By Richard Cirminiello
They’ve watched and waited, listened and learned. They’ve added weight, committed the playbook to memory and practiced without notoriety on the scout team. They are redshirt freshmen and their time to break free from a season’s worth of anonymity has finally arrived.
No player is prone to a more pronounced growth spurt than the second-year freshman. A full year of getting acclimated to the speed of the college game and the dynamics of college life has a way of transforming the wide-eyed prep star into a confident contributor. This is especially true in the case of blue-chip recruits, who are boiling over with untapped potential, and are primed for a breakthrough campaign. For college fans, their countless hours invested into the recruiting wars is almost ready to pay dividends.
This season’s redshirt freshmen sensations have already shown snapshots of the future during fall practice and spring sessions. They may be freshmen in terms of eligibility, but they’re beginning to perform like upperclassmen. Obiozor and Egekeze. Vernaglia and Trapasso. Don’t worry if the names escape you today. They’ll be sure to refresh your memory again in a few months.
First Team
Offense
QB Rhett Bomar, Oklahoma – Few doubt Bomar is the future in Norman, but there’s still uncertainty whether that future begins this September. He’s in a tight tussle with Paul Thompson and Tommy Grady to replace Jason White that won’t be decided until later this summer. Bomar has a live arm, good feet and the total package of intangibles. He’s the best thing in a pocket passer to hit OU since Troy Aikman.
RB Mike Hamilton, Oklahoma State – Oklahoma State is never without a big-time back for very long, and Hamilton is determined to keep that trend alive. He’s a 230-pound hybrid, who can lower his shoulder and pick up tough yards between the tackles or get to the outside with above average speed. Hamilton is the front-runner to replace Vernand Morency in 2005.
RB Kory Sheets, Purdue – Jerod Void and Brandon Jones have seniority, but Sheets may be too dynamic to keep on the sidelines this fall. While Void and Jones are bruisers, Sheets has breakaway speed wrapped in a 6-0, 200-pound frame. He gives the Boiler offense a dimension that’s been absent since Joey Harris was declared academically ineligible following the 2002 season.
WR Jordan Shipley, Texas – The ‘Horns could have used the speedster last year, but a torn ACL in his right knee ended his season before it began. Shipley shocked the coaching staff by returning to spring drills much earlier than expected, and caught everything thrown within arm’s reach. If the knee doesn’t present any setbacks, he could develop into Vince Young’s preferred target.
WR Trumaine Smith, Toledo – No doubt Smith is in the right offense to instantly put up nice numbers, but he’s not just the product of a generous system. Smith is 6-3 with blazing speed, and if he can add some beef without sacrificing the wheels, he’ll be a nightmare for any MAC corner to try and cover one-on-one.
TE Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State – Lightly recruited out of high school, Pettigrew has begun to perform like a late bloomer. He’s 6-5 and 245 pounds, and has really begun to emerge as a pass catcher and a blocker. In the new offense that will emphasize the pass more, Pettigrew has the potential to put up respectable numbers in his debut.
OL Jim Tartt, Florida – Tartt is already one of Urban Meyer’s favorites, so you can bet he’ll get plenty of playing time after sitting out last year with a bum shoulder. In fact, he’s already been penciled in as the starter at right guard. Tartt is a powerful run blocker, who plays with attitude and intensity.
OL Cole Popovich, Fresno State – Popovich was a starter as a true freshman before a torn bicep ended his season after two games and forced him to use a redshirt year. He’s healthy again, and ready to capitalize on the momentum he’d built in year one. Popovich is more of a finesse lineman with an explosive first step and above average athleticism.
OL Antoine Caldwell, Alabama – Caldwell is an athletic and versatile lineman, who can create holes at either center or guard. For the season ahead, he’ll be ‘Bama’s starting guard on a young and untested front wall. With his quick feet and good speed, expect to see Caldwell pulling frequently in 2005 from his left side.
OL Roland Martin, Michigan State – Martin shed some baby fat, and has begun showing flashes of the talent that made him a mega recruit last year. He’s a 6-5 and 320-pound space-eater, whose ceiling is vaulted. He’ll begin the year behind Gordon Niebylski at right guard, but should push for playing time throughout the season.
OL Ryan Durand, Syracuse – Durand is already a sturdy 6-5 and 320 pounds, and prepared to be an anchor at right guard for the Orange. He’s a beast in the running game, who should only get better as gets comfortable with the new blocking schemes in the West Coast offense.
K Gerry McGroarty, Buffalo – McGroarty, who once belted a 64-yarder in high school, has terrific range on field goals and kickoffs. If nothing else, he gave the Bisons a once-in-a-generation recruiting win over the likes of Penn State, Pittsburgh, Michigan State and Notre Dame, who offered preferred walk-on status.
Defense
DL Derrick Harvey, Florida – No longer a rangy, 6-4 lineman, Harvey packed on 30 pounds in the off-season, yet didn’t sacrifice the burst that made him one of the nation’s hottest ends a year ago. Gator ends produced just five sacks in 2004, so an up-and-comer like Harvey will get every opportunity to succeed if he shows the staff he can get into the opposition’s backfield.
DL Matt Kroul, Iowa – Iowa’s biggest roadblock to a Big Ten title may be its youthful defensive line, so when kids like Kroul speed up their maturation process, all of Iowa City exhales. He’s just 255 pounds—petite for a starting tackle—but compensates with a non-stop motor and great technique that’s inherent to so many top Hawkeye players in the Kirk Ferentz era.
DL Eric Moncur, Miami – The heralded Moncur is hoping to establish himself on a ‘Cane D-line that’s crammed with talented linemen. The Miami staff loves his upside, and believes he has an all-league package of skills. Moncur is one of the team’s most powerful players, and has trimmed down to 255 in order to improve his quickness.
DL Derek Walker, Illinois – Thanks to his size/speed combo, Walker ran with the first team throughout spring and should be back there when the season begins. He’s already 6-5 and 245 pounds with a great first step, and could develop into a steady pass rusher once he gets more reps under his belt.
LB Willie Williams, Miami – The long-awaited debut of Miami’s enormously talented linebacker will finally take place when the ‘Canes visit Florida State on Sept. 5. Known more for his extensive rap sheet, Williams has the size, speed and quickness to be mentioned with some of the program’s all-time greats before long. He’ll begin the season on the second unit, but a player of his caliber won’t remain quiet very long.
LB Clint Sintim, Virginia – At 6-3 and 250 pounds, Sintim bears a striking resemblance to a defensive end. And in a 3-4 Cav defense that asks its outside linebackers to get after the quarterback, that size will serve him well. He capitalized on a strong spring and Vince Redd’s academic problems to secure a starting spot heading into the summer.
LB Worrell Williams, Cal – Last year’s Scout Team Player of the Year on defense is ready to step up and contribute to a linebacking corps that’ll be breaking in three new starters. Williams is a big, physical type, who loves to hit and has great natural instincts at the position. Whether or not he leapfrogs Mickey Pimentel on the weakside, Williams is sure to be a factor this fall.
DB Danny Gorrer, Texas A&M – The Aggies believe they’ve got a future star in Gorrer, a corner with the kind of elite speed to make up ground on the inevitable blown coverages that come with inexperience. If he’s not already A&M’s best cover corner, he will be at some point in 2005, a testament to his potential and the program’s concern about the position.
<TABLE cellSpacing=7 width=301 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle width="100%"><!-- ---------- 300x250 Code -------------- --><SCRIPT language=JavaScript> var bnum=new Number(Math.floor(99999999 * Math.random())+1); document.write('<SCR'+'IPT LANGUAGE="JavaScript" '); document.write('SRC="http://servedby.advertising.com/site=697646/size=300250/bnum='+bnum+'/optn=1"></SCR'+'IPT>'); </SCRIPT><SCRIPT language=JavaScript src="http://servedby.advertising.com/site=697646/size=300250/bnum=85296109/optn=1"></SCRIPT><OBJECT codeBase=http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=5,0,0,0 height=250 width=300 classid=clsid
27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000>
<EMBED src='http://bannerfarm.ace.advertising.com/bannerfarm/84517/BL_300x250_0505.swf?clickTAG=http://servedby.advertising.com/click/site=0000697646/mnum=0000282674' quality=high WIDTH=300 HEIGHT=250 TYPE='application/x-shockwave-flash' PLUGINSPAGE='http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash'></EMBED></OBJECT><!-- ---------- Copyright 2000,---------- --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></P>DB Zach Logan, Purdue – Boiler coaches are extremely high on Logan, who, at worst, has played his way into the cornerback rotation and could still push for Paul Long’s starting job. The root cause of all the excitement can be traced to his improving cover skills, blazing speed and 6-1 frame.
DB Rod Council, Louisville – Talent plus need equals instant opportunity. Council showed in April that he’s ready to supply the talent to a secondary that’s actively looking to unearth three new starters. He’s not huge, but he’s very physical, quick to the ball and poised to capture the open corner spot opposite William Gay.
DB Jamarca Sanford, Ole Miss – The versatile Sanford got reps at corner and linebacker this spring before settling down at strong safety and rising to the top of the depth chart. He’s quickly earning the reputation as a tenacious, sure tackler, who also clocked a 4.43 in the 40 in the Rebs’ May workouts.
P A.J. Trapasso, Ohio State – Trapasso still needs to do the little things better, but comes off a solid spring, and has the leg strength to be the next in a long line of outstanding Ohio State punters. The Buckeyes punt often, and are really counting on Trapasso to be a field position weapon for the next four years.
Second Team
Offense
QB Xavier Lee or Drew Weatherford, Florida State – The three-man race for the starting quarterback job was pared to Lee and Weatherford when it was recently learned Wyatt Sexton would sit out 2005 recovering from active Lyme Disease. Lee is the better all-around physical specimen, but Weatherford is no slouch, and may be closer to being ready to start for a national power. Between the two, the ‘Noles may finally have found their successor to Chris Weinke.
RB Markus Manson, Florida – There’ll certainly be competition from DeShawn Wynn and Skyler Thornton, but Manson is on the short list to replace Ciatrick Fason. He’s the Gators’ fastest back and a threat whenever he gets loose in open space. More playing will come as he becomes more effective when the ball is not in his hands.
RB Shannon Woods, Texas Tech – Taurean Henderson is the closest thing to a workhorse in Lubbock, but for a change, he’ll be getting some help this year. Woods has showed that he’s digested the Raider offense and is ready to play a supporting role. He has terrific speed and the reliable hands necessary to participate in this system.
WR Mario Urrutia, Louisville – The 6-6 Urrutia gives Brian Brohm and the Louisville offense a severe match up advantage every time he runs a route. His development as a receiver since last year has been staggering, and was evident over the spring. He’s playing with the passion and confidence that could eventually thrust him into stardom in this program.
WR Marcus Thigpen, Indiana – The slippery Thigpen gives the Hoosier offense a much-needed jolt of electricity. He’s smaller than the IU kickers, but he can flat out fly, and is impossible to wrap up when he gets into open space. The coaching staff will concoct ways to get the ball in his hands this fall.
TE Brad Allen, Vanderbilt – Dustin Dunning is the undisputed starter, but Allen is gaining ground and should get reps on passing downs in 2005. The pre-med student with the soft hands chose the Commodores over a laundry list of suitors that included Michigan, Ohio State, Miami and Stanford.
OL Sean Sester, Purdue – Sester has the inside track for the opening at right tackle, but to stay there, he’ll have to get a little bigger and a little meaner in the trenches. The long and lean upstart used an impressive year on the scout team as a launching pad for this year’s breakout spring. Sester’s a quick learn, who’s light on his feet and real athletic.
OL Brandon Braxton, Oklahoma – Braxton took a big stride this spring toward reaching the considerable expectations that preceded his arrival in Norman. The sky’s the limit for the agile, 6-7 tackle, but he’ll spend much of this fall as Davin Joseph’s understudy before getting first dibs on the left side next season.
OL Herman Johnson, LSU – At 6-7 and at least 370, Johnson redefines the adjective “big”. He needs fine-tuning, to be sure, and must remain focused on his conditioning, but the enormity of his frame is something that can’t be coached. He’ll learn behind Nate Livings at right tackle this year before getting turned loose in 2006.
OL Chilo Rachal, USC – Rachal is a wide, 6-6 guard, who’ll be looking to earn more playing time now that starter Jeff Byers has been shelved for the season. He’s plenty strong, yet slides well for a big man, which could eventually warrant a shift to one of the tackle spots.
OL Kraig Urbik, Wisconsin – Urbik is in a tight battle with Danny Kaye for the right tackle job that’ll spill into summer workouts. He already has NFL size to go along with good feet and a reputation for not letting up on his blocks. Badger coaches think he’ll eventually protect the quarterback’s backside after junior Joe Thomas exhausts his eligibility.
K Obi Egekeze, Maryland – After caddying for reliable Nick Novak last fall, Egekeze gets his first chance to show why he was one of the country’s top-rated prep kickers in 2004. He’ll continue to battle this summer with Dan Ennis, who’s more consistent, but can’t match Egekeze’s distance on field goals and kickoffs.
Defense
DL Cyril Obiozor, Texas A&M – A native of Nigeria, Obiozor was one of the stars of the past spring. At 6-5 and now more than 280 pounds, he’s beginning to grow out of defensive end, but will line up there to start the season. Obiozor has a powerful base and the quick feet and hands needed to dominate opposing offensive linemen.
DL Stryker Sulak, Missouri – Sulak did not win a starting role in the April, but he did push incumbent Brian Smith to a new level and earned praise from the Mizzou staff for the second consecutive year. He’s quick out of the box, and at 6-5 and 245 pounds, has enough girth to remain on the field on first and second down.
DL Tommie Hill, Colorado State – Ever since the days of Bubba Baker and Mike Bell, Colorado State has been sneaky good at producing pro-caliber ends. Hill has the size, leaping ability and the athleticism to keep that tradition alive over the next four years. Once he fills out his 6-6 frame, Hill is going to be a terror for the rest of the Mountain West to contain.
DL Trey Covington, Maryland – Covington is one of a handful of underclassmen looking to answer the Terps’ want ad for a pass rushing end. He hasn’t completely filled out, but has a great burst and can get around the edge in an instant. Until Covington can add more bulk, he’ll be a situational lineman, who’ll be overmatched on run plays.
LB Merrill Johnson, Auburn – Johnson is undersized, speedy and capable of providing support in run defense. In other words, he’s a clone of the Williams’, senior starters Travis and Antarrious. Johnson used a strong spring to move up to No. 2 on the weakside behind Antarrious Williams.
LB Dannell Ellerbe, Georgia – Ready or not, here comes Ellerbe, one of the plums of Mark Richt’s 2004 recruiting class. A pair of NFL departures and two recent suspensions has thinned the linebacking corp, pushing the hard-hitting blur to the second unit behind Danny Verdun. He’s added 20 good pounds since arriving on campus, ending speculation for now that he’ll make like Thomas Davis, and shift to safety.
LB Ronnie Palmer, Arizona – Palmer was ready to contribute last year, but the coaches wisely convinced him to spend a year getting bigger and learning the system. He emerged this year stronger, wiser and ready to compete for a starting job. Palmer’s up to 240 pounds, but hasn’t lost the closing speed that could make him special.
DB Anthony Vernaglia, Notre Dame – Vernaglia can be put in more positions than a contortionist, but it appears that he’ll have a home at safety for at least this season. At 6-3 and 220 pounds, he’s strongly been considered at linebacker, but he’s so athletic and has such great leaping ability, Irish coaches can’t resist playing him in the secondary.
DB Lovon Ponder, Miami – In Ponder, Miami believes they have the next great ‘Cane safety. He’s got exceptional measurables and a far better grasp of the defense than he had just nine months ago. Increased playing time will come in 2005 as Ponder hones his one-on-one cover skills and eliminates the instances he’s caught out of place.
DB Dawayne Grace, Florida – The competition to back up Dee Webb resumes in August with Grace needing to regain the confidence of the coaching staff following an up and down spring. Consistency has escaped him, but physically, he has the natural gifts to help the Gators at an area of weakness.
DB Bryan Payton, Oregon State – Payton can’t quite fit into Brandon Browner’s clothes, but he is a big corner, who’ll draw comparisons to the former All-League Beaver. And while he suffered through some growing pains this spring, Payton has the size and speed to be a contributor once he cleans up his mechanics.
P Aaron Perez, UCLA – A former prep All-American, Perez is being counted on to replace the booming punts of current Seattle Seahawk Chris Kluwe. He’s got plenty of leg, but needs to get more consistent with his drop in order to solidify his job and prevent placekicker Justin Medlock from pulling double duty
They’ve watched and waited, listened and learned. They’ve added weight, committed the playbook to memory and practiced without notoriety on the scout team. They are redshirt freshmen and their time to break free from a season’s worth of anonymity has finally arrived.
No player is prone to a more pronounced growth spurt than the second-year freshman. A full year of getting acclimated to the speed of the college game and the dynamics of college life has a way of transforming the wide-eyed prep star into a confident contributor. This is especially true in the case of blue-chip recruits, who are boiling over with untapped potential, and are primed for a breakthrough campaign. For college fans, their countless hours invested into the recruiting wars is almost ready to pay dividends.
This season’s redshirt freshmen sensations have already shown snapshots of the future during fall practice and spring sessions. They may be freshmen in terms of eligibility, but they’re beginning to perform like upperclassmen. Obiozor and Egekeze. Vernaglia and Trapasso. Don’t worry if the names escape you today. They’ll be sure to refresh your memory again in a few months.
Offense
QB Rhett Bomar, Oklahoma – Few doubt Bomar is the future in Norman, but there’s still uncertainty whether that future begins this September. He’s in a tight tussle with Paul Thompson and Tommy Grady to replace Jason White that won’t be decided until later this summer. Bomar has a live arm, good feet and the total package of intangibles. He’s the best thing in a pocket passer to hit OU since Troy Aikman.
RB Mike Hamilton, Oklahoma State – Oklahoma State is never without a big-time back for very long, and Hamilton is determined to keep that trend alive. He’s a 230-pound hybrid, who can lower his shoulder and pick up tough yards between the tackles or get to the outside with above average speed. Hamilton is the front-runner to replace Vernand Morency in 2005.
RB Kory Sheets, Purdue – Jerod Void and Brandon Jones have seniority, but Sheets may be too dynamic to keep on the sidelines this fall. While Void and Jones are bruisers, Sheets has breakaway speed wrapped in a 6-0, 200-pound frame. He gives the Boiler offense a dimension that’s been absent since Joey Harris was declared academically ineligible following the 2002 season.
WR Jordan Shipley, Texas – The ‘Horns could have used the speedster last year, but a torn ACL in his right knee ended his season before it began. Shipley shocked the coaching staff by returning to spring drills much earlier than expected, and caught everything thrown within arm’s reach. If the knee doesn’t present any setbacks, he could develop into Vince Young’s preferred target.
WR Trumaine Smith, Toledo – No doubt Smith is in the right offense to instantly put up nice numbers, but he’s not just the product of a generous system. Smith is 6-3 with blazing speed, and if he can add some beef without sacrificing the wheels, he’ll be a nightmare for any MAC corner to try and cover one-on-one.
TE Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State – Lightly recruited out of high school, Pettigrew has begun to perform like a late bloomer. He’s 6-5 and 245 pounds, and has really begun to emerge as a pass catcher and a blocker. In the new offense that will emphasize the pass more, Pettigrew has the potential to put up respectable numbers in his debut.
OL Jim Tartt, Florida – Tartt is already one of Urban Meyer’s favorites, so you can bet he’ll get plenty of playing time after sitting out last year with a bum shoulder. In fact, he’s already been penciled in as the starter at right guard. Tartt is a powerful run blocker, who plays with attitude and intensity.
OL Cole Popovich, Fresno State – Popovich was a starter as a true freshman before a torn bicep ended his season after two games and forced him to use a redshirt year. He’s healthy again, and ready to capitalize on the momentum he’d built in year one. Popovich is more of a finesse lineman with an explosive first step and above average athleticism.
OL Antoine Caldwell, Alabama – Caldwell is an athletic and versatile lineman, who can create holes at either center or guard. For the season ahead, he’ll be ‘Bama’s starting guard on a young and untested front wall. With his quick feet and good speed, expect to see Caldwell pulling frequently in 2005 from his left side.
OL Roland Martin, Michigan State – Martin shed some baby fat, and has begun showing flashes of the talent that made him a mega recruit last year. He’s a 6-5 and 320-pound space-eater, whose ceiling is vaulted. He’ll begin the year behind Gordon Niebylski at right guard, but should push for playing time throughout the season.
OL Ryan Durand, Syracuse – Durand is already a sturdy 6-5 and 320 pounds, and prepared to be an anchor at right guard for the Orange. He’s a beast in the running game, who should only get better as gets comfortable with the new blocking schemes in the West Coast offense.
K Gerry McGroarty, Buffalo – McGroarty, who once belted a 64-yarder in high school, has terrific range on field goals and kickoffs. If nothing else, he gave the Bisons a once-in-a-generation recruiting win over the likes of Penn State, Pittsburgh, Michigan State and Notre Dame, who offered preferred walk-on status.
Defense
DL Derrick Harvey, Florida – No longer a rangy, 6-4 lineman, Harvey packed on 30 pounds in the off-season, yet didn’t sacrifice the burst that made him one of the nation’s hottest ends a year ago. Gator ends produced just five sacks in 2004, so an up-and-comer like Harvey will get every opportunity to succeed if he shows the staff he can get into the opposition’s backfield.
DL Matt Kroul, Iowa – Iowa’s biggest roadblock to a Big Ten title may be its youthful defensive line, so when kids like Kroul speed up their maturation process, all of Iowa City exhales. He’s just 255 pounds—petite for a starting tackle—but compensates with a non-stop motor and great technique that’s inherent to so many top Hawkeye players in the Kirk Ferentz era.
DL Eric Moncur, Miami – The heralded Moncur is hoping to establish himself on a ‘Cane D-line that’s crammed with talented linemen. The Miami staff loves his upside, and believes he has an all-league package of skills. Moncur is one of the team’s most powerful players, and has trimmed down to 255 in order to improve his quickness.
DL Derek Walker, Illinois – Thanks to his size/speed combo, Walker ran with the first team throughout spring and should be back there when the season begins. He’s already 6-5 and 245 pounds with a great first step, and could develop into a steady pass rusher once he gets more reps under his belt.
LB Willie Williams, Miami – The long-awaited debut of Miami’s enormously talented linebacker will finally take place when the ‘Canes visit Florida State on Sept. 5. Known more for his extensive rap sheet, Williams has the size, speed and quickness to be mentioned with some of the program’s all-time greats before long. He’ll begin the season on the second unit, but a player of his caliber won’t remain quiet very long.
LB Clint Sintim, Virginia – At 6-3 and 250 pounds, Sintim bears a striking resemblance to a defensive end. And in a 3-4 Cav defense that asks its outside linebackers to get after the quarterback, that size will serve him well. He capitalized on a strong spring and Vince Redd’s academic problems to secure a starting spot heading into the summer.
LB Worrell Williams, Cal – Last year’s Scout Team Player of the Year on defense is ready to step up and contribute to a linebacking corps that’ll be breaking in three new starters. Williams is a big, physical type, who loves to hit and has great natural instincts at the position. Whether or not he leapfrogs Mickey Pimentel on the weakside, Williams is sure to be a factor this fall.
DB Danny Gorrer, Texas A&M – The Aggies believe they’ve got a future star in Gorrer, a corner with the kind of elite speed to make up ground on the inevitable blown coverages that come with inexperience. If he’s not already A&M’s best cover corner, he will be at some point in 2005, a testament to his potential and the program’s concern about the position.
<TABLE cellSpacing=7 width=301 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle width="100%"><!-- ---------- 300x250 Code -------------- --><SCRIPT language=JavaScript> var bnum=new Number(Math.floor(99999999 * Math.random())+1); document.write('<SCR'+'IPT LANGUAGE="JavaScript" '); document.write('SRC="http://servedby.advertising.com/site=697646/size=300250/bnum='+bnum+'/optn=1"></SCR'+'IPT>'); </SCRIPT><SCRIPT language=JavaScript src="http://servedby.advertising.com/site=697646/size=300250/bnum=85296109/optn=1"></SCRIPT><OBJECT codeBase=http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=5,0,0,0 height=250 width=300 classid=clsid
27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000><EMBED src='http://bannerfarm.ace.advertising.com/bannerfarm/84517/BL_300x250_0505.swf?clickTAG=http://servedby.advertising.com/click/site=0000697646/mnum=0000282674' quality=high WIDTH=300 HEIGHT=250 TYPE='application/x-shockwave-flash' PLUGINSPAGE='http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash'></EMBED></OBJECT><!-- ---------- Copyright 2000,---------- --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></P>DB Zach Logan, Purdue – Boiler coaches are extremely high on Logan, who, at worst, has played his way into the cornerback rotation and could still push for Paul Long’s starting job. The root cause of all the excitement can be traced to his improving cover skills, blazing speed and 6-1 frame.
DB Rod Council, Louisville – Talent plus need equals instant opportunity. Council showed in April that he’s ready to supply the talent to a secondary that’s actively looking to unearth three new starters. He’s not huge, but he’s very physical, quick to the ball and poised to capture the open corner spot opposite William Gay.
DB Jamarca Sanford, Ole Miss – The versatile Sanford got reps at corner and linebacker this spring before settling down at strong safety and rising to the top of the depth chart. He’s quickly earning the reputation as a tenacious, sure tackler, who also clocked a 4.43 in the 40 in the Rebs’ May workouts.
P A.J. Trapasso, Ohio State – Trapasso still needs to do the little things better, but comes off a solid spring, and has the leg strength to be the next in a long line of outstanding Ohio State punters. The Buckeyes punt often, and are really counting on Trapasso to be a field position weapon for the next four years.
Second Team
Offense
QB Xavier Lee or Drew Weatherford, Florida State – The three-man race for the starting quarterback job was pared to Lee and Weatherford when it was recently learned Wyatt Sexton would sit out 2005 recovering from active Lyme Disease. Lee is the better all-around physical specimen, but Weatherford is no slouch, and may be closer to being ready to start for a national power. Between the two, the ‘Noles may finally have found their successor to Chris Weinke.
RB Markus Manson, Florida – There’ll certainly be competition from DeShawn Wynn and Skyler Thornton, but Manson is on the short list to replace Ciatrick Fason. He’s the Gators’ fastest back and a threat whenever he gets loose in open space. More playing will come as he becomes more effective when the ball is not in his hands.
RB Shannon Woods, Texas Tech – Taurean Henderson is the closest thing to a workhorse in Lubbock, but for a change, he’ll be getting some help this year. Woods has showed that he’s digested the Raider offense and is ready to play a supporting role. He has terrific speed and the reliable hands necessary to participate in this system.
WR Mario Urrutia, Louisville – The 6-6 Urrutia gives Brian Brohm and the Louisville offense a severe match up advantage every time he runs a route. His development as a receiver since last year has been staggering, and was evident over the spring. He’s playing with the passion and confidence that could eventually thrust him into stardom in this program.
WR Marcus Thigpen, Indiana – The slippery Thigpen gives the Hoosier offense a much-needed jolt of electricity. He’s smaller than the IU kickers, but he can flat out fly, and is impossible to wrap up when he gets into open space. The coaching staff will concoct ways to get the ball in his hands this fall.
TE Brad Allen, Vanderbilt – Dustin Dunning is the undisputed starter, but Allen is gaining ground and should get reps on passing downs in 2005. The pre-med student with the soft hands chose the Commodores over a laundry list of suitors that included Michigan, Ohio State, Miami and Stanford.
OL Sean Sester, Purdue – Sester has the inside track for the opening at right tackle, but to stay there, he’ll have to get a little bigger and a little meaner in the trenches. The long and lean upstart used an impressive year on the scout team as a launching pad for this year’s breakout spring. Sester’s a quick learn, who’s light on his feet and real athletic.
OL Brandon Braxton, Oklahoma – Braxton took a big stride this spring toward reaching the considerable expectations that preceded his arrival in Norman. The sky’s the limit for the agile, 6-7 tackle, but he’ll spend much of this fall as Davin Joseph’s understudy before getting first dibs on the left side next season.
OL Herman Johnson, LSU – At 6-7 and at least 370, Johnson redefines the adjective “big”. He needs fine-tuning, to be sure, and must remain focused on his conditioning, but the enormity of his frame is something that can’t be coached. He’ll learn behind Nate Livings at right tackle this year before getting turned loose in 2006.
OL Chilo Rachal, USC – Rachal is a wide, 6-6 guard, who’ll be looking to earn more playing time now that starter Jeff Byers has been shelved for the season. He’s plenty strong, yet slides well for a big man, which could eventually warrant a shift to one of the tackle spots.
OL Kraig Urbik, Wisconsin – Urbik is in a tight battle with Danny Kaye for the right tackle job that’ll spill into summer workouts. He already has NFL size to go along with good feet and a reputation for not letting up on his blocks. Badger coaches think he’ll eventually protect the quarterback’s backside after junior Joe Thomas exhausts his eligibility.
K Obi Egekeze, Maryland – After caddying for reliable Nick Novak last fall, Egekeze gets his first chance to show why he was one of the country’s top-rated prep kickers in 2004. He’ll continue to battle this summer with Dan Ennis, who’s more consistent, but can’t match Egekeze’s distance on field goals and kickoffs.
Defense
DL Cyril Obiozor, Texas A&M – A native of Nigeria, Obiozor was one of the stars of the past spring. At 6-5 and now more than 280 pounds, he’s beginning to grow out of defensive end, but will line up there to start the season. Obiozor has a powerful base and the quick feet and hands needed to dominate opposing offensive linemen.
DL Stryker Sulak, Missouri – Sulak did not win a starting role in the April, but he did push incumbent Brian Smith to a new level and earned praise from the Mizzou staff for the second consecutive year. He’s quick out of the box, and at 6-5 and 245 pounds, has enough girth to remain on the field on first and second down.
DL Tommie Hill, Colorado State – Ever since the days of Bubba Baker and Mike Bell, Colorado State has been sneaky good at producing pro-caliber ends. Hill has the size, leaping ability and the athleticism to keep that tradition alive over the next four years. Once he fills out his 6-6 frame, Hill is going to be a terror for the rest of the Mountain West to contain.
DL Trey Covington, Maryland – Covington is one of a handful of underclassmen looking to answer the Terps’ want ad for a pass rushing end. He hasn’t completely filled out, but has a great burst and can get around the edge in an instant. Until Covington can add more bulk, he’ll be a situational lineman, who’ll be overmatched on run plays.
LB Merrill Johnson, Auburn – Johnson is undersized, speedy and capable of providing support in run defense. In other words, he’s a clone of the Williams’, senior starters Travis and Antarrious. Johnson used a strong spring to move up to No. 2 on the weakside behind Antarrious Williams.
LB Dannell Ellerbe, Georgia – Ready or not, here comes Ellerbe, one of the plums of Mark Richt’s 2004 recruiting class. A pair of NFL departures and two recent suspensions has thinned the linebacking corp, pushing the hard-hitting blur to the second unit behind Danny Verdun. He’s added 20 good pounds since arriving on campus, ending speculation for now that he’ll make like Thomas Davis, and shift to safety.
LB Ronnie Palmer, Arizona – Palmer was ready to contribute last year, but the coaches wisely convinced him to spend a year getting bigger and learning the system. He emerged this year stronger, wiser and ready to compete for a starting job. Palmer’s up to 240 pounds, but hasn’t lost the closing speed that could make him special.
DB Anthony Vernaglia, Notre Dame – Vernaglia can be put in more positions than a contortionist, but it appears that he’ll have a home at safety for at least this season. At 6-3 and 220 pounds, he’s strongly been considered at linebacker, but he’s so athletic and has such great leaping ability, Irish coaches can’t resist playing him in the secondary.
DB Lovon Ponder, Miami – In Ponder, Miami believes they have the next great ‘Cane safety. He’s got exceptional measurables and a far better grasp of the defense than he had just nine months ago. Increased playing time will come in 2005 as Ponder hones his one-on-one cover skills and eliminates the instances he’s caught out of place.
DB Dawayne Grace, Florida – The competition to back up Dee Webb resumes in August with Grace needing to regain the confidence of the coaching staff following an up and down spring. Consistency has escaped him, but physically, he has the natural gifts to help the Gators at an area of weakness.
DB Bryan Payton, Oregon State – Payton can’t quite fit into Brandon Browner’s clothes, but he is a big corner, who’ll draw comparisons to the former All-League Beaver. And while he suffered through some growing pains this spring, Payton has the size and speed to be a contributor once he cleans up his mechanics.
P Aaron Perez, UCLA – A former prep All-American, Perez is being counted on to replace the booming punts of current Seattle Seahawk Chris Kluwe. He’s got plenty of leg, but needs to get more consistent with his drop in order to solidify his job and prevent placekicker Justin Medlock from pulling double duty
