I had fun making the Top 10 MVP's and that was more based on the value of that person as it relates to the depth of their position, the importance of the position, and how they impact wins in college football.
This list is based on talent (projected - not necessarily proven) and that translating into the NFL. Let me know your thoughts.
1. Marcus Lattimore
Elite Running Backs go real high. Marcus is in that category and could go as high as Trent Richardson did (#3 overall) in the draft. Elite Defensive Ends usually don't go that high and Latt gets the edge over Clowney simply based on production at his point in his career. Marcus is your prototypical "every down " NFL back with his size, vision, and speed.
2. Jadeveon Clowney
Rare blend of size, speed, athleticism and instincts. Has NFL written all over him.
3. Kelcy Quarles
I'm very high on this guy and have been since the first few times I saw him in action last year. He has not only the mean streak you are looking for in an NFL level defensive tackle, but has a huge SPRING in his step - he has the "motor" with the size and speed to go with it. I will project him to be one of the best D-Tackles to come out of SC in a very long time.
4. Devin Taylor
You just gotta love these low ranked skinny players that aren't highly recruited who blossom in college into 1st round NFL picks. I'm a huge fan of this guy, but my only reservation about projecting him at the next level is his size. He's too tall to be an interior lineman and I'm not sure he is strong/explosive enough to be an End. That said, he is very talented and make be coming into his own this year.
5. Brandon Shell
We haven't seen an elite Offensive Tackle come out of SC in very long time as well - no one comes to mind to me. You don't get plugged into the most important position on the line as a RS Freshman and not have talent - this goes has loads of it and comes in at 6'6" and 330lbs. NFL First round talent written all over him.
6. Victor Hampton
We saw with the last NFL draft how much highly-skilled DB's from the SEC are valued with 4 going in the first 17 picks. If this guy can stay out of trouble, become a little more disciplined, he has all the tools to be a 1st Round NFL corner.
7. A.J. Cann
Guy has a legit chance at being a 4 year starter his senior year. He has good size and athleticism to be a very good Guard at the next level.
8. Brandon Wilds
I think this guy has loads of potential for his size. He could be an outstanding Fullback at the next level when he puts on some size and is given an opportunity to block - he's got nice hands as well.
9. Drew Owens
I was really impressed with his hands, size, and athleticism during the spring game. I have a hunch this guy is going to be really good when all is said and done.
10. Reginald Bowens, DeVonte Holloman, D.J. Swearinger
I took the easy way out here and stuck all these guys at #10, but for different reasons. Since we play a defensive set this is not used in the NFL it's hard to project out players to the next level (Antonio Allen falling to the 7th round), but all of these guys have talent in their own right. If he can stay healthy, and get on the field, Bowens could use the NFL workouts and combine to improve his stock - he has great skills for his size. Holloman will get to play where he should all along, and DJ is just undersized for a position that is not highly coveted in the NFL.
11th Man: Connor Shaw
He has an ice cube's chance of making it as an NFL QB, but he will prove out over these next two years that he is very talented in his own right - a much better runner than I ever thought he would be. I could see him making it as a WR at the next level in the right system - Patriots - Wes Welker type of role.
Honorable Mentions: Ace Sanders, Mike Matulis, TJ Johnson, Akeem Auguste, Rory Anderson
True Freshman Who May Make it in next years list: Mike Davis, Jerell Adams, Shaq Roland
This list is based on talent (projected - not necessarily proven) and that translating into the NFL. Let me know your thoughts.
1. Marcus Lattimore
Elite Running Backs go real high. Marcus is in that category and could go as high as Trent Richardson did (#3 overall) in the draft. Elite Defensive Ends usually don't go that high and Latt gets the edge over Clowney simply based on production at his point in his career. Marcus is your prototypical "every down " NFL back with his size, vision, and speed.
2. Jadeveon Clowney
Rare blend of size, speed, athleticism and instincts. Has NFL written all over him.
3. Kelcy Quarles
I'm very high on this guy and have been since the first few times I saw him in action last year. He has not only the mean streak you are looking for in an NFL level defensive tackle, but has a huge SPRING in his step - he has the "motor" with the size and speed to go with it. I will project him to be one of the best D-Tackles to come out of SC in a very long time.
4. Devin Taylor
You just gotta love these low ranked skinny players that aren't highly recruited who blossom in college into 1st round NFL picks. I'm a huge fan of this guy, but my only reservation about projecting him at the next level is his size. He's too tall to be an interior lineman and I'm not sure he is strong/explosive enough to be an End. That said, he is very talented and make be coming into his own this year.
5. Brandon Shell
We haven't seen an elite Offensive Tackle come out of SC in very long time as well - no one comes to mind to me. You don't get plugged into the most important position on the line as a RS Freshman and not have talent - this goes has loads of it and comes in at 6'6" and 330lbs. NFL First round talent written all over him.
6. Victor Hampton
We saw with the last NFL draft how much highly-skilled DB's from the SEC are valued with 4 going in the first 17 picks. If this guy can stay out of trouble, become a little more disciplined, he has all the tools to be a 1st Round NFL corner.
7. A.J. Cann
Guy has a legit chance at being a 4 year starter his senior year. He has good size and athleticism to be a very good Guard at the next level.
8. Brandon Wilds
I think this guy has loads of potential for his size. He could be an outstanding Fullback at the next level when he puts on some size and is given an opportunity to block - he's got nice hands as well.
9. Drew Owens
I was really impressed with his hands, size, and athleticism during the spring game. I have a hunch this guy is going to be really good when all is said and done.
10. Reginald Bowens, DeVonte Holloman, D.J. Swearinger
I took the easy way out here and stuck all these guys at #10, but for different reasons. Since we play a defensive set this is not used in the NFL it's hard to project out players to the next level (Antonio Allen falling to the 7th round), but all of these guys have talent in their own right. If he can stay healthy, and get on the field, Bowens could use the NFL workouts and combine to improve his stock - he has great skills for his size. Holloman will get to play where he should all along, and DJ is just undersized for a position that is not highly coveted in the NFL.
11th Man: Connor Shaw
He has an ice cube's chance of making it as an NFL QB, but he will prove out over these next two years that he is very talented in his own right - a much better runner than I ever thought he would be. I could see him making it as a WR at the next level in the right system - Patriots - Wes Welker type of role.
Honorable Mentions: Ace Sanders, Mike Matulis, TJ Johnson, Akeem Auguste, Rory Anderson
True Freshman Who May Make it in next years list: Mike Davis, Jerell Adams, Shaq Roland
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