backfield. For the past
five years or so, there’s been a Hester,
a Williams, or a Scott. Either a guy
who could just pound for 25 to 30
carries in a game or a guy who could
make a house call in a heartbeat.
In all honesty, Stevan Ridley is a
fine back but he’s neither of those
This might ultimately be the most
talented group of receivers the LSU
Tigers have ever seen. Unfortunately,
it’s also a group that doesn’t have a
ton of experience. But it’s wide
receiver, so if a guy gets open and
catches the ball, you don’t worry
about the lack of experience.
The star with an unlimited ceiling is
It’s hard to tell if there’s any good
news as it pertains to the Tigers
offensive line in 2010.
The 2009 line was absolutely putrid.
No running game. Leaky protection
in the passing game. Seniors that
didn’t perform up to capabilities at
all.

s
options. He’s just that, an adequate
option at running back. He’s got to
do more or you know what, someone
else has to do more at that position
whether it’s Richard Scott or key
freshman Michael Ford .
Jordan Jefferson pulls the trigger
for the Tiger offense, but needs to be
Terrence Toliver. However, had he
lived up to his potential, he’d have
signed a contract already, preparing to
play on Sundays. He’s made nice
strides as a college receiver, but he
needs to be a next level talent in 2010.
If he’s not, then Rueben Randle
and Russell Shepard can be. The
Okay, it was a bad year - time to get it
fixed with only two returning
starters? So, let’s get this straight,
last year’s line stunk and it’s a whole
new line? Yes? Essentially that’s the
case. Ouch.
But, look on the bright side, at least
it can’t be worst than it was last year,
right? Right?!? Joe Barksdale is a

e
the Man for the Tiger offense.
Furthermore, offensive coordinator
Gary Crowton (and Les Miles)
need to allow him to stretch the field
and be more aggressive.
athletic duo will probably be on the
field as much as possible and the
offensive staff needs to find the way
to get each 8 to 10 touches a game.
DeAngelo Peterson can be great
down in the red zone.
guy who could emerge as an effective
edge protector. Josh Dworaczyk is
steady at left guard, but his neighbor
at center T-Bob Hebert has been
supplanted by P.J Lonergan going
into fall camp.
 11
Star Watch
Consistent.
S t e a d y.
Always
around
LB Kelvin Sheppard

Yr
2007
6 ’3 ” 2 33 lb .

Tackles
21
S en io r
TFL
2
Sacks
0
Int.
0
La st sea son Sheppard
truly took over as the
leader of this defense,
racking up 110 tackles
D
e
2008 64 4.5 0.5 0
t h e from his inside position.
2009 110 8.5 1 1
football. Consistently He’s a consensus 1st team
making plays. All-SEC candidate.
He also sets the tone for this defense. He’s a
That’s the way Kelvin Sheppard has gone about
great tackler and is a nasty hitter when he
his business in Baton Rouge. Nothing fancy.
arrives at the ball. He closes with a bad
Nothing flashy, but if he wasn’t in the middle of
attitude toward the ball carrier. LSU faithful
the LSU defense, this defense would feel his
can feel very secure about him leading this ‘D’
absence in a big way.

Defensive Line Linebackers

DE 99 Sam Montgomery
Redshirted in 2009
DT 92 Drake Nevis
50 tackles & 4 sacks, best DL for LSU
DT 95 Pep Levingston
8 TFLs in 11 games in 2009
Fr.

Sr.

Sr.
OLB 22

OLB 23
Ryan Baker
16 tackles in a backup role in 2009
ILB 11 Kelvin Sheppard

Stefoin Francois
10 career tackles, converted safety
Jr.

Sr.
The leader and foundation for LSU ‘D’
Jr.
CB

FS

SS
Secondary
7

15
Patrick Peterson
The best corner in the nation
Jai Eugene

Brandon Taylor
Jr.

Sr.
Will be pushed by Craig ‘Papa’ Loston
Jr.
41 tackles and 2 interceptions in 2009
f
e
DE 49 Barkevious Mingo Fr. CB 17 Morris Claiborne So.
Hopefully he plays up to his name Battling Ron Brooks to start at this spot

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

DE Rahim Alem LB Perry Riley CB Chris Hawkins
DT Charles Alexander & Al Woods LB Harry Coleman S Chad Jones

During the Les Miles era (and Nick Although Kelvin Sheppard has one When you have Patrick Peterson

Saban’s before him), LSU has had a
distinct advantage on the defensive
line. Very rarely were offenses able to
do much against guys like Glenn
Dorsey et, al. But, that doesn’t
appear to be the case in 2010. The
Tigers are still talented up front,
mind you, but it’s not a defensive
final year of eligibility, the Tigers will
truly miss last year’s two seniors,
Perry Riley and Harry Coleman.
Those two, combined with Sheppard,
were the bright spot for this defense
in 2009.
Their absence creates both
n
returning for a third straight year as a
starter, you can feel really good about
the back four. With some of the
young talent getting a shot this year
to replace Chris Hawkins and Chad
Jones, it should be an active and
productive unit.

front that scares opposing defenses
like it did in the past.
Drake Nevis has been a starter, on
and off, for the past couple of
seasons. It made no sense why this
guy wasn’t a featured part of the LSU
defensive game plan in past years.
But, he’ll be the guy inside next to
Pep Levingston in 2010.
opportunity and questions.
Sheppard, though, is the rock solid
leader in the middle. Physical, quick
and nasty, he epitomizes what Tiger
fans want in a middle linebacker.
Defensive coordinator John Chavis
will use him to blitz in the A gaps and
really let his talent shine.
Just as Coleman did before him,
s
Peterson is the Jim Thorpe Award
frontrunner, a top eight pick in the
2011 NFL Draft (if he declares early)
and the biggest defensive difference
maker in the SEC. That’s all? Yep,
pretty much covers it.
Craig Loston is a feared hitter, but
redshirted last year behind Chad
Jones. Loston sits behind Jai

The edges are highly questionable.
Tw o r e d s h i r t f r e s h m e n - S a m
Montgomer y and Barkevious
Mingo - headed up the depth chart
after spring practice.
Stefoin Francois is making the
transition to linebacker from safety.
But, the guy I’m anxious to watch
this year is Ryan Baker at the other
outside spot. He’ll put a hat on ball
carriers and set the physical tone.
e
Eugene on the depth chart going
into camp. Brandon Taylor is solid
and provides the leadership in the
back. The corner opposite Peterson -
Mo Claiborne or Ron Brooks -
will get a ton of work.
 2009: 8-5, Beat South Carolina in Papa Johns.com Bowl
4th in the Big East
Head Coach: Randy Edsall, 12th Yr. @ UConn - Record: 66-65
Now, let me get this straight. Edsall’s squad had to do after cornerback

23
This is a college FOOTBALL Ja s p e r Ho w a r d
top 25, correct? Yep. This isn’t w a s k i l l e d j u s t UConn’s Vital Signs
the college BASKETBALL top 25 after the 2009 Results
way early? You are correct. And, U Louisville game. Run Offense 170.7 ypg 39th
Conn is in the college FOOTBALL top Fr a g i l e a n d Pass Offense 216.5 ypg 61st
25? What, did Jim Calhoun take over the e m o t i o n a l , t h e Total Offense 387.2 ypg 57th
program? Huskies battled Scoring Offense 31.2 ppg 27th
valiantly b u t Run Defense 132.9 ypg 45th
Funny, but it’s probably what a lot of you are Pass Defense 235.9 ypg 88th
couldn’t close the
thinking...”I’ve never seen Connecticut in the Total Defense 368.8 ypg 62nd
deal in those near Scoring Def. 23.6 ppg 48th
top 25, why are they in there this year?” Well, if
losses.
the Huskies could’ve won some close games last
year...ah, last year. 2010 Returning Starters
B u t , 2 0 1 0 ’s a Off. Ret. Starters 8
It’s hard to imagine dealing with a teammate’s different year Def. Ret. Starters 8
untimely death at any point, much less in the with a team ready
middle of a season, but that’s what Randy to take the next step: Championship.

Why #23? Strong offensive line - returns 4 starters who should contend for All-Big East honors, RB
Jordan Todman is a legit star, schedule doesn’t present a ton of potholes, linebacking corps is stout

Why not higher? This is rarified air for U Conn - Top 25? Expectation? Can they handle it? West
Virginia and Pitt in the span of 14 days, defensive line lacks a pass rusher, secondary is average

2010 Schedule Key Games

Sep 4, 2010 @ Michigan
Sep 11, 2010 Texas Southern
Sep 18, 2010 @ Temple
Sep 25, 2010 Buffalo
Oct 2, 2010 Vanderbilt Prior to 2007, this U Conn lost a If both teams take
g a m e w o u l d n’t number of close care of the
Oct 8, 2010 @ Rutgers even trigger the games last year - business I expect
meter. Lowly U the kind that keep them to, this
Oct 16, 2010 BYE Conn at mighty you up at night as Thursday night
Oct 23, 2010 @ Louisville Michigan? Not
even close, but
a head coach.
A n d , t h e We s t
matchup will be
the most
Oct 29, 2010 West Virginia that’s NOT the Virginia game was important game U
case in 2010. U one of those Conn has ever
Nov 6, 2010 BYE Conn is the team games. This year, p l a y e d .
to beat while though, the ‘Eers Hyperbole? Sure,
Nov 11, 2010 Pitt Michigan is trying come to the Rent but the Huskies
to find some sort having to stop the have never played
Nov 20, 2010 @ Syracuse of identity under vaunted U Conn for the Big East,
Nov 27, 2010 Cincinnati Rich Rodriguez running game. or ANY, title.

Dec 4, 2010 @ USF

“I’ll never forget the 1st TD...
Honor Roll
2009 2nd team All-Big East

Jordan
Yr. Att Yds TDs Rec. Yds. TD
11th Husky to rush for 1,000 yards

JordanTodman
2008 47 296 3 2 4 0 in season
2009 235 1188 14 21 185 0 Big East Sp. Teams Player of
Week (ND)

Wait for it. Patience. Here it comes. continues to work on his

Just a little bit more. OKAY, NOW! running style. But, Brown
So, that thought process happens in d i d n’t h a v e n e a r t h e
about two or three milliseconds explosiveness that Todman
when a running back has to decide possesses. Just ask Notre
where he’s going to run and why, Dame defenders about

Todman
but it’s a trait that U Conn RB Todman’s “get up and go”.
Jordan Todman has learned from He lit up the Irish on a 96
former U Conn star and current yard kickoff return in the
Indianapolis Colt running back second half for a key
Donald Brown. score. He h a d a
wonderful 43-yard run
As I watched Todman run last year, I for a touchdown as he
kept thinking that was something finished the day with 286 yards
that the U Conn coaching staff total offense and two huge
would pound into their backs touchdowns. Against
brains, but it was Todman who had Cincinnati, he scored four
learned it from Brown after touchdowns in a crushing
watching him intently during his 47-45 defeat. To say Todman
redshirt year in 2008. Brown w a s instrumental in 2009 was
c a t a p u l t e d i n t o t h e n a t i o n’s a n understatement. To
consciousness after his brilliant think he won’t be the focus of
season, leaving what appeared to be defenses across the U Conn schedule is
a gaping hole at that position. folly.

But, after Todman took over as the number one Todman will have to be exceptionally
halfway through the season, the run game was patient this season, but after what he’s
as good as it’s been in Storrs. Todman isn’t learned, he should be able to do
quite as patient as Brown is, although he that no problem at all.

“...What he said...”
“The first two weeks last year, I remember thinking, "What am I doing here?" I started
watching him because I knew it would help. How much time he puts into the film room, the
way he took care of his body with nutrition. Donald Brown's living my dream, playing in the
NFL. So I'll do whatever he did.”

-Todman talking about two years spent with current Indianapolis Colt RB Donald Brown

...and the TD Jesus I did”

O
QB Zach Frazer
When I told my co-host
Seanie the Cablinasian, a
6 ’4 ” 2 36 lb .
S en io r how
finished
he 10
S i m s b u r y, C T H S Yr. Cmp Att Yds TDs Int. Att Yds TDs t h e
g r a d u a t e , t h a t I w a s 2008 46 83 536 2 6 9 -2 0 season. Star Watch

f
putting U Conn in the 2009 116 218 1461 10 9
top 25, his first response
was “Fantastic...but you know Zach Frazer is
still the quarterback”
Sean’s also a Notre Dame graduate so he’s well
aware of Frazer’s shortcomings and in 2009 we
sort of saw it all. Critics point to his nine
interceptions in only eight games played. But,
the one thing about a quarterback is look at
17 -28 0 After his
three pick performance
against Rutgers, Frazer threw seven TDs with
only two interceptions in the final five games
(four U Conn wins). The offensive staff did
limit Frazer’s attempts - he threw 46 times
against Rutgers, but didn’t throw over 32 times
the rest of the season. He’s not perfect, but
with the running game he’s got helping him, he
doesn’t need to be.

f QB 10
QB/RB
Zach Frazer
Time for him to truly turn the corner
RB 23 Jordan Todman
Sr.

Jr.
Has spotlight after sharing for last 2 yrs
FB 49 Anthony Sherman Sr.
TE/Receivers Offensive Line
WR 82

WR 80

TE 94
Kashif Moore

Michael Smith

Ryan Griffin
Jr.
Still abuzz about one handed grab in bowl
Jr.
Another Houston product, 15 rec in ‘09
So.
LT

LG 66

C
72

57
Jimmy Bennett
Only first year starter on this OL
Mathieu Olivier

Moe Petrus
So.

Sr.
Tall, lanky guard, started 8 games in ‘09
Jr.

e
Co-captain as jr., 24 tackles & 9 recs 10 starts, 23 rec in 2009 Should be Rimington Finalist in 2010
RG 78 Zach Hurd Sr.
First team All-Big East selection in ‘09
RT 71 Mike Ryan Jr.
Started the final 9 games of ’09 season

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

NONE WR Marcus Easley T Mike Hicks
WR Brad Kanuch

n
Given the long, lengthy history of
college football, it’d be extremely
tough to think of Connecticut as
Running Back U, but over the past
few years, you’d be hard pressed to
find a more effective group of backs.
Donald Brown was a first round
selection after his stellar career.
Andre Dixon was an effective
between the tackles back. But, the
The 2010 receiving corps doesn’t
have a big-time go-to receiver, but it’s
a group loaded with potential. QB
Frazer won’t have any issues with the
group he’s got on the perimeter.
Kashif Moore is the guy who
projects to be THE Man. If you saw
the PapaJohns.com Bowl last year,
you’d know why. In the first half,
It’s sometimes easy to see the impact
a head coach can have on his team.
Case in point this offensive line.
Randy Edsall is a no frills, hard
working and demanding leader. If he
was an offensive guard, he’d fit right
in with this bunch he has returning in
2010. Or, better yet, this group fits
his mold perfectly.

s
best of bunch may still be in Storrs.
Jordan Todman is special. He’s got
wicked burst and runs behind his
pads. He’s a pure downhill runner
who has excelled in both the power
game out of the I formation and the
zone blocking scheme. Anthony
Sherman is an effective I formation
Frazer spied Moore down the sideline
in man coverage, so he lofted one
over the head of the DB, but
presumably beyond Moore’s grasp.
Well, that was until Moore reached
out with one hand and made the
catch of the year with that one paw.
Unreal. The key to last year was the
emergence of Marcus Easley as a
It starts in the middle with Moe
Petrus at center. He handles all of
the line calls up front and has the
quickness to get out in front of
Todman on outside zone runs. But,
he’s also effective in the team’s power
game inside.
Next to Petr us is Zach Hurd,

e
fullback.
Zach Frazer remains the key to the
entire offensive attack. But, U Conn
needs more second half of last season
Frazer than first half.
catch and run playmaker. That’s what
Moore needs to be.
TE Ryan Griffin is a more
traditional tight end, but an effective
intermediate receiver/route runner.
perhaps the best of the quintet up
front. He is a warrior and nasty.
He’ll mix it up all day long. The only
hole is potentially at left tackle where
Jimmy Bennett replaces Mike
Hicks.
 8
Star Watch
Ra n d y E d s a l l
LB Lawrence Wilson
isn’t blessed Yr. Tackles TFL Sacks PBU Int. Lawrence Wilson.
w i t h t h e 2007 113 8.5
m o s t 2008 73 6 1
f r u i t f u l 2009 140 11
backyard as it pertains to
recruiting. The Connecticut/New England area
isn’t teeming with players. So, Edsall, with his linebacker’s heart. Lucky for Connecticut,
experience coaching in the South before he
arrived at U Conn, he was able to make a mark
in that area such that he’s opened the doors to
guys from Florida, Georgia and even Alabama.
It was in Alabama where he found, arguably, the
best defensive player UConn has had during his
Defensive Line Linebackers
DE 91 Jesse Joseph So.
Started all 13 games, 5 TFLs in 2009
DT 99 Kendall Reyes Jr.
12 starts in 2009, 16 career, 6 TFL
DT 4 Twyon Martin Jr.
19 starts in 2 years, 8.5 TFLs in 2009
DE 48 Trevardo Williams So.
Already lost 2 potential starters at DE
Key Losses
DE Lindsay Witten
Four starters return on the offensive
line and four starters return on the
defensive line.
We l l , t h r e e s t a r t e r s a n d a L B
transitioning into the DE position.
There’s no question that the U Conn
pass rush will miss Lindsay Witten, so
the staff decided to look no further
than the LB position for Witten’s
replacement. Great plan,
unfortunate execution. Greg Lloyd, a
starter at outside linebacker last
season, was going to fill Witten’s
shoes, but an injury shelved him for
2010. Trevardo Willams should
r e p l a c e Wi t t e n w i t h Ma rc u s
Campbell also out for the season.
The rest of the line is solid, if not
unspectacular. Twyon Martin
battles inside but gives up a few lbs to
the offensive linemen he faces. Jesse
Joseph isn’t going to blow you away
with his pass rush skills, but he’s only
a sophomore, so he can mature and
grow into a dominant edge rusher.
6 ’ 1” 217 lb .
S en io rtenure in Storrs -
0 2 1
D
e
4 3 From Paul Bear Bryant
5 1 0 High School in
Tuscaloosa, Wilson came
to U Conn five years ago with safety size and a
Wilson has done nothing but emulate the great
linebackers of Alabama lore. He’s a triple digit
a season tackling machine with attitude. He
flies around the field hitting anything that
moves. His size may preclude him from being a
f
star in the NFL, but that’s not a worry this year
Secondary
OLB 8 Lawrence Wilson Sr. CB 5 Blidi Wreh-Wilson So.
Big time playmaker, led Big East in tackles Long and lanky, 13 starts as a RS Frosh.
ILB 32 Scott Lutrus Sr. FS 15 Jerome Junior So.
Other half of best Big East LB combo Great size for FS, started 12 games in ‘09
OLB 28 Jory Johnson So. SS 19 Kijuan Dabney Sr.
e
Only unknown in the front seven Houston Yates grad, inj. most of ‘09
CB 24 Dwayne Gratz So.
Started 4 times in ’09, 4 PBU in 13 games
Key Losses Key Losses
LB Greg Lloyd (Injured) S Robert Vaughn
CB Robert McClain
If there’s a better linebacking corps in With six of seven starters returning
n
the Big East, we’re still looking for it. in the front seven, there’s no question
where the strength of this defense
Middle linebacker Scott Lutrus has lies. Using the same sort of transitive
been a starter since his freshman year property, you then know the inherent
and when healthy he’s rock solid. In weakness of this defense - the
2009, he strug gled with stinger secondary.
problems which kept him out of five
games on the season. He finished the This unit gets a ton of help from the
s
season with 69 tackles on the season. front seven and needs it. However,
it’s a group with some athleticism and
Lutrus teams with outside linebacker some length although it returns only
L a w re n c e Wi l s o n t o f o r m a two full time starters,
tremendous LB duo. Wilson is a
definitive candidate for Big East Blidi Wreh-Wilson is the most
Defensive Player of the Year. The experienced of the bunch. A tall
Tuscaloosa, AL product racked up corner who competes hard, Wreh-
140 tackles last season but took over Wilson finished the year with a pick
as the leader of the defense as Lutrus and 40 tackles. As he held down one
e
recovered from his injury. side, the other side will be
permanently turned over to Dwayne
Jory Johnson replaces Lloyd at the Gratz. He’s not cosidered a full-time
o t h e r l i n e b a c ke r p o s i t i o n a n d starter, but he saw the field plenty
provides a bit of speed on the last season. Jerome Junior is a little
perimeter that this defense needs, stiff at safety, but he still packs a
playing in the Big East. serious punch.
 2009: 9-4, Lost to Florida State in Gator Bowl
2nd in the Big East
Head Coach: Bill Stewart, 3rd Yr. @ WVU - Record: 19-8
When Rich Rodriguez left his fight for the Big East title. That road will have

24
alma mater to head to to go through
Michigan, it was understandable both Storrs and WVU’s Vital Signs
for the home folks to be a little Pittsburgh, but if 2009 Results
upset. What most people probably QB Geno Smith Run Offense 186.4 ypg 24th
saw happening was a window closing. handles pressure Pass Offense 191.1 ypg 90th
No, not Rodriguez rolling up the window to the well, there’s no Total Offense 377.5 ypg 61st
limo and driving off, a Championship window. reason We s t Scoring Offense 26.2 ppg 67th
From 2003 to 2007, the Mountaineers were the Virginia can’t get Run Defense 126.7 ypg 37th
Pass Defense 209.8 ypg 46th
clear cut favorite to win the Big East title, but back in the hunt.
Total Defense 336.5 ypg 36th
after a scintillating and dominating Scoring Def. 21.7 ppg 31st
performance in the ‘08 Fiesta Bowl over Wi t h No e l
Oklahoma, West Virginia has struggled with Devine and Jock 2010 Returning Starters
the expectations people forged during that run. S a n d e r s Off. Ret. Starters 6
returning, it’s a Def. Ret. Starters 10
No longer the clear cut #1 in the Big East, Bill team with plenty
Stewart has a team this season that can, again, of firepower to provide a realistic title push.

Why #24? RB Noel Devine is electrifying, Big East is a three horse race, out-of-conference
includes a daunting trip to Baton Rouge, but it’s not a vulnerable LSU team to say the least.

Why not higher? Road trips to both U Conn and Pitt, the other two powers in the Big East,
offense has to replace QB Jarrett Brown, last five games are against Big East’s best five teams

2010 Schedule Key Games

Sep 4, 2010 Coastal Carolina
Sep 10, 2010 @ Marshall
Sep 18, 2010 Maryland
Sep 25, 2010 @ LSU
Oct 2, 2010 BYE
If y o u ’ v e n e v e r West Virginia stole It ’s n o t c a l l e d
Oct 9, 2010 UNLV tailgated at a a win away from Backyard Brawl
football game, the grieving for nothing. Well,
Oct 14, 2010 USF please get to o k a y, t h e o n l y
Huskies last year
Oct 23, 2010 Syracuse Baton Rouge for in Morgantown, pugilism taking
the all day affair but going to Storrs place is probably
Oct 29, 2010 @ U Conn that’ll commence
to face one of the
the fans in the
at LSU. These two stands. But, with
Nov 6, 2010 BYE fan bases are the surprise teams in the Big East title
most intense (i.e the nation is a potentially on the
Nov 13, 2010 Cincinnati m o s t tough task for line, it should be a
unrealistic???). anyone. Devine fascinating
Nov 20, 2010 @ Louisville The game itself shredded U Conn pressure packed
Nov 26, 2010 @ Pitt may be sloppy but last year and he’ll game. And, it’s
explosive. need to do it again Devine v. Lewis!!!
Dec 4, 2010 Rutgers
 “He reminds me of...

Noel
NoelDevine
Yr. Att Yds TDs Rec. Yds. TD
2007 73 627 6 7 90 0
2008 206 1289 4 35 185 0
2009 241 1465 13 22 177 1

Honor Roll
2009 WVU’s Co-Offensive MVP
2009 First team All-Big East (coaches)

Devine
2009 Maxwell Award semifinalist
2008 Second team All-Big East

Remember that scene in Rocky II when the name on the

Burgess Meredith, sorry, Mick throws the
chicken into the barbed wire squared circle
and forces Rocky to catch it with his bare
hands? I love that scene and every time
that I think of Rocky trying to catch that
poor chicken, I’m reminded of defenders
in the Big East trying to catch one of the
best in the nation - Noel Devine. Even if
you get there, though, you still have to
tackle him and that’s not as easy as you’d
think it is with a guy no taller than most
8th graders.
Ask any defensive player who he’d rather face
- a power back like John Clay or a guy who
can embarrass you like Noel Devine. The
answer is nearly always a power back.
Teams hate chasing Devine and often are
embarrassed by taking one misstep. One false
step the wrong way. One step back instead of
forward. Pause for a split second. Forget it;
there’s the potential of watching, and chasing,
back of the jersey
instead of making a
key tackle.
D e v i n e ’s a r r i v a l i n We s t
Virginia was met with a ton of
fanfare and most remember where
they were when they first saw his high
school Youtube highlight clips. But,
he’s toiled, in some sense, up in
Morgantown in relative obscurity.
Put him on Boise State’s squad or as the
go-to back at Texas and we’re all but
sending the Heisman to him. But, at West
Virginia, he can become a legend with a
season to remember. And, along the way, get
some Heisman love.
Keep in mind, Rocky catches the chicken, but
not until the chicken runs for about 2,000
yards. Coincidence? I think not.

“...What he said...”
“We have a brotherly bond. I told him, I can’t picture myself here without you. I can’t
imagine not being at the NFL combine together, pushing each other’”

-Devine on his relationship with standout WR Jock Sanders, a fellow Floridian

...a young Barry Sanders”

 WR Jock Sanders

O His position might read

wide receiver, but the
true, apt description of
Jo c k S a n d e r s a c t u a l
Yr.
2007
2008
Att
16
48
5’ 7 ” 179 lb .
S en io r
Yds
105
250
2
2
12
53
102
462
0
7
Anywhere,
TDs Rec. Yds. TD e v e r y
s n a p .
T h e
9
Star Watch

f
position on the football
field is, well, just as 2009
slippery as he is.
Part slot receiver and part dynamic running
back, the Floridian is the perfect complement
to his running buddy and best friend Noel
Devine. The one thing you know about Jock is
that he’s most definitely going to be moving.
ability to
35 175 1 72 688 3 keep Sanders on the move
instantly puts defenses on
alert, which makes it that much more difficult
to focus on Devine running the football. When
Sanders goes in motion, it can create wide open
seams that Devine can exploit. But, it can also
get Jock matched up on linebackers in the
passing game which puts a ‘D’ in a world o’ hurt

f QB 12
QB/RB
Geno Smith So.
If he’s a consistent threat, ‘O’ will thrive
RB 7 Noel Devine Sr.
One final run for one of WVU’s best ever
FB 32 Ryan Clarke So.
TE/Receivers Offensive Line
WR

WR 14

WR
9

1
Jock Sanders

Bradley Starks
Go deep, young man, go deep
Tavon Austin
Sr.
Versatile, leader of thin bunch of WR
Jr.

So.
LT

LG

C
64

77

74
Don Barclay
Started all 13 games at left tackle
Josh Jenkins
Started 13 games in 2009
Joe Madsen
Jr.

Jr.

So.

e
3rd leading rusher in ’09, 250 yds. 15 rec and a TD as a true fresh. in ‘09 Started all 13 games at center in ‘09
RG 61 Eric Jobe Sr.
18 career starts, most experienced OL
RT 59 Matt Timmerman Sr.
Replaces All-Big East T Selvish Capers

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

QB Jarrett Brown WR Alric Arnett T Selvish Capers
TE Wes Lyons

n
West Virginia fans have to keep
telling themselves, if Jarrett Brown
could do it in a year, then Geno
Smith can do it as well. Plausible?
Hard to say, but Mountaineer fans are
clinging to that hope.
The distinct difference for Brown
and Smith is that Brown had a
handful of starts/playing experience
There are no big names in this group
of wide receivers and the only name
most people will recognize is the
shortest player on the field most
Saturdays.
Jock Sanders led the team with 72
receptions last year, but most of them
were of the short variety - “catch and
run” situations. Now, those are
It doesn’t appear as if it’s an offensive
line loaded with prospects for the
2011 NFL Draft, but one thing that
IS inarguable in 2010 is experience.
Four of the five starters from last
year’s line that was instrumental in
opening holes for Devine are back for
the 2010 season.

s
under his belt as he entered his senior
campaign. Smith has done a
wonderful job holding a clipboard,
but struggled in the second half of
the Gator Bowl. Regardless, it’s his
show this fall. But, he’s got help.
Noel Devine has been a household
name since his sophomore year...at
situations that Sanders can exploit
and it’s a role for which he’s a perfect
match.
With Alric Arnett out of eligibility,
Geno Smith’s go-to option on third
down is going to Bradley Starks.
He had 29 receptions in 2009, which
was third on the team. He should be
Don Barclay may have a future in
the NFL at some point, but he’s
carved out a nice niche on the left
side of the line. He allowed one sack,
which is pretty remarkable given the
fact that he rarely if ever gets any
help from a TE or a RB.
Josh Jenkins is the only returning

e
North Fort Myers High School. He’s
a legitimate Heisman candidate and
can turn the season on it’s ear with a
1,800 yard season. Ryan Clarke is a
bruising fullback with some running
skills.
the focus of the passing game and
should hit the 50 reception mark this
year. Tavon Austin is in the mold of
Sanders - short with phone booth
quickness.
linemen to have garnered All-Big East
status last year and that was on the
3rd team. Eric Jobe is the key in the
middle - he’s had 25 starts and will
lead the line for the third straight
year.
 30
Star Watch
As
member of
t h e We s t
a

2007
LB J.T. Thomas

Yr. Tackles
19
6 ’2 ” 2 25 lb .
S en io r
TFL Sacks QBH
3 0 0
But, that started to
change last year. Thomas’
Int.
defense made significant
0
D
e
Vi r g i n i a 2008 65 10 3 1 0
strides and should be one
defense, J.T Thomas has 2009 76 7 0.5 2 2
of the best units in the
had to sit back many Big East regardless of
years and listen to the offense get all the what Pitt and U Conn return on defense.
acclaim.
Thomas led the team with tackles last year and
“Pat White this and Noel Devine that”. Proud is the physical force on the unit. He’s got
linebackers don’t like knowing that their team’s plenty of help this year with eight other starters
success is driven by the glory-seeking offensive returning. This year, it’s the ‘D’s turn to shine.

f
mates on the sideline.

Defensive Line Linebackers Secondary

DE 97 Julian Miller Jr. OLB 45 Anthony Leonard Sr. CB 8 Keith Tandy Jr.
Solid soph. season, 8 sacks in ‘09 Back as starter after R. Williams grduated 61 tackles in 13 starts in 2009
NT 90 Chris Neild Sr. ILB 31 Pat Lazear Sr. FS 2 Robert Sands Jr.
2nd team All-Big East, nasty inside Led the team with 78 tackles in ‘09 1st team All-Big East, 6’5” 221 lb specimen
DT 93 Scooter Berry Sr. OLB 30 J.T. Thomas Sr. SS 32 Terence Garvin So.

e
Nagging injuries slowed him in 2009 Most athletic/gifted player on this ‘D’ Inexperienced, but physical
BS 11 Sidney Glover Sr.
Started 10 games, 60 tackles in ‘09
CB 22 Brandon Hogan Sr.
1st team All-Big East (coaches/media)
Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses
NONE LB Reed Williams S Nate Sowers

The Mountaineers have had its share
of offensive stars over the past few
year, whether it’s Pat White at
quarterback or Dan Mozes in the
offensive line. But, the defense,
especially the defensive line, hasn’t
had such success.
With such a dominant defensive line
in front of them and perhaps the best
secondar y in the Big Ea st, the
linebackers would seem to get lost in
the shuffle.
However, the linebacking crew is an
experienced, productive group led by
n
The defense is solidified by the back
five in the secondary, well, four plus
the bandit safety who is more like a
linebacker. Regardless, we’ll leave
him here for this discussion. It
doesn’t change the expectation for
this bunch and those expectations are
through the roof. Four returning

But, that could change this year with
the front three of the Mountaineers
3-3-5 defense.
Julian Miller is the best pass rusher
of the trio and the most athletic of
the bunch. He was fourth in the Big
East in sacks with 8 and had 14.5
tackles for a loss.
J.T Thomas, another Floridian who
has made his mark for the
Mountaineers. He finished the 2009
season with 76 tackles, but he also
had two interceptions to prove he
can be a factor dropping in coverage.
The other half of the Mountaineer
linebacking retur nees is inside
linebacker Pat Lazear. He’s a
s
starters with loads of experience and
a ton of talent.
Brandon Hogan is perhaps the
most decorated secondary member.
He was First team All-Big East in
2009 and is highly respected through
the Big East. He broke up 11 passes,
in addition to being third on the
team with 74 tackles. The best pro

The heart of the defense is Chris
Neild, a true havoc-wreaking nose
tackle. The 6’2” 301 lb. beast has the
respect of everyone in the Big East.
Scooter Berry, though, has to get
past his injuries to be a factor in 2010.
physical player who’ll run through
you to make a play. He was the
leading tackler in 2009 with 78 and is
the driving force for the defense.
Anthony Leonard will take over
the other outside spot.
e
prospect, though, may be Robert
Sands. Dude’s huge and can light
you up. He may transition into a box
safety at the next level, but here he
can play just about wherever he
wants. Sidney Glover is that bandit
safety who fits that role perfectly.
 2009: 10-4, Beat Missouri in Texas Bowl
Best Record for Independent in 2009
Head Coach: Ken Niuamatalolo, 3rd Yr. @ Navy - Record: 18-10
It’s sometimes so simple. Read. not been in since he took over as head coach.

25
Pull. Pitch. Do it all over again. It ’s easy to
The Navy option attack is the overlook Navy as
bane of any opponent’s existence. a Top 25 team, but Navy’s Vital Signs
No one can stand having to be with QB Ricky 2009 Results
THAT disciplined for THAT long. Just Dobbs returning Run Offense 280.5 ypg 4th
Pass Offense 75.6 ypg 119th
ask Missouri. The Tigers got absolutely and a schedule
Total Offense 356.1 ypg 77th
throttled when it took on Navy in last year’s that is conducive Scoring Offense 28.0 ppg 57th
Texas Bowl. Read. Pull. Pitch. Do it all over to a truly special Run Defense 122.1 ypg 31st
again. 2010 sea son, it Pass Defense 213.1 ypg 50th
could be a much Total Defense 335.2 ypg 34th
Combine that scheme with some high level different year in Scoring Def. 19.4 ppg 18th
talent and not only is it frustrating to play Annapolis. How
Navy, it may end up being one of the most different will be 2010 Returning Starters
Off. Ret. Starters 7
difficult games a team plays all season long. dependent upon
Def. Ret. Starters 5
And, that’s not just on offense. how explosive this
attack will be.
Ken Niuamatalolo’s squad is in a position it’s Read. Pull. Pitch. Yet again.

Why #25? Perhaps the best Naval Academy QB returns - Ricky Dobbs, offensive line is talented,
schedule is not difficult in the slightest - Notre Dame is the toughest game on the docket.

Why not higher? Can it survive a three game road test (La. Tech, Air Force and Wake Forest)?
Can’t truly open it up with the passing game if it falls behind, must be perfect to get attention.

2010 Schedule Key Games

Sep 6, 2010 Maryland
Sep 11, 2010 Georgia Southern
Sep 18, 2010 @ La. Tech
Sep 25, 2010 BYE
Oct 2, 2010 @ Air Force This one is always Navy kicked the Navy has only one
n a s t y, w h i c h i s Irish right in the road game after
Oct 9, 2010 @ Wake Forest ironic given the teeth last year and October 9th and
nature of a Service it was the second i t ’s a t r i p t o
Oct 16, 2010 SMU Ac a d e m y. Na v y straight time the Greenville to take
SHOULD be 3-0 Midshipmen had o n E C U. T h e
Oct 23, 2010 Notre Dame (NJ) headed into the beaten the Irish in Pirates don’t see
Oct 30, 2010 Duke bye week and it’ll
get two weeks to
South Bend.
A l t h o u g h Na v y
the option often
so it could be a
Nov 6, 2010 @ East Carolina prepare for the has made South major issue for
Flyboys - it Bend it’s “second them. But, on the
Nov 13, 2010 Central Michigan p r o b a b l y w o n’t home”, this battle flip side, ECU has
need it. Show up is in Navy’s “other offensive weapons
Nov 20, 2010 Arkansas State flat and a historic h o m e ” - Ne w that’ll challenge
season may die. Jersey Navy’s ‘D’.
Nov 26, 2010 BYE
Dec 11, 2010 Army (Phila.)
“Best Naval Academy QB since...
Honor Roll
Yr. Cmp Att Yds TDs Int. Att Yds TDs 2009 Honorable Mention A-A (CFN)

Ricky
2008 16 9 212 1 1 106 495 8 2009 Texas Bowl MVP

RickyDobbs
2009 56 105 1031 6 3 315 1203 27 37th QB in history to throw/pass for
1,000/1,000 in same season

As you’ve read this magazine, you’ll the option back to the Academy, there
probably start to understand that I love to hasn’t been a guy that’s executed it
play the “what if ” game. the way Dobbs has since he
took over as the starter.
What if this guy played here?

Dobbs
What is that guy played It seems like a simple
elsewhere? It ’s a l w a y s process, but Dobbs has it
intrigued me to think of great down to a science. He ran
players, playing in other and threw for a 1,000
places. At first glance, the yards last year and if you
“what if ” game may not o v e r l o o ke d the
apply to an “option” Midshipmen, Dobbs
q u a r t e r b a c k l i ke was going to make you
Na v y ’s Ricky Dobbs, p a y. A g a i n s t O h i o
but if that’s all you see in State in the opener, the
him, then you’re going to Buckeyes had a seemingl y
make the same mistake insurmountable lead in the
t h a t Na v y ’s opponents fourth quarter, but Dobbs
have made, and continue kept banging away. When he
to make. Plenty of teams took a QB follow/midline run
are happy with their into the end zone untouched,
quarterback the Midshipmen were a botched
choice, but there are plenty who would love 2 point play away from taking
to have the varied talents of Dobbs in the the #6 Buckeyes to overtime.
backfield.
This year, Dobbs is a marked man,
That all being said, there may not be a better or you’d think that would be the case
option quarterback in the history of Navy I wonder if at the end of the game
football. Now, that’s not saying a ton, I whether teams will play the “what if that
suppose, given the lack of a dominant guy played for us” game. Probably. They’ll
history, but since Paul Johnson brought have learned their lesson a bit too late.

“...What he said...”
“Ricky Dobbs’ skills and abilities would make him a success on any team in college
football; the fact that he chooses to serve our country at the same time is what shows you
his exceptional heart and character.”

-Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel on Dobbs

...some guy named Staubach”

O
FB Vince Murray
It’s not often that I’m left
scrambling for a roster or S en io r
6 ’ 1” 217 lb . the starting
fullback. Heck,
47
a trip to the computer for Yr. Att Yds TDs Rec. Yds. TD it was his first
a media guide during a 2007 0 0 0 0 0 0 y e a r t o p l a y, Star Watch

f
game. Most of the time, I
2008 Did Not Play
know a name or ha ve
heard a name, especially 2009 182 971
guys that make you come
out of your seat. However, during the Notre
Dame game last season, I needed to do that for
Vince Murray. Although he’d had four straight
100+ yard efforts prior to that game, I’ll admit,
he was an unknown commodity in his first year
really. But, in
t h a t g a m e , Mu r r a y
6 3 31 0 obliterated the Irish,
rushing for 158 yards on
only 14 carries. But, it was the way he ran right
over the Irish defense that had me reaching for
the 2009 Navy roster. A power runner with
some juice, Murray is the perfect combination
for the fullback position. And, I’ll never forget

f
as his name. Vince Murray...no need to look it up.

QB/RB TE/Receivers Offensive Line

QB 4 Ricky Dobbs Sr. SB 21 Gee Gee Greene So. LT 61 Jeff Battipaglia Sr.
The stud you didn’t know...until now Started twice in ’09, 253 yards rushing Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List
FB 47 Vince Murray Sr. SB 28 Marcus Curry Jr. LG 75 Brady DeMell Jr.
Brutal inside runner and perfect in this ‘O’ 3rd leading rusher in ’09 - 585 yards Started Texas Bowl at center
WR 84 Greg Jones Sr. C 71 Eric Douglass Jr.

e
6 receptions in 2009, Former NT, started four times in ‘09
WR 80 Mike Schupp Sr. RG 63 David Hong Jr.
Started 9 games in ’09, 6 receptions Played in all 13 games, 4 starts in ‘09
RT 70 Matt Molloy Sr.
17 straight starts at RT, 13 in 2009

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

NONE SB Bobby Doyle G Osei Asante & C Curtis Bass
G Andy Lark

n
The backfield, for purposes of this
exercise will be two players, although
the slotbacks in this offense are more
runners than wide receivers.
But, Ricky Dobbs and Vince
Mu r ra y c a n c a r r y a b a c k f i e l d
without question.
Dobbs could be a Heisman candidate
The Navy “receiving” corps is a
misnomer to say the least. The
leading receivers for Navy last season
were Bobby Doyle and Marcus Curry.
Yeah, the two combined for 20
receptions.
But, what this group brings,
athletically speaking, is key to the run
game. Slot back Gee Gee Greene
You can pretty much take what’s said
about the Navy offensive line and
apply it one year after the next. It’s
sort of a Mad Libs session. Smallish
265 - 290 lb linemen with some
experience that’ll cut block well, zone
block well (yes, the option offense
they run has a ton of zone block on
the backside of option runs) and take
pride in running your 300+ lb. butt

s
if the Midshipmen pull off an “upset”,
if you will, and win 11 or 12 games. Is
it possible? Sure, but back to Dobbs.
This offense demands perfection and
Dobbs has become a maestro running
this offense. The game has slowed
down to the point where he rarely
makes the wrong read/decision.
was one of two true freshman (Texan
Bo Snelson the other) to see time
during the season. Greene is one of
the best athletes and a gamebreaker
and he’ll get more opportunities this
year as teams take away both Dobbs
and Murray.
Marcus Curry is the best all-around
threat Navy has. He averaged nearly
over. Just change the names next
year.
The most well known of the bunch is
left tackle Jeff Battipaglia. He was
named to the Rotar y Lombardi
Watch list and is instrumental in this
offense getting to linebackers by
doubling and comboing off to the

e
Murray is the prototype B back for
Navy. He never loses a yard and is
consistently moving forward. He’s
go t r u nn i ng b ac k s k i l l s w i t h a
f u l l b a c k ’s h e a r t , a p e r f e c t
combination.
29 yards per reception and also was
third on the team in rushing. WR
Greg Jones and Mike Schupp are
better option blockers than receivers,
b u t i t ’s j u s t d u e t o l a c k o f
opportunity.
second level. Matt Molloy will start
for the 3rd straight year. The interior
must fill three spots, but Brady
DeMell and David Hong do have a
bit of much needed starting
experience.
 8
Star Watch
Watching teams
around the
country, it’s 2007
Yr
S Wyatt Middleton
6 ’2 ” 2 08 lb .

Tackles Sacks
88 0
q u i te e a s y 2008 75 0 1
to b e 2009 68 0 4
smitten by the Tyler Sash’s
and the Rahim Moore’s of the world. But, if
Navy’s Wyatt Middleton is not placed into a
similar class as those other great safeties, you’ve
missed the boat completely on one of the
nation’s most underrated stars.
Although most Plebes sit and wait (and in most
S en io r
Int.
0 1
cases suffer), Middleton
PBU jumped right into the
starting lineup and has
D
e
5 never left. Whereas most
7 of us had him pegged as
just a good tackling safety,
Middleton ha s become a bal l hawking,
playmaking sort who can change the game in a
multitude of ways in Buddy Green’s defense.
Middleton has a lot of freedom to roam and
make plays up near the line of scrimmage.
Don’t be fooled by the name on the front of
the jersey - Middleton could play for anyone.

Defensive Line Linebackers

DE 98 Jabaree Tuani

29 tackles and 1/2 sack in 2009

DE 90 Billy Yarbrough
Jr.
5.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks in 13 starts in 2009
NT 93 Chase Burge Sr.

Sr.
LB

LB
29

54

31
Aaron McCauley
Special teamer in ’09, must perform
LB Tyler Simmons
Missed spring practice, injured.
Jerry Hauburger
Jr.

Sr.

Sr.
CB

FS

SS
Secondary
11

8
Kwesi Mitchell

Emmett Merchant

Wyatt Middleton
Jr.
Started two times in 2009, 29 tackles
Sr.
2 int & 54 tackles, half of great S duo.
Sr.
f
e
Started once in 2009, one sack Battling Collin Sturdivant for spot Truly an All-American candidate
LB 57 Caleb King Jr. CB 15 Kevin Edwards Sr.
Special teamer with only 2 tackles in ‘09 51 tackles, 2 TFL & 1 int in 2009

Key Losses Key Losses Key Losses

DE Matt Nechak LB Ram Vela & Ross Pospisil CB Blake Carter
LB Tony Haberer & Craig Schaefer

Navy’s front three won’t strike fear
into the hearts of offensive linemen
ever ywhere, but for one simple
reason - they never stop. Last year in
key spots, for example, the Notre
Dame game, in sure passing
situations, this defensive line was able
to get things done.
If the Navy defense takes a step back
this season it’ll be due in large part to
the gaping holes left at linebacker.
Of 56 total starts in 14 games for the
linebackers last year, the departed
linebackers accounted for 55 starts.
The only other start? Safety Wyatt
n
With all four linebackers departing,
the secondary is going to have pick
up a significant amount of slack.
However, three starters, excuse me,
three stellar starters return to bolster
the Middies secondary.
The star is four year starter Wyatt

The leader of the bunch is Jabaree
Tuani who is a terror off the edge.
He’s built like a mack truck and
rushes like one. He often wins with
leverage, but get off blocks and make
plays.
Although he looks like he should be a
3-4 defensive end, Chase Burge
Middleton at OLB. So, not one guy
listed above started one game.
However, Tyler Simmons finished
the season as the third leading tackler
last year with 68 stops. After losing
all four starters, the Midshipmen
needed him this spring, but he
injured himself in Februar y and
missed the entire spring.
s
Middleton at strong safety. A
tackling machine from the day he put
on the blue and gold, Middleton has
transformed himself into an all-arond
play maker in the secondary.
His partner in crime at free safety is
Emmett Merchant, whose Pops
was a receiver on the 1990 National
Champion Georgia Tech squad.
Merchant, though, takes pleasure in

does a nice job holding up in the
middle over the nose. He’s strong as
an ox, even though he’s facing 300+
pounders as a 270 lb. guy.
Billy Yarbrough steps into the spot
vacated by Matt Nechak.
Aaron McCauley and Caleb King
were special teamers in 2009 and
combined for 6 tackles. Jerr y
Hauberger missed all 0f 2009 and
will have to beat out Collin
Sturdivant for a starting spot.
e
taking things away from receivers and
is the perfect complement to
Middleton.
Kevin Edwards has a world of
talent and will have a solid season at
CB.
ACC P
Atlantic
r e d i c t i
Coastal
o n s
Team Record Team Record
1 Florida State 8-4 1 Miami 9-3
2 Boston College 9-3 2 Virginia Tech 9-3
3 NC State 8-4 over 3 North Carolina 9-3
4 Clemson 7-5 4 Georgia Tech 7-5
5 Maryland 5-7 5 Duke 4-8
6 Wake Forest 3-9 6 Virginia 3-9
Off. Player of the Year Def. Player of the Year
QB Christian Ponder DE Robert Quinn
Prior to last season, I was pretty adamant that The University of North Carolina has
Ponder was good, but not great. And, through produced two of the most dynamic pass
much of last season, I was right. But, I’m rushers the NFL has ever seen. Lawrence
willing to admit I was wrong and after the win Taylor was in a different class and Julius
at UNC, I knew I had Peppers was a physical
just seen the worm turn, if mar vel who plied his
you will for h i m . trade on the hardwood.
Bringing the d a z e d Robert Quinn has the ability
Seminoles back from to put his n a m e
behind in the s e co n d h a l f a m o n g s t those two if
for a much needed win made me rethink he has another season like the last. Quinn was
Ponder completely. Seeing FSU self-destruct the runner-up selection for Player of the Year
without him made me realize how good he is. in 2009 and should take it home this year.

Predictions Sure to Come True

By April, you will know how to say and
spell Ras-I Dowling. Remember the name,
big time, prototype senior CB at UVa.
There won’t be one agent on the campus of
North Carolina this season.
As much as I love the Fridge, this is the last
season for Ralph Friedgen at Maryland. The
7-5 gauntlet was thrown down by his former
AD and a new AD will want a new coach.
If NC State’s Nate Irving is half as good as
he was before he was injured, State’s defense
will get a major boost at a position of need.
FSU will play more freshmen this year in
hopes of playing for more than just ACC
Championship in future years.
Georgia Tech will lead the league in rushing
Seeing Boston College’s Mark Herzlich
back on the field will make me cry. Seriously
Sr. Jr.
QB Christian Ponder DE Robert Quinn
Jr. RB Montel Harris DT Jarvis Jenkins Sr.
So. Sr.
RB Ryan Williams DT John Graves
Jr. Sr.
WR Donovan Varner DE Allen Bailey
Sr. WR Leonard Hankerson LB Quan Sturdivant Sr.
Jr. Sr.
AP Travis Benjamin LB Alex Wujciak
Sr. So.
C Sean Bedford LB Luke Kuechly
Sr. Sr.
G Rodney Hudson CB Ras-I Dowling
Sr. Sr.
G Thomas Claiborne S DeAndre McDaniel
Sr. Sr.
T Chris Hairston S Deunta Williams
Sr. Jr.
T Anthony Castonzo CB Brandon Harris

ACC Games of the Year

vs
September 4, 2010
Atlanta, GA
North Carolina is one of the pundits’
handful of “hot” pre-season teams and
possesses one of the best front 7’s in the
nation. But, most know it only as an
underachieving program...a win over LSU
in the ATL could change that perception.
vs
September 6, 2010
Washington, DC
Virginia Tech hasn’t had a big time out of
conference win since, well, the Orange
Bowl over Cincinnati? And, it’s hard to
say that was a quality win. A resounding
win over one of the nation’s top five teams
will put the spotlight back on Blacksburg.
vs
September 11, 2010
Columbus, OH
I’m a firm believer that Miami actually
relishes being the underdog. And, trust
me, in this one, it’ll be the underdog.
But, QB Jacory Harris has the poise and
stature to keep calm against the OSU pass
rush and throw to keep it competitive.

vs
October 16, 2010
Tallahassee, FL
My co-host Sean Pendergast thinks Tina
Fey is “sneaky hot”. I think Boston
College is sneaky hot and could pull the
upset in Tallahassee. Eagles RB Montel
Harris wants nothing more than to return
to his home state for a massive win.
vs
October 23, 2010
Miami, FL
North Carolina has knocked off Miami
the last two years, so the sense of urgency
in Coral Gables must be at an all-time
high to knock off former UM coach Butch
Davis. A win here puts either one in the
Coastal driver’s seat.
vs
November 20, 2010
Miami, FL
If Miami doesn’t win the ACC’s Coastal
Division this year, it may not ever happen.
With North Carolina AND Virginia Tech
coming to visit, the Hurricanes have no
excuses. Plus, Va. Tech embarrassed
Miami last year so it’s payback time.
 Wee k
2010 AC C S ch e d u l e
1 We e k 2 Wee k 3 Wee k 4 Week 5
Sept 2 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 16 @ Sept 23 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 2 @
Sept 11 @
Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 4 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 11 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 11 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @
Sept 11 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 4 @
Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 4 v Oct 2 @
Sept 11 @
Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 4 @
Sept 11 @
Sept 4 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 11 @
Sept 6 @
Sept 11 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 6 @
Wee k 6 We e k 7 Wee k 8 Wee k 9 We e k 10
Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 28 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 9 @
Oct 16 @ Oct 30 @
Oct 23 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 16 @
Oct 9 @ Oct 30 @
Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 9 @ Oct 30 @
Oct 16 @
Oct 23 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @
Oct 30 @

Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @ Nov 6 @

We e k 11 We e k 12 We e k 13 We e k 14
Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 27 @
Nov 27 @
Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @
Nov 27 @
Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @
Nov 27 @
Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 27 @
Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 27 @

Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 27 @

Nov 27 @
Nov 27 @
B i g 10 P r e d i c t i o n s Team Record
1 Ohio State 12 - 0
2 Iowa 11 - 1
3 Wisconsin 10 - 2
4 Penn State 9-3
5 Northwestern 8-4
6 Michigan State 7-5
7 Purdue 6-6
8 Michigan 5-7
9 Indiana 5-7
10 Minnesota 3-9
11 Illinois 3-9
Off. Player of the Year Def. Player of the Year
QB Terrelle Pryor DE Ryan Kerrigan
I’ve been riding the Terrelle Pryor bandwagon Wait, what? You’ve got Adrian Clayborn,
for a couple of years. And, finally, after Greg Jones, any of the Ohio State defenders
wanting to give up, he pulled me back in with and it’s a guy from, gulp, Purdue? Yep, deal
a scintillating Rose Bowl that was flat out with it. Kerrigan is a bonafide star who has
awe-inspiring. Playing on a been a known commodity in
bum wheel, no less. But, the Big Ten for years. He
Pr y o r is healthy as can led the Big Ten with 13
be and is ready to lead sacks last year and was
his team to a National third in the n a t i o n ,
Championship. If the averaging over a sack
Buckeyes finish 12-0 and in the BCS National per game. His best? 3 sacks against Pryor and
Championship game, he’ll be taking home Ohio State. He’s racked up 20 sacks in two
more than Big 10 Off. Player of the Year. years. He’s the best pass rusher in the Big 10.

Predictions Sure to Come True

At least one Wisconsin offensive lineman
will be a consensus All-American
Penn State assistant coach Mike McQueary
will get yelled at, perhaps more than just
once, by head coach Joe Paterno.
Michigan will go looking for a new head
coach at season’s end. Maybe before the end
of the season, especially if it starts 0-2.
Northwestern will beat a heavy this year.
Iowa’s Ricky Stanzi will get some “Dark
Horse Heisman” love until Ohio State
knocks off the Hawks late in the year.
Take the under in Penn State v. Alabama.
Indiana’s Tandon Doss will have a season
for Hoosier fans to remember.
Illinois? See Michigan bullet point to the
left.
Jr. QB Terrelle Pryor DE Adrian Clayborn Jr.
Jr. RB John Clay DT Karl Klug Sr.
Sr. Sr.
RB Evan Royster DT Ollie Ogbu
Jr. WR DeVier Posey DE Ryan Kerrigan Sr.
Sr. Sr.
WR Keith Smith LB Greg Jones
Jr. So.
TE Drake Dunsmore LB Chris Borland
Sr. Sr.
C/G Stefen Wisniewski LB Eric Gordon
Sr. Sr.
G Justin Boren CB Chimdi Chekwa
Jr. Sr.
G Joel Foreman S Jermale Hines
Jr. Jr.
T Josh Oglesby S Tyler Sash
Sr.
T Gabe Carimi S Brett Greenwood Sr.

Big 10 Games of the Year

vs
September 11, 2010
Tuscaloosa, AL
Although Penn State is coming off of a
solid bowl win over LSU in the Capital
One Bowl, this is a much different squad
than that one. QB Daryll Clark carried
that offense for years and the new QB will
get his first road start at Alabama. Ouch.
vs
September 11, 2010
Columbus, OH
Ohio State frittered away a late lead last
year to USC at home in the Bucks’ in a
costly loss. Don’t think that will happen
again this year with Miami coming to
town. The Big 10 NEEDS Ohio State to
thump Miami in a big way.
vs
October 16, 2010
Madison, WI
Madison is a spooky place for the
Buckeyes, no matter how good Wisconsin
is. 1993. 2003. In 2008, the Buckeyes
needed a late Terrelle Pryor drive to save
them. Stoking the embers is the fact that
UW is as good as it’s been in a few years.

vs
October 23, 2010
Iowa City, IA
Wisconsin jumped to a quick 10-0 lead
over undefeated Iowa last season in
Madison. But, the resilient Hawks scored
20 unanswered and physically silenced the
Badgers. But, this is a new year with
better squads in 2010.
vs
November 20, 2010
Iowa City, IA
This is the game of the year in the Big 10,
IF both take care of business against
Wisconsin, and that’s not a lock. But, if
both teams are healthy, there’s a small
chance that this one could have National
Championship game implications.
vs
November 27, 2010
Happy Valley, PA
It’s fairly clear that the three top teams in
the Big 10 are OSU, Iowa and Wisconsin,
but the battle for fourth is seemingly a
four team race. Penn State and Michigan
State are the two best candidates and this
one could decide 4th.
 Wee k
2010 Big 10 Schedule
1 We e k 2 Wee k 3 Wee k 4 Week 5
Sept 2 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 2 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 2 @ Sept 18 @
Sept 11 @ Sept 25 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 4 v Sept 18 @
Sept 11 v Sept 25 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 18 @
Sept 11 @ Sept 25 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 18 @
Sept 11 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 18 @
Sept 11 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 18 @
Sept 11 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 18 @

Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @

Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @

Wee k 6 We e k 7 Wee k 8 Wee k 9 We e k 10

Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @ Nov 6 @

Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @ Nov 6 @

Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @ Nov 6 @

Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @ Nov 6 @

Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @ Nov 6 @

We e k 11 We e k 12 We e k 13 We e k 14
Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 27 @ Dec 3 @

Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 27 @

Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 27 @

Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 27 @

Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 27 @

B i g North
12 P r e d i South
ctions
Team Record Team Record
1 Nebraska 11 - 2 1 Texas 12 - 1
2 Missouri 8-4 2 Oklahoma 11 - 1
3 Kansas State 5-7
over 3 Texas A&M 9-3
4 Colorado 5-7 4 Texas Tech 8-4
5 Iowa State 4-8 5 Oklahoma State 6-6
6 Kansas 4-8 6 Baylor 5-7
Off. Player of the Year Def. Player of the Year
WR/AP Ryan Broyles DT Jared Crick
This category wasn’t easy in the past, but it In a similar vein as the Bradford/McCoy
was pretty clear cut - it was either former OU debate of recent years, the Big 12 media split
QB Sam Bradford or former Texas QB Colt the vote for Def. Player of the Year between
McCoy. This year? Wide open. Way, wide Crick and Texas A&M OLB Von Miller. I
open. So, I’m going with a went with Crick because
little bit of a wild card - I think he’s the most
Ryan Broyles f r o m complete defender on
Oklahoma. He i s t h e the best defense in the
l e a d i n g receiver league. Some will argue
returning in the Big 12 that Crick’s s uc cess w a s
with 89 catches and he also has the ability to only due to the presence of Ndamukong Suh.
be a threat on reverses or laterals thrown as Uh, not so. This Husker is tremendously
bubble screens. Surprised? Perhaps. quick and had 8 sacks and 12.5 TFL in 2009.

Predictions Sure to Come True

No two teammates will have a connection
like former Texas stars Colt McCoy and
Jordan Shipley.
Baylor will have a shot at a bowl because of
one guy - QB Robert Griffin.
Texas Tech RB Baron Batch will push Ryan
Broyles for Player of the year.
And, the same goes for OSU’s Kendall
Hunter. He’ll bounce back for a strong year.
Colorado will have to bite the bullet and
start it’s Pac 12 life with a new coach after
this season. It won’t change its fortunes, but
will just change the voice.
The Big 12 North will be the weakest its
ever been, Nebraska notwithstanding.
Texas A&M will be top ten in the nation in
total offense (not defense, though).
Kansas players will love Turner Gill
Sr. Sr.
QB Jerrod Johnson DE Sam Acho
Sr. RB Daniel Thomas DT Jared Crick Jr.
Sr. RB Baron Batch DT Colby Whitlock Sr.
Sr. AP DeMarco Murray DE Jeremy Beal Sr.
Jr. Jr.
WR Ryan Broyles LB Von Miller
Jr. Jr.
WR Jeff Fuller LB Travis Lewis
Sr. Sr.
C Tim Barnes LB Brian Duncan
Sr. Sr.
G Ricky Henry CB Prince Amukamara
Jr. Sr.
G Kelechi Osemele S Quinton Carter
Sr. Jr.
T Kyle Hix S Trent Hunter
Sr. Jr.
T Nate Solder CB Aaron Williams

Big 12 Games of the Year

vs
September 11, 2010
Norman, OK
The Sooners 8-5 season, no matter what
injuries they racked up throughout the
season, didn’t sit well with anyone in
crimson and cream. A resounding win
over FSU in Norman could signal a
bounce back to normalcy for the Sooners.
vs
September 18, 2010
Seattle, WA
Each year there are a few teams that get
the “Keep an eye on this team” tag.
Nebraska is that team. But, on the road,
in a truly difficult place to play, against a
brilliant play making QB, Jake Locker,
Nebraska is in for a 60 minute dogfight.
vs
October 2, 2010
Dallas, TX
No matter the situation, this one is
ALWAYS one of the best, and more
important, games of the year. Garrett
Gilbert vs. Landry Jones certainly isn’t the
flashy QB matchup of yore, but it’s still as
good it can get in this conference in 2010.

vs
October 9, 2010
Arlington, TX
An interception before the half by
TAMU’s Jerrod Johnson ended any Aggie
hope against the Hogs last year. We won’t
know a whole lot about the Aggies going
into this game, given the early season
schedule, but we’ll know a ton afterwards.
vs
October 16, 2010
Lincoln, NE
This matchup already had a ton of cache
going into the offseason, given the way the
last matchup ended - a 13-12 narrow Texas
win in the Big 12 Championship game.
However, after Nebraska decided to move
to the Big 10, it has double the intrigue.
vs
November 25, 2010
Austin, TX
A&M-Texas ’09 was one of the best
offensive shootouts of the season last year.
And, it gave hope to every Aggie in the
state of Texas that A&M wasn’t THAT far
behind the Longhorns. If nothing else,
expect another high scoring, frenetic game
 Wee k
2010 Big 12 Schedule
1 We e k 2 Wee k 3 Wee k 4 Week 5
Sept 2 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 17 @ Sept 30 @
Sept 25 @
Sept 4 v Sept 11 @
Sept 18 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 25 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @
Sept 18 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 18 @ Oct 2 v
Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @
@ Sept 25 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 18 Oct 2 @

Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @

Sept 4 v Sept 11 @
Sept 18 @
Sept 25 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @
Sept 18 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 18 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @
Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 5 @ Sept 11 @
Wee k 6 We e k 7 Wee k 8 Wee k 9 We e k 10
Oct 7 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @ Nov 6 @

Oct 8 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @ Nov 6 @

Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @ Nov 6 @

Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @ Nov 6 @

Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @ Nov 6 @

Oct 9 v Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @ Nov 6 @

We e k 11 We e k 12 We e k 13 We e k 14
Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 25 @

@
Nov 20 @
Nov 13 Nov 26 @
Nov 20 @
Nov 13 @ Nov 27 @
Nov 20 @
Nov 13 @ Nov 27 @
Nov 20 @
Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @
Nov 27 @

Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 27 v

Big East Predictions Team Record
1 Pitt 10 - 2
2 U Conn 10 - 2
3 West Virginia 9-3
4 Cincinnati 7-5
5 Rutgers 6-6
6 USF 6-6
7 Syracuse 3-9
8 Louisville 2 - 10

Off. Player of the Year Def. Player of the Year

RB Dion Lewis LB Lawrence Wilson
When you see a back the size of Lewis, you The game of football is quite simple, really.
think he’s going to be a highlight reel, break- Block the guy in front of you on offense.
your-ankles kind of guy. And, he’s definitely Tackle the guy with the ball on defense. Let’s
that, but you don’t automatically think this is just say that U Conn’s Lawrence Wilson has
a guy who could carr y the latter down pat. A
the ball 47 times on a three year starter from
s n o w y Saturday for Tu s c a l o o s a , Alabama,
the Big East title. But, W i l s o n finished the
t h a t ’s e v e n more true to sea son with 140 tackles
who Dion Lewis is as a and Fi r s t team All-Big
competitor. He set the Big East on its ear last East honors. Paired with LB Scott Lutrus,
year with nearly 1,800 yards and 17 TDs Wilson’s success behind an experienced DL
rushing as a true freshman and will do it again. will be key in what could be a memorable year.

Predictions Sure to Come True

Rutgers All-Purpose star Mohamed Sanu
will account for touchdowns four different
ways this season - passing, rushing, returning
and receiving.
Cincinnati QB Zach Collaros will lead the
league in total offense.
Don’t be surprised if the West Virginia
Mountaineers have one of the top 12
defenses in the country this year.
It won’t happen this year, but Louisville’s
Charlie Strong will have the Cardinals back
in a bowl within a couple of years.
WVU RB Noel Devine will add to a long
Yo u Tu b e r e s u m e w i t h a t l e a s t o n e
transcendent highlight this season.
USF will take a step back this season under
Skip Holtz, but in 2011, it’ll be a team that
will bounce back on the championship radar.
Jr. Sr.
QB Zach Collaros DE Greg Romeus
So. RB Dion Lewis DT Chris Neild Sr.
Sr. So.
RB Noel Devine DT Scott Vallone
Sr. Sr.
WR Armon Binns DE Jabaal Sheard
Sr. Sr.
WR Jonathan Baldwin LB J.T Thomas
So. Sr.
AP Mohamed Sanu LB Lawrence Wilson
Jr. Sr.
C Moe Petrus LB Scott Lutrus
Sr. Jr.
G Zach Hurd CB Quenton Washington
Sr. Sr.
G Jason Kelce S Dom DeCicco
Jr. Jr.
T Lucas Nix S Robert Sands
Sr. Sr.
T Jason Pinkston CB Brandon Hogan

Big East Games of the Year

vs
September 4, 2010
Ann Arbor, MI
Connecticut may sneak up on the nation
this year, but it won’t be sneaking up on
me. The Huskies, though, won’t find
Michigan to be the season-opening
cupcake most enjoy to start a season.
However, I love this matchup for U Conn.
vs
September 23, 2010
Pittsburgh, PA
Pitt may have more NFL first and second
round prospects than any team in the
nation, but if those studs don’t play well
when Miami arrives in town on a
nationally televised Thursday night game,
it could be a long season for the ‘Stache.
vs
September 25, 2010
Baton Rouge, LA
Now, the tailgating/pre-game tete-a-tete
that will result when these two square off
might be better than the game itself. And,
the game is going to be as physical as any
you’ll see this year. Without question,
WVU has speed to match up with LSU

vs
November 11, 2010
Storrs, CT
How about this matchup! It has two of
the best RBs in the league (Jordan
Todman and Dion Lewis), two of the best
OLs in the league and two of the best
defenders in the league (Lawrence Wilson
and Greg Romeus). It’s going to be fun.
vs
November 11, 2010
Storrs, CT
If you have a son that might be a little
small and thinks he might be too small to
play football or play running back - tell
him to tune in for this one. Noel Devine
and Dion Lewis aren’t any bigger than
your son, but they’re giants in this league.
vs
December 4, 2010
Cincinnati, OH
For the past two years, everyone and their
brother counted Cincinnati out before the
season even started. Well, wait, that was
me before ‘09. I’m doing it again, in some
sense in ‘10, but I wouldn’t be surprised if
this game is for the Big East title yet agin.
 Wee k
2010 Big East Schedule
1 We e k 2 Wee k 3 Wee k 4 Week 5
Sept 2 @ Sept 11 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 23 @
Sept 16 @
Oct 2 @
Sept 2 @ Sept 11 @
Sept 25 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 18 @
Oct 2 @
Sept 25 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 18 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 25 @

Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 18 @

Sept 25 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @

Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @

Wee k 6 We e k 7 Wee k 8 Wee k 9 We e k 10

Oct 8 @
Oct 14 @ Oct 22 @ Oct 29 @
Oct 9 @ Nov 3 @
Oct 15 @ Oct 23 @
Oct 9 @
Oct 30 @
Oct 9 @
Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @
Oct 9 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 30 @
Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @
Oct 9 @

We e k 11 We e k 12 We e k 13 We e k 14
Nov 11 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 26 @
Dec 4 @
Nov 26 @
Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @
Nov 27 @ Dec 4 @
Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @
Nov 27 @
Dec 4 @
Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 27 @
C U SEastA P r e d i cWest
tions
Team Record Team Record
1 Southern Miss 9-3 1 Houston 11 - 2
2 UCF 8-4 2 SMU 8-4
3 Marshall 5-7 over 3 Tulsa 8-4
4 East Carolina 3-9 4 UTEP 5-7
5 UAB 3-9 5 Rice 4-8
6 Memphis 1 - 11 6 Tulane 1 - 11
Off. Player of the Year Def. Player of the Year
QB Case Keenum DE Bruce Miller
Winning the CUSA Offensive POY award Finishing fifth your conference in something
may be just scratching the surface for as important as sacks is a big deal. Finishing
Houston’s Case Keenum. The question is fifth in the entire nation in sacks is a massive
whether he can go further than any deal. Bruce Miller did exactly that last season,
quar terback in the history piling up a CUSA high 13
of the CFB. He threw for sacks against one the most
5, 6 7 1 y a r d s , 1,300+ yards diverse sets of offenses in
more than any other QB the nation. He had five
in the nation in 2009. multi-sack games and is
With 14 more games, he just relentless off the edge.
could flirt with the magical 6,000 yard mark. With Miller at defensive end, UCF has a
Can it happen? Doesn’t need to, but it would chance to truly improve its pass defense (113th
cap off one of the best passing careers ever. in the nation). Without him? Forget it.

Predictions Sure to Come True

SMU QB Kyle Padron won’t win any
conference honors, but he’ll have a 4,000
yard passing season for June Jones offense.
University of Houston will have at least one
receiver with 100 receptions.
Rice RB/ATH Sam McGuffie may not have
any hurdling highlights, but he will be one of
the conference’s most dynamic newcomers.
Tulsa’s Damaris Johnson will score in at
least four different ways - rushing, receiving,
kick returns and punt returns.
Southern Miss LB Korey Williams will lead
the league in tackles and push Bruce Miller
for Defensive Player of the Year honors.
If UCF struggles at all, head coach George
O’Leary may step aside for a new coach in ‘11
Sr. Sr.
QB Case Keenum DE Bruce Miller
Sr. RB Donald Buckram DT Dontari Poe So.
Sr. WR James Cleveland DT Scott Solomon Sr.
Sr. WR Aldrick Robinson DE Cordarro Law Jr.
Sr. Sr.
WR Dwayne Harris LB Mario Harvey
Jr. Jr.
AP Tyron Carrier LB Marcus McGraw
Sr. Jr.
C Cameron Zipp LB Korey Williams
So. Jr.
G Theo Goins CB Emanuel Davis
Jr. Jr.
G Chris Thompson S Chris Banjo
Jr. Jr.
T Kelvin Beachum S Travis Bradshaw
Sr. Sr.
T Jah Reid CB Jamal Robinson

CUSA Games of the Year

vs
September 18, 2010
Pasadena, CA
Last year, Houston went to Stillwater and
upset (and thoroughly outplayed)
Oklahoma State. Then, followed that up
with a win over Texas Tech the next week.
Suffice it to say, Houston isn’t sneaking
up on anyone, including UCLA, this year.
vs
September 25, 2010
Manhattan, KS
This isn’t a marquee matchup, not in the
slightest, but a win by UCF could
absolutely huge for C-USA. KSU can be
had by the Golden Knight running game.
In some sense, UCF must make amends
for its trip to Austin last year.
vs
October 23, 2010
Dallas, TX
U of H hammered SMU last year in
Houston and in so doing, the Cougs
moved on to the C-USA championship
game. SMU finished the year winning
five of the next six, setting itself up for a
fine 2010 season. But, it has to beat UH.

vs
November 5th, 2010
Houston, TX
Of all the C-USA contests, this is the one
that I’m looking forward to the most.
Friday Night Lights takes on a whole new
meaning for the rematch between these
two title contenders. UCF ended UH’s
“buzz” in ‘09, so it’s payback time.
vs
November 13, 2010
Orlando, FL
The winner of this game will have an
advantage in winning C-USA East and
garnering a spot in the championship
game. It should be a physical contest with
USM’s DeAndre Brown and UCF’s
Brynn Harvey making huge plays.
vs
November 27, 2010
Lubbock, TX
I don’t need to remind Tech fans as to
what happened last year. Case Keenum’s
QB draw for a TD ended a wonderful
game. However, Tech fans know that if
Tech had just stuck to the run game and
maybe this is the year it does just that.
 Wee k
2010 C-USA Schedule
1 We e k 2 Wee k 3 Wee k 4 Week 5
Sept 2 @ Sept 10 @ Sept 17 @ Sept 24 @ Oct 2 @

Sept 2 @ Sept 18 @ Oct 2 @

Sept 10 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 18 @
Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @
Sept 11 @ Sept 25 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 18 @
Sept 11 @ Sept 25 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 18 @
Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @

Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @
Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 18 @
Sept 11 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 18 @
Sept 11 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 5 @ Sept 18 @

Sept 5 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @

Wee k 6 We e k 7 Wee k 8 Wee k 9 We e k 10

Oct 6 @ Oct 13 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @ Nov 5 @
Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 30 @
Nov 6 @
Oct 23 @
Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 30 @
Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 30 @
Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 23 @
Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @
Oct 30 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @ Nov 6 @

We e k 11 We e k 12 We e k 13 We e k 14
Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 27 @

Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 27 @

Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 27 @

Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 27 @

Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 27 @

Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 27 @

M AC
East
P r e d i c t i
West
o n s
Team Record Team Record
1 Temple 9-4 1 Central Michigan 8-5
2 Ohio 8-4 2 Northern Illinois 7-5
3 Bowling Green 6-6
4 Kent State 5-7
over 3 Ball State 6-6
4 Western Michigan 5-7
5 Akron 5-7
6 Miami 4-8 5 Toledo 5-7
7 Buffalo 3-9 6 Eastern Michigan 3-9
Off. Player of the Year Def. Player of the Year
RB Bernard Pierce LB Nick Bellore
From seemingly out of the blue last season, Steady and consistent. Always around the
Bernard Pierce helped turn Temple football a ball. The Rock. The Foundation. It’s one of
full 180. First of all, Temple went to a bowl those things that you want to look out on the
game. Grasp that concept football fans. The field and see #43. Well, Central Michigan
r e a s o n ? M o s t l y fans get one final season
Pi e r ce . He ran for 1,361 w i t h Ni c k Bellore out
yards but missed the on the field. He finished
m o s t important the season with 132
game of the season - the tackles and 13 tackles for a
M AC E a s t final against l o s s . Wi t h only 4 other
Ohio. His absence proved his worth, returning starters, Bellore will have his work
unfortunately for Temple’s championship cut out, but he’s a 12 tackle-a-game machine,
hopes. But, he’s back and ready for 1,500+ yds so he’ll be fine. In fact, the best in the MAC.

Predictions Sure to Come True

If Temple wins the MAC, Al Golden should
win every coach of the year award on the
planet. I don’t care if it is the MAC, this
man’s rebuilding job is off the charts.
Bowling Green’s leading WR will have half
of the catches that Freddie Barnes had last
season.
Miami won’t make a bowl, but they’re
improving under head coach Mike Haywood.
If Frank Solich had a true quarterback, the
Bobcats would threaten Temple for the
MAC East championship.
Temple won’t knock off Penn State in
Happy Valley, but it’ll make that day as
uncomfortable as the next for the Nittany
Lion faithful.
CMU’s Dan Enos will be the next coach at
Cincinnati - think about it.
Jr. QB Chandler Harnish DE Adrian Robinson Jr.
So. RB Bernard Pierce DTMuhammadWilkerson Jr.
Sr. RB Chad Spann DE Monte Simmons Sr.
Sr. WR LaVon Brazill LB Cobrani Mixon Sr.
Sr. Sr.
WR Armand Robinson LB Nick Bellore
So. Sr.
WR Eric Page LB Noah Keller
Sr. Sr.
C Colin Miller LB Justin Winters
Sr. Jr.
G Peter Bittner CB Josh Pleasant
Sr. Sr.
G Jeff Maddux S Davonte Shannon
Sr. Sr.
T Darius Morris S Brian Lainhart
Jr. Sr.
T Anthony Parker CB Domonic Cook

MAC Games of the Year

vs
September 2, 2010
Ames, IA
Iowa State is coming off of a bowl win last
season, while Northern Illinois is coming
off three straight losses to end the season.
But, ISU is losing nearly its entire defense
and NIU has a whale of a running game
ready to roll, led by RB Chad Spann.
vs
September 11, 2010
Philadelphia, PA
Temple won’t be the surprise in the MAC,
the way it was last year. The good news is
that the bellcow, the stud, the pre-season
player of the year returns - RB Bernard
Pierce. But, last year’s player of the year
Dan LeFevour doesn’t. This will be fun.
vs
September 18, 2010
Philadelphia, PA
I don’t anticipate Temple taking down
Connecticut, even playing at home, but
it’ll compete. The Temple defensive front
is good and will give the U Conn
offensive line, one of the best in the
nation, a rough time, though.

vs
October 23, 2010
DeKalb, IL
Since the MAC went to split divisions,
these two teams have consistently been
factors in the MAC West division. And,
this year is no different. This should be
THE game in that division and the
winner should be headed to Detroit.
vs
November 16, 2010
Philadelphia, PA
Ohio ended Temple’s cinderella story in
the de facto MAC East title game in
Athens last year. And, this year, the tables
are turned in a major way. Ohio may
struggle without a definitive offensive
weapon. Temple? If Pierce is healthy...
vs
November 26, 2010
Toledo, OH
Toledo hasn’t been a top tier MAC West
competitor the past few years, but it could
be set up for a turnaround under head
coach Tim Beckman. CMU may need
this win to cement the MAC West, but
Toledo may be dangerous by year’s end
 Wee k
2010 MAC Schedule
1 We e k 2 Wee k 3 Wee k 4 Week 5
TBA @ Sept 11 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 2 @
Sept 11 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 2 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 18 @
Sept 11 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 2 @
Sept 18 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 2 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 18 @
Sept 2 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 11 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 3 @ Sept 18 @
Sept 11 @ Sept 25 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 18 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 18 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 18 @
Sept 4 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 11 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 4 @
Sept 11 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @
Wee k 6 We e k 7 Wee k 8 Wee k 9 We e k 10
Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @
Nov 4 @
Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @
Oct 9 @
Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @ Nov 5 @
Oct 9 @
Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @
Oct 9 @
Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 9 @
Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @
Nov 6 @
Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @

We e k 11 We e k 12 We e k 13 We e k 14
Nov 9 @ Nov 16 @ Nov 23 @

Nov 10 @ Nov 17 @ Nov 26 @

Nov 12 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 26 @

Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 26 @

Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 26 @

Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 26 @

M WC P r e d i c t i o n s Team Record
1 TCU 11 - 1
2 Air Force 9-3
3 Utah 8-4
4 BYU 7-5
5 Wyoming 7-5
6 San Diego State 5-7
7 UNLV 3-9
8 Colorado State 2 - 10
9 New Mexico 2 - 10

Off. Player of the Year Def. Player of the Year

QB Andy Dalton LB Tank Carder
Although you may think this was pretty easy On the defensive side of the ball, it was clear
this season, well, you’re right. Andy Dalton is that the recipient was going to be a TCU
the clear cut runaway choice for Offensive Horned Frog. Tank Carder is my choice, in
Player of the Year. Guys like Tim Tebow and large part to the same reason Jared Crick was
Colt McCoy r e ce i v e d a l l in the Big 12 - he’s the most
the acclaim for their complete playmaker on
seasons last year, but how the best defense in the
can you honestly not league. Last year, Carder
t h r o w Dalton’s started to emerge from
name into the r i n g ? Ho w the shadows of Je r r y
many QB’s threw for 2,700 yards, ran for 500 Hughes and Daryl Washington to make a
and lead his team to an undefeated regular name for himself. He finished the season with
season in 2009? Two - Dalton and Tebow. 89 tackles, a pick six, ten TFL and two sacks.

Predictions Sure to Come True

TCU’s defense will go as far as the two new
starting cornerbacks take it.
Wyoming QB Austyn Carta-Samuels will
give a game away with some foolish
decisions, but he’ll save two others with
some fourth quarter magic.
San Diego State QB Ryan Lindley will lead
the league in total offense.
Colorado State’s losing streak will end no
later than week 3.
Air Force will win the Commander in Chief
Trophy, even though I have Navy ranked
ahead of them.
The BYU QB battle will be that team’s
undoing, overshadowing a solid defensive
performance on the season.
Sr. QB Andy Dalton DE Wayne Daniels Sr.
Sr. RB Jared Tew DT Cory Grant Sr.
Sr. RB Eddie Wide DE Johnathan Rainey Jr.
Sr. WR David Leonard LB Mychal Sisson Jr.
Sr. WR Vincent Brown LB Carmen Messina Jr.
Sr. Jr.
WR/AP Jeremy Kerley LB Tank Carder
Sr. Jr.
C Jake Kirkpatrick LB Brian Hendricks
Sr. Sr.
G Nick Alleto CB Reggie Rembert
Sr. Sr.
G Caleb Schlauderaff S Andrew Rich
Sr. Sr.
T Matt Reynolds S Tejay Johnson
Sr. Jr.
T Marcus Cannon CB Anthony Wright

MWC Games of the Year

vs
September 2, 2010
Salt Lake City, UT
Six years ago, Texas A&M traveled to SLC
to take on Utah in what was thought to be
a tough non-conference game. Utah blew
them out. Now, it’s Pitt’s turn to travel to
SLC, but it’s Utah that must find a way to
stop Dion Lewis and the Pitt offense.
vs
September 4, 2010
Arlington, TX
TCU’s defense, although it’ll miss Rotary
Lombardi finalist and Ted Hendricks
Award winner Jerry Hughes, is still stout
in the middle and will be the best defense
RB Jacquizz Rodgers faces all season long.
TCU’s O must stay on the field to win.
vs
September 4, 2010
Provo, UT
The Cougars are putting their eggs into
freshman Jake Heaps’ basket for the 2010
season. Considering the fact that Heaps is
from Washington, this matchup will be
fun on both sides. Plus, watching UW’s
Jake Locker in the opener will be a blast.

vs
November 6, 2010
Salt Lake City, UT
It’s not a stretch to say that Utah hates
BYU. It’s also not a stretch to think that
TCU and Utah have grown to dislike each
other in a short amount of time. The
winner of this game the last two years has
played in a BCS bowl game. Deja vu?
vs
October 16, 2010
Fort Worth, TX
BYU has gotten smashed by TCU the past
two years - once in Provo and once in Fort
Worth. By October, BYU could be a
dangerous team at home. There’s no
question that BYU is a definitive ‘dog in
this one and it can ruin TCU’s year.
vs
November 27, 2010
Salt Lake City, UT
This isn’t called the Holy War for
nothing. I think former BYU QB Max
Hall may have started the Holy (bleep)
War after his comments about Utah fans
in 2009. Rivalries are always fun and
when there is such hatred, it’s even better.
 Wee k
2010 MWC Schedule
1 We e k 2 Wee k 3 Wee k 4 Week 5
Sept 2 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 24 @ Oct 1 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 18 @
Sept 11 @ Sept 25 @
Oct 2 @
Sept 4 v
Sept 18 @
Sept 11 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 4 @
Sept 18
Oct 2 @
@
Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 18 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @
Sept 11 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 18 @
Sept 4 v
Oct 2 @
Sept 11 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 18 @
Sept 4 @

Sept 11 @ Sept 18 Sept 25 @ Oct 2 @

Sept 4 @ @

Wee k 6 We e k 7 Wee k 8 Wee k 9 We e k 10

Oct 9 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @
Oct 9 @
Nov 6 @
Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @
Oct 9 @
Nov 6 @
Oct 9 @
Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @
Nov 6 @
Oct 9 @
Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 9 @

We e k 11 We e k 12 We e k 13 We e k 14
Nov 13 @ Nov 18 @ Dec 4 @
Nov 27 @
Nov 13 @
Nov 20 @
Nov 13 @ Nov 27 @
Nov 20 @
Nov 13 @
Nov 27 @
Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @
Pa c 10 P r e d i c t i o n s Team Record
1 Oregon State 10 - 2
2 USC 11 - 2
3 Oregon 10 - 2
4 UCLA 7-5
5 Arizona 7-5
6 Stanford 7-5
7 Cal 6-6
8 Washington 5-7
9 Arizona State 3-9
10 Washington State 1 - 11

Off. Player of the Year Def. Player of the Year

RB Jacquizz Rodgers S Rahim Moore
Often the Offensive Player of the Year is tied In contrast, sometimes the POY is just the
into a team’s success. Often, the player’s baddest dude on the block. Rahim Moore is
success drives that team. And, that’s the case one of those guys. UCLA feeds off of Rahim
for Jacquizz Rodgers at Oregon State. Along Moore’s success, but it’s a ways off of the Pac
with his older b r o t h e r 10 title chase. Regardless, it
James, ‘Quizz drives this shouldn’t overshadow
t e a m . Breaking in a the play of one of the
different quar terback top defenders in the nation.
for the third straight M o o r e finished the
season will sting no season as the top thief in
doubt. However, if anyone can survive, and the nation with 10 interceptions. Now, the
thrive, under those conditions, it’s Jacquizz, UCLA offense doesn’t know what to do with
behind a now experienced OL. it, but that’s not Moore’s fault.

Predictions Sure to Come True

The Civil War will yet again decide which
program goes to the Rose Bowl.
The Pac 10 will have the best Fourth team
All-Pac 10 QB or Honorable Mention QB in
the nation. No conference has a list of signal
callers like this one.
Arizona State will be making a phone call
to the 713 area code for a new coach at
season’s end. Hint? That’s here in Houston.
Jim Harbaugh and Lane Kiffin will have
words - I don’t know if it’ll be before the
matchup or after, but the two will find
something to beef about when USC goes to
Stanford.
Arizona State’s Vontaze Burfict will have at
least one YouTube worthy moment this year
Washington QB Jake Locker will go
3000/500 and not go to a bowl. Shameful.
So. Sr.
QB Andrew Luck DE Kenny Rowe
Jr. RB Jacquizz Rodgers DT Stephen Paea Sr.
So. Jr.
RB LaMichael James DT Jurrell Casey
So. RB/AP Chris Polk DE Cameron Jordan Sr.
Sr. WR James Rodgers LB Vontaze Burfict So.
Jr. Jr.
WR Jermaine Kearse LB Akeem Ayers
Sr. Sr.
C Kris O’Dowd LB Mike Mohamed
So. Jr.
G David DeCastro CB Trevin Wade
So. Jr.
G Carson York S Rahim Moore
Sr. So.
T Bo Thran S John Boyett
Jr. Sr.
T Jonathan Martin CB James Dockery

Pac 10 Games of the Year

vs
September 4, 2010
Arlington, TX
The Rodgers’ brothers return to their
home state to play for the first time since
they’ve both been at OSU. Trust me,
there’ll be a few TCU fans wondering
what these two would look like in purple
and black after this one’s over.
vs
September 25, 2010
Boise, ID
In 2006, the Beavers went to Boise to take
on what was thought to be a good BSU
team. Uh, they left Boise with their tail
between their legs after a physical beat
down. That won’t happen this year, but
it’ll take a flawless Ryan Katz game to win.
vs
September 25, 2010
Austin, TX
UCLA is in a great spot for this game.
Not one person in, and around, the game
expects UCLA to win against the vaunted
Horns in Austin. However, it has nothing
to lose and even in a narrow defeat, it can
find a ton of confidence in battling UT.

vs vs vs
October 9, 2010 December 4, 2010 December 4, 2010
Palo Alto, CA Corvallis, OR Pasadena, CA
&
October 30 This might be the most fun day in a long Payback is a, well, you can fill in the rest.
Los Angeles, CA time for the Pac-10. With USC and USC is going nowhere after this game, so
With no bowl at season’s end, the Trojans UCLA in a heated matchup to the south, it’ll treat this like its bowl game, while
can only find solace in settling old scores. the Civil War may, yet again, be for the UCLA is steaming mad after a late game
And if anyone will ever attempt to opportunity to play in the Rose Bowl. pile-it-on touchdown last year in the
embarrass anyone, it’s Lane Kiffin But, this time, it’s in Corvallis Coliseum. Trust me, this will get ugly.
 Wee k
2010 Pac 10 Schedule
1 We e k 2 Wee k 3 Wee k 4 Week 5
Sept 2 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 17 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 25 @
Sept 3 @ Sept 18 @
Sept 11 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 11 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 18 @
Sept 25 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 18 @ Oct 2 @

Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 18 @

Sept 25 @
Sept 4 v Sept 18 @
Sept 11 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 11 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 18 @
Sept 25 @
Sept 11 @ @
Sept 4 @ Sept 18

Wee k 6 We e k 7 Wee k 8 Wee k 9 We e k 10

Oct 9 @ Oct 21 @ Oct 30 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 16 @
Oct 9 @ Oct 30 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 23 @
Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 30 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 23 @
Oct 9 @ Oct 30 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 16 @
Oct 9 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @ Nov 6 @

We e k 11 We e k 12 We e k 13 We e k 14
Nov 13 @ Nov 26 @ Dec 2 @
Nov 18 @
Nov 26 @
Nov 13 @ Dec 4 @
Nov 20 @ Nov 27 @
Nov 13 @ Dec 4 @
Nov 27 @
Nov 20 @
Nov 13 @ Nov 27 @ Dec 4 @
S E CEastP r e d i c West
tions
Team Record Team Record
1 Florida 11 - 2 1 Alabama 12 - 1
2 Georgia 10 - 2 2 Auburn 10 - 2
3 South Carolina 7-5 3 Arkansas 9-3
over
4 Tennessee 7-5 4 LSU 8-4
5 Kentucky 5-7 5 Ole Miss 7-5
6 Vanderbilt 1 - 11 6 Mississippi State 6-6

Off. Player of the Year Def. Player of the Year

RB Mark Ingram LB Justin Houston
I struggled a bit with this one. Sure, Mark Naming a Defensive Player of the Year, for a
Ingram was the Heisman Trophy winner in conference that has spit out the likes of Joe
2009 and returns in 2010, but he’s not going Haden, Eric Berry, and Rolando McClain,
to get the number of should’ve been easy. It wasn’t. But, I’ve got
aggregate touches that Georgia as a big surprise
he had last year with 10-2 team this year and if
T r e n t Richardson the Dawgs are a ten win
behind him. But, in the team, i t ’s b e c a u s e
end, it came down to a two Ho u s t o n i s killing it off
man race - In g r a m a n d the edge. The new 3-4
Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett. When the two makes him a pass rushing star and that’s what
meet on September 25, Ingram is going to go it’s going to take to make him the player of
wild in that head-to-head matchup. the year. Hunker down you hairy, Dawgs.

Predictions Sure to Come True

South Carolina will upset a team they have
no business beating and lose a couple of
games it has no business losing.
Kentucky ATH Randall Cobb will stay at
receiver and be All-SEC by the end of the
season.
Steve Spurrier will throw his visor at
Stephen Garcia and contemplate full-time
wildcat formation with Stephon Gilmore
There will be no pimp cups or long purple
velvet pimp coats in the press box at Bryant-
Denny Stadium (agents = pimps?
Remember?)
Florida true freshman Ronald Powell will
have the SEC buzzing halfway through the
season.
LSU’s Les Miles will bungle at least one end
game situation
Jr. QB Ryan Mallett DE Cliff Matthews Sr.
Jr. RB Mark Ingram DT Ladi Ajiboye Sr.
So. Sr.
RB Trent Richardson DT Jerrell Powe
Jr. WR A.J Green DE Marcell Dareus Jr.
Jr. Sr.
WR Greg Childs LB Josh Bynes
Jr. Jr.
AP Randall Cobb LB Dont’a Hightower
Sr. Jr.
C Ryan Pugh LB Chris Marve
Sr. Jr.
C/G Mike Pouncey CB Patrick Peterson
So. Jr.
G Barrett Jones S Mark Barron
Sr. Jr.
T Clint Boling S Will Hill
Sr. Jr.
T Lee Ziemba CB Janoris Jenkins

SEC Games of the Year

vs
September 4, 2010
Atlanta, GA
In the past two ACC-SEC, Alabama
absolutely thumped Clemson & Va. Tech,
but heading into this one, LSU isn’t
nearly as talented as those Alabama teams
were. And, making matters worse for
LSU, UNC is stout, especially, up front.
vs
September 11, 2010
Tuscaloosa, AL
As proven by wins over Clemson and
Virginia Tech the past two years, Alabama
doesn’t fear tough non-conference foes.
Penn State hasn’t visited since 1986, but
Shane Conlan & DJ Dozier are suiting up
any time soon for the Nittany Lions.
vs
October 2, 2010
Tuscaloosa, AL
Arguably, this is the best rivalry in the
SEC since it split into two divisions back
in 1992. But, Florida loses its Tebow and
this will be QB John Brantley’s second
road start of his collegiate career. It could
be a very long 60 minutes for Brantley.

vs
October 9, 2010
Gainesville, FL
When LSU has gone to Gainesville the
past few years, it has been plagued by
turnovers, poor play and a lack of
execution. It’s left a number of wins out
on the Ben Hill Griffin turf. This year?
It’ll take a flawless 60 minutes to beat UF.
vs
October 16, 2010
Auburn, AL
Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett riddled the AU
secondary last season in a must win for
the Hogs. With a ton of momementum
from 2009, Mallett and the Hogs are on
the “hot list” for sure. But, lose to Auburn
and the Hogs will finish 4th in the West
vs
November 6, 2010
Baton Rouge, LA
Anytime Nick Saban returns to Baton
Rouge, it’s a special day, to say the least.
And, by special, I mean, someone’s going
to need some bodyguards for protection.
Since he’s has been the ‘Bama head coach,
the last 3 meetings have been real tight.
 Wee k
2 010 S E C S c h e d u l e
1 We e k 2 Wee k 3 Wee k 4 Week 5
Sept 2 v Sept 11 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @
Sept 11 @ Sept 18 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 25 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @
Sept 18 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 25 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 11 @
Sept 18 @
Sept 4 @
Sept 11 @ Sept 25 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 18 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @
Sept 25 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 18 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 25 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 18 @
Sept 11 @
Sept 4 @
Sept 11 v Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @
Wee k 6 We e k 7 Wee k 8 Wee k 9 We e k 10
Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 30 @
Oct 9 v Nov 6 @
Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @
Oct 30 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 9 @
Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 9 @ Oct 30 @
Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 9 @
Oct 30 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 9 @
Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @
Nov 6 @
Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @ Nov 6 @
We e k 11 We e k 12 We e k 13 We e k 14
Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 26 @

Nov 13 @ Nov 27 @
Nov 20 @
Nov 27 @
Nov 13 @
Nov 20 @ Nov 27 @
Nov 13 @
Nov 20 @ Nov 27 @
Nov 13 @
Nov 27 @
Nov 13 @
Nov 20 @
Nov 27 @
Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 27 @
Sun Belt Predictions Team Record
1 Middle Tenn. St. 11 - 1
2 Troy 9-3
3 ULM 6-6
4 FAU 5-7
5 ULL 5-7
6 Arkansas State 4-8
7 North Texas 4-8
8 FIU 2 - 10
9 Western Kentucky 1 - 11

Off. Player of the Year Def. Player of the Year

QB Dwight Dasher DE Jamari Lattimore
Of all the great seasons turned in by college Last year, the Blue Raiders defense was led by
football quarterbacks in 2009, all of them pale 2009 Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year
in comparison to what Dwight Dasher did in Chris McCoy, but he got a ton of help from
2009. He ran for 1,154 yards, accounting for 13 my pick as 2010 Defensive Player of the Year
touchdowns in the J a m a r i Lattimore.
process. He threw for The two bookends
2,789 yards and 23 tore through Sun Belt pass
touchdowns. Quite frankly, protection last year, but
he’s the most d y n a m i c this year Lattimore
quar terback in the must go it a l o n e . He
Southern half of the nation. Argue if you will, had six sacks last year but will face a ton of
but you won’t hear much opposition from doubles, tight ends and RB chip blocks. With
opposing Sun Belt defensive coordinators. a strong season, he’ll emulate his former mate.

Predictions Sure to Come True

FIU’s T.Y Hilton will be the biggest
playmaking stud you won’t watch this year.
That now being said, turn him on when you
can.
Middle Tennessee will upset Minnesota
right out of the chute and scare the bejeezus
out of the rest of the Sun Belt...and the Big
Ten.
North Texas will fight valiantly for head
coach Todd Dodge, but the Mean Green will
be looking for a new coach after UNT
finishes under seven wins.
MTSU’s Dwight Dasher is going to be a
college fantasy superstar, as long as he stays
healthy.
Sr. QB Dwight Dasher DE Jamari Lattimore Sr.
Jr. RB Lance Dunbar DT Bryan Hall Jr.
Sr. RB Frank Goodin DT Dwight Smith Sr.
Jr. RB Alfred Morris DE Kevin Cyrille Jr.
Jr. WR T.Y Hilton LB Grant Fleming Sr.
Sr. Jr.
WR Jerrel Jernigan LB Demario Davis
Sr. Sr.
C Tyler Clark LB Craig Robertson
Sr. Sr.
C/G Brad Serini CB Anthony Gaitor
Sr. Sr.
G Kelvin Drake S M.D Jennings
Sr. Sr.
T Esteban Santiago S Jeremy Kellem
Sr. Jr.
T Derek Newton CB Dwight Bentley

Sun Belt Games of the Year

vs
September 2, 2010
Murfreesboro, TN
This will not be an upset in my
estimation. MTSU has three legitimate
pro prospects and the one who isn’t is the
preseason Sun Belt offensive player of the
year. Minnesota is in for the fight of its
life against a strong MTSU squad.
vs
September 25, 2010
Troy, AL
Arkansas State struggled through an
unexpected 2009 season and needs to
prove its all the way back from that year-
long hiccup. Troy has the offensive
weapons, WR Jerrel Jernigan for instance,
but a question mark at QB. Major.
vs
October 5, 2010
Murfreesboro, TN
Troy vs. MTSU should be for the title.
QB Dwight Dasher is facing a Troy
defense that is lacking front seven
experience. By October, that Troy
defensive front should be better, but
Dasher, et al.. should still have a field day.

vs
October 16, 2010
Denton, TX
This one is simple: WR T.Y Hilton for
FIU vs. North Texas RB Lance Dunbar.
Simple. Two of the best offensive players
anywhere, anytime going at one another
for a full 60 minutes is enough to have be
doing a happy dance.
vs
November 2, 2010
Jonesboro, AR
If Arkansas State has truly bounced back
from a horrid 2009 and is in position to
take the title, this will be the game of the
year. If ASU knocks off Troy on the road
early in the season, this game could be a
championship tete-a-tete
vs
December 4, 2010
Boca Raton, FL
I don’t think that FIU is in contention
this year, but with Hilton and the South
Florida recruiting base established, this
could be a tremendous way to “start”
2011. MTSU just wants to take care of
business and get ready for its bowl trip.
 Wee k
2010 Sun Belt Schedule
1 We e k 2 Wee k 3 Wee k 4 Week 5
Sept 2 @ Sept 11 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @

Sept 11 @
Sept 4 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 11 v
Sept 4 v Oct 2 @
Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 11 @
Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @
Sept 11 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @
Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @
Sept 11 @
Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 4 @
Sept 11 @

Sept 4 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @

Sept 11 @

Wee k 6 We e k 7 Wee k 8 Wee k 9 We e k 10

Oct 5 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 30 @ Nov 2 @
Oct 23 @
Oct 8 @ Oct 16 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 30 @
Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 30 @
Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 23 @
Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 30 @ Nov 6 @

We e k 11 We e k 12 We e k 13 We e k 14
Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 27 @
Nov 20 @ Dec 4 @
Nov 13 @ Nov 27 @
Nov 20 @
Nov 13 @ Nov 27 @
Nov 20 @
Nov 13 @ Nov 27 @
Nov 20 @ Dec 4 @

Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 27 @

WA C P r e d i c t i o n s Team Record
1 Boise State 11 - 1
2 Nevada 9-3
3 Fresno State 8-4
4 Hawai’i 6-7
5 Idaho 5-7
6 Louisiana Tech 5-7
7 New Mexico State 3-9
8 San Jose State 3-9
9 Utah State 3-9
Off. Player of the Year Def. Player of the Year
QB Kellen Moore DE Dontay Moch
I almost feel guilty picking Kellen Moore to Safe to say that Nevada’s Dontay Moch is the
be the WAC Offensive Player of the Year. fastest pass rusher in any conference in the
But, c’mon, there’s only one other player who nation? Disagree? Okay, how about the fact
really pushes Moore for this honor - Nevada that during spring, Moch turned in, allegedly,
QB Colin Kaepernick. a 4.25 40-yard d a s h . Ye s ,
Fo r as dynamic as you read that correctly -
Nevada’s star is, Moore is at 4.25. Moch used that
the helm of the lea gue’s speed to rack up 6.5 sacks
m o s t dominant last season. He might be a
offense. He threw three one trick pony in some
interceptions all season long. Three. That’s sense, but if he piles up double digit sacks,
it. He’ll put the Broncos in position to be a he’ll definitely be picking up hardware as the
National Champion and that’s worth this spot. WAC Defensive Player of the Year.

Predictions Sure to Come True

Boise State will be missed, and won’t be
missed all at the same time, when it leaves
for MWC in 2011.
Nevada Colin Kaepernick will once again
be 2,000 passing/1,000 rushing for the third
straight year. It’ll be the fourth year of
2,000/500 - only time that has ever been
done.
Hawaii WR Greg Salas will catch 100 balls
One of the best quarterbacks you’ve never
seen play is Utah State’s Diondre Borel.
Unfortunately, he’ll continue to toil in
anonymity throughout the season.
Hawai’i will win one at home against a team
it shouldn’t and lose to a team on the road it
should’ve beaten.
The WAC has the most underrated set of
QB in the nation: Moore, Borel, Kaepernick,
Colburn (Fresno St), Enderle (Idaho)
Jr. QB Kellen Moore DE/LB Dontay Moch Sr.
Sr. RB Vai Taua DE Chris Carter Sr.
Sr. Jr.
RB Jeremy Avery DT Billy Winn
Sr. WR Austin Pettis DE Ryan Winsterswyk Sr.
Jr. WR Phillip Livas LB Adrien Cole Jr.
Sr. Sr.
WR Greg Salas LB Ben Jacobs
Sr. Jr.
C Joe Bernardi LB Bobby Wagner
Sr. Sr.
G Nate Potter CB Brandyn Thompson
Sr. Sr.
G Andrew Jackson S Jeron Johnson
Jr. Sr.
T Kenny Wiggins S Duke Ihenacho
Jr. Sr.
T Rob McGill CB Davon House

WAC Games of the Year

vs
September 6, 2010
Washington, DC
I don’t know how many times head coach
Chris Petersen has shown his team the
2005 opener - BSU at Georgia, but I
would think it’s on the minds of many
BSU fans for sure. This BSU team is
much more athletic and more physical.
vs
September 25, 2010
Boise, ID
No one beats BSU on the blue turf. The
only team that has done it since 2001 is
Boston College in a bowl game. Oregon
State, though, is the type of team that
could frustrate BSU. But, the Broncos
will answer with QB Kellen Moore.
vs
September 25, 2010
Oxford, MS
This isn’t a top notch game in either the
WAC or the SEC, especially the SEC.
But, what it could mean for the Bulldogs
is huge. They’ve never run from a
challenge and they’re catching Ole Miss at
the right time in Oxford.

vs
November 13, 2010
Fresno, CA
If Fresno State is going to take the next
step back into the hierarchy of the WAC,
it must take care of business at home, and
it must take care of business against QB
Colin Kaepernick. A Fresno State win
here sets up a grand matchup next week...
vs
November 19, 2010
Boise, ID
...in Boise, a house of horrors for the
Bulldogs in past years. Well, it hasn’t
mattered where these two have played, the
Broncos have won all but the 2007
version. Fresno State is coming off of a
short week and then has to travel. Uh oh.
vs
November 26, 2010
Reno, NV
This was supposed to be Nevada’s last shot
at Boise State until the MWC decided to
raid the WAC, again, for Nevada and
Fresno State. All this ends up being is a
matchup of the two best QBs in the WAC
- Colin Kaepernick and Kellen Moore
 Wee k
2010 WAC Schedule
1 We e k 2 Wee k 3 Wee k 4 Week 5
Sept 2 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 17 @ Sept 24 @ Oct 1 @

Sept 2 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @

Sept 11 @ Oct 2 @

Sept 2 v Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @

Sept 11 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @
Sept 11 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @

Sept 11 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @

Sept 11 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @

Sept 6 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @ Oct 2 @

Wee k 6 We e k 7 Wee k 8 Wee k 9 We e k 10

Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 30 @
Oct 9 @
Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 9 @ Oct 30 @
Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 9 @
Oct 30 @
Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 26 @ Nov 6 @

We e k 11 We e k 12 We e k 13 We e k 14
Nov 12 @ Nov 19 @ Nov 26 @ Dec 3 @

Dec 4 @
Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 27 @
Dec 4 @
Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 27 @
Dec 4 @

Nov 13 @ Nov 20 @ Nov 27 @ Dec 4 @

Independent Predictions
Team Record
1 Navy 11 - 1
2 Notre Dame 8-4
3 Army 3-9

Off. Player of the Year Def. Player of the Year

QB Ricky Dobbs LB Manti Te’o
The names of the greats running the option Rarel y does a young man come to a
are too vast to name. The ones who’ve done it traditional, long standing program oozing
as a Naval Academy QB? Well, it’s one. This with history with a 5-star pedigree and play
guy - Ricky Dobbs. No one has forced beyond the hype. But, in some sense, that’s
defensive coordinators w h a t Ma n t i Te’o did last
to fear this offense more season as a true freshman
than Dobbs. He threw for at No t r e Dame. He
over 1,000 yards and ran didn’t lead the team in
for over 1,000 yards, only the tackles, but he was fourth
37th time it’s been done in with 63, after not having
the history of college football. He nearly led started a full season. If Notre Dame is to have
the Midshipmen to a win over Ohio St., but a special season, Te’o has to be outstanding,
pulled it off against Notre Dame. He’s a star. taking over as the leader of the Irish defense.

2010 Independents Schedule

Wee k 1 We e k 2 Wee k 3 Wee k 4 Week 5
Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 18 @ Sept 25 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 4 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 18 @ Oct 2 @
Sept 6 @ Sept 11 @ Sept 18 @
Sept 25 @ Oct 2 @

Wee k 6 We e k 7 Wee k 8 Wee k 9 We e k 10

Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 30 @ Nov 6 @
Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 23 @ Oct 30 @
Oct 9 @ Oct 16 @ Oct 30 @
Nov 6 @

We e k 11 We e k 12 We e k 13 We e k 14 We e k 15
Nov 13 @ Nov 20 v
NO
Nov 13 @ Nov 27 @ Dec 4 Dec 11 v
Games
Nov 13 @
Nov 20 @
 The 2010 Heisman Chase
If Pryor can follow up his
tremendous Rose Bowl #1
with a solid season, he’ll
stay in this conversation
throughout the season.
Beat Iowa and Wisconsin
on the road and be
transcendent doing it and
the Trophy’s his.

T err ell e P ryor

#5 #3
It’s hard to argue with the
fact that #28 Dion Lewis
is the most exciting
football player on the
East Coast. Tough as
nails and as
e x p l o s i v e a s a ke g o f
dynamite, Lewis is the
engine driving favored
Pitt for Big East title run.
Oregon State is my pick
to win the Pac 10 for two
reasons. One is James
Rodgers and the other,
more prevalent reason is
Jacquizz Rodgers. The
OL in front of him is now

D i o n Le w is
experienced and if he can
rush for 1,700 yards, he’s a
legit candidate to win.
Jacquizz Rodgers
Beat Virginia Tech. Beat
Oregon State. Throw 39
touchdowns with only 3
interceptions. Do all of
that and Moore will most
certainly be a factor in
the Heisman race. It’s
possible, especially for a 3
year starter. Probable?
I’m not counting him out.
C as e K een um The last “numbers/

#4
system” guy to the win
the Heisman was Tim
Tebow in 2007. But, he
did it on the ground and
through the air. Keenum
will need to be 5,800 and
50 TDs to get a trip to Kell en Moore
#2 NYC. Thing is...he can.
 The 2010 Heisman Chase
Maybe a tiny surprise,
b u t D a l t o n i s n’t
sneaking up on anybody
#9
this season. He threw
for over 2,700 yards and
ran for over 500 yards
during an undefeated
regular season. If he
matches those numbers
and is undefeated
again...well, you’ll see.

A nd y Da lton #8
#6
T h e 2 0 0 9 He i s m a n
winner is sixth on my list
in 2010 due in large part
to the fact that one of the
ten best running backs in
the n a t i o n , Tr e n t
Richardson, is his backup. Ryan Williams
Fewer carries means a
fresher Ingram, but little
shot at Heisman #2.
With Tyrod Taylor back
and Darren Evans healthy,
Williams workload will be
cut somewhat, but if
Virginia Tech is barking in
late November, it’ll be
because Williams has had
a 1,600 yard/20 TD
M a r k I n g r am season for the Hokies.
Complete and total dark
horse says you? Some of
you saying “Who?” Ohio
State learned who Dobbs
was. He became only
37th QB in history to be a
1,000/1,000 guy and if he
tops that mark again, he’ll
get some “Dark Horse”
love for certain.
R y an M al let t Ev e r y o n e l o v e s a b i g
armed quarterback with

#10
some cajones. Mallett
definitely has those, no
question. The pressure is
immense to carr y the
Hogs in the SEC West. A
solid season alone won’t
get him to NYC; he must Ric ky Dob b s
#7 beat Alabama.

Although he’s known for a
DE blocked punt that turned the
tide of the Io w a s e a s o n ,
don’t be fooled...DE
Adrian
Clayborn
is a flat out
stud. Strong
as an ox with
some burst to match,
Clayborn is a monster to
block on the edge. He’ll
be the focus of offensive schemes all
season long in Iowa City.
T h e e p i t o m e o f Io w a ’s
S DE
Tyler Sash’s ability to
m a ke a p l a y w a s h i s
interception return against Indiana
after catching a deflected ball and
returning it 96-yards to the house. It
was a play that defined Iowa’s 2009
season and it more than defined what
makes Sash great. He’s always around
the ball. Always. Whether he’s filling
in the alley or floating in the middle,
he’s going to make a play. Trust me
on that. There might be better
athletes, not a better safety.
CB No matter the opponent on
the other side of the field, the
game plan is extremely easy for LSU’s
Patrick Peterson. You...go get
the best receiver they’ve got. He’s
yours. Got it? No one accepts that
challenge more than the former
Pompano Beach, FL star. Julio Jones,
A.J Green, insert name of star WR
here. He has shut them all down. At
6’1” and 211 pounds, he’s a freakishly
built corner with every cornerback
skill you’d want. And, every Saturday
he gets to prove that in the most
competitive conference in the nation.
Oregon State’s Stephen
Paea made a name for DT
himself in front of a national
television audience during last
year’s Civil War in Eugene. Twitter
followers kept asking me, one after
the next - who’s #54? He was
brilliant all season long, luckily for
him, he shone at the
perfect
time.
DEFEnse
A number of different
LB
candidates could take this final
linebacker spot - I was pretty set
on Greg Jones and Von Miller. But,
as much as I tried to get away from
A r i z o n a S t a t e ’s Vo n t a z e
Burfict, I kept coming back to the
dynamic playmaker. The shame is
that he’s playing for a team that
shouldn’t make a bowl game, but that
doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be on this
list. As a true freshman last season,
he lit up the highlight reel with his
physical play. But, what blew me
away was his uncanny ability to to
know where to be at almost all times.
He can be a bit over aggressive, but
he’s primed for a huge second season.
Nebraska’s Jared Crick
lived in the large shadow of DT
legend Ndamukong Suh during
the 2009 season. But, it wasn’t as if it
kept Crick from creating a legendary
shadow for himself. He set the
Nebraska records for sacks in a game
and tackles for a loss against Baylor in
one of the best defensive tackle
performances in Big 12 history. Crick
doesn’t have Suh to take some heat
off of him, but as the last season
progressed, he was seeing his fair
share of attention from offensive
game plans. On his own, he’ll shine.
Rush. The. Quarterback. LB
That’s what Texas A&M OLB/
DE pass rusher
e x t r a o r d i n a i r e Vo n
Miller. He led the
nation in sacks last
year and did it as
the marked man on
the A&M defense.
As a combination
DE/OLB, under new DC
Tim DeRuyter, he’ll be
the perfect chess
piece in the
Aggies’ 3-4 ‘D’.
One of the nation’s top
S ball hawks,
R a h i m
Mo o re m a d e a
name for himself with 3
interceptions last season
against Tennessee. More
c o v e r g u y t h a n h i t t e r,
Moore is a true playmaker
who’ll create more TOs
than any other def. player in
the nation this sea son.
Teams can’t avoid him in the
middle of the field. And,
that’s bad. For them, anyway.
Wearing a 40s number coming
o f f t h e e d g e i n a No r t h
Carolina jersey, it’s hard to not
think of Julius Peppers when you
watch UNC DE Robert Quinn
get loose. After finishing the year
with 11 sacks in 2009, he’s a marked
man this year, but he’s also got
another year’s experience at this
position. Either way, he’s considered
a top 5 2011 draft eligible prospect
and there’s little to argue with that
assessment. When he cranks it up,
look out.
CB A s o n e o f t h r e e Te x a s
Longhorn defensive backs to
be a Jim Thorpe Award Watch
List honoree, it’s clear that Aaron
Williams is part of the best
secondary in the nation. But, to me,
he’s the leader and the best cover
corner Texas has seen in a while.
Great ball skills. Burst. Recovery
speed. Physical. Decent tackler.
Mad hops. Silky smooth, it’s a joy to
watch Williams play the game. I
suppose it could, and should, be the
last season he wears a burnt orange
jersey.
Greg Jo n e s i s a
tackling machine, pure LB
a n d s i m p l e . He
doesn’t blow you
away with athleticism,
but he finds a
way to end the
game with 10
tackles. He
finished
with 154 last
year a l o n e .
Michigan State
needs a tremendous year
from its leader to be in another bowl.
RB
I’m sure there were a bunch
of coaches in the Big East
kicking themselves that they
didn’t make a stronger play in
recruiting for Pitt’s Dion
Lewis. He n e a r l y
singlehandedly carried the
Panthers to a Big East
championship...a s a
freshman. He ’s
electricity personified. And,
he was just a freshman last year, but
he’s down to earth & ready for more.
Whether you want to pigeon
hole Penn State’s Stefen OG
Wisniewski into the center
or guard “hole”, that’s up to you, but
either way, either position, he’s one of
the best interior linemen in the
nation. Tough, nasty and hard
working, Wisniewski led the Penn
State offensive line last year from the
center position. A First team All-Big
10 selection last year, Wisniewski is
perhaps the best interior lineman in a
traditionally strong OL conference.
The second receiver on the
WR Ultimate 22 was a toss-up.
But, in the end, it came down
to R. Broyles’ do-it-all talents, J.
Baldwin’s athleticism or Michael
Floyd’s receiving brilliance. I went
with ND’s Floyd. And, when healthy,
there’s not a better true WR in the
nation. With glue sticks for hands,
Floyd is a nasty downfield threat and
catches anything near him. With an
85 catch year, he’ll prove he’s the
Man, again. ND just needs him
healthy. If he is, he’s definitely in the
right spot.
Emerging from the
prodigious shadow
C TE
cast by his
b r o t h e r, U F ’s
Mike Pouncey
is primed to show
a nation what
he can do.
Nasty and tough as
n a i l s , Po u n c e y
moves over to center
to replace his brother
and follow in his a w a r d
w i n n i n g f o o t s te p s .
His OL coach thinks he’s
the best in the nation.
OT
Wisconsin has been a breeding
ground for NFL-ready
offensive tackles. A n d ,
Offense this year is no
exception with
talented Ga b e
Carimi on the
edge. He’s a beast
in the zone blocking
OSU QB scheme and he’s got the feet
Te r r e l l e QB to excel at pass blocking. If
healthy, he can be a m ajo r
Pryor has put in a
award winner.
yeoman’s two years for the
Buckeyes, but it’s awful l y
difficult to not see In most cases, offensive guards
parallels between are just 300+ pound maulers. OG
P r y o r and former UT great They don’t often look good in a
Vince Young. Playing style aside, jersey, perhaps a gut hanging out from
Yo u n g c a p i t a l i z e d o n t h e time to time. Well, meet FSU’s
momentum from his 2005 Rose Bowl Rodney Hudson, the best anti-
win to lead Texas to a championship guard in the nation. At 6’2” 282,
the following season. I get that same Hudson is lucky to be an offensive
vibe with Pryor, whose 2010 Rose lineman at all, but he makes up for
Bowl exploits garnered him the his lack of girth. With quick feet and
MVP trophy. If he finds consistency, solid technique, Hudson is a three
look the heck out. The Horseshoe year starter on a line that should be
will again be rocking. one of the best units in the nation.
The competition at wide Last y e a r, Ma rc u s
WR receiver this season is fierce, yet Cannon was a right tackle OT
putting Georgia’s AJ Green who mauled defensive ends and
on the Ultimate 22 Offense was the linebackers in the TCU run game.
easiest thing that I had to do this This year, Cannon is moving to left
summer. At 6’4” and 205 pounds, tackle to, well, maul defensive ends
Green is a combination of size and and linebackers in the TCU run
athleticism that coaches can only game. Although his future is
dream about. He’s got great hands, probably back at RT, for this season,
works on being a route runner and he’ll be instrumental in protecting
can make the tough catch any time of star QB Andy Dalton’s back. How
the game. He’s really the only guy to good is Cannon? Former TCU DE
have a modicum of success against Jerry Hughes says he’s the best he’s
LSU’s Patrick Peterson and will have faced. Knowing Jerry, I’ll buy what
a 75 catch year even with a new QB. he’s saying hook, line and sinker.
Three years ago, ‘Quizz was a Wi t h the proliferation of
RB Te x a s l e g e n d , b u t spread attacks, the
there wasn’t a school true TE has gone
in Texas ‘sold’ on him as the way of the
a premier running tape deck. But,
back. They were right. No t r e D a m e ’s
He’s not a premier Kyle Rudolph
back, he’s perhaps THE is trying to bring
premier back in the sexy back, as a
nation, piling up over manner of speaking.
2,800 yards in his first two The Irish spread
years. Not only would every a t t a c k
school in Texas want him now, every (ironic?)
school in the nation would. If he gets will be lethal w i t h
any help from his still maturing OL, Rudolph at TE due to the
he can hit 2,000 yards in 2010. matchups he creates.
*Rotary Lombardi Watch List
Player Pos. School
Sam Acho DE Texas HM all-Big 12, 10 sacks and 10 tackles for a loss (TFL)
Pierre Allen DE Nebraska Started all 14 games at DE, 51 tackles and five sacks
Marvin Austin DT North Carolina Second team all-ACC, 42 tackles and 4 sacks
Akeem Ayers LB UCLA Dynamic play maker, HM all-Pac 10, 3 Def. TDs & 14.5 TFL
Allen Bailey DT/DE Miami First team all-ACC, 4th in ACC in sacks per game
Jeff Battipaglia OT Navy Started all 13 games - led Navy rush attack to #4 ranking
Jeremy Beal DE Oklahoma Hendricks Award finalist, Third team All-American - 11 sacks
Chase Beeler C Stanford Second team all-Pac 10 selection for 8-5 Cardinal
Nick Bellore LB Central Michigan First team all-MAC, 102 tackles and 7 tackles for a loss
Broderick Binns DE Iowa Honorable mention all-Big Ten, 6.5 sacks and 10 TFL
Clint Boling OT Georgia Second team all-SEC selection at tackle
Justin Boren G Ohio State First team all-Big Ten guard (media)/Second team (coaches)
Chris Borland LB Wisconsin Big Ten Freshman of the Year, HM all-Big Ten
Da’Quan Bowers DE Clemson Projected to be #1 ranked DE in 2011 Draft, 3 sacks in 2009
Vontaze Burfict LB Arizona State Sun Devils’ Human Highlight reel, Pac 10 Def. Freshman of the Year
Marcus Cannon OT TCU First team All-MWC - didn’t allow one sack in 2009
Tank Carder LB TCU Second team all-MWC, 89 tackles and 10 TFL
Gabe Carimi OT Wisconsin First team all-Big Ten tackle (media)/Second team (coaches)
James Carpenter OT Alabama Started all 14 games at left tackle for national champions
Bruce Carter LB North Carolina Second team all-ACC, led the nation with 5 blocked kicks
Jurrell Casey DT USC Honorable mention all-Pac 10, 4.5 sacks and 9 TFL
Anthony Castonzo OT Boston College First team all-ACC at tackle in 2009
Ugo Chinasa DE Oklahoma State Honorable mention all-Big 12, 6.5 sacks and 10 TFL
Adrian Clayborn DE Iowa 2010 Orange Bowl Defensive MVP, First team all-Big 10
Wayne Daniels DE TCU Second team all-MWC, 5.5 sacks and 9 TFL
Marcell Dareus DT Alabama 2010 BCS National Championship Game Def. MVP
Marcus Forston DT Miami Injured in 2009 - played in only 3 games
Chris Galippo LB USC Honorable mention all-Pac 10, 70 tackles and 8 TFL
Cameron Hayward DT/DE Ohio State Second team all-Big Ten, led Buckeyes with 7.5 sacks
Mark Herzlich LB Boston College Sat out 2009 following cancer treatments - all-ACC in 2008
Dont’a Hightower LB Alabama Injured in 2009 - played in only 4 games
Ross Homan LB Ohio State Second team all-Big 10, led the Buekeyes with 108 tackles
Justin Houston DE Georgia Second team all-SEC, 7.5 sacks and 15 TFLs (led team)
Rodney Hudson G Florida State First team all-ACC, Awarded ACC Jacobs Trophy (best blocker)
Nate Irving LB NC State Injured in 2009, missed the entire season
Ethan Johnson DE Notre Dame Led the Irish with 4 sacks, moves out to DE in 2010
Greg Jones LB Michigan State First team all-Big Ten after 154 tackle season (3rd in nation)
Lance Kendricks TE Wisconsin 29 receptions for 356 yards and 3 TDs,
Ryan Kerrigan DE Purdue First team all-Big Ten (media)/Second team (coaches) - 13 sacks
Jake Kirkpatrick C TCU One of six finalists for Rimington Trophy (best center) in 2009
Luke Kuechly LB Boston College ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, First team all-ACC
Travis Lewis LB Oklahoma First team All-Big 12, 109 tackles and 9.5 TFL
DeMarcus Love OT Arkansas 13 starts at tackle for top scoring offense in the SEC
Jonathan Martin OT Stanford As freshman, started 11 games, leading way for Toby Gerhart
*Actually completed by me for national release
Rotary Lombardi Watch List
Player Pos. School
Casey Matthews LB Oregon Second team all-Pac 10, second on team with 81 tackles
Cliff Matthews DE South Carolina Second team all-SEC, 7 sacks & 10 TFL, named captain as junior
Marcus McGraw LB Houston Fifth in the nation with 156 tackles (11.1 per game)
Pernell McPhee DE Mississippi State Second team all-SEC in 2009, first year in SEC
Bruce Miller DE UCF CUSA Defensive Player of the Year, had 13 sacks
Von Miller OLB Texas A&M First team all-Big 12, led the nation in sacks with 17
Scott Mitchell OT Rice Second team All-CUSA selection last season
John Moffitt G Wisconsin First team all-Big Ten, started at both left guard and center
Kris O’Dowd C USC 2009 pre-season All-American selection but only played in 8 games
Stephen Paea DT Oregon State Co-recipient of Morris Trophy - Pac 10’s Top Def. Lineman
Jason Pinkston OT Pitt One of the top tackles in the 2011 Draft class, 28 career starts
Mike Pouncey G Florida Moves to C to replace brother, 17 career starts, HM all-SEC
Jerrell Powe DT Ole Miss Led the Rebels with 12 TFL and had 3 sacks
Ryan Pugh C Auburn Second team all-SEC selection in 2009, 31 career starts
Robert Quinn DE North Carolina First team all-ACC honors in 2009
Matt Reynolds OT BYU First team all-MWC starting all 13 games at left tackle
Barquell Rivers LB Virginia Tech Recorded 89 tackles last season in first as starter
Greg Romeus DE Pitt Big East Co-Def. Player of the Year, Hendricks Award finalist
Kyle Rudolph TE Notre Dame 33 receptions for 364 yards and 3 TDs in ten games
Weslye Saunders TE South Carolina 32 receptions for 353 yards and 3 TDs
Kelvin Sheppard LB LSU Led LSU with 103 tackles (third in SEC)
Derek Sherrod OT Mississippi State 12 starts, helped lead the Bulldogs SEC-leading running game
Quan Sturdivant LB North Carolina First team all-ACC in 2009, led Tar Heels with 79 tackles
Nate Solder OT Colorado First team all-Big 12, only Buffalo to earn first team honors
Manti Te’o LB Notre Dame Registered 63 tackles in true freshman season
J.T Thomas LB West Virginia First team all-Big East, registered 76 tackles
Bo Thran G Oregon Honorable mention all-Pac 10, started 12 games at LT
Danny Watkins OT Baylor Former hockey player - one of 11 Bears to start all 12 games
Ryan Winterswyk DE Boise State Two time first team All-WAC selection, 9 sacks in 2009
Lawrence Wilson LB Connecticut First team all-Big East, led conference with 140 tackles
Stefen Wisniewski C Penn State First team all-Big Ten selection at center
Alex Wujciak LB Maryland First team all-ACC in 2009, eighth in nation in tackles with 131
Lee Ziemba OT Auburn Second team all-SEC (coaches), has 38 consecutive starts
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2011 NFL Draft Prospects
Andrew Luck Patrick Peterson Ryan Mallett
QB, Stanford 6’3” 215 lb. RSo. CB, LSU 6’1” 190 lb. Jr. QB, Arkansas 6’7” 235 lb. Jr.
The prototype, drop-back passer. Competitor. This guy doesn’t back Mallett has a howitzer. Pure and
Complete skill set. Po i s e . down from anyone. Shut simple - he’ll have the
Calm in pocket. Good down nearl y e ver yone he strongest arm in the NFL
touch throws. 1 Didn’t have to faced - Julio 2 Jo n e s , f o r when he 3 arrives. But,
carr y the offense last one. Strong f o o t b a l l I Q. under Bobby Pe t r i n o , h e ’s
year, but he must this year. Not Can play either man or zone. Tackles found accuracy. Will still force
terribly mobile, but has decent feet. well for a corner. Solid ball skills. throws, mainly due to his big arm.

Robert Quinn Stephen Paea

DE, UNC 6’4” 265 lb. Jr. DT, Oregon State 6’3” 295 lb. Sr
Beast. Athletic beast. Reminds many 5 Beast. A lot like Ndamukong Suh -
at UNC of a guy named incredibly strong with his
Julius Peppers. Can beat a hands and can shed blocks
tackle on 4 every play, but extremely 6 wel l. Quick
similar to JP, h e ’s g o t t o off the ball, rarely loses his
bring it ever play- consistency. He leverage battles at the line of
must take his game to a higher level. scrimmage. Not a massive DT.

Da’Quan Bowers Jake Locker

DE, Clemson 6’3” 285 lb. Jr. QB, Washington 6’3” 225 lb. Sr.
Buying him is buying a guy on spec No player will be as polarizing as
and what he did as a freshman. Locker in 2011. Some are going
Can be both a 4-3 end and to LOVE him and some are
3-4 end. 7 Strength to going to 8 think he’s an
hold point of attack, but a t h l e t e playing QB.
when healthy has quickness to be Strong arm. Looks to run first.
dominant pass rusher off the edge. Accuracy is improving. Playmaker.
Aaron Williams
CB, Texas 6’1” 195 lb. Jr
Prince Amukamara Anthony Castonzo
He hasn’t started but one year at
CB, Nebraska 6’1” 205 lb. Sr. LT, Boston College 6’7” 295 lb. Sr.
the University of Texas, but this cat
Big and physical. Complete corner. A starter since he arrived at BC, he
is special. He has tremendous ball
Speedy, but not a flyer. More zone has transitioned over to the left
skills, adjusting to balls throw in the
corner than man cover CB. tackle position r a t h e r
air as well as any DB. Good speed
Physical at
scrimmage.
9 line of
Not sure he’s
with excellent hip turn and
feet in pass
10
s e a m l e s s l y. Tr e m e n d o u s
protection and
physical. He finished the season
got great recovery speed, improving his run blocking.
with a couple of sacks as well.
but has corner mentality. Technique sound and nasty.

Blaine Gabbert Marcell Dareus Mark Ingram

QB, Missouri, 6’5” 245 lb. Jr. DE/DT, Alabama 6’3” 300 lb. Jr. RB, Alabama 5’11” 225 lb. Jr.
Tall, gunslinging stud. He was a bit Dalliances with agents aside, if he’s The 2009 Heisman Trophy winner
shaky at times i n f i r s t y e a r. eligible to get on the field may not see the rock as
But, boy, the ball comes out this season, he’ll prove last much as last year and that’ll
of his hand 11 HOT! As a year was no 12 fluke. Strong improve his 13 draft ranking.
co u nsel o r a t Elite 11 this base with quick feet, he’s Power. Good vision. One
summer, he really impressed. Quick a disruptive force that can play the 3 cut runner. Doesn’t dance. Good
release. Will rise on boards in April. technique (4-3 DT) or 5 tech (3-4 DE) hands out of backfield. Tough.
A.J. Green Adrian Clayborn Von Miller
WR, Georgia 6’4” 205 lb. Jr. DE, Iowa 6’4” 265 lb. Jr. DE/OLB, Texas A&M 6’3” 245 lb. Jr.
Although he looks like a tall, lanky Won’t wow any of us with blazing Rush the QB. Rush the QB. No
drink of water, Green is more speed off the edge. But, he’s player did it better last year
suited to success at the an exceptional p a s s r u s h e r. and no one will do it
next level than
WR. Adjusts
14 any other
to the ball in c o m i n g . Is
15
Re l e n t l e s s - never stops
good a gainst
better this
the edge is
16 year. Burst off
w i t h o u t
the air. Runs good routes. the run. Physical. Hard comparison. Prototy pe 3-4
Athletic. Great hands. Wiry. working and doesn’t take plays off. OLB. Relentless pass rusher.
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2011 NFL Draft Prospects

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HA

Greg Romeus DeAndre McDaniel Gabe Carimi

DE, Pitt 6’4” 265 lb. Sr. S, Clemson 6’1” 210 lb. Sr. LT, Wisconsin 6’4” 315 lb. Sr.
Some thought he should’ve come out McDaniel was of the nation’s leaders I think Carimi may need to move to
last y e a r. Prototype 4-3 in ’09. He has the size to play the right side. He ’s N O T a s
end. No t blazingly at the line of scrimmage athletic as Joe Thomas before
quick off the
plays the run
17 edge, but he
better than
and m a ke
in the middle
18 plays, floating
of the field.
J T ’s knee
ver y similar.
19 injury, but he’s
Solid in zone
other DE. Reminds me of a taller Perfect size to play strong safety. blocking and pass protection is good.
Derrick Morgan (Ga. Tech). Hitter? Yes. Tackling? Needs work. Speed rushers are an issue.

Jacquizz Rodgers Justin Houston

20 RB, Oregon State 5’6” 195 lb. Jr. OLB, Georgia 6’3” 259 lb. Jr.
The measure of this man won’t be his Similar to others on the list, I’m
height. And, his best asset buying on spec with Houston.
c a n’t be measured He projects to a prototype 3-4
either - his
Strongest
21 h e a r t .
pound for
OLB and he’ll
opportunity
22 have that
this fall in the
pound. Quick. Great vision. new UGA 3-4 defense. Pass
Not exceptional long speed. Tough. rusher with a nasty attitude.

Nate Solder Allen Bailey

T, Colorado 6’9” 305 lb. Sr. DE, Miami 6’4” 288 lb. Sr.
The former TE is the best pro We’re waiting on Bailey to become a
prospect CU has had in quite some star on a consistent basis. When he
time. No t o v e r l y d o e s , w o w. His burst is
physical, but 23 can protect obscene. He’s 24 strong a s an
t h e quar terback. ox. He can bump inside or
Good kick step from line of stay outside. OL aren’t quick enough
Rahim Moore scrimmage. Run game needs work to stop him.

S, UCLA 6’3” 205 Jr.

Most safeties in recent drafts Jared Crick
have been physical marvels. DT, Nebraska 6’3” 285 lb. Jr. 26
Moore is just a playmaker. Although there are plenty of NFL
He led the nation with 10 teams that run a 4-3 and
picks last year. Great range.
Tremendous ball skills. Must
could use a
disruptive 4-3
25 q u i c k ,
t h r e e
improve tackling to complete technique, Crick will have draft value,
safety. as Jared Odrick did, due to his size,
quickness and ability to play 3-4 DE.

Michael Floyd Jon Baldwin

WR, Notre Dame, 6’3” 215 lb. Jr. WR, Pitt 6’3” 205 lb. Sr.
Big frame with silky smooth hands. The Pitt offense features a lot of
Dominates in the red zone. Must Dion Lewis, but Baldwin is
stay healthy. Prove he can the best pro prospect on
get separation
C a t c h e s
27 consistentl y.
everything in
the offense.
athletic. Can
28 Long and
make acrobatic Mike Pouncey
sight. Some question his toughness. catches. Has the strength to C/G, Florida 6’3” 310 lb. Sr.
get separation at college level. After researching his draft status
last year, Pouncey found his grade,
unlike his twin brother Maurkice,
Travis Lewis Curtis Brown
to be a bit lower than he’d like. So,
OLB, Oklahoma 6’3” 235 lb. Jr. CB, Texas 6’ 180 lb. Sr. he returns to UF at the center
Lewis has been as productive as any First words that come to mind - position, although he’s a guard at
c o l l e g e l i n e b a c ke r i n p l a y m a ke r, fearless and the next level. Nasty and
one of the top conferences in about to rise up this board.
HA
physcial, he’s a prototype RR
the nation.
speed but
29 Lacks elite
more than
Brown won’t
attention that
30 get
his teammate
the guard who can zone block ISʼ
TO
and play in a power scheme. P
willing to hit. Physical. Solid Aaron Williams r e ce i v e s , b u t
in coverage. Good blitzer. Versatile. Big 12 coaches know he’s got skills.
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2011 NFL Draft Prospects
Jason Pinkston Marvin Austin DeAndre Brown
LT, Pitt 6’5” 305 lb. Sr. DT, UNC 6’3” 315 lb. Sr. WR, So. Miss 6’6” 231 lb. Jr.
Scouts will like what they see from I’m not as high on Austin as others. A gruesome knee injury slowed him
Pinkston this year. Mauler at the Of course, his potential eligibility early in the 2009 season,
point of attack. Great issue will hang over his head but Brown has bounced back.
on the edge
a n d 31 a gainst ends
linebackers in
throughout
Good base. 32 the season.
Quick feet.
Big as a TE
skills, he’s a
33 with receiver
p o o r m a n’s
the run game. Pass pro. needs Stacks and sheds well. Calvin Johnson who needs to
some work, but he’ll improve. Needs to be more productive. stay at receiver. Athletic. Strong.

Cameron Heyward Christian Ponder

34 DE, Ohio State 6’5” 280 lb. Sr. QB, Florida State 6’3” 215 lb. Sr.
Similar to Miami’s Bailey, The surprise of this draft class
we’re sort of still trying to could be Po n d e r, t h e
figure out
Heyward fits.
35 w h e r e
His best fit is
most pro-
the senior
36 ready QB of
c l a s s . Po i s e
at 3-4 DE, which should and composure are trademarks.
have him moving up this board. Has good arm and reads defenses
Better pass rusher inside than outside well. Can escape the pocket. Smart.

Bruce Carter Julio Jones

OLB, North Carolina 6’3” 235 lb. Sr. WR, Alabama 6’4” 225 lb. Jr.
If a n y o n e i n this group is I’m torn on Jones. I’ve been one of
going to rise up the board, his biggest fans since he

this guy can

37
i t ’s C a r t e r. P u t s i m p l y,
fly. He’s best
arrived at UA.
been the game
38 But, he’s not
changing WR
out in space and there are 3-4 teams I envisioned thus far. But,
that’ll love what he can do at the he’s strong as an ox. He can run. He
Ryan Williams just has to impact more games in ‘10
RB, Virginia Tech 5’10” 195 lb. So. OLB spot. Great on Teams. Dynamic

Super quick running back who, if Ras-I Dowling

he has a big-time season, could
leave Blacksburg. Second level
CB, Virginia 6’2” 200 lb. Sr. 40
Yes, it is Ras with a hyphen I. Y may
burst - meaning he gets on LBs in not know him but NFL
a hurry. Hides behind linemen p e o p l e certainly know
and then hits a second gear.
Tough.
of him. He’s
package -
39 the full
smooth, fluid,
runs well, great size. No one
will see him much until April, though.

Trevin Wade Clint Boling

CB, Arizona 5’11” 192 lb. Jr. T, Georgia 6’4” 315 lb. Sr.
Wade doesn’t move like a 5’11” Some scouts like Boling but I think
cornerback. He looks smaller, he’ll be a solid 2nd round pick
but plays bigger. He can when it’s al l said and done.
run well. He
with receivers
41 matches cuts
as well as
Good in pass
Ha s adapted
42 protection.
t o t h e LT
a ny on e y o u ’l l see. He ’s position. Might be Kyle Rudolph
competitive with the ball in the air. better served on the right side. TE, Notre Dame 6’4” 245 lb. Jr.
Back in 1990, Rudolph would’ve
Sam Acho Brandon Harris been a sure-fire top 15 pick, and as
DE, Texas 6’3” 260 lb. Sr. CB, Miami 5’11” 190 lb. Jr. it is, he may be a first rounder,
Acho is a true 4-3 defensive end. He Similar to Jenkins, Harris is a state of but the emphasis on a “true” TE
plays the r un well at the F l o r i d a cornerback. is less than it’s been. Regardless,
point of attack and can He d o e s n’t think anyone Rudolph athleticism is off the HA
also get to the
off the edge.
43 q u a r te r b a c k
He ’s n o t a
is better than
aren’t. More
44 he is. Most
playmaker
charts for someone his size. RR
ISʼ
Great hands. Tremendous TO
blazing pass rusher, but his than athlete. Ha s cover in the red zone. Decent P
combo skills are an attractive package skills and decent recovery speed. blocker, not great, decent.
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2011 NFL Draft Prospects

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RR
HA

James Rodgers Matt Reynolds Ryan Kerrigan

WR, Oregon State 5’7” 190 lb. Sr. T, BYU 6’6” 329 lb. Sr. DE, Purdue 6’4” 263” lb. Sr.
Game changer with an NFL The prototype left tackle in BYU’s Relentless. Absolutely relentless.
future...if you don’t try to win offense and does a great Kerrigan had 13 sacks last
w i t h clipboards and job in pass protection. season and is one of the Big
stop watches. 45 Great hands. Not swift of 46 feet but can Te n’s b e s t 47pass rushers.
Q u i c ke s t o f WR. Could move up and d o w n , Strong at point of attack.
change the complexion of an ‘O’ with redirecting to pass rushers well. Can be pure 4-3 end. Plays run well.
his ability to run fly sweep Needs work in run blocking. More strength than quickness.
Dont’a Hightower Mark Barron
LB, Alabama 6’4” 255 lb. Jr. S, Alabama 6’1” 214 lb. Jr.
If he hadn’t gotten hurt last year, he’d
be much higher on this list. His 49 Love his myriad of skills. Leadership.
Solid tackler and play
“game” doesn’t ha ve to rel y m a k i n g abilities. This
on speed but
show he still
48 h e n e e d s to
can move
is a big year
improve his
50 for him to
stock. Must
quickly inside. Good tackler. prove he’s a complete S w/range.
Perfect size of a middle linebacker. Reminds me of Oregon’s TJ Ward.

Akeem Ayers James Carpenter

LB, UCLA 6’4” 254 lb. Jr. T, Alabama 6’3” 305 lb. Sr.
Ayers will jump up this list after After starting all season long at LT
another playmaking season like he Carpenter is no longer a question
had last s e a s o n . m a r k a t LT. Could move to
Dynamic
equally adept
51 player who’s
in coverage as Lee Ziemba
RT, b u t i s
b l o c ke r i n
52 solid run
power or zone
he is stopping the run. Could T, Auburn 6’8” 320 lb. Sr. scheme. Feet need work in
transition to 3-4 OLB. Blitzes well. Although Auburn faithful would pass pro. Solid skill set for NFL team
like to see him eliminate the
penalties, Ziemba has a solid NFL
Jeremy Beal future ahead of him. He’s a little Pernell McPhee
DE, Oklahoma 6’3” 263 lb. Sr. statuesque in pass protection and DT/DE, Miss. State 6’3” 290 lb. Sr.
Some will find him to be a one-trick that leads to getting beat up field One of the most valued positions in
pony, but Beal performs that by speedy rushers. But, he moves recent NFL Drafts is at 3-4
“trick” - rushing the well with good feet when run DE. McPhee is a perfect fit
QB - as well 53 as anyone. blocking. He packs a punch when as a 3-4 DE. 54 He’s strong at
Pure 4-3 DE, but must he strikes and can fit into either a th e p oin t of attack and can
improve his strength against the run. zone or man blocking scheme. hold the edge. When he bumps
Improved burst off the ball. Physical. May be a better RT than LT. inside, he can push the pocket

Derek Sherrod Quan Sturdivant Greg Jones

LT, Mississippi State 6’5” 305 lb. Sr. LB, North Carolina 6’3” 235 lb. Sr. LB, Michigan State 6’3” 230 lb. Sr.
Sherrod hasn’t been a household Productive as any other linebacker in As a productive college LB, Jones
name playing for MSU, but the AC C , Sturdivant will has few peers. But, he’s a bit
I’m telling you right now, slip because he’s not the l i m i t e d a t h l e t i c a l l y.
this young 55 man can play. best athlete of 56 the bunch. He tackles any 57a n d
Physical at point of attack. However, he’s instinctive on everything that m o v e s .
Great feet. Good movement to the field and will bring something However, he’s probably a 2-down LB
second level. Pass protection is good when he strikes. Great tackler. at NFL level. Sound fundamentally.

Jerrell Powe Jabaal Sheard Noel Devine

DT, Ole Miss 6’2” 330 lb. Sr. DE, Pitt 6’4” 260 lb. Sr. RB, West Virginia 5’8” 190 lb. Sr.
There aren’t many of his ilk in this When Sheard threw a patron through As is the story with Jacquizz Rodgers
draft class, nor would there be a glass door on the streets of and LaMichael Ja m e s , s h o r t
in any other draft class, Pittsburgh, this summer doesn’t mean small. Devine
either. Can 58 play nose. his stock 59 plummeted, is not a long 60 speed type of
Could play the 3. Quick and even though h e ’s been guy, but you can’t catch him
nasty. Finally produced on field last reinstated on the team. He needs to in a phone booth. He gets to second
year. Could surprise many this year. stay out of trouble, first and foremost level quicker than anyone.