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50 college football game-changers for 2010
Washington QB Jake Locker, 2009 Heisman winner Mark Ingram, and Arkansas signal caller Ryan Mallett are the marquee performers in college football for the upcoming season, but virtually every team has a game changer or two.
Here is a list of headline grabbers - the key players that have the ability to alter the flow of the game. Some are a little more obscure than others, but you can bet that opposing coaches are well aware of these players and will have to scheme against them when they show up on their schedule.
You may not readily recognize each and every one, but before the curtain drops on the 2010 season, you will know who these 50 are…
Big Ten
- Purdue QB Robert Marve (6'1-210) a sophomore from Tampa, Fla. and former Miami Hurricane, finally gets his shot with the Boilermakers where he'll compete with Caleb Terbush (6'5-222, soph.). Last year’s starter Joey Elliott leaves taking with him 22 touchdowns and 3,026 yards.
- Michigan State 5-star signee DE /OLB William Gholston (6'7-237) will come in for the Spartans with a chance to make a difference. Should get stronger with super athleticism.
- Iowa’s Jewel Hampton ( 5'9-210, soph.) hurt knee in August ' 09. The running back had 463 yards and 7 scores as backup to Shonn Greene (now with the NY Jets) in 2008.
A couple of more sophomores played well with the opportunity. Adam Robinson had 834 yds. while Brandon Wegher added 641 yds. last season in his absence. Both may have to take a back seat if Hampton is healthy.
- Northwestern TE Drake Dunsmore (6'3-235) had 47 grabs for 523 yards and 3 TDs in 2009. Nine of those catches (for 120 yards) came against Auburn in a 38-35 loss in the Outback Bowl.
- Ohio State OT Michael Adams (6'8-325) may not quite be ready to make Buckeye fans forget Orlando Pace, but this big junior will be a major building block for the OSU offense in 2010 serving as Terrelle Pryor's personal protector.
Pac-10
- UCLA junior safety Rahim Moore (6'1-188) led nation with 10 interceptions in 2009.
- USC RB Dillon Baxter, with all the buzz surrounding this 2010 signee, had an impressive spring camp. The Trojan staff anticipates Dillon will be the player that many expected Joe McKnight to be - a consistent 1,000 yard rusher with around 600 yards receiving. Those close to the program are calling him the next Reggie Bush.
- Washington RB Chris Polk (5'11-210, 4.5) had only 2 appearances in 2008 but accounted for 66% of Husky offense during that brief period before injuries forced him to redshirt. Polk had 1,113 yards in 2009 including 136 against Notre Dame, 132 vs. UCLA, 130 vs. Wash. State and 90 against LSU in the season opener.
- Stanford LB Shayne Skou will be leader for Cardinal defense. He had 62 stops as true freshman and is a player that you build defense around.
- Oregon DE/LB Kenny Rowe (6'3-232) is an undersized DE who excels at pressuring QB bringing tremendous explosion off the edge.
- Oregon RB Lache Seastrunk has a great early opportunity. With the arrest of LaMichael James earlier this year, this 2010 prize signee should make a major splash for the Quack Attack.
Big 12
- Oklahoma State RB Kendall Hunter may be the most under-rated runner in college football. He had 382 yards in 2009 after missing 5 full games and parts of 3 others. Hunter amassed 1,555 yards with 16 touchdowns in 2008. Expectations are that he'll return to sophomore form when he was nation's 6th leading ground gainer.
- Nebraska DT Baker Steinkuhler (6'6-285) didn't hear his name much last fall due to teammate Ndamukong Suh. Baker's dad Dean is an ex-NFL lineman and former Cornhusker All-American. The younger Steinkuhler is ready to be a dominant player in conference.
- Oklahoma LB Tom Wort has super speed (sub-4.5) for the position. His much-anticipated arrival in Norman was cut short due to a knee injury in August preseason.
- Nebraska OT, Jermarcus Hardrick ( 6'7-315) . LSU fans know this guy who committed to Tigers before gilting the purple and gold on an 11th hour switch to Okie. Out of Fort Scott C.C.Originally from Mississippi state power, South Panola H.S. Should man one of Husker tackle spots.
- A 26 year old, Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden (6'4-215), is the replacement for QB Zac Robinson. Weeden completed 62.5 percent in 2009 for 248 yards, 4 TDs and 1 interception in mop up work. He was once a 2nd round MLB draft choice of New York Yankees in 2002.
- Kale Pick (6'2-200), a sophomore QB for the Kansas Jayhawks, only attempted 5 passes in 2009. Yet he is the Jayhawks' 2nd leading returning rusher averaging a healthy 11.9 yards per carry. Pick has grabbed the attention of new coach Turner Gill as a mobile QB in spring.
- Rex Burkhead (5'11-205) of Nebraska rushed for 349 yards in 2009 but did not play in 5 games. In the season finale, he had 17 carries for 92 yards and 1 touchdown against Arizona in a 33-0 win in Pacific Life Holliday Bowl.
- Baylor QB Robert Griffin is not really an unknown but was injured much of 2009, playing in only 3 games after tearing ACL in the 3rd contest. In 2008, he had 2,091 yards and 15 touchdowns passing with 3 interceptions. He could be in Heisman race with quick start in 2010.
- Texas A&M WR Ryan Tannehill ( 6'4-204) . Big target and key component of Aggie offense. A one time QB . Had team best 46 catches for 609 yards and 4 scores.
- Bronson Irwin (6'5-315) is a special true freshman. You can expect to see him in lineup at offensive guard early in season.
- Texas Longhorn CB duo Aaron Williams and Chykie Brown may be the best in the country.
ACC
- Has Virginia Tech replaced USC as the new Tailback U? The Hokies are loaded...
- Ryan Williams (1,655 yards in 2009 as RS freshman)
- Darren Evans (1,265 yards in 2008 as a sophomore)
- Tony Gregory (RS freshman with 4.33 forty speed)
- David Wilson (the 4th-rated RB in country in class of 2009, he was Virginia Gatorade Player of Year after 2,291 yards and 35 TDs in 2008).
- Jeff Luc, Florida State 2010 signee, is rated among all-time best LBs entering his freshman season.
- Boston College LB Mark Herzlich was college football feel-good story in 2009 after beating Ewing Sarcoma Cancer, diagnosed in May 2009. Also, keep an eye on sophomore linebacker Luke Kuechly, who stepped in and performed well in Herzlich's absence.
- Florida State DT Jacobbi McDaniel (6'0-277), a 2009 major signee for 'Noles, is ready to step up after showing flashes in spring.
SUN BELT
- Alfred Morris from Florida Atlantic is the returning leading rusher in conference with 1,392 yards and 11 touchdowns. The 5'11, 222 pound junior is one of college football's best kept secrets after becoming the 10th leading returning rusher in nation.
- Dwight Dasher (5'10-202) from Middle Tennesee is a WOW kind of player. The senior had 1,154 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns including a bowl record of 201 yards in 42-32 win over Southern Miss in R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. The talented QB passed for 2,789 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2009.
CUSA
- David Becham (5'10-190), a UTEP senior, is the 4th returning leading rusher in nation with 1,594 yards in 2009, 14 touchdowns ( 6.7 yards per carry) Tireless worker. YAC.
- Rice RB Sam McDuffie, once a 2008 Michigan freshman with 486 yards, 3 touchdowns on limited basis, has great acceleration and makes great open field cuts. Hie had to sit out the 2009 campaign after transferring.
- Bo Levi Mitchell (6'1-201), the SMU QB missed 6 1/2 games, including the bowl game due to injury. He still managed to throw for 1,725 yards, 12 TD's with 10 interceptions. Mitchell runs June Jones' high-powered offense for the Ponies.
- Tulane LB, Duke transfer Trent Mackey (5'10-225), brings much needed spark and flash to the Wave defense.
WAC
- Robert Turbin (5'10-202), a Utah State junior, had 1,296 yards and 13 touchdowns. He is the returning leading ground gainer in WAC.
- La. Tech RB Lennon Creer (6'1-210) was a 2007 Tennessee Vol signee. He joins another former Vol teammate, WR Ahmad Paige out of Sterlingon High, as well as former LSU Tiger WR Tim Molton (Destrehan High) to give the Bulldogs a shot in arm.
Mountain West
- A 5-star 2010 signee, QB Jake Heaps from BYU, will look to fill the Provo void with Max Hall's departure. Heaps is strong and accurate and was the 2008 Washington Gatorade Player of Year.
Big East
- Vidal Hazelton (6'2-210) in 2008 had only 6 catches for 38 yards and no touchdowns at USC. In 2007 with the Trojans, he had 50 grabs for 540 yards and 4 scores. Hazelton has found new home with the Cincinnati Bearcats. He dominated in fall and spring drills and is expected to fill a role for departed WR Mardy Gilyard who had 87- 1,191 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2009.
- Pittsburgh junior WR Jonathan Baldwin (6'5-225) had 57 catches for 1,111 yards and 8 touchdowns including 8 catches in 2 games last season (against UConn and West Virginia).
-Jock Sanders (5'7-178) from West Virginia demands attention. Most focus on RB Noel Devine, but the St. Petersburg senior had 72 grabs for 688 yards and 3 touchdowns and added 35 carries for 175 yards and 1 touchdown. Twelve of his catches (for 115 yards) came against Auburn.
- West Virginia LB J.T. Thomas is a tremendous playmaker as a blitzer. He is considered the most athletic LB in Mountaineer program in last 10-12 years who is unblockable in practice.
SEC
- LSU LB Kelvin Sheppard (6'3-239) could be the next defensive standout produced by Tigers. Everyone is talking up CB Patrick Peterson, but Sheppard should make a bigger overall impact.
- Georgia WR Tavarres King (6'1-184), a 4-star 2008 signee, will turn heads. Everyone knows about junior receiver A.J. Green, but the redshirt sophomore King was productive in 2009 despite injuries.
- Cameron Newton (6'6-245) played a little at Florida in 2007 and 2008 before leaving the school due to off-the-field problems. The big signal caller from Blinn College decided on Auburn in tug-o-war over Mississippi State and Oklahoma. Newton should flourish as starter under offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn.
- South Carolina RB Marcus Lattimore (5'11-215, 4.46) is a big-time 2010 signee and biggest Gamecock addition in years. The USC defense has carried their own, but the offense will have to make more of an impact. Lattimore will be counted on early.
- Florida QB John Brantley must not be sold short considering 99.9% of all college QBs would have been a backup at Florida in 2009 behind Tim Tebow. Brantley is fundamentally sound and more polished than Tebow as a passer.
- Ray Dominquez, an OT at Arkansas (6'4-330) is a mainstay on Hog O-line for QB Ryan Mallett. The senior will protect the left side for a pass-happy attack.
- Vandy junior LB Chris Marve is the returning leading tackler in the SEC with 121 stops in 2009 and had 105 tackles in 2008.
- LSU's Russell Shepard (6'1-188) is really not a well-kept secret to LSU fans but should be the "X" factor in LSU offense in 2010. It's not all about where the true sophomore plays but the number of touches and productivity from those touches. Shepard has made tremendous strides this spring as an overall player who should play often as a slot receiver.
- James Carpenter of Alabama is a talented left tackle. This 2009 JUCO signee came on like gang-busters as the season progressed and should be a Jacobs Award candidate as the nation's best blocker.
- Alabama junior safety Mark Barron returns after leading the SEC with 7 interceptions.
written by Sanu From Rutgers!, June 04, 2010
With the RU QB was also a true frosh. Both the QB Savage and WR Sanu will have big years. Sanu will put up clost to 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 15TDs!!!
Sanu is a top 50 impact player!
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written by Dick Levis, May 27, 2010
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written by Eric, May 25, 2010
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written by Sanu From Rutgers!, May 21, 2010
A true dual threat WR/Wildcat. He got it rolling last year as a true frosh. 150+ yards/ game and 6 TDs in his last 3 games.
Bigger things in year 2. One of the top impact players in the country and a Heisman candidate in 2010!
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written by husker, May 18, 2010
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written by john mulliniks, May 18, 2010
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written by KLL, May 17, 2010
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written by KLL, May 17, 2010
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written by Steven, May 17, 2010
You mention USC signees yet fail to add OSU's Jaquizz Rodgers a 1400 yard rusher (or his brother, the leading reciever in the Pac-10) and Oregon's LaMicheal James, a 1500 yard rusher AS A FRESHMAN. and set the pac-10 freshman rushing record (he is only sitting one game)
do an ounce of research before you make a column.
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written by AgFan, May 17, 2010
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written by NCNeer, May 17, 2010
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written by txag1208, May 17, 2010
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written by MinerTim, May 17, 2010
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written by lol Hand times lol, May 17, 2010
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written by T.H.Williams, May 17, 2010
But that 2010 LSU football team, is a horse of a different ability...lO!
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written by Big 10 rules, May 17, 2010
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written by Philip, May 17, 2010
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written by T.H.Williams, May 17, 2010
Patrick Peterson-4.20
Ron Brooks-4.23
Drayton Calhoun-4.24
Morris Claiborne-4.25
Chris Tolliver-4.33
Russell Shepared-4.36
I would feel safe to say, that the 2010 LSU defense backfield, is going to be a few steeps faster, don't you?
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