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View Full Version : Who are your star play makers?


JessJess6713
07-11-2008, 10:58 PM
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I'm a Georgia fan, so I'll do this for Georgia. Other teams use my format and chime in. Just try not to be a crazy fan and list your whole roster. Try to keep it to 3 players on each side of the ball. Have a hay day with the newbies, but be realistic. I don't want to here about a guy that won't see the field. Alabama will obviously have the biggest newbie list, everyone else doesn't need to try to inflate to look good next to it.

Offense:

1. Knowshon Moreno (RB)
The guy Georgia fans love to love. That's double love. You've all seen him
run, or you should have. He broke 100 yards in five straight games last
year (Vandy-Kentucky), and 150 yards in three (Vandy-Troy). Averaging
5.4 per carry, he put up greater than 100 yards in every game that he
had more than 20 carries. Not bad for a freshman.

2. Mathew Stafford (QB)
Love him or hate him, he can get the job done and he's loaded with
natural skill. He's 7-1 against ranked opponents in games that he started
(that stat is courtesy of Dean Legge). He just keeps getting better every
year, and leads the team with confidence.

3. Trinton Sturdivant (OL)
He got all kinds of freshman honors last year. Apart from being named to
the SEC All-Freshman Team, he was named the the All-American First
Teams for CollegeFootballNews.com, Sporting News, Rivals.com, and
Scout.com. He's coming back to start as a veteran who's 20 pounds
heavier and stronger (now at 305lbs).

Defense:

1. Dennelle Ellerbe (LB)
He's a guy on the team that doesn't get enough attention. Yeah, he gets
attention, but not enough. He was responsible for 93 tackles last year.
That's 29 more tackles than Asher Allen. He had 63 unassisted tackles,
five sacks, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and 12 tackles for a
loss. The only player to have more TFL's was Geno Atkins.

2. Geno Atkins (DT)
He's a great DT in a group that is very deep. He had 14.5 TFL's last year
with 13 unassisted. He has 7.5 sacks (6 unassisted) coming through O
lines. I couldn't find any stats on this, but he was responsible for a lot of
hurries and busted plays too.

3. Asher Allen (CB)
He had 64 tackles (50 unassisted), 3 interceptions, and a host of broken
up passes (I couldn't find that stat). He only had 2 sacks, 4 TFL's, and a
single fumble recovery but he was more valuable in coverage than
applying pressure. He's important on the defense but he's also a return
man. He averages about 25 yards a return, which isn't awe inspiring, but
a nice add on to a good defensive player.

Newbies:

1. AJ Green (HS WR)
He's a massive talent. He is capable of grabbing badly thrown balls almost
in stride (insert Mathew Stafford insult here). He can catch over his far
shoulder where most receivers cannot. He reminds me of Calvin Johnson.
Most importantly, he has a great talent where Georgia is typically weak,
helping to create a more well rounded attack.

2. Caleb King (RS RB)
He will be Felix Jones to Moreno's Darren McFadden. The fan hype is big,
the coach player respect follows suit, he looked impressive at G-Day, and
his highlights are just plain exciting to watch. Look for him to light up the
field.

3. Justin Houston (RS DE)
He's second on the depth chart. Georgia doesn't have any super stars at
DE, but a whole group of really good DE's in competition. Willie Martinez
loves to rotate the defense to keep them fresh, so he'll see plenty of play
time. He sheds blocks and jukes O lineman like running back do would be
tacklers. His name will get called out by announcers frequently.

4. Taveras King (HS WR)
He's an early enrollee, so he's already adjusted to the system. He has
great speed, and has already well exceeded the coaches' original
expectations. He's moving up the depth chart, and will get on the field
when we're not up by 30+ points.

Biggest Team Strength:

Depth all over.

An amazing and electric first team could not navigate our schedule without depth. There are too many tough games in a row for the best team in the nation to win out with a shallow depth chart. How many teams are we playing that have coaches that have won at least one NC?

Thankfully, we have it. It doesn't make our schedule undaunting, but it makes it possible.

We have five solid running backs behind Knowshon. The depth of our offensive line is getting tested right away, and it's looking optimistic. We may have as many as 4 starters and a backup on offense out for the first 2 games, which could turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Our first 2 games are easy enough for it not to matter, and our backups will be prepped and ready in case anything happens. Our best WR's may not even be at the top of our depth charts, and TE is looking thick as well.
I'm not going to BS that losing Stafford would be beyond problematic, but Joe Cox can get the job done (though I doubt his ability to really carry a team) and Logan Gray is raw talent. They couldn't save us if Stafford got injured, but they can give him breaks when he needs them.

Defense is where our real depth resides. Comparable defensive players will cycle, stay fresh, and back each other up all year. We are crazy deep at DT and DE. Our starting LB corp is intimidating. I didn't even get Rennie Curran on the defensive play maker list; but maybe I'm dumb for that. We're not as deep there, but still deep. Our back up corners are a SR and a JR with varsity experience for every year they've been at Georgia. Safety is our thinnest spot.

Benny
07-11-2008, 11:16 PM
Offense:
Anthony Dixon and Christian Ducre. Both will be pretty good and will have to be. Our offense will rely mostly on the running game with a little bit better passing game (I hope).

Defense:
Derek Pegues is the obvious playmaker on defense aswell as ST. Anthony Johnson would've been included in this list but it looks like he will redshirt next season. Jamar Chaney will be good as will the other two safeties Kieth Fitzhugh and De'Mon Glanton. Look for KJ Wright to have a good year aswell.

Tennessee Ted
07-11-2008, 11:51 PM
Offense- Arian Foster

Well on his way to becoming the #1 rusher in Volunteer history. Not too shabby with names like Jamaal Lewis, Travis Henry, Cedric Houston, and James Little Man Stewart in our history. Foster also showed some receiving skills last year. It will be interesting if new OC Dave Clawson will feature these skills along with his running talent.

Defense - Eric Berry

Sophomore phenom Eric Berry will look to be a major player on the Vol defense this year. He is best known for making big plays including a big pick and 6 on Heisman QB Tim Tebow. This play nearly turned the tide of the game until Tebow laid a can of as#whippin' on us.

DJShockisBack
07-12-2008, 12:24 AM
Asher Allen is a CB not a LB, Jess.

Sabanocchio
07-12-2008, 12:58 AM
I'll give you my top-five playmakers or who I expect them to be this season:

1. Arian Foster RB

You have to go Foster here, because he has proved his consistency as a playmaker and will end his career as one of the best runningbacks to ever don the orange and white.

2. Eric Berry S

The secret is out. Eric Berry is good. But not just, intercept some balls - return them for some yardage good, he is flat out potential to be the best defensive player in the SEC good. 'Nuff said.

3. Jonathan Crompton QB - Perhaps Crompton's best asset going into the season is the unknown. No one really knows how good/bad he's going to be, and the offense is so secretive that players have been instructed to not answer any media questions concerning the offense. The element of surprise is being taken advantage of, and Crompton is ready to pounce.

4. Gerald Jones WR-

Jones came on the last half of the year, recovering from some early injuries and boy did he shine. UT has and will continue to run the "G-gun" with him - a similar formation to the one that Arkansas used utilizing Darren McFadden. The play is as electric as the player lining up as quarterback and expect some passes thrown by the former QB as well. Lucas Taylor has thrown some touchdown passes out of this formation and may continue to line up at it. Or will Eric Berry? We really don't know yet.

5. Lucas Taylor WR-

Taylor was the only receiver to receive for 1000 yards in the entire SEC last season. He will continue to be the Vols best receiver and will catch passes from the guy who used to throw to him on the Scout team, Jonathan Crompton. If he is as good as last year, we are in good shape. If he is better, watch out.

Coqui
07-12-2008, 01:18 AM
OFFENSE
1. Kenny McKinley
2. Jared Cook
3. Vacancy

DEFENSE

1. Emmanuel Cook
2. Eric Norwood
3. Jasper Brinkley
4. Captain Munnerlyn

nooneLT
07-12-2008, 01:21 AM
Alabama...not counting our incoming freshmen.

Offense:
Terry Grant
JPW

Defense:
Rolando McClain
Rashad Johnson

Special Teams:
Javier Arenas

JerryBeeds
07-12-2008, 01:22 AM
Lloyd Mortimer Vander Graft.

AuburnPawnTiger
07-12-2008, 08:56 AM
Offense

Brad Lester, Rb, Lester has an amazing burst to get up to speed in a hurry. Has a nack for finding the endzone
Ben Tate, RB, Tate is a physical runner with great understanding of cut back lanes that finishes every run
Rod Smith WR, former walk on (prob 0 star recruit) works hard every day, great route runner , soft hands , not afraid to go across the middle to make the tough catch

Defense
Sen'Derrick Marks, DT Hands down leader of the defense, Very fast with long arms, bats down lots of passes and has blocked a FG or two

Tray Blackmon, when healthy one of the best LB in the country. Probably the fastest MLB in the SEC. Loves the contact. Plays with an attitude

RJYH
07-12-2008, 09:59 AM
Offense

JPW-say what you want, but he can make plays.
Terry Grant- explosive, great cutback, recieving threat out of the backfield.
Mike McCoy- young and raw, great hands.
Roy Upchurch- gets the tough yards, great between the tackles.
Andre Smith- All American, one of the best in the nation.

Defense

Rolando McClain- Freshman All SEC
Rashad Johnson- Walk on, interception leader, speed and toughness.
Kareem Jackson- Physical, speedy, playmaker.
Javier Arenas- explosive playmaker in the return game, looked great at DB in the spring.

Special Teams

Javier Arenas

JessJess6713
07-12-2008, 10:40 AM
Asher Allen is a CB not a LB, Jess.

Yeah, my bad. I was in cruise mode late last night and I started putting some names down without thinking about them so I could order them and eliminate some. I put Marcus Howard down and replaced him with Asher Allen immediately bc Howard had graduated (and felt kind of dumb about it). I missed changing up the position.

One dumb mistake deserves another. Mark me down for two.

ColonelKurtz
07-12-2008, 11:22 AM
Looks like nobody comprendes the topic, for you simply cannot have more than just a couple of STAR play makers. Hell, if all these guys y'all have listed were really STARS, then not a one of them would play on a real TEAM. Remember, there is only one ball in play....

For UGA, the Offensive star will be QB Matt Stafford. As he goes, so goes the Dawg Offense.

For the D, it's Senior DE Jeremy Lomax's stage and I predict he will surpass former teammate Howard's 10.5 sacks this Fall.

JessJess6713
07-12-2008, 11:51 AM
Looks like nobody comprendes the topic, for you simply cannot have more than just a couple of STAR play makers. Hell, if all these guys y'all have listed were really STARS, then not a one of them would play on a real TEAM. Remember, there is only one ball in play....

For UGA, the Offensive star will be QB Matt Stafford. As he goes, so goes the Dawg Offense.

For the D, it's Senior DE Jeremy Lomax's stage and I predict he will surpass former teammate Howard's 10.5 sacks this Fall.

Yeah, there are a lot of interpretations of star players (local/national, highly skilled/stand alone, ect..). I attempted to clear things up by getting specific and asking for three. I was trying to avoid a semantic nightmare (and arguement), and get some lists with explanations and statistics (instead of just a bunch of names). Not everyone did that, but the responses haven't been too bad.

As for the Lomax thing. Defense was hard for me to do. I kept bouncing around on who to put in the three b/c of our depth. I couldn't argue with a list that had Lomax on it.

KHVols1387
07-12-2008, 12:48 PM
Offensive
Arian Foster - He should put up some big numbers this year by getting at least 30 touches a game. He is a workhorse that flat out makes people miss.
Gerald Jones - I see him getting a lot more snaps in the G-Gun this year. He is way too valuable to keep on the bench. I think Clawson will get him the ball in any way he can.
Jonathan Crompton - I think he will do more than just replace Ainge. He will make some mistakes from a lack of experience but he has a big arm and will also make plays with his feet. Unlike Ainge, hes got some balls and won't be afraid to take a hit.

Defense
Eric Berry - He is the best in the SEC. I see him taking over a more leadership role this year and continue to lead by example. The guy is incredible.
Rico McCoy - He is a beast that is all over the field. He is also known for his big hits(some after the play is over). It's hard to replace Jerod Mayo but I think he will come pretty dang close.
Demetrice Morley - With Eric Berry opposite of him, look for him to make some big plays in the secondary. He was one of the best freshmen in the league a couple of years ago. Look for him to prove a lot in his comeback campaign.

Special Teams
Dennis Rogan - Finally! We haven't had someone that has consistently returned punts well for a long time. He provided a spark for our team with a few sensational returns last year. I hope to see him do the same thing this year.

GeauxTo
07-12-2008, 02:35 PM
Offense:
Anthony Dixon


I think Anthony Dixon is the real deal; a real hoss! He should have a great year in 2008, especially against lackluster defenses like he will find in Tuscaloser.
:p

GeauxTo
07-12-2008, 02:44 PM
Offense
Our Running Backs: Richard Murphy, Keiland Williams, Charles Scott, and Trindon Holliday
Our OL: Center Brett Helms, LG Herman Johnson, LT Ciron Black, RT Joseph Barksdale
WRs: Demetrius Byrd, Brandon Lafell
Kicker: Colt David

Defense
Our DL: RE Tyson Jackson, LE Kirston Pittman, RT Ricky Jean Francois, LT Charles Alexander
Linebacker: Darry Beckwith
Safety: Chad Jones
CB: Patrick Johnson

Cianne
07-12-2008, 02:50 PM
Offense:

1. RB/WR/QB/KR Dexter McCluster
2. QB Jevan Snead
3. RB Cordera Eason/Enrique Davis

Defense:

1. DE Greg Hardy/Kentrell Lockett
2. DT Peria Jerry
3. LB Ashlee Palmer/Jonathan Cornell/Allen Walker/Patrick Trahan

lacene
07-12-2008, 04:24 PM
For the Gamecocks:

Offense

1) Kenny McKinley - our top returning receiver, when his career is done, McKinley will own nearly all USC career records for receiving, such as total yards, receptions and receiving TD's.

2) Jared Cook - Cook will actually be pushed for top TE at USC by sophomore Wesley Saunders, but IMO his WR speed will be more needed early in the season. He should equal - and possibly surpass - his '07 totals of 30 receptions, 421 receiving yards, and 3 TD's.

3) The OL - even though this is an entire unit, and not an individual player, the OL will still play heavily into how well our offense performs in '08 - just as it did for both '06 and '07. The only good thing about the musical chair rotation of the starting OL last season was that so many young linemen got opportunities to start and get extensive playing time and experience. If the OL struggles again this season, the team will also struggle to win games.

Defense

1) Jasper Brinkley - coming back from a season injury as severe as Brinkley's last season, it's not always a sure thing that a player would be able to return to their former form. However, Brinkley's injury - a soft tissue tear - was as clean an injury as one of its' nature can produce, resulting in a healing process and physical functionality that should reach 100% recovery. The only thing remaining is full mental recovery of the player. In Jasper's last full season, in '06, he led the Gamecocks in total tackles - with 80% recorded as solo stops - and in tackles for loss. The biggest failing of the USC defense in '07 was its' defense against the run, which falls under Brinkley's biggest strengths. We'll need him back, and in full form.

2) Emanuel Cook - Cook is not a ball hawk, he's an opposing player hawk. A ferocious hitter with a nose for the ball, Cook led USC in '07 in total tackles with 92, including 77 solo tackles (84%), was 3rd with 8.0 TFL's, 4 sacks, and 3 INT's. A hit from Cook would make an opponent remember his name, if it didn't leave them wondering what day of the week it was...

3) Eric Norwood - two things were determined by incoming DC Ellis Johnson upon taking over in Columbia: that USC was fortunate in the wealth of DL-men, and that All-SEC DE Norwood's talents for swarming to the ball and tackling would be better served at LB. Norwood led the SEC at the DE position in '07 in total tackles (69 - 2nd on the team), TFL (19.5 - 3rd overall in SEC), and fumble recoveries (3-1st in SEC overall). He was 10th in SEC in sacks. If Norwood can navigate the transition to LB, He will join Brinkley and Paulk (4th for USC in tackles in '07) to make a formidable LB group that should be very proficient at plugging holes in the line of scrimmage for opposing RB's.