Quarterback

Matt Leinart
Southern California

Former major league baseball pitching prospect, has become a big-armed college football star, winning the Heisman Trophy in 2004 and leading his team to another National title. At 6'5" and 225 pounds, Leinart has thrown 71 TD’s and completed nearly 65 percent of his attempts the last 2 seasons at the highest level of college football. I know it’s cool to say he’s overrated due to the talent around him, but he looks like a legit, big-time NFL prospect. Coming off elbow surgery, Leinart is expected to be back in USC’s lineup when the season begins.

Running Back

Gerald Riggs Jr.
Tennessee

Fast, powerful running back, at a little over 5'11" and 220 pounds, who can run over defenders or scamper by them with his reported 4.48 speed. Shared playing time with NFL draft pick Cedrick Houston, but still ran for 1,100 yards (5.7 avg) and 6 TD’s in 2004. Hasn’t been a real productive receiver out of the backfield, but has potential to get better. Is the son of 1980’s NFL star Gerald Riggs, who was also a running back.

*******

Wide Receivers

Derek Hagan
Arizona State

6'2", 200 pound speedster from ASU recently ran a 4.45 40 at the schools Pro Day and appears to be the top wide receiver in the senior class. Hagan considered entering the most recently completed draft and may’ve been a 1st round pick. Nonetheless, if he stays injury free as a senior, he may even get better as a player–more complete. Has 181 receptions for 2729 yards (15.1 yard avg) and 19 TD’s in 3 seasons at Arizona State. Nice combination of size, speed and receiving skills.

*******


Travis Wilson
Oklahoma

Oklahoma wide receiver Travis Wilson "only" had 50 receptions for a 13.2 yard average and an amazing 11 TD’s for the Sooners in 2004, while sharing time with 3 wide receivers who were recently drafted by NFL teams. Although Wilson might not possess the 4.45 40 speed and ability to run precise routes former teammate and number one draft pick Mark Clayton had, at 6'3" and 220 pounds, Wilson brings a different dimension to the field with size and ability to break tackles after the catch. And, looking at his touchdown totals, it's evident he has the potential to be a terror in the red zone. With 3 fellow WR's leaving for the NFL, Wilson will have more room to put up solid numbers. However, he must deal with the fact that the Sooners quarterback situation is in a state of flux with former Heisman winner Jason White out of the picture. Nontheless, Wilson, an Academic All-Big 12 student athlete, is poised to have a big season. He's believed to run the 40 yard dash in 4.5 seconds, which is pretty good for a receiver with his size and strength.

*******


Mike Hass
Oregon State

Hass may not “look the part”, but he might be the most feared wide receiver in all of college football. He’s 6'1" and 215 pounds and can beat just about anybody in college football deep at any time. Former walk-on burst onto the scene as a sophomore, collecting over 1,000 receiving yards (amazing 23 yard avg) and 7 TD’s. In 2004, as a junior, terrorized defensive backs for 86 receptions, almost 1,400 yards (16 yard avg) and 7 TD’s. If he keeps this up, the folks in the Pacific Northwest will start having “Steve Largent flashbacks”. On the collegiate level, he’s been that good and that dominate.

Tight End

Marcedes Lewis
UCLA

Tall, athletic tight end (6'5", 256 pounds), who was recruited to play forward for the Bruins basketball team too. Had a fine season in 2004, registering 32 receptions for 402 yards and 7 TD’s for the Bruins. Lewis isn’t considered a great blocker yet, but is a dynamic receiver that must be accounted for due to his size and speed (believed to run 4.75 in the 40). Tim Day of Oregon, a fellow PAC-10 tight end, is also outstanding.

Offensive Linemen


D’Brickashaw Ferguson
Virginia

A high impact franchise LT, who could’ve been a top 5, if not 1st overall pick in the most recent draft, had he opted in. Now, most of that was based on potential, so another season of playing college football for former NFL coach Al Groh will only make him a better a player. The 21 year old Ferguson is 6'5" and 320 pounds, out of Freeport, New York and reportedly runs a 5.02 40 yard dash. Wasn’t very highly regarded coming out of high school, but has put on weight and dominated his ACC competition in pass protection. The type of prospect that given the right strength program and coaching has the athleticism to make a better pro than college player, which is scary considering how good he's been so far.

*******


Max Jean-Gilles
Georgia

Jean-Gilles made a national impression by body-slamming current Raider DT Anttaj Hawthorne at the Outback bowl busting the RB a20 yard TD run. Jean-Gilles was a highly recruited prep athlete out of Florida, due to in part running a 5.3 forty-time at 340 pounds. Jean Gilles is a mauling run blocker that can also work well in the passing game. Made a smart decision to stay another year at Georgia, as his total game is impressive but can use a little more seasoning. Will play OT this season although his true position at the next level will likely be inside at guard (as a swing tackle in emergency situations). As with many players this size, too much weight is a concern amid rumors he is up to 365 this offseason. Still an NFL caliber offensive lineman, that dominates at the 1-A level. Jean-Gilles is on everyone's preseason All-America lists with good reason.

*******

Greg Eslinger
Minnesota

If there was an award or accolade to be had by an interior offensive lineman the last few seasons, you can bet Eslinger won it or was strongly considered. A native of Bismark, North Dakota, Eslinger has made various All-America teams since he was a true freshman. Along with Setterstrom, the Gophers will have one of the most dominating inside duo’s college football has seen in a while. True center that can play multiple positions if needed.

*******


Mark Setterstom
Minnesota

Has started for the Gophers since the moment he arrived at the school as a true freshman. At 6'3" and 300 pounds, he possesses a rare combination of intensity and athletic ability for person of his size. Along with teammate Greg Elsinger, these 2 have helped pave the way for running backs Marion Barber III and Laurence Maroney to dominate Big 10 action. Was a defensive lineman and a top heavyweight wrestler in high school.

*******


Daryn Colledge
Boise State

As a pass protector, Colledge routinely shuts down the opposing end, and he alot of gets practice at this in the Boise State shotgun-heavy, run-n-gun offense. His run blocking is underrated by many due to what is perceived as shortcomings in bulk (he played around 290 last year), however make no mistake he is often dominant in that phase of the game. To reiterate, Colledge might not be the choice with the highest profile or upside (McNeil from Auburn, Scott from Texas, Winston from Miami, Whitworth from LSU are all more highly regarded according to "concensus"), but Colledge is comparable as a unique physical talent (36 inch vertical leap, 450 pound hang clean) and superior intangibly - Colledge is a "hard-hat lunch-pail" player that has room to grow into a fixture at the next level for years to come.

*******

Defensive Ends

Mathias Kiwanuka
Boston College


A tall, quick defensive end, who some severely overrated going into the 2004 season, by ranking him as the top draft prospect in college football. After huddling with NFL scouts in January, Mathias wisely decided to stay in school and better his game–particularly against the run. Nonetheless, with added bulk and seasoning, Kiwanuka has the potential to land in the top 10 picks of the NFL draft. Had 11 sacks, 2 interceptions and 24.5 tackles for losses in 2004. Named Big East Defensive Player of the Year and selected as a unanimous choice for All-Big East first team following the 2004 season. If he can put similar stats in the ACC this season, he may eventually realize those lofty expectations.

*******


Loren Howard
Northwestern

One of the best linemen in the Big Ten, who missed a portion of the 2004 season due to an injury. The huge 6'4", 280-pound Howard has 11 career sacks and 34 tackles for losses in his first 3 seasons. Possesses great explosion and sheer power which, paired with his speed, means most teams have to often double and triple team him. Had off-season ankle surgery, but is expected to be 100 percent by the start of the season.

*******

Defensive Tackles

Rodrique Wright
Texas

Wright came into 2004, his junior season, as a player many felt would garner strong first round consideration after a super sophomore season. However, nagging injuries and constant double teams really affected the 6'5";, 305 pound prospect, plunging his draft stock. As a sophomore he was dominant, registering a total of 80 tackles, with 7.5 sacks. As a junior, in 2004, his totals plummeted to 36 tackles and 1 sack. Nonetheless, we expect him to be healthy and comeback stronger and more intense as a senior, because he has way too much talent. Wright recently said: “I didn’t have the monster season I wanted, but I still helped lead the team to the Rose Bowl.”

*******


Gabe Watson
Michigan

At 6'4" and 333 pounds, big Gabe was named first team All-Big Ten following a fantastic 2004 season for the Wolverines. If you’re looking for an athletic defensive tackle with great size and quick feet to stifle the opponents running game, in other words, a 2 gap mauler, Watson is an ideal candidate. While Watson isn’t known for his ability to put heat on the quarterback, he did improve in that area in 2004. Overall, he has 2 career sacks (both in 2004).

Linebackers

A.J. Hawk
Ohio State

Hawk is a 6'2";, 245 pound linebacker, who recently busted out a 4.45 in the 40 yard dash at Ohio State’s Pro Day. I felt all along in 2004 that Hawk was a slam-dunk number one pick at any time he declared for the draft, now others are beginning to agree. Hawk is dominate against the run and can even drop back into coverage. When the Buckeyes secondary was beset by injuries in 2004, Hawk moved to defensive back in certain packages and covered wide receivers. Mostly listed as an outside linebacker, but we project this Dan Morgan clone will play inside in the NFL, to better utilize his tenacity and sideline-to-sideline speed.

*******


Chad Greenway
Iowa

Greenway, along with fellow Big 10 performer A.J Hawk, are easily the top 2 linebacking prospects in the senior class. In my opinion, Greenway may be slightly better–but not by much. Greenway is a 6'3", 245 pound coverage demon, who recently ran a 4.47 at Iowa’s Pro Day and displayed an NBA like vertical leap. Registered 113 tackles, 3 interceptions and 3 sacks in 2004, showing he could do it all. Playing next to fellow NFL prospect Abdul Hodge (an inside linebacker), Greenway is expected to have a big season for Iowa.

*******


Spencer Havner
UCLA

Was simply dominating for the Bruins in 2004, registering an amazing 125 tackles, despite missing the teams bowl game. He also added 9 tackles for losses and had 2 big interceptions. At 6'3" and about 245 pounds, he’s got the ideal size teams look for. While he may not be in the athletic class of Hawk and Greenway, Havner has solid skills and could project as a solid 2nd to 3rd round type. Matter of fact, NFL teams said he could’ve been a 2nd to 3rd rounder had he entered the most recent draft. Will remind fans a bit of Barrett Ruud, who was a high 2nd round pick by Tampa Bay.

Cornerbacks

Jimmy Williams
Virginia Tech

Hokies got an early Christmas present, when their superstar CB/FS decided to not enter the most recent NFL draft and stated his desire to return for his senior season to lead the defense. Williams had a tremendous season in 2004, registering 60 tackles and collecting 5 interceptions. Beyond the stats, his presence as an athletic, intimidating force in the secondary was invaluable. With his combination of size (6'3"), top speed and ability to hit receivers, Williams should be a hot commodity at safety or cornerback in the NFL.

Jason Allen
Tennessee

Announced he has leaving Tennessee, then backed out soon after, saying he wanted to accomplish more in college. Possesses excellent size and speed and led the SEC in tackles in 2004 with 123. Allen, who already has already graduated from college, was told by NFL people he was a likely 2nd round pick (remember Nebraska 1st rounder Fabian Washington was told he was a 3rd rounder by the NFL when he declared), which didn’t phase him, as he stated that was close enough to his goal of round one. Nontheless, he decided to stay in school. One thing to remember is, Allen’s strong desire to play cornerback at the next level may’ve been the reason he returned to Tennessee–either way, Tennessee fans aren’t complaining. Some scouts see him as a safety convert, and Allen recently said he’ll play anywhere in the NFL: “I think I can run in the 4.3’s (in the 40-yard dash) and do 40 inches in the vertical jump. I want to play corner, but just like here at Tennessee, I’ll play wherever the team wants me to play.”

*******

Kelly Jennings
Miami

Allen and Williams were easy picks. Picking this third defensive back is a bit tougher, but I really like Kelly Jennings, a classic Miami speedster with decent size (6'and 200 pounds) and outstanding speed. Jennings isn’t a real physical corner and needs to trust his instincts more, but his game improved significantly in 2004. Jennings has a chance to be a real good pro with his size and speed combination.

Safety

Jarrad Page
UCLA

At this point, there is no clear cut choice for the number one safety in the senior class, but Page might be the best of the bunch. 2nd on the Bruins with 79 tackles and 3 interceptions in 2004, behind star linebacker Spencer Havner. At 6'2" and 220 pounds, Page has the size to play close to the line and good speed to be a factor in coverage. Is an outfielder for the Bruins baseball team, but is currently hitting .151 as a platoon player, so he’s clearly a better NFL prospect.