Great Blue North Draft Report

1. ALABAMA: Alabama ran into a couple of road-bumps trying to defend their national championship, but did get some modest consolation when four players from the program were selected in the opening round of the 2011 draft including DT Marcel Dareus, who was selected 3rd overall by Buffalo, while WR Julio Jones went three picks later to Atlanta. No one from the program is likely to be selected quite as early as Dareus or Jones this coming April, but the buzz out of Alabama is that the Tide could be even stronger at the upcoming draft. Junior RB Trent Richardson (#3, 5-11, 225), for example, is considered by most scouts to be a better prospect than Ingram and has top 10 potential, while as many as four three other juniors - OLB Dont’a Hightower (#30, 6-3, 260), CB Dre Kirkpatrick (#21, 6-2, 195), OG Barrett Jones (#75, 6-5, 315) and FS Robert Lester (#37, 6-1, 210) – aren’t all that far behind. And it doesn’t end there as SS Mark Barron (#4, 6-1, 220), DT Josh Chapman (#99, 6-1, 310) and OLB Courtney Upshaw (#41, 6-2, 265) could also conceivably get some second-day consideration of their own. At the same time, WRs Marquis Maze (#4, 5-9, 180) and Darius Hanks (#15, 5-11, 185), and C William Vlachos (#73, 6-1, 295) have later-round potential. The Tide also have more than their share of sleepers including WR Brandon Gibson (#8, 6-1, 195), OLB Jerrell Harris (#5, 6-2, 245), MLB Chris Jordan (#36, 6-2, 240), and CB DeQuan Menzie (#24, 5-11, 200). Of course, it wouldn’t be Alabama without some young stars including sophomore OT D.J. Fluker (#76, 6-5, 335) who many consider to be the best offensive line prospect in the country period.

2. NORTH CAROLINA: What might have been! The Tar Heels appeared primed for a big year last fall, but the roster was decimated by a series of suspensions emanating from an NCAA investigation of improper benefits that ultimately cost head coach Butch Davis his job. North Carolina, though, still had 9 players selected at the 2011 draft which tied with Southern California for the most of any program in the country. And North Carolina could even have a bigger impact at the upcoming draft as DE Quinton Coples (#90, 6-5, 285) has top-5 potential and could even get some consideration to be the first player taken this year, while junior DE Donte Paige-Moss (#98, 6-4, 260) could get some mid-first round looks by 3-4 teams looking for a dynamic edge-rushing OLB. Meanwhile, OLB Zach Brown (#47, 6-2, 230) has later first-round possibilities. Meanwhile and DT Tydreke Powell (#91, 6-2, 315), CB Charles Brown (#12, 5-9, 205), WR Dwight Jones (#83, 6-4, 225), and RB Ryan Houston (#32, 6-2, 245) are mid-round candidates, while C Cam Holland (#65, 6-2, 320), FB Devon Ramsey (#45, 6-2, 250), FB/HB Christian Wilson (#33, 6-2, 250), SS Matt Merletti (#25, 5-10, 200) and PK Casey Barth (#11, 5-11, 185). Pro scouts will also be watching several UNC juniors including DT Sylvester Williams (#92, 6-2, 320), MLB Kevin Reddick (#48, 6-2, 240) and OB Jonathan Cooper (#64, 6-3, 310) just in case they opt to enter the upcoming draft.

3. FLORIDA STATE: The buzz around college football is that Florida State may be back! Indeed, the Seminoles, who won at least ten games 14 straight seasons between 1987 and 2000, got back into double figures last fall for the first time since 2003. The program did lose starting QB Christian Ponder, who was the surprise 12th player selected overall by Minnesota at the 2011 draft, but the Seminoles return just about everybody else of importance. Junior DE Brandon Jenkins (#49, 6-3, 260), who had 13.5 sacks last fall, for example, is considered to be a possible top 10-15 prospect for the upcoming draft as a 3-4 OLB, while LT Andrew Datko (#67, 6-6, 315), OLB Nigel Bradham (#13, 6-2, 240), and possibly junior CB Greg Reid (#5, 5-8, 185), who is also a dynamic kick returner, have second-day ability. Reid, though, isn’t even the Seminoles best corner prospect as redshirt sophomore CB Xavier Rhodes (#27, 6-2, 205) has prototype size and could be a top 10 candidate if he runs anywhere near 4.5 at pre-draft testing whenever he does opt to turn pro. Meanwhile, WR Bert Reed (#83, 5-9, 175), RB Jermaine Thomas (#38, 5-10, 190) and CB Mike Harris (#1, 5-10, 185) are mid-to-late round prospects, while RB Ty Jones (#33, 5-9, 215), WR Taiwan Easterling (#8, 5-10, 200), OG David Spurlock (#79, 6-3, 300), and P Shawn Powell (#45, 6-4, 235) are more free-agent types. And while the loss of the veteran Ponder will hurt, junior QB E.J. Manuel (#3, 6-5, 235) could ultimately be a better collegiate player.

4. TEXAS A&M: If Texas A&M does indeed ultimately to bolt the Big XII for the greener pastures of the SEC, the Aggies appear primed to leave the conference on a high note despite losing DE/LB Von Miller, the second player selected overall at the 2011 draft. What the Aggies do return is one of the top skill position quartets in the country in QB Ryan Tannehill (#17, 6-4, 220), RBs Cyrus Gray (#32, 5-10, 200) and junior Christine Michael (#33, 5-11, 215) and WR Jeff Fuller (#8, 6-4, 215). Tannehill, in particular, is an intriguing story; at this time last year, he was considered to be a solid WR prospect, but switched to QB in mid-season with the offense floundering and showed enough to be rated as one of the top senior prospects at the position, although he is still somewhat inexperienced. Meanwhile, Gray and Michael, along with Fuller, all have at least top 100 potential for the upcoming draft with Michael having the size and speed of a first rounder, although he is coming off a broken leg suffered late last season. The Aggies could also have one of the better cover corner combos in college football this season in Coryell Judie (#5, 5-11, 190) and Terrence Frederick (#7, 5-10, 185), but both continue to deal with wonky shoulders. At the same time, FS Trent Hunter (#1, 5-10, 190) and MLB Garrick Williams (#8, 6-1, 235) are productive players who can run, although they are somewhat undersized to be considered more than late round or free agent prospects. Same for DEs Tony Jerod-Eddie (#83, 6-4, 300) and Jonathan Mathis (#6-2, 285) who could get looks from 3-4 teams.

5. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: The Trojans are still sorting things out after Pete Carroll bolted for the NFL last year, while the program was stripped of its 2004 national championship and banned from the bowls through this year as result of former RB Reggie Bush’s dealings with an agent. Indeed, USC was just 17-9 the past couple of years after a 7-year run in which the program won at least 11 games each season. Despite the sanctions, though, Southern Cal still had 9 players, including OT Tyron Smith the 9th pick overall by Dallas, selected at the 2011 which tied with Miami for the most by any team. And while they won’t go bowling the fall, USC has a chance to be a major player at 2012 draft. Junior QB Matt Barkley (#7, 6-2, 223), for example, who is generally considered to be the #2 QB prospect behind Andrew Luck of Stanford, has top 10 potential should he opt to enter this year’s draft, while fellow juniors LT Matt Kalil (#75, 6-6, 295) and FS T.J. McDonald (#7, 6-2, 205) could also figure in the later first-round mix if they leave school this spring. At the same time, seniors RB Marc Tyler (#26, 5-10, 230), TE Rhett Ellison (#40, 6-5, 245), DTs DaJohn Harris (#98, 6-5, 305), Armond Armstead (#94, 6-5, 295) and Christian Tupou (#44, 6-2, 290), and LB Chris Galippo (#54, 6-2, 250) all have later round potential, although with the exception of Ellison, each has some kind of health red flag on his resume. Meanwhile, other USC juniors pro scouts will be watching just in case this fall include MLB Devon Kennard (#42, 6-2, 250), DE Nick Perry (#8, 6-2, 255) and C Khaled Holmes (#78, 6-3, 300).

6. MIAMI: Hard to know what to expect from the Hurricanes this fall as the program deals with the fallout from the explosive charges laid by a former booster who claims to have provided thousands of dollars of cash and other benefits to current and former players. Everything else being equal, Miami, which hasn’t had a player taken in the opening round since 2008, has a pretty good chance to get back into this year’s opening round if any of a trio of juniors including FS Ray-Ray Armstrong (#26, 6-4, 215), DT Marcus Fortson (#99, 6-3, 300) and OG Brandon Washington (#72, 6-4, 320) opt to enter the 2012 draft, while OLB Sean Spence (#31, 6-0, 225), a heat-seeking missile when pursuing the ball, also could figure in this year’s opening round discussion. Armstrong, Fortson and Spence, though, have all been implicated in the improper benefits scandal and may face some disciplinary action. Meanwhile, other Miami seniors that could get some later round or free agent interest include WRs LaRon Byrd (#2, 6-3, 220) and speedy Travis Benjamin (#3, 5-9, 175), although the latter is yet another player named by the booster, TE Blake Ayles (#86, 6-5, 265), a USC transfer, C Tyler Hood (#63, 6-3, 305), DT Micanor Regis (#54, 6-2, 305), DE Adewale Ojomo (#97, 6-3, 270), enigmatic OLB Ramon Buchanan (#45, 6-0, 225), and CBs Lee Chambers (#32, 5-9, 185) and JoJo Nicolas (#29, 6-0, 200), while MLB Jordan Futch (#58, 6-2, 235) could be something of a sleeper. At the same time, other Miami underclassmen to watch include a pair of junior DBs in FS Vaughn Telemaque (#7, 6-1, 200) and CB Brandon McGee (#1, 5-11, 190) along with sophomore RB Lamar Miller (#6, 5-10, 215). There is also a fascinating duel developing at LT where sophomore Seantrel Henderson (#77, 6-7, 345), arguably the most sought after recruit in the country two years ago, was listed as the back-up to emerging redshirt freshman OT Malcolm Bunche (#79, 6-6, 320) coming out of the spring. The key for the Hurricanes this fall, though, will be getting someone to manage the offense. Veteran QB Jacory Harris (#12, 6-3, 195) has all the tools to be a good one, but he’s been a mistake waiting to happen to date and has been caught up in the benefits scandal and could ultimately lose the job to sophomore QB Stephen Morris (#17, 6-2, 210).

7. STANFORD: Coming off last year’s remarkable 12-1 season in which the only blemish was a road loss to eventual BCS finalist Oregon, the Stanford football program lost head coach Jim Harbaugh to the pros, but gets back star junior QB Andrew Luck (#12, 6-4, 235) who had been expected to be the first player chosen at the 2011 draft, but ultimately opted to return to school for one more year with the Cardinal. Luck, who could be the best overall pro prospect since former Stanford QB John Elway entered the league back in 1983, has all the tools to be the next great NFL passer including prototype size, the arm strength to make all the throws, and excellent touch and accuracy, as well as surprising mobility. For good measure, he’s also a character player who is as smart as a whip. Whenever he does finally enter the NFL draft, Luck will be the first Stanford player selected in the opening round since 2003. However, Luck need not necessarily be the only Stanford junior taken in this year’s opening round as both LT Jonathan Martin (#55, 6-5,305) and OG David DeCastro (#52, 6-5, 310) are among the top 2-3 prospects at their respective positions and have mid-to-late first-round potential of their own. Meanwhile, MLB Shayne Skov (#11, 6-2, 245), yet another junior, along with veteran TE Coby Fleener (#82, 6-5, 245), SS Delano Howell (#25, 5-11, 195), and, speedy WR/KR Chris Owusu (#81, 6-1, 200) each has mid-round potential, while OT Tyler Mabry (#77, 6-6, 290), FS/CB Michael Thomas (#3, 5-11, 185) and CB Johnson Bademosi (#27, 6-0, 200) are later-round or free-agent types. Stanford also has a couple of sleepers in RB Jeremy Stewart (#34, 6-0, 220) and P David Green (#38, 6-1, 205).

8. OKLAHOMA: The Sooners enter the season as the presumptive #1 team in the country. And while Oklahoma, which has won at least 11 games in 9 of the past 11 years, appears primed for another serious run at a national title, the Sooners also figure to be a major player at the 2012 draft where ultra-productive LB Travis Lewis (#28, 6-1, 235) and WR Ryan Broyles (#85, 5-11, 197) will get at least some late-first round consideration. Lewis, though, will miss the first month of the season or so with a broken foot. In the end, though, the Sooners’ top prospect this year could be strong-armed junior QB Landry Jones (#12, 6-4, 230), who isn’t quite as a good a prospect as former OU QB Sam Bradford, the first player selected at the 2010 draft, but he’s also not that far off after throwing for almost 5,000 yards last fall. Meanwhile, the Sooners also have a number of decent second-tier prospects including DE Frank Alexander (#84, 6-3, 260), OG Stehen Good (#77, 6-4, 295), TE James Hanna (#82, 6-4, 240), CB Jamell Fleming (#32, 5-10, 195) and DB Sam Proctor (#27, 5-11, 225), while junior P Tress Way (#36, 6-1, 225) is one of the better kickers in the country.

9. WISCONSIN: Beware the Badger! Wisconsin was always going to be one of the Big 10 favorites this fall with national aspirartions, but the whole landscape of the conference, and just maybe beyond, shifted when former North Carolina State QB Russell Wilson (#16, 5-11, 205) chose the Badgers over defending national champion Auburn. Wilson, who threw for over 8,500 yards in three seasons at NC State, but isn’t very tall and lacks elite arm strength and touch, isn’t a prime draft prospect himself, but will be surrounded by a bevy of talented players with pro potential. In particular, the Badgers may have the best offensive line in college football with everyone on the two-deep weighing in at least 315 pounds. OG Kevin Zeitler (#70, 6-4, 320), along with juniors Ricky Wagner (#58, 6-5, 325), the latest in what seems like a never ending line of big, physical Badger LTs, and C Peter Konz (#66, 6-4, 315) are at least top 100 potential for the upcoming draft. Then there is OT Josh Ogelsby (#67, 6-6, 335), who was considered to be one of the nation’s top recruits three years ago, but has been held back to date by a recurring knee injury. WR Nick Toon (#1, 6-2, 215), the son of former Badger and NY Jets star WR Al Toon, who should be Wilson’s go-to target if he can stay healthy this fall, should also get some top 100 consideration this coming April, while TE Jake Byrne (#82, 6-4, 255) could be something of a sleeper. Of course, it wouldn’t be Wisconsin without a stable of thundering RBs and that will be the case again this fall with junior Montee Ball (#28, 5-10, 225) and sophomore James White (#20, 5-10, 205) carrying the mail. The Badgers’ defense won’t be as talented as the offense, but does have several later round or free-agent candidates in FS Aaron Henry (#7, 6-0, 210), CBs Antonio Fenelus (#26, 5-9, 195) and Devin Smith (#10, 5-10, 185), DT Patrick Butrym (#95, 6-3, 285) and DE Louis Nzegwu (#93, 6-3, 245). And just for good measure, Wisconsin has one of the best kicking games in college football in PK Philip Welch (#18, 6-3, 215) and P Brad Nortman (#98, 6-3, 215).

10. SOUTH CAROLINA: After being stuck in neutral the past few years, South Carolina appears primed to take a serious run at the SEC title and could be even in line for bigger things with a break or two. The NFL will also be paying close attention as South Carolina, which hasn’t had a player taken in the opening round since 2006, could have one of the deepest classes in the 2012 draft. Could is the operative word, though, as most of the Gamecocks’ best prospects are underclassmen. Junior WR Alshon Jeffrey (#1, 6-4, 233), for example, who was uncoverable at times last fall when he caught 88 passes for over 1,500 yards, is a potential top 5 prospect if he leaves school this winter. Meanwhile, two other juniors - CB Stephon Gilmore (#5, 6-0, 195) and DE Devin Taylor (#98, 6-6, 250) – have solid second-day potential, while DE Melvin Ingram (#6, 6-1, 275) and OG Kevious Watkins (#73, 6-3, 345) are mid-to-late round candidates. At the same time, a number of other USC seniors including LB/SS Antonio Allen (#26, 6-1, 210), OT Kyle Nunn (#68, 6-5, 295), OG Terrence Campbell (#60, 6-3, 295), WR Jason Barnes (#4, 6-3, 215), LB Rodney Paulk (#45, 6-0, 230), and CB/FS Akeem Auguste (#3, 5-10, 185) should at least get free-agent consideration this coming spring. Then there is enigmatic QB Steven Garcia (#5, 6-2, 230) who is an underrated passer, but leads the county in off-field suspensions.

11. OKLAHOMA STATE: Oklahoma State will probably always be the ‘other’ school in the state, but with the somewhat unexpected return of both QB Brandon Weeden (#3, 6-4, 215) and star junior WR Justin Blackmon (#81, 6-1, 210) the Cowboys could give the other guys a run for their money in the conference this fall. And if they don’t come out ahead on the field this fall, the Cowboys still could outdo the Sooners at the 2012 draft where both Blackmon, who rang up an amazing 111 catches for almost 1,800 yards and 20 TDs last fall despite missing a game, and veteran RT Levy Adcock (#73, 6-5, 325) are solid first-round candidates. Indeed, Blackmon could ultimately figure in this year’s top 5, but for now appears to be rated a little lower because he lacks sprinter-type speed. Weeden would also probably get at least some opening-consideration of his own, but is an older player who’ll turn 29 in his first NFL season after spending 5 years playing minor league baseball. Meanwhile, athletic SS Markelle Martin (#10, 6-1, 195), one of the fastest players at the position in the country, is a second-day prospect. There is something of a drop-off to the next tier of Oklahoma State prospects, but several other Cowboys including OT Nick Martinez (#75, 6-4, 305), C Grant Garner (#74, 6-2, 290), WRs Josh Cooper (#25, 5-10, 190) and Hubert Anyiam (#84, 6-0, 205), and DEs Richetti Jones (#99, 6-2, 260) and Jamie Blatnick (#50, 6-2, 260) are later round or free agent possibilities. In fact, other than the Cowboys’ ‘big four’ players, the team’s most intriguing pro prospect could be strong-legged junior P Quinn Sharp (#13, 6-1, 190), who averaged over 46 yards per boot last fall and also put over half of his KOs in the end zone for touchbacks.

12. OHIO STATE: No team has had a worse off-season to date than Ohio State. The program, along with college football in general, got a huge black-eye when a number of star Buckeyes, including QB Terrelle Pryor, were allowed to play in last January’s Sugar Bowl despite having already been suspended for the first 5 games on the 2011 season for accepting improper benefits. And it went downhill from there. Head coach Jim Tressel became a cropper after it became public knowledge that he had lied about his knowledge of the situation, while Pryor will ply his trade with Oakland this fall. Meanwhile, the program remains under investigation by the NCAA and could face additional penalties. What makes the whole business so odd is that it all started with the players reportedly trading memorabilia and autographs for tattoos and leaves yet another major NCAA property with its reputation in tatters. Indeed, the Buckeyes went to BCS bowls in each of the past six years and in 8 of the past 9. Ohio State also has also been the #1 program in college football on draft day in the past decade. Ohio State has had 66 players drafted in the past ten years, including 16 in the opening round. And despite the fact that the program faces a very uncertain season this fall, Ohio State has a good chance to add to its draft laurels this coming spring. OT Mike Adams (#75, 6-8, 310), for example, is one of the top LT prospects in this year’s draft, while C Michael Brewster (#50, 6-4, 305) is the best at his position in the country. Meanwhile, WR DeVier Posey (#9, 6-2, 210) and RB Dan Herron (#1, 5-9, 205) have top 100 potential. Adams, Posey, and Herron, though, got caught up in Tattoo-gate and have been suspended for the first 5 games of the season, which is unfortunate because each has something to prove to NFL scouts. Ohio State also has a couple of later-round prospects in OT J.B. Shugarts (#76, 6-6, 300) and DE Nathan Williams (#43, 6-3, 260), while senior QB Joe Bauserman (#14, 6-1, 230) will get the first shot at replacing Pryor. For the most part, though, the Buckeyes will be in something of a reloading mode this fall with a lot of younger players expected to play key roles, including juniors TE Jake Stoneburner (#11, 6-4, 245) and LB Etienne Sabino (#6, 6-2, 245) and sophomore DT Jonathan Hankins (#52, 6-3, 325).

13. BOISE STATE: After winning more games than any other D1A program in the past decade, including a 38-2 record over the past three seasons, without getting so much as a sniff at the BCS title game, the Rodney Dangerfield of college football has taken its high-octane act from the WAC to the somewhat more prestigious Mountain West Conference. Unfortunately, the new digs don’t offer any more BCS guarantees which is too bad because Boise State looks to be loaded again this fall. And even if the BCS pretends not to notice once again this season, NFL scouts will be paying attention as the Broncos should feature one of the deeper draft classes in the country. Just about every team in the league, for example, has LT Nate Potter (#73, 6-6, 300) rated among the top offensive lineman on its preliminary board, although he really isn’t all that big or physical. Meanwhile, thumping RB Doug Martin (#22, 5-9, 215) and DT Billy Winn (#90, 6-3, 295), who figures to be one of the better 5-tech DEs prospects this year, are both second-day prospects, while emerging DEs Tyrone Crawford (#40, 6-3, 275) and Shea McClellin (#92, 6-3, 260) and SS George Iloka (#8, 6-2, 220) aren’t all that far behind. At the same time, MLB Byron Huot (#94, 6-0, 240), TE Kyle Efaw (#80, 6-3, 245), DT Chase Baker (#97, 6-1, 300) are later round or free agent types, while WR Tyler Shoemaker (#89, 6-0, 215), WLB Aaron Tevis (#36, 6-2, 235) and RB D.J. Harper (#6, 5-9, 210) are sleeper types who haven’t played a lot to date, but have some skill. The most talked about Boise State prospect this year no doubt will be QB Kellen Moore (#11, 6-0, 190), a potential Heisman candidate who has been one of the most efficient passers in college football history, but likely lacks the size and arm strength to rate as more than a marginal pro prospect.

14. TEXAS: Mack Brown and company are still trying to figure what happened last fall when the Longhorns, who had posted double-digit win seasons the previous 9 years in a row, stumbled and bumbled their way to a 5-7 record, and that after a 3-0 start to the campaign. Texas, though, still recruits nothing but high school All-Americans so don’t expect the drought to last all that long. Indeed, Texas has at least a couple of latter first-round prospects for 2012 in OLB Keenan Robinson (#1, 6-3, 235) and DT Kendall Randall (#91, 6-5, 295), both of whom are among the top seniors at their respective positions, while MLB Emmanuel Acho (#18, 6-2, 240), the brother of 2011 4th rounder Sam Acho, and FS Blake Gideon (#21, 6-0, 205) are mid-round candidates. Meanwhile, FB Cody Johnson (#11, 5-11, 250), C David Snow (#78, 6-3, 295), SS Christian Scott (#6, 6-1, 220) and P/PK Justin Tucker (#19, 6-1, 185) are later-round candidates, while WR Malcolm Williams (#9, 6-3, 240) and OG Tray Allen (#56, 6-3, 310), a couple of former big-time recruits who have done little at Texas, but are still intriguing athletes, could be sleepers.

15. NOTRE DAME: There were as many downs as ups in the first year of the Brian Kelly regime at Notre Dame, but there are some subtle hints that the program may be finally pointed in the right direction. And while a succession of coaches have been the focal point of Notre Dame’s struggles of late, the real reason Notre Dame has slipped from the ranks of college football’s elite programs in recent years is simply the Irish haven’t had enough top-quality athletes. Indeed, Notre Dame hasn’t had a player taken among the top 10 picks at an NFL draft since 1994 and have had only 2 players selected in the opening round in the past decade. All that could change this coming April, though, as Notre Dame could have its best prospects in some time in WR Michael Floyd (#5, 6-3, 20) and junior MLB Manti Te’O (#5, 6-2, 255). Could is the operative word, though, as both have issues. Floyd, for example, is a potential elite receiver, but spent most of the summer under suspension after being charged with a DUI, which is not the first arrest on his blotter; as well, there are some durability concerns regarding Floyd who has been dinged each year at Notre Dame. Meanwhile, Te’O has more than lived up to the hype surrounding his recruitment, however, while he’s a heat-seeking missile who really packs a wallop when he finds the target, pro scouts still aren’t convinced that he is a top prospect as he plays out-of-control too often and may never be a true every-down LB as he isn’t all that effective in coverage. The Irish also have a solid mid-round prospect in SS Harrison Smith (#22, 6-2, 215), while OLB Darius Fleming (#45, 6-2, 250), DEs Ethan Johnson (#90, 6-3, 300) and Kapron Lewis-Moore (#89, 6-3, 295), CBs Robert Blanton (#12, 6-0, 200) and Gary Gray (#4, 5-10, 195), OG Trevor Robinson (#78, 6-4, 300), and PK David Ruffer (#6-1, 175) are later round or free agent types. At the same time, the Irish have possible sleepers in WR John Goodman (#81, 6-2, 210), DT Hafis Williams (#94, 6-1, 285) and FS Dan McCarthy (#15, 6-1, 205). And for future reference, the Irish feature several other interesting underclassmen with NFL potential including juniors such as QB Dayne Crist (#10, 6-4, 235), a strong-armed bomber trying to come back from a second serious knee injury, TE Tyler Eifert (#80, 6-5, 245) and OT Zack Martin (#70, 6-4, 300).

16. VIRGINIA TECH: Will this finally be ‘the’ year for the Hokies? Virginia Tech has won at least ten games in each of the past 7 years – and in 9 of the past 12 - but the Hokies are still looking for that one big breakout year that gets them to the BCS title game. Virginia Tech is breaking in a new QB this fall - rangy sophomore Logan Thomas (#3, 6-5, 245) takes over from Tyrod Taylor – but the rest of the roster looks to be loaded with quality players meaning the Hokies should at least be in the thick of the ACC race once again. Virginia Tech should also be a player at the 2012 draft, although time will tell whether anyone from the program is selected in the opening round. If the Hokies do get a first-round breakthrough it could be junior CB Jayron Hosley (#20, 5-10, 175), a ball-hawker supreme who led the entire NCAA with nine picks last fall, although he lacks prototype size and speed. Meanwhile, the Hokies have a number of solid mid-round prospects in big-play WR Jarrett Boykin (#81, 6-2, 220), OT Blake DeChristopher (#62, 6-5, 315), OG Jaymes Brooks (#68, 6-2, 310), and FS Eddie Whitley (#15, 6-1, 190). Boykin, in fact, combines with fellow WRs Danny Coale (#19, 5-11, 195) and Dyrell Roberts (#11, 6-2, 185) to give the Hokies a trio of draftable big-play receivers, while RB Josh Oglesby (#2, 5-10, 10), who played FB last year, could be something of a sleeper. For good measure, the Hokies have a couple of other juniors that could impact the early going at the upcoming draft in RB David Wilson (#4, 5-10, 205), who could be a better prospect than former Hokies’ RB Ryan Williams, the 38th player taken at this past spring’s draft, and ILB Bruce Taylor (#51, 6-2, 255), a full-sized tackling machine.

17. NEBRASKA: Nebraska in the Big 10 probably seems like just so much heresy to college football purists, but the move actually makes a lot of sense from a football perspective for the Huskers. Nebraska, which still runs the ball first, second and third and usually only passes when it absolutely has to, had become something of a Luddite in the ramped up Big XII, but should find the run-oriented Big 10 more to their style. Indeed, if sophomore QB Taylor Martinez (#3, 6-1, 205) can regain the form he showed in the first half of the 2010 season before injuring an ankle, the Huskers should be in the hunt for conference honors. It will the Nebraska defense, though, that pro scouts will be camping out to see as the Blackshirts could feature as many as three prospects with late first-round potential including DT Jared Crick (#94, 6-6, 285), OLB Lavonte David (#4, 6-1, 224) and CB Alfonzo Dennard (#15, 5-10, 205), while hulking RT Marcel Jones (#78, 6-6, 320) could get some later round looks if his various hurst check out. Meanwhile, WR Brandon Kinnie (#84, 6-1, 225) and SS Austin Cassidy (#8, 6-0, 210) both have good size, but are still more free-agent types, while OT Jermarcus Hardrick (#50, 6-6, 325) could be something of a sleeper along the offensive front.

18. GEORGIA: No coach in college football is feeling the heat more than Georgia’s Mark Richt whose Bulldogs stumbled to their first sub-.500 season since the mid-1990s last fall and appear to be in danger of losing contact with the other top teams in the always competitive SEC East. However, despite the losing record, Georgia still had 6 players taken at the 2011 draft including WR A.J. Green who was taken 4th overall by Cincinnati. In fact, Green was the Bulldogs’ second top 5 pick in three years as QB Matt Stafford went first overall in 2009. Georgia almost certainly won’t have any one chosen near the top 5 this year; indeed, its unlikely any one from the program will be taken in the first round, although massive OG Cordy Glenn (#71, 6-5, 350), who will actually play LT this fall, C Ben Jones (#60, 6-3, 315) and CB Brandon Boykin (#2, 5-9,185) have top 100 potential, while both P Drew Butler (#13, 6-2, 215) and PK Blair Walsh (#57, 5-10, 195) are arguably the best two kickers in the country. Meanwhile, Georgia also has several second-tier prospects including NT De’Angelo Tyson (#94,6-3, 310), FS Jakar Hamilton (#23, 6-1, 205), OT Justin Anderson (#79, 6-5, 345) and TE/FBs Bruce Figgins (#89, 6-3, 275) and Aron White (#81. 6-4, 240). The key player whether Georgia returns to the ranks of contenders this fall, though, will be sophomore QB Aaron Murray (#11, 6-1, 210) who had an outstanding freshman season last fall, but needs to take the offense on his shoulders this fall against elite competition.

19. MICHIGAN STATE: The Spartans enter the revamped Big 10 season with a bit of a burr under their collective saddles after being passed over by the BCS bowls last season despite earning a conference co-championship with an 11-1 record. Of course, it didn’t help that Michigan State was clobbered 49-7 by Alabama in the post-season; it also didn’t help that Michigan State had only two players selected at the 2011 draft – LB Greg Jones and CB Chris Rucker – with both only going in the latter part of 6th round. However, Michigan State likely won’t have to wait anywhere nearly that long this coming April, especially if juniors such DT Jerel Worthy (#99, 6-3, 305) and RB Edwin Baker (#4, 5-9, 210) opt to enter this year’s draft. Worthy, in particular, has first-round potential, while Baker figures to be in the second day mix. Same story for veteran QB Kirk Cousins (#8, 6-3, 205) who doesn’t have the strongest arm, but is a very efficient game manager. Meanwhile, rugged OG Joel Foreman (#67, 6-3, 310) and FS Trenton Robinson (#39, 5-10, 195) are mid-to-late round prospects, while WRs B.J. Cunningham (#3, 6-2, 225), Keshawn Martin (#82, 5-10, 185) and Keith Nicol (#7, 6-2, 225), and TEs Garrett Celek (#85, 6-5, 250) and Brian Linthicum (#88, 6-5, 245) are later round or free-agent candidates.

20. ARKANSAS: Arkansas is coming off its best season since the late 1980s, but is still left with a ‘what if’ feeling as a result of tough losses to Alabama during the regular season and to Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl. The Razorbacks had to be even more disappointed at the 2011 draft where star QB Ryan Mallett (3rd round to New England), TE D.J. Williams (5th round to Green Bay), and OT Demarcus Love (6th round to Minnesota) all went at least several rounds later than had originally been expected. Unfortunately, Arkansas‘ run of bad luck continued this summer as start junior RB Knile Davis (#7, 6-0, 230), who had the potential to be one of the top 2-3 backs off the board this coming April, was lost for the year with a knee injury. The Razorbacks, though, still have WR Greg Childs (#85, 6-3, 220), MLB Jerry Franklin (#34, 6-0, 245) and FS Tramain Thomas (#5, 6-0, 200), each of whom is a legitimate top 100 candidate this year. In fact, if healthy, Childs, who missed the latter part of the 2010 season with a torn patella tendon, will combine with speedy fellow WRs Joe Adams (#3, 5-10, 190) and Jarius Wright (#4,5-10, 180) to form one of the most explosive receiver corps in the country. Meanwhile, DE Jake Bequette (#91, 6-4, 275), is a solid 3-4 DE prospect, while OLB Jerico Nelson (#31, 5-10, 215) is very active, but undersized for the next level.

On the bubble: 21. Arizona State; 22 LSU; 23 Missouri; 24 California; 25 Penn State; 26 Oregon; 27 Clemson; 28 Arizona; 29 Washington; 30 Kentucky