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Yankees Win 27th World Title

Photo – Yankee Hideki Matsui

The New York Yankees won their 27th world championship with a victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in game six of the 2009 World Series. Veteran Hideki Matsui tied a World Series record with six RBIs, Andy Pettitte won on short rest and the Yankees beat the Philadelphia Phillies 7-3 in Game 6 seizing that elusive title — the most in all of sports. It marked a title in their first season at the new Yankee Stadium just as they did in their inaugural campaign in the original Yankee Stadium in 1923. It was the Yankees first world title since 2000 and their first WS appearance since 2003.
Hideki Matsui’s 6 RBI’s on his first three at-bats pushed New York to 7-1 lead, they never surrendered. With a 2-run HR, a 2-run single and a 2-run double, slugger Matsui gave the Yankees all they needed to insure their 27th championship.
Matsui won the Series MVP award for his heroics that began when he powered a quick rout of old foe Pedro Martinez. When Yankee longtime bullpen stopper Mariano Rivera got the final outs, it was celebration time in the Bronx for sports greatest team of all-time.
One season, one World Series crown — the team’s first since winning three straight titles from 1998-2000.

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 9
Frank Coyle - www.draftinsiders.com
Draft Insiders’ Digest –19th Season

Anthony Dixon - Fast Rising Prospect
Photo – Anthony Dixon – Miss St

RB Anthony Dixon – Senior – Miss St
Big physical senior running back had another strong performance in the Miss St win over South Carolina. He is a powerfully built back who has performed well in the SEC, displaying very strong inside running with the burst of speed to break big plays. Against USC, he carried over 30 times and 200 yards. He uses his powerful big frame as a battering ram to run over defenders, though he has the lateral quickness and speed that allows him to break into the second level. He has outstanding size and vision with good speed and quickness that will keep him from the top tier of backs. He is an honest runner with natural running skills that will earn him an invite to a major All-star game.

LB Brandon Spikes - Senior – Florida
Athletic senior linebacker has been instrumental in the success of the Gators defense over the past three seasons. In the Florida victory over Georgia on Saturday, he was detected of poking the eyes of a Georgia runner. Spikes 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 and possible top ten selection at this point. The cheap shot in the Georgia has drawn attention and he will be watched closely by NFL scouts if it is a pattern on the field going forward. Thus far he has had no on or off the field issues, but the recent incident has no place in the game.

DE Jermaine Cunningham – Senior – Florida
Explosive edge rusher has displayed impact ability over his SEC career and had another strong effort vs Georgia. He has been a major difference maker for this undefeated club, relying on a very quick first step and good hand technique to separate from blockers with the upfield speed to sack the QB. He has the frame to fill out further to become an every down pro defender at end in a 4-3 front. He also has the mobility to also play up in the 3-4 scheme, though would face an adjustment period with no experience in that scheme. His ability to apply pressure off the edge will earn him invites to a major All-star game that could elevate his stock further.

DT Dan Williams – Senior - Tennessee
The Vols won another key game vs South Carolina and Williams was instrumental setting the pace for their defensive line. South Carolina struggled throughout the game rushing the ball with Williams wrecking havoc from the inside. He gets a powerful push in the middle that collapses the pocket and forces the QB to rush his throws. He also clogs the middle that keeps backers free to run to the ball and make tackles. He combines excellent size and strength with good mobility and quickness to be an every down pro defender.

WR Tim Brown - Senior - Rutgers
Fast senior receiver/ returner was instrumental in the Rutgers victory over UConn with a last minute 81 yard TD reception. Brown has been instrumental in the Rutgers passing offense this season. He is a big play specialist who is very dangerous after he gets his hands on the ball and capable of scoring from anywhere on the field. He flashes impact ability despite his smallish size of 5’8” 170 lbs. He combines very good speed, agility and hands along with natural running skills to be dangerous every time he touches the ball. He displays a well developed skill set for the position that has allowed him to average over 20 per reception this season. He could be one of the top situational playmakers in this draft class with a strong postseason.

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

WR Riley Cooper, Senior, Florida
Florida’s offense came alive against Georgia in an impressive 41-17 win. Cooper’s two touchdown catches (22 and 29 yards) in the 1st quarter put the Gators up 14-0 and they never looked back. He displayed outstanding concentration, hands and body control on one of his scoring grabs. Florida’s leading wide receiver (31 receptions, 474 yards (15.3 per), 5 touchdowns) is sneaky fast and has good size. Cooper is physical, smart and will block to support the running game. He could provide value in the middle rounds of the 2010 NFL Draft.

CB Kyle Wilson, Senior, Boise State
Boise State annihilated San Jose State 45-7 and remained undefeated. The Broncos’ confident cornerback, Kyle Wilson, picked off a pass and raced 27 yards for a touchdown in the 3rd quarter. He also contributed with 5 tackles (1 tackle for loss). Wilson is a dangerous kick returner and had a punt return for 17 yards and a kickoff return for 20 yards. Wilson is small (5’ 10”and 185 lbs), but he is physical for his size. He changes direction well and has quick feet. Kyle Wilson looks like a good fit to cover the slot receiver at the next level and his kick return ability is a plus.

WR Brandon Banks, Senior, Kansas State
The Wildcats’ tiny (5’7”and 154 lbs) receiver played a big role in Kansas State’s valiant effort to defeat Oklahoma. The Sooners prevailed 42-30, but Banks tied a school record (Darren Sproles is the other player) with 351 all-purpose yards. Banks returned a kick-off 98 yards for a touchdown (his 4th kick-off return for a score this year). He stood out as a receiver with 9 catches for 156 yards (17.3 per). His size will be a definite obstacle in the NFL. However, Banks is strong for his size and is fearless with the ball in his hands. He has the speed and quickness to be a dangerous kick returner. There have not been many successful receivers that weighed less than 170 pounds in the NFL. Kelvin Martin played 10 years in the NFL and was a skinny 163 pounds. Banks may not be drafted, but he will be in a camp to show that he can make something happen on special teams.

QB Zac Robinson, Senior, Oklahoma State
Zac Robinson entered the Texas game on a roll and was making better decisions in recent games. He crashed down to earth against a quality Longhorns’ defense, as Texas destroyed the Cowboys 41-14. Robinson completed 15 passes in 28 attempts (54%) for only 143 yards (5.1 yards per attempt). His 4 interceptions (2 returned for touchdowns) really hurt Oklahoma State. Robinson threw a garbage time touchdown pass in the 4th quarter. Robinson telegraphed his passes and allowed the Texas secondary to jump routes. The Longhorns’ defensive backs have too much speed to get away with this. This certainly will be the case in the NFL. Texas did not sack Robinson and his mistakes were not due to overwhelming pressure. The loss raises serious concerns as to Robinson’s potential to play quarterback professionally.

FS Taylor Mays, Senior, USC
USC’s defense was humiliated in Oregon’s 47-20 victory. The Ducks ran for a staggering 391 yards! Oregon averaged 8 yards per carry and scored 4 times on the ground. They also had success in the air and threw for 222 yards and a touchdown (no interceptions). The entire USC defense played terribly and with little emotion. Taylor Mays made 8 uneventful tackles that were mostly downfield. He was frequently blocked effectively in run support and did not get his hands on a ball in pass coverage. Mays likes to try to intimidate with his physical hits, but Oregon stood their ground. It will be interesting to see how Mays and his defensive teammates bounce back from this performance.

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

Jim Thorpe Award 2009 Semi-Finalists

Photo - Taylor Mays - Southern Cal

The Jim Thorpe Award Screening Committee has announced 12 semi-finalists for the award given annually to the nation’s best college defensive back. This list will be narrowed again on November 23, to three finalists who will be invited to the nationally telecast Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show on December 10. The winner will be announced on the show and the official presentation will be at a formal banquet in Oklahoma City on February 9, 2010. The 2009 award marks the 24th presentation of the trophy, first won in 1986 by Baylor’s Thomas Everett.
Frank Coyle has been a Jim Thoroe award voter for the past 15 years

Last year’s winner was Ohio State University’s Malcolm Jenkins, now playing for the New Orleans Saints. Jim Thorpe Award winners are selected for performance on the field, athletic ability and character.

The 2009 Jim Thorpe Semi-Finalists:

Javier Arenas, Sr., Alabama
Eric Berry, Jr., Tennessee
Barry Church, Sr., Toledo
Perrish Cox, Sr., Oklahoma State
Joe Haden, Jr., Florida
Brandon Harris, So., Miami (FL)
Taylor Mays, Sr., USC
Tyler Sash, So., Iowa
Darrell Stuckey, Sr., Kansas
Earl Thomas, So., Texas
Alterraun Verner, Sr., UCLA
Kyle Wilson, Sr., Boise State

The Screening Committee was allowed only 12 candidates on the semi-finalist list, but determined five additional outstanding players deserved recognition and were given honorable mention status. They are Kam Chancellor, Sr., Virginia Tech; Ras-I Dowling, Jr., Virginia; Brian Jackson, Sr., Oklahoma; Rahim Moore, So., UCLA; and DeAndre McDaniel, Jr., Clemson

The Jim Thorpe Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA). The NCFAA was founded in 1997 as a coalition of the major collegiate football awards to protect, preserve and enhance the integrity, influence and prestige of the game’s predominant awards. The NCFAA encourages professionalism and the highest standards for the administration of its member awards and the selection of their candidates and recipients. For more information, visit the association’s official Web site, www.NCFAA.org.

Alabama & Texas Follow at #2 and #3

Team of the Week – Oregon
Player of the Week – Case Keenum - Houston

Photo – QB Case Keenum - Houston

Team / Ranking

1. Florida (8-0) – Gators gave Bulldogs a spanking at the Cocktail party game.

2. Alabama (8-0) – Tide is well rested for huge matchup with LSU this week.

3. Texas (8-0) – Longhorns is peaking entering final month of the eason.

4. Cincinnati (8-0) - Bearcats winning in all phases of the game.

5. LSU (7-1) – Tigers face huge matchup with Bama Saturday in SEC game of the year.

6. Texas Christian (8-0) – TCU continues to pound the ball on opponents.

7. Boise St (8-0) - Broncos keep taking care of business each week.

8. Oregon (7-1) – Ducks jumped all over Southern Cal in an impressive Pac 10 victory.

9. Iowa (9-0) – Hawkeyes continue to know to how to win the close games.

10. Georgia Tech (8-1) –Georgia Tech is quietly having an impressive season.

11. Penn St (8-1) – Nittany Lions face huge test at home vs Ohio St this week.

12. Pittsburgh (7-1)- Panthers rested after bye week and play out the schedule on their home turf.

13. Houston (7-1) - Cougars are lighting up defenses weekly behind a hot QB Case Keenum.

14. USC (6-2) – Trojans defense failed to show up vs Oregon last week.

15. Miami (6-2) - Canes pulled out late victory vs Wake Forest last week

16. Ohio St (7-2) – Buckeyes are pointing to this week’s Penn St game to gain national prominence.

17. Utah (7-1) - Utes have continued to win and they're ready for critical MWC games in November.

18. Oklahoma St (6-2) – Cowboys were over matched vs Texas and need a strong Big 12 finish to gain top bowl game invitation.

19. Notre Dame (6-2) – The Irish are focused and should challenge for a 10 win season with a strong November.

20. Oklahoma (5-3) – Sooners back in Top 25 and hope to run the table
with a demanding Big 12 schedule.

21. Arizona (5-2) - Wildcats face a critical final month of Pac 10 opponents.

22. Wisconsin (6-2) - Badgers could sweep the rest of the schedule and have a 10 win season.

23. California (6-2) – Bears are having a good season despite losing its two biggest games vs USC and Oregon.

24 Virginia Tech (5-3) – Tech coming off a Thursday night loss vs North Carolina.

25. BYU (6-2) – Cougars are rested for final month in pursuit of 10 win season.

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.

Pro Prospects For NFL Draft 2010
Draft Insiders' October Newsletter
Available Now - Order Today

Photo - DE Eric Norwood - South Carolina

2009 Mid Season All-American First Team

Pos/ Player/ Class/ School
Offense
QB Tim Tebow - Sr. - Florida
RB Noel Devine - Jr. - West Virginia
RB Mark Ingram - Jr - Alabama
RB C.J. Spiller - Sr - Clemson
WR Jordan Shipley - Sr - Texas
WR Golden Tate - Jr - Notre Dame
WR Mardy Gilyard - Sr - Cincinnati
TE Dennis Pitta - Sr. - BYU
OT Russell Okung - Sr. - Oklahoma St
OT Anthony Davis - Jr. - Rutgers
OG Mike Johnson - Sr. - Alabama
OG Jeff Byers - Sr. - USC
OC Maurkice Pouncey - Sr. - Florida

Defense
DE Eric Norwood - Sr. - South Carolina
DE Jerry Hughes - Sr. - TCU
DT Terrence Cody - Sr. - Alabama
DT Ndamukong Suh - Sr. - Nebraska
LB Brandon Spikes - Sr. - Florida
LB Sean Weatherspoon - Sr. - Missouri
LB Rolando McClain - Jr. - Alabama
LB Greg Jones - Jr - Michigan St
CB Joe Haden - Jr. - Florida
CB Perrish Cox - Sr. - Oklahoma St.
S Eric Berry - Jr - Tennessee
S Taylor Mays - Sr. - USC

Special Teams
K Leigh Tiffin - Sr. - Alabama
KR C.J. Spiller - Sr - Clemson
P Zoltan Mesko - Sr. - Michigan
PR Jordan Shipley - Sr. - Texas

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 8
Frank Coyle - www.draftinsiders.com
Draft Insiders’ Digest –19th Season

Jimmy Clausen - Fast Rising Prospect
Photo - QB Jimmy Clausen - Notre Dame

QB Jimmy Clausen - Notre Dame
Talented junior passer has played brilliantly often this season, showing coolness and playmaking ability in weekly pressure situations. Clausen shows fast developing skills for this demanding position. He displays the talent to make all the throws with fine accuracy and timing, in addition to going through his progressions quickly. This prospect has the package NFL head coaches look for in a top flight starting QB, though there are certainly questions related to his readiness for the pro game. He has improved his accuracy in the intermediate game and the ability to pick up secondary receivers well with few mistakes for a young prospect. Though he is having a breakout season, he needs further development in all areas of lay. He will be tempted to consider entering the NFL Draft 2010, though his overall level of development would benefit from working with HC Charlie Weis for another season.

DE Jerry Hughes – Senior - Texas Christian
Explosive edge rusher has displayed impact ability over his MWC career and had another strong effort vs BYU in a key matchup. Hughes had only 4 tackles, but it did include 1 TFL with 1 sack and 1 FF. He commanded double team blocking throughout the huge TCU win. Over this season, he has 10.5 TFL with 9 sacks and 35 tackles and has been a major difference maker for this undefeated club. He relies on a very quick first step and good hand technique to separate from blockers with the upfield speed to sack the QB. He has the frame to fill out further to be an every down pro defender at end, though he also has the mobility to also play up in the 3-4 scheme. His ability to apply pressure off the edge will earn him invites to both the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine All-star classics this postseason.

RB C.J. Spiller – Senior - Clemson
Clemson running back/kick returner set a school record for all-purpose yards with 310 yards as the Tigers defeated ACC-rival and 10th -ranked Miami, 40-37, in overtime. For the game, Spiller had 81 yards rushing (14 carries), 104 yards receiving (6 catches) and 125 kickoff return yards. He scored two TDs – a 56-yard reception and a 90-yard kickoff return. He is a versatile major playmaker with the power to run inside and the speed and quickness to be very dangerous on the perimeter or return game. His versatility to fill so many roles will earn him a high grade in this running back class. He is a difference maker as a kickoff returner.

WR Terrance Toliver – Junior - LSU
Smooth junior receiver has been instrumental in the Tigers passing offense this season. He is a fast rising highly rated prospect who flashes impact ability at times despite some erratic QB play. 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 that has allowed him to make an impact at times over this season. He could be one of the top junior playmakers in this draft class with a consistent strong finish and he decides to turn pro.

LB Jesse Smith – Senior - Iowa St
Savvy senior linebacker recorded a game-high 12 tackles (7 solo), including two TFLs, as the Cyclones upset Big 12-rival Nebraska, 9-7. Smith also forced a fumble, broke up a pass, and made one interception as Iowa St earned its 1st win in Lincoln since 1977. He is a smart undersized Mike backer who flows nicely to the ball and finishes with sure tackling. Though not considered a highly regarded prospect he has been productive in many areas that should earn him a niche in the NFL game.

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

TE Andrew Quarless, Senior, Penn State
Quarless only caught 2 passes in Penn State’s 35-10 win at Michigan, but they were for 91 yards. He displayed excellent speed on his 60-yard touchdown catch and run shortly before the 1st half. Quarless is not the typical Penn State blocking tight end that does not run particularly well. He can run and get down the field and catch the ball. Quarless is a good-sized target (6’5” and 254 lbs) and continues to work on improving his blocking. He has 23 receptions for 315 yards (13.7 per) and a touchdown in 8 games this season.

RB Noel Devine, Junior, West Virginia
The West Virginia junior running back exploded against Connecticut for 178 yards on 23 carries (7.7 per). His 56-yard touchdown run in the 4th quarter helped clinch the 28-24 win over an emotional Huskies team. Devine went outside and used his terrific speed to make big plays. He possesses great balance and is tough to knock off his feet with his low center of gravity. Devine added a 13-yard reception against Connecticut and can catch the ball. He is one of college football’s most exciting players and will garner significant interest in the 2010 NFL Draft should he choose to declare early.

LB Daryl Washington, Senior, TCU
TCU remained undefeated with a resounding 38-7 victory at BYU. The Horned Frogs’ defense was too quick and fast for QB Max Hall and the BYU offense. Washington had 9 tackles and snagged an interception (his 2nd of the season). Washington’s speed fits well in TCU’s 4-2-5 defense and he has the range to cover backs and tight ends in pass coverage. He is undersized for an NFL linebacker, but packs a wallop for his size. BYU gained only 110 yards on the ground (3.0 per carry) and Hall finished 18-28 for 162 yards (5.8 per attempt) with 1 touchdown pass. Washington’s athleticism and versatility should make him an attractive special teams contributor at the next level.

LB Navorro Bowman, Junior, Penn State
Penn State’s defense dismantled Michigan in a 35-10 rout. Bowman has rounded into form after returning recently from a groin injury. He led Penn State with 11 tackles (1 tackle for loss) and also had an interception, a fumble recovery and a sack. The Wolverines were held to a season-low in yards gained (250) and points scored. Bowman plays with tremendous speed, instincts and aggressiveness. It is extremely difficult to run outside on Bowman and he does not shy away from taking on blocks. He is a do-everything linebacker with a very bright future. PFDN considers Bowman to be the Nittany Lions’ best player the past two years. Bowman is a junior, but he is expected to graduate in December. He should be a 1st round draft choice should he decide to enter the 2010 NFL Draft.

QB Tony Pike, Senior, Cincinnati
Pike did not play in the Bearcats’ 41-10 rout of Louisville. Pike had surgery (2nd straight year) on his left (non-throwing) forearm. He had a plate inserted in the same forearm last year and it was dislodged on a sack against South Florida. Zach Collaros, a sophomore, stepped right in and completed 15 passes in 17 attempts for 253 yards (14.9 yards per attempt), 3 touchdowns and no interceptions. Pike is tall, but skinny and NFL teams have to be concerned about how much punishment he could take in the pocket. Cincinnati’s head coach, Brian Kelly, has done a masterful job since taking over the program in December of 2006. His offense did not miss a beat with Pike on the sideline. This will cause many to wonder how much of Pike’s success stems from Brian Kelly’s imaginative offense.

Dez Bryant Suspended By NCAA Until 2010 Season

Photo - Dez Bryant - Oklahoma St

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has informed Oklahoma State University tonight that junior wide receiver Dez Bryant will remain suspended for one calendar year. He will be eligible to return to game action in September of 2010.
OSU is appealing the decision to the NCAA Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee and could learn that committee’s decision as early as next week. OSU officials will have no further comment on the matter until the appeal process is complete
Bryant is one of the top prospects at the receiver position for the NFL 2010 Draft. The junior wideout was ruled ineligible for violating an NCAA bylaw. The powerful 6’2” 215 lb. receiver was ruled ineligible earlier this month 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 earlier this fall. Bryant is a blue chip prospect for the NFL 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 declares for the pro game this January.
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 has already begun the process of applying to the NCAA on his behalf for reinstatement. This incident does 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.

I will have exclusive updates on this matter that will be part of the October Newsletter out later this week.