I may not have a slicked down mullet like Mel Kiper, but I can tell you who the best players in college football are. This year’s crop is full of talent. There may not be the flashy names like Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart, or Vincent Young, but there are guys who will look to lead their team to the Promised Land. Who are they? Without further delay, here are my top ten players in college football.
1. Brady Quinn | QB | Notre Dame
Quinn is the trendy pick and it’s for a reason. Last year, in his first season under Charlie Weiss, Quinn put up big numbers and showed a unique ability that will likely make him the number one overall pick in next April’s draft. Height, arm strength, and poise are his best attributes. Last season, he passed for almost 4,000 yards. This year, the Heisman favorite will look to match that with a crew of talented receivers returning.
2. Gaines Adams | DE | Clemson
Adams is the best defensive lineman in America. He spurned the NFL draft last spring when he was thought to be a first round pick. He came on strong at the end of last season, making big plays in games against Florida State, South Carolina, and Colorado. At 6-5, 270, he has ideal size for the NFL. Adams’ best quality, however, is his speed. A former wide receiver at a small South Carolina private school that played 8-man football, his quickness off of the edge reminds some of Simeon Rice. After a season where he registered 9.5 sacks, Adams will look to terrorize more quarterbacks this season.
3. Adrian Peterson | RB | Oklahoma
Peterson had a bit of a sophomore slump last year after an incredible freshman season. He was injured a good bit and was running behind a banged up offensive line. He figures to be healthy this year and the line is better, which is bad news for the rest of the Big 12. With starting quarterback Rhett Bomar being kicked off the team, look for Peterson to shoulder more of the offensive load this season than he might have otherwise.
4. Paul Posluzny | LB | Penn State
He came out of nowhere last season to rack up 116 tackles. As the unquestioned leader of the Penn State defense, he was all over the field. Before injuring his knee in the Orange Bowl against Florida State, the senior was thought to have been considering the NFL. At 6-2, 230, he has the size to be a prototypical middle linebacker in the league. For now, he’ll settle for leading the Nittany Lions in what should be a rebuilding year.
5. Jeff Samardzija | WR | Notre Dame
Double check the spelling. Yeah, it’s right. “The Shark” burst onto the scene in 2005, making big play after big play for the Fighting Irish. Coupled with Maurice Stovall, they made up the best receiving corps in America. His team-high 15 touchdowns were a big reason why Norte Dame made it to a BCS bowl. This season, after being drafted by the Chicago Cubs in baseball, he hopes to improve his NFL draft stock. Should be have another year like his last, he will be a top five selection come April.
6. Troy Smith | QB | Ohio State
His coming out party happened last year in the Fiesta Bowl. Everyone knew he had the speed and athleticism to succeed at quarterback, but few knew he could be overly effective with his arm. This season, he will look to prove more pundits wrong as he leads the preseason favorite Buckeyes into what should prove to be a challenging year. Look for him to struggle early without consistent target Santonio Holmes, but he should pick it up as the year progresses on his way to a spot at the Downtown Athletic Club in December.
7. Kenny Irons | RB | Auburn
Best decision he ever made? Leaving South Carolina. Under former Gamecock coach Lou Holtz, he was underutilized in an offense that sputtered. He also saved himself from four straight losses to Clemson. At Auburn, he has come into his own. With 1,293 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, he proved that is a legitimate Heisman contender. Look for those numbers to rise this season as a young Auburn team leans more on the running game to lead them through a dangerous SEC west slate.
8. Michael Griffin | DB | Texas
The other Michael is pretty good, too. He will look to pick up a Texas secondary that lost safety Michael Huff to the first round of the NFL draft. Last year, he intercepted three passes and made a team-high 124 tackles. He made his best plays in the biggest games for the Longhorns. If they are to return to the BCS championship game in 2006, he will have to be at the top of his game once again.
9. Tim Zbikowski | DB | Notre Dame
Three Irish in the top ten? Man, I should be ashamed of myself. Zbikowski has proven himself on the college level, though. As a safety, he delivers big hits and makes plays on the ball. He led the Irish in INTs last season with five. In addition to his role in the secondary, he also returns some punts. His best game last season came against rival USC, when he returned one punt 68 yards for a touchdown. Did I mention that he’s also a Golden Gloves boxing champion and won his first professional fight by knockout earlier this year?
10. Joe Thomas | OT | Wisconsin
Who can forget about the big boys up front? Thomas anchors what should be the best offensive line in the Big Ten (Eleven). At 6-8 and well over 300 pounds, the senior should be the first offensive lineman taken in next April’s draft. He was a 2005 All-Big Ten selection and figures to vie for All-American status this season.
Honorable Mention
- Tedd Ginn, Jr | WR/KR | Ohio State
- James Davis | RB | Clemson
- Calvin Johnson | WR | Georgia Tech
- Quentin Moses | DE | Georgia
- Drew Stanton | QB | Michigan State
- Michael Bush | RB | Louisville
- LaRon Landry | DB | LSU
You can reach Coby @ cdubose@featurepresentationonline.com.
