Game Time Nation (206)

Von Miller, Texas A&M, LB

2009 Stats:

Tackles: 43 / TFL: 19.5 / Sacks: 17

Von Miller was voted First-Team All American by Sporting News and Sports Illustrated. He was the first Aggie since 1999 to year such accolades. His 17 sacks were tops in the country and his nearly 20 tackles for loss were good enough for 5th.

Miller can line up at linebacker or defensive end; it really doesn’t matter with this guy. Wherever you put him on the field, he’s going to cause havoc for opposing quarterbacks

Greg Jones, Michigan State, LB

2009 Stats:

Tackles: 153 / TFL: 13.5 / Sacks: 9

Greg Jones was a consensus All-American in 2009 and the defensive MVP of the Big Ten. He was also the top linebacker in the country with an impressive number of tackles and sacks.

Jones sniffs out the ball and blows up plays so quickly that opponents often don’t even have time to react. He’s so quick to track down ball carriers and is very good at rushing the quarterback. MSU’s best weapon shouldn’t have any drop off in 2010.

Greg Romeus, Pittsburgh, DE

2009 Stats:

Tackles: 43 / TFL: 10.5 / Forced Fumbles: 2 / Sacks: 8 / INT: 1

Romeus has emerged as the top defender in the Big East and possess the ideal combination of size, speed, quickness and strength you look for in a defensive end. He moves very well and has a good array of moves to shed blockers.

Romeus is also a a versatile player who can play anywhere along the D-line and be a success. He’s a lock to be an All-American in 2010 and should be a huge part of Pitt’s defense.

Mark Herzlich, Boston College, LB

2009 Stats:

Tackles: 110 / Forced Fumbles: 2 / Sacks: 2 / INT: 6 / TD: 2

Herzlich is one of the best all-around defenders in the country and a playmaker who always finds a way to make a difference. A sure-handed tackler, solid in pass-coverage, a turnover machine, and a decent pass-rusher, you won’t find many defenders who do more than him.

Herzlich is the heart and soul of BC’s defense and should continue to be such as he enters his senior season with very high expectations.

Marvin Austin, North Carolina, DT

2009 Stats:

Tackles: 42 / TFL: 6.5 / Sacks: 4 / Forced Fumbles: 1

Austin is one of the best defensive tackles in the country. He’s a brick wall that demands a constant double team and clogs up a ton of space up front for others to take advantage of. His strength and balance are very impressive, as is his ability to penetrate into the backfield.

The Tar Heels defensive hinges on his success in the middle to free up the linebackers and defensive ends to make plays. Austin might not get much credit in the stats columns, but you can bet opponents are very aware of him.

Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma, WR

2009 Stats:

Receptions: 89 / Receiving Yards: 1,120 / AVG: 12.6 / TD: 15

As a sophomore, Broyles was by far the most productive member of the Sooners receiving core. He set a school record with 89 receptions in 2009 and his season overall ranked as one of the most productive for a receiver in school history.

A dangerous punt returner as well, Broyles brings a lot to the table and finds ways to make big plays. He’s lightning fast and can be deadly in open space

Julio Jones, Alabama, WR

2009 Stats:

Receptions: 43 / Receiving Yards: 596 / AVG: 13.9 / TD: 4

Jones is expected to be one of the top receiving threats in the country in 2010. After playing in only eight games last season do to a knee injury that kept him out for a portion of the year, Jones is finally fully healthy and ready to do some serious damage.

He looked a step slow for a good portion of last season and while he played through pain, there was something missing. He’s just way too talented to not breakout for a fantastic year in 2010. Injuries might be the only thing standing in his way.

Michael Floyd, Notre Dame, WR

2009 Stats:

Receptions: 44 / Receiving Yards: 795 / AVG: 18.1 / TD: 9

Floyd is one of the top receivers in college football and is expected to emerge as a near unstoppable force in 2010. He’s got a huge frame and is already a difficult cover, but as he gains more and more confidence, his hands and route running have become very strong over the last year or two.

This season, Floyd is polished and ready to show off his skills to the NFL scouts. The question is how ready will Dayne Crist be to throw him the ball?

A.J. Green, Georgia, WR

2009 Stats:

Receptions: 53 / Receiving Yards: 808 / AVG: 15.2 / TD: 6

A.J. Green is arguably the best receiver in the country and a deadly weapon for the Bulldogs. He possesses great size and speed, and plays with a physical style that wears down corners throughout a game.

Green missed three games due to injury last season, but is healthy now and should be in line for a massive 2010 campaign.

Jonathan Baldwin, Pittsburgh, WR

2009 Stats:

Receptions: 57 / Receiving Yards: 1,111/ AVG: 19.5 / TD: 8

Baldwin is a huge target who’s capable of getting the ball deep or catching it in traffic. His production has grown tremendously each year he’s been at the collegiate level and should only continue to sky-rocket as he enters his junior year.

His 19.5 ypc were among the best in the country last season and are a great indicator of Baldwin’s big-play ability. There are few players capable of breaking a game open the way he can.