Game Time Nation (206)

John Clay, Wisconsin, RB

2009 Stats:

Rushing Yards: 1,517 / AVG: 5.7 / TD: 18

Clay was voted Big Ten Player of the Year in 2009 to highlight a very successful season. His 1,517 rushing yards were eighth in the country, an impressive feat for someone so young.

Clay’s numbers were good enough to put him among the best single-season performances in school history; and he was only a sophomore. This season, the bruising 248-pound wrecking ball is expected to put on an even more impressive show.

Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech, RB

2009 Stats:

Rushing Yards: 1,655 / AVG: 5.6 / TD: 21

Receiving Yards: 180/ AVG: 11.3 / TD: 1

Williams exploded onto the stage as a freshman last season to become one of the top running backs in the country with a record-setting year.

Voted the Rookie of the Year in the ACC and First-Team All-ACC, WIlliams is a touchdown machine who is very difficult to slow down. He runs with amazing power and quickness, bulldozing tacklers and carrying defenders two or three yards on numerous occasions.

Considering he did all this as a freshman, there’s really no telling what he’s capable of down the line.

Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh, RB

2009 Stats:

Rushing Yards: 1,799 / AVG: 5.5 / TD: 17

Lewis might be as important to his team as any player in the country. The Panthers rely on him so much and really don’t have anyone who can fill the void that would be created without him.

Lewis is a powerful straight line runner who does a great job of hitting the holes hard, with purpose. There are few who can take him down on first contact and even fewer who can deal with him in open space.

Noel Devine, West Virginia, RB

2009 Stats:

Rushing Yards: 1,465 / AVG: 6.1 / TD: 13

Receiving Yards: 177/ AVG: 8.0 / TD: 1

Devine has drawn comparisons to the likes of Barry Sanders, a feat not often accomplished. He’s got incredible balance and vision and is exceedingly difficult to tackle. There really hasn’t been a back in a very long time who’s as elusive and slippery when it comes to staying on his feet and gaining extra yards.

The Mountaineers’ offensive lives and dies by his hand and that’ll only increase in his senior year.

DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma, RB

2009 Stats:

Rushing Yards: 705 / AVG: 4.1 / TD: 8

Receiving Yards:522 / AVG: 12.7 / TD:4

Murray is one of the best dual-threat running backs in the country and has a great combination of size and speed. He’s able to hit the holes between the tackles, break it outside or run crisp routes to the flats or downfield.

His production suffered last season, but the Sooners as a whole tanked and you have to give them the benefit of the the doubt that a rebound is in order.

Zach Callaros Cincy Bearcat QB

As the backup for Tony Pike he threw for 1434 yds. 10 td’s and 2int’s.

2009 Stats:

Rating: 195.53 / Yards: 1434 / TD: 10 / INT: 2

Zach Collaros is the front runner to start next season at Cincinnati. He’s shown flashes of his potential and could be in line for a monster season. Tony Pike, Marty Gilyard and Brian Kelly might be gone, but the Bearcats offense is expected to be very similar.

If Collaros nails down the starting job, he’s got a very good chance of being among the top quarterbacks in the country.

Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M, QB

2009 Stats:

Rating: 136.74 / Yards: 3,579 / TD: 30 / INT: 8

Johnson is already one of the best quarterbacks in Aggies history—if not the outright best. He holds several single-season records on top of throwing the most career touchdowns in school history.

After his breakout performance against Texas last year, Johnson has proven he’s capable of playing with just about anyone. He’s the leader of an A&M team that’s better than their 6-7 record in 2009 indicates.

Case Keenum, Houston, QB

2009 Stats:

Rating: 154.79 / Yards:5,671 / TD: 44 / INT: 15

Keenum is the the leader of the nation’s most prolific offense; one that has put up astounding numbers the last two seasons with one of the best passing attacks in all of college football.

None of that is possible without Keenum, who is entering his senior year and apparently is looking for one last chance to lead the Cougars onto the field and into the record books.

He makes that offensive machine tick.

Ryan Mallett, Arkansas, QB

2009 Stats:

Rating: 152.52 / Yards: 3,627 / TD: 30 / INT: 7

Ryan Mallet is the top quarterback in the country and if he meets expectations will be the top player in all of college football in 2010; which should earn him a Heisman.

He’s a very accurate passer and a great leader on the field. He commands the respect of his teammates and leads by example with stellar play and a near-flawless work ethic.

Mallet is another player with all the tools the NFL is looking for and currently is in a tight race with Jake Locker to be the first pick in the 2011 draft.

Kellen Moore, Boise State, QB

2009 Stats:

Rating: 161.65 / Yards: 3,536 / TD: 39 / INT: 3

One of the most efficient and productive quarterbacks in the country, Moore’s touchdown to interception ratio is off the charts and there aren’t many quarterbacks who read the field better.

The Broncos will be leaning on him to get it done for them for another season and there’s no reason to believe he won’t. He’s got a cannon for an arm and throws the ball so accurately he rarely makes mistakes.

Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech, QB

2009 Stats:

Rating: 149.83 / Yards: 2,3111 / TD: 13 / INT: 5

Rushing Yards: 370 / AVG: 3.5 / TD: 5

Taylor is one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country and a very difficult matchup for any opposing defense. He’s a smart player that rarely makes mistakes and will constantly capitalize on the mistakes of his opponents.

He and Ryan Williams combine to provide a very potent one-two punch that will help the Hokies have one of the best offenses in the country next season.