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Walker and Lott Semifinalists Announced

Photo – DE Eric Norwood - South Carolina

Jacquizz Rogers Earns Walker Nominee
Oregon St University athlete Jacquizz Rodgers has been named one of 10 semifinalists for the 20th annual Doak Walker Award, given annually to the nation’s top running back in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Rodgers was also named to the 16-player Maxwell Award (top overall player) semifinalist list last week.
The sophomore running back from Richmond, Texas is tied for second in the nation for touchdowns scored with 16 and is third in the Pac-10 Conf for rushing at 109.9 yards per game.
The 2008 Pac-10 Freshman of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year (first freshman ever) is already fifth at OSU for career rushing yards with 2,242 in just 20 games. He has been named the Pac-10’s Offensive Player of the Week four times during his brief OSU stint, including after a career-high 189-yard four-touchdown performance against Stanford earlier this season.

Doak Walker Semifinalists

Donald Buckram (Jr., UTEP)
Jonathan Dwyer (Jr., Georgia Tech)
Toby Gerhart (Sr., Stanford)
Mark Ingram (So., Alabama)
Dion Lewis Freshman Pittsburgh
Ryan Mathews (Jr., Fresno St)
Jacquizz Rodgers (So., Oregon St)
C.J. Spiller (Sr., Clemson)
Ben Tate (Sr., Auburn)
Ryan Williams (Redshirt-Fr., Virginia Tech)

The winner of the Doak Walker Award will be announced as part of the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show Dec 10, 2009.

Lott Trophy Semifinalists

DE Sam Acho (Texas)
Safety Eric Berry (Tennessee)
DE Jerry Hughes TCU
Safety Taylor Mays (USC)
LB Rolando McClain (Alabama)
DT Gerald McCoy (Oklahoma)
DE Eric Norwood (South Carolina)
DT Ndaumkong Suh (Nebraska)

Frank Coyle is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc.

NFL Power Rankings – Week 10

Team of the Week - Saints
Player of the Week – Kurt Warner

Photo – Drew Brees - Saints

Rank / Team

1. Indianapolis Colts (8-0)
Colts face their arch rival this week with the Patriots coming to town.

2. New Orleans Saints (8-0)
The Saints are very explosive behind Drew Brees in this high powered attack.

3. Minnesota Vikings (7-1)
The Vikings’ and Brett Farve are well rested with the Lions coming to town.

4. New England Patriots (6-2)
Patriots and QB Tom Brady are hitting stride and could be the best in the league in time.

5. Dallas Cowboys (6-2)
Cowboys are peaking as the second half begins with many key NFC games on the agenda.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)
Steelers are prepping for a major AFC North battle with the Bengals coming to town.

7. Cincinnati Bengals (6-2)
The Bengals face their acid test with trip to Pittsburgh this week.

8. Denver Broncos (6-2)
The Broncos lost tough game vs Steelers and holds only a 1 game lead over rising Chargers.

9. Arizona Cardinals (5-3)
Cards’ Kurt Warner toasted the Bears with 5 TD passes to keep them atop the NFC West standings.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (5-3)
Eagles go on road to San Diego and Chicago next in key matchups.

11. Atlanta Falcons (5-3)
Falcons face a critical run of five NFC matchups on the schedule that may determine their fate this season.

12. San Diego Chargers (5-3)
Chargers won a key game vs the Giants that keeps them just behind the Broncos with the critical second half of the season starting.

13. New York Giants (5-4)
The Giants lost their 4th game in a row and are looking more like the Detroit Lions that title contenders.

14. Baltimore Ravens (4-4)
Ravens facing a must win situation after recent losses and have the Browns in key Monday night contest.

15. Houston Texans (5-4)
Texans have improved nicely this season and get a bye this week to prepare for playoff run.

16. New York Jets (4-4)
Bye week preps them for critical stretch run that will decide their playoff hopes.

17. Chicago Bears (4-4)
Bears are struggling to get any momentum together to mount a playoff run.

18. Green Bay Packers (4-4)
Packers were horrible vs the Bucs and have to regroup quickly with the Cowboys coming to town.

19. Miami Dolphins (3-5)
The Dolphins have played many tough games and look to soft schedule to get back into playoff hunt.

20. Buffalo Bills (3-5)
Bills look to make a run here with a stretch of games vs non contenders over next five weeks.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-4)
Jags need a winning streak now to get into the playoff hunt.

22. San Francisco 49ers (3-5)
The 49ers are struggling and need to regroup for Thursday night game vs the Bears.

23. Carolina Panthers (3-5)
Panthers are slip sliding away this season.

24. Seattle Seahawks (3-5)
Seahawks hit the road for three weeks with little hope of getting back in the playoff picture.

25. Tennessee Titans (2-6)
Titans have won two in a row and hope to finish strong with an eye on next season.

26. Washington Redskins (2-6)
Skins have shown little this season and will look to wholesale changes this offseason.

27. Oakland Raiders (2-6)
The Raiders are hoping to correct things for second half after bye week.

28. Kansas City Chiefs (1-7)
Chiefs face a tough stretch of games to finish a very forgettable season.

29. Cleveland Browns (1-7)
Browns at home on Monday night vs Ravens with a chance at some credibility.

30. St. Louis Rams (1-7)
The Rams get the Saints after bye week with a chance to end their run at perfection.

31. Tampa Bay Bucs (1-7)
The Bucs shocked the Packers for their first win of the season.

32. Detroit Lions (1-7)
Lions face a tough second half schedule and working on a five game losing streak.

DraftInsiders.com and ProFootballDraftNetwork.com
will be collaborating on a weekly article posted mid week during the college football regular season to review the prior weeks most notable performances from a NFL Draft 2010 perspective.

NFL Draft 2010 Prospects - Week 10

Frank Coyle - www.draftinsiders.com
Draft Insiders’ Digest –19th Season

Eric Berry - Fast Rising Prospect
Photo - Eric Berry - Tennessee

Safety Eric Berry, Junior – Tennessee
Savvy junior safety has been the catalyst of the emerging Vols defense this season. He can play both in the box and in space with playmaking talent in several roles. He beats blocking angles very effectively in run support and finishes with strong sure tackling. He has good coverage instincts with the ability to break on the ball in pass coverage. At times, he has attempted to do too much this fall, but has performed at a more consistent level over the past month He can intimidate with his physical hits and has a keen sense of the ball with the ability to anticipate and the athleticism to make the big play. Berry is one interception and 8 yards away from breaking an NCAA record career record. It will be interesting to see what Berry decides this January related to turning pro after his junior campaign.

RB Toby Gerhart– Senior – Stanford
Big physical senior running back had another strong performance in the Stanford upset win over Oregon. He is a powerfully built back who has performed very well in the Pac 10, displaying very strong inside running with the burst of speed to break big plays. Against Oregon, he set a school single-game record with 223 rushing yards on 38 carries and three TDs. He uses his powerful big frame to run over defenders, though he has the lateral quickness and speed that allows him to break into the second level. He has outstanding hands with good speed and quickness that allows him to make yardage after the reception. He is a well rounded runner with natural running skills that will earn him an invite to a major All-star game.

LB Sean Lee - Senior – Penn St
Athletic senior linebacker has been instrumental in the success of the Penn St defense over the past few seasons. Over his career, he has struggled staying on the field at times, but has been highly productive when physically right. He is a savvy versatile athletic backer who flows to the ball well and finishes with strong sure tackling. He has been considered a highly regarded first round prospect, though his injury history probably forces him later in the selection process. His postseason action and medical and physical process will be watched closely by NFL scouts to determine his pro potential.

WR Arrelious Benn - Junior – Illinois
Smooth junior receiver was instrumental in the Illinois victory over Minnesota when he recorded his first TD reception of the season. He is a playmaker with impact ability, but has struggled in this offense that has had very inconsistent QB play this fall. He is a highly rated prospect who flashes impact ability as both a receiver and return specialist. He combines very good size, speed, agility and hands along with a fine level of development that will make him highly valuable for the pro game. He displays a well developed skill set for the position, though he needs some route development to be ready for the pro game. He could be one of the top junior playmakers in this draft class with a strong finish and he decides to declare pro this January.

LB Von Miller – Junior – Texas A&M
Explosive defender has displayed impact ability over his Big 12 career and has had a strong season this fall. He has been a difference maker for this club, relying on a very quick first step and good hand technique to separate from blockers with the upfield speed to pressure and sack the QB. He has the frame to fill out further to become an every down pro defender on the outside in a 4-3 front. He lacks the bulk and size to play up in the 3-4 scheme, though his rangy frame could fill out over time. His ability to apply pressure off the edge will earn him much attention if he decides to turn pro. With another season as a collegian, he could be one of the top defenders next fall and a prime prospect for the NFL Draft 2011.

Denis Krusos - Editor
Pro Football Draft Network
www.profootballdraftnetwork.com

G Thomas Austin, Senior, Clemson
Clemson ripped Florida State 40-24. The Tigers rushed for 241 yards on 37 attempts (6.5 per). C.J. Spiller had a career-high 165 yards rushing and Clemson also passed for 242 yards. The offensive fireworks were aided by an offensive line that opened holes for runners and provided protection (1 sack allowed) for Clemson’s quarterback, Kyle Parker. LG Thomas Austin had an efficient overall game. He moved his feet well in pass protection and sunk his hips when drive-blocking. Austin is an experienced three-year starter and the leader of Clemson’s offensive line. His versatility, football smarts and work ethic are all positives that NFL teams will take notice of. Austin has played left and right guard, as well as center at Clemson. His ability to play all three interior offensive line positions may be his greatest strength.

DE Cory Wootton, Senior, Northwestern
Wootton does not appear to be completely recovered physically or mentally from tearing his ACL in his right knee during the 2008 Alamo Bowl. However, he did flash his considerable potential during Northwestern’s 17-10 upset of Iowa. Wootton swooped in to sack Iowa quarterback, Ricky Stanzi, in the endzone. The hit caused a fumble that was recovered by Northwestern for a touchdown and totally changed the game. Northwestern narrowed Iowa’s lead to 10-7 with the fumble recovery and stuffed the Hawkeyes’ offense the rest of the game. Stanzi was forced to leave the game after injuring an ankle on the game-changing play. Wootton did a fine job of controlling the offensive lineman in front of him and denying running room. Iowa gained only 65 yards on the ground and averaged a meager 2.4 yards per carry. Wootton has the size (6’ 6” and 270 pounds), athleticism and long arms that NFL teams look for in a defensive end. He will be closely watched to see how well he plays the rest of the season.

WR Dezmon Briscoe, Junior, Kansas
Briscoe scored the lone Kansas touchdown on a 17-yard reception in a 17-10 loss to Kansas State. Briscoe has been making big plays and scoring touchdowns for the Jayhawks since his true freshman season. He has good size and speed and can make something happen with his run-after-the-catch ability. Briscoe finished the game against Kansas State with 7 receptions for 76 yards (10.8 per). The junior receiver leads KU with 6 touchdown receptions this year. His skill-set will be in demand if he decides to declare for the 2010 NFL Draft.

DE Cameron Heyward, Junior, Ohio State
Penn State’s spread HD offense suffered a power outage against Ohio State’s defense in a 24-7 win for the Buckeyes. Cameron Heyward had a career game with 11 tackles, 3 tackles for loss and 2 sacks. The huge (6’ 6” and 287 lbs) and athletic defensive end was too much for the Penn State offensive line. The Nittany Lions scored season-low 7 points and had only 201 yards of total offense. Heyward helped make life difficult for quarterback, Daryll Clark, (12 of 28 (43%) for 125 yards and an interception) and running back, Evan Royster (13 carries for 36 yards (2.8 per)). Heyward is a true junior and may decide to return to Ohio State for his senior year. He could use another year improving his technique and anticipation (although Penn State would disagree). Heyward has the physical tools to skyrocket up draft boards with a big 2010 senior year. Defensive linemen with his size and athletic ability do not grow on trees. He has the potential of being a very high 1st round draft choice in 2011.

RB Jahvid Best, Junior, Cal
Best suffered a serious concussion against Oregon State as Cal lost 31-14. The exciting junior running back took to the air on a 7-yard scoring run and landed hard on his back and neck. He was released from the hospital and his CT scans came back normal. Best also had a minor concussion in the previous week’s game against Arizona State. . He will miss Cal’s next game and the team will proceed with caution before clearing him to play. His durability has to be a question mark for NFL evaluators. He does not have a powerful frame with narrow hips and a slender lower body. Best’s game is all about speed and quickness. He may have to re-think his aerial leaps. Reggie Bush is Best’s idol, but he would be better off studying how Tony Dorsett ran into the Pro Football Hall of Fame despite being small. Dorsett never left his feet and Best’s scary fall illustrates the risks of leaping high and far.

Frank Coyle
Draft Insiders’ Digest –19th Season

Florida Retains #1 Ranking

Team of the Week – Stanford

Player of the Week –
Toby Gerhart - Stanford
Stanford running back Toby Gerhart set a school single-game record with 223 rushing yards (on 38 carries) as the Cardinal defeated 7th-ranked Oregon, 51-42. During the game, Gerhart scored three TDs as Stanford, 6-3 (5-2 in Pac 10) became bowl eligible for the first time since 2001.

Photo – Running back Toby Gerhart – Stanford

Team / Ranking

1. Florida (9-0) – Gators rolling to the SEC title game.

2. Alabama (9-0) – Tide won a tough battle with LSU that probably leads to showdown with Florida in SEC clash.

3. Texas (9-0) – Longhorns are getting better each week.

4. Cincinnati (9-0) - Bearcats can play with anyone in the nation.

5. Texas Christian (9-0) – TCU continue to pound opponents weekly.

6. Boise St (9-0) - Broncos keep winning, though not as impressive as expected.

7. Georgia Tech (9-1) – Georgia Tech got past a scappy Wake Forest team.

8. LSU (7-2) – Tigers lost a tough matchup with Bama due to struggling offense.

9. Pittsburgh (8-1)- Panthers are in the Top ten for the first time since 1982.

10. Houston (8-1) - Cougars are bombing teams weekly behind a high powered passing game directed by QB Case Keenum.

11. Ohio St (8-2) – Buckeyes took care of Penn St and hope to ride that momentum back into the top ten rankings.

12. Oregon (7-2) – Ducks got blindsided by Stanford last week.

13. Iowa (9-1) – The breaks caught up to the Hawkeyes last week.

14. USC (7-2) – Trojans back on beam with win over Arizona St.

15. Miami (7-2) - Canes are looking to finish strong to land in the top ten.

16. Utah (8-1) - Utes continue to win and head for key MWC games this month.

17. Oklahoma St (7-2) – Cowboys potent offense can play with anyone in the nation.

18. Arizona (6-2) - Wildcats have turned the corner.

19. Wisconsin (7-2) - Badgers know how to win close games.

20. Penn St (8-2) – Overrated Nittany Lions came up flat in Ohio St matchup.

21. Virginia Tech (6-3) – Tech coming off a Thursday night win over East Carolina.

22. BYU (7-2) – Cougars are hoping to run the table from here.

23. South Florida (6-2) – Bulls are in good position to gain a major bowl invite.

24. Clemson (6-3) – Tigers won a huge game with Florida St that puts them back in Top 25.

25. West Virginia (7-2) - WV are hoping their late season Big East matchups with Cincinnati and Pittsburgh moves them higher.

Frank Coyle is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc. He is a voter for weekly Team and Player Awards.

Dez Bryant Enters NFL Draft 2010
Suspended By NCAA Until 2010 Season Bryant Turns Pro

Photo - Dez Bryant - Oklahoma St

The NCAA informed Oklahoma St University junior wide receiver Dez Bryant this week that his appeal for his suspension was rejected and he will not play this season. Bryant immediately declared for the NFL Draft 2010 in April. Bryant will remain suspended for one calendar year and could have been eligible to return to game action in September of 2010. OSU appealed the original decision on Oct 27 to the NCAA Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee.
Bryant is one of the top prospects at the receiver position for the NFL 2010 Draft. The junior receiver was ruled ineligible for violating an NCAA bylaw. The powerful 6’2” 215 lb. receiver was ruled ineligible earlier this fall by the school after he reportedly lied to the NCAA officials about a visit and workout at the home of former NFL star defender Deion Sanders. Bryant is a blue chip prospect for the NFL game and is coming off a huge sophomore performance last season when he had 87 receptions with 19 TDs for over 1,500 yards while averaging over 17 yards per catch. We ranked him in the Top 20 Prospects for the NFL Draft 2010 with Top 10 potential if he performs well at the NFL Combine this February.
I will have exclusive updates on this matter and an extensive Underclassmen Report in our November Newsletter out later this month
Frank Coyle - www.draftinsiders.com
Draft Insiders’ Digest –19th Season
The NCAA interviewed Bryant twice earlier this year about allegations at which time he denied that he had visited Sanders. That was proven false, but the fact that he lied to the NCAA is a violation that led to the suspension. Oklahoma St University began the process of applying to the NCAA on his behalf for reinstatement that was ruled on this week. This incident did not involve anyone associated with the OSU football or athletic department staffs, any employee of the university, alumni, donors, or any third-party affiliated with OSU.

Semifinalists for Maxwell Award

Maxwell Football Club President Ron Jaworski announced the 2009 Semifinalists for the 73rd Maxwell Award for the Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year The respective list includes a field of 16 candidates for the Bednarik Award

Photo – Noel Devine - W. Virginia

Frank Coyle
www.draftinsiders.com - Draft Insiders’ Digest –19th Season

Semifinalists for the Maxwell Award
All Semifinalists are listed in alphabetical order with the player's school, position and class designated.

Best, Jahvid, University of California Berkley, RB, JR
Clausen, Jimmy, Notre Dame, QB, JR
Devine, Noel, West Virginia University, RB, JR
Gerhart, Toby, Stanford University, RB, SR
Ingram, Mark, University of Alabama, RB, SOPH
Keenum, Case, University of Houston, QB, JR
LeFevour, Dan, Central Michigan University, QB, SR
Lewis, Dion, University of Pittsburgh, RB, FR
Matthews, Ryan, Fresno State University, RB, JR
McCoy, Colt, University of Texas, QB, SR
Moore, Kellen, Boise State University, QB, SOPH
Ponder, Christian, Florida State University, QB, JR
Rodgers, Jacquizz, Oregon State University, RB, SOPH
Shipley, Jordan, University of Texas, WR, SR
Tate Golden, Notre Dame, WR, JR
Tebow, Tim, University of Florida, QB, SR

The Maxwell Football Club will announce the winner of the 73rd Maxwell Award and the 15th Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced as part of the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show on Dec. 10,
2009. The formal presentation of these awards will be made at the Maxwell Football Club's Awards Dinner, to be held on Friday, March 5, 2010 at the Harrah's Entertainment Complex in Atlantic City, N.J.

Frank Coyle is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc.

Chuck Bednarik Award Semifinalists

Photo – LB Pat Angerer - Iowa

Maxwell Football Club President Ron Jaworski announced the 2009 Semifinalists for the 15th Chuck Bednarik Award for the Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year The respective list includes a field of 16 candidates for the Bednarik Award

Semifinalists for the 15th Bednarik Award
Angerer, Pat, University of Iowa, LB, SR
Berry, Eric, University of Tennessee, DB, JR
Bowman, Navorro, Penn St University, LB, JR
Cody, Terrence, Alabama, DL, SR
Curran, Rennie, University of Georgia, LB, JR
Hughes, Jerry, Texas Christian University, DL, SR
Jones, Greg, Michigan St University, LB, JR
Mays, Taylor, University of Southern California, DB, SR
McClain, Rolando, University of Alabama, LB, JR
McCoy, Gerald, University of Oklahoma, DL, SR
Miller, Von, Texas A&M, DL, JR
Norwood, Eric, University of South Carolina, LB, SR
Price, Brian, UCLA, DL, JR
Schofield, O'Brien, University of Wisconsin, DL, SR
Spikes, Brandon, University of Florida, LB, SR
Suh, Ndamukong, University of Nebraska, DL, SR
.
The announcement of the winner of the Bednarik Award will be made during the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show that will be broadcast on ESPN on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009. Three finalists for the award will be announced on Nov. 23, 2009 and a second round of voting will take place at that time.

Frank Coyle is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc. He is a voter for the Super 16 College Team Polls throughout the season that will present Grantland Rice award to the national champion in January 2010. He is also a voter for Players of the Week and for the FWAA All-American teams at the conclusion of each season.