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2008 NFLDB All-American
Team
1/12/09
By:
J.R. Glymph
& Tony Conty
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FIRST TEAM
OFFENSE
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QB-Sam Bradford, So.-Oklahoma
Bradford
didn’t see his Quarterback Rating drop below 100.0 all year
and limited himself to 6 picks all year. Bradford possesses
the best all-around skills of anyone in his class. He could
be the top pick in next year’s draft if he declares.
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RB-Knowshon Moreno, So.-Georgia
Other guys
put up more yards, but the one who comes close against SEC
Defenses gets my vote hands-down. Moreno only had two off
games, and managed to average 5.6 yards per carry against
the best units in the nation. He also has some of the best
hands coming out of the backfield and meant the most to his
team.
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FB-Tony Fiammetta, Sr.-Syracuse
Fiammetta’s
value to Syracuse’s offense should be measured not in stats but
rather on film, where he dominates at the point of attack. In a
sub-par Offensive Attack, Fiammetta may have been the lone
bright spot. Expect him to be the first Fullback off the board
in April.
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WR-Michael Crabtree, So.-Texas Tech
Crabtree
pulled in 93 balls as a Sophomore after a monster Freshman year
and saw double teams every single game. He makes the highlight
reel catch look easy. If we pick All-Americans based on their
value to their team, this is a no-brainer.
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WR-Jeremy Maclin, So.-Missouri
Maclin hauled
in 103 balls for 1,260 yards this year, and that just mentions
his value in the passing game. He went over 100 yards 6 times.
Maclin has a long career ahead of him as a slot-option in the
NFL.
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TE-Chase Coffman, Sr.-Missouri
The Peculiar,
Missouri native saw a lot of attention come his way this year.
He won’t wow you as a blocker, but any Tight End who will manage
10 Touchdowns for your offense does wonder for your team. This
was a close battle for #1, but few would have reservations about
selecting Coffman.
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OT-André Smith, Jr.-Alabama
Smith’s
recent controversy notwithstanding, Smith nearly transferred
a running game from mediocre to successful. Some players
are better fits as Guard or Tackle, but Smith would, in all
likelihood, succeed equally well in either position. He is
a shoo-in for the top 4.
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OT-Michael Oher, Sr.-Ole Miss
If teams would
have waited for 2009 to make a run of Left Tackles this year,
they would have access to the most experienced one in the
business. Oher seldom makes mental mistakes and always seems to
be in the right position. He exemplifies the stability that NFL
teams need, in that his durability has meant a rejuvenated Ole
Miss team.
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OG-Duke Robinson, Sr.-Oklahoma
We spoke
highly of Sam Bradord all year, but he remains humble enough to
realize that the presence of an elite line caused his numbers to
soar out of this world. He is an absolute mauler. He looks
like Steve Hutchinson in the running game, too.
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OG-Herman Johnson, Sr.-LSU
The largest
baby in the history of Louisiana 23 short years ago has
blossomed into a mountain of a man. A down year for LSU did not
equate a step back for Johnson. He is not a fit for every
system, but he will make some teams very happy late in Round
One.
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OC-Alex Mack, Sr.-California
Alex Mack is
catching a bad rap due to his quick ascent to the top of his
position that caused other names to become more attractive.
Mack still shows a quickness of the ball and hand-fighting
ability seldom seen in the PAC-10. Few have locked down the #1
spot at their position so easily.
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K-Louie Sakoda, Jr. Utah
Those who
do double duty as Punters and Kickers have revolutionized
their position and may tempt teams to save a roster spot.
Sakoda is a Top VIII Award winner with great character. He
is one of the few consensus All-Americans.
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PR-Brandon James, Jr. Florida
James is a guy
who can get upfield immediately and could look forward to a
future of teams kicking away from him in the NFL. The Gators
did a great job finding an invaluable role in the offense for
James.
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DEFENSE
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DE-Brian Orakpo, Sr.-Texas
-Orakpo
led a young, strong Texas defense that swarmed opponents.
The likely high first round 2009 NFL draftee finished the
2008 season with 10.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss. He
was named AP Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Bronko
Nagurski Award winner, Ted Hendricks Award winner and the
Lombardi Award winner.
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DE-Jerry Hughes, Jr.-TCU
-Hughes, a
former tailback, led the nation in 2008 with 14 sacks. He is
the leader of a fast, resurgent TCU defense that averaged 3.42
sacks per game on the season. If Hughes returns for his senior
season, which is unlikely, he’ll be a hot name in 2009.
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DT-Terrence Cody, Jr.-Alabama
-No player has
made as meteoric a rise since the beginning of the season as
Cody has. The man affectionately known as Mount Cody is 360-ish
pounds of run-stuffing behemoth. Amazingly athletic and agile
for a man his size, Cody has a bright future. Although his
numbers (7 solo tackles, 4.5 tfl, 2 fumble recoveries) don’t
jump out at you, Cody is an undeniable presence on the Alabama
defense that ranked second in the nation in run defense.
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DT-Peria Jerry, Sr.-Mississippi
-Jerry is
another name player who has come from seemingly nowhere to
emerge as one of the most dominant forces in college football.
Jerry has 13 tackles for loss and leads a Rebel defense that
allowed an average of only 97.4 rushing yards per game.
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LB-Aaron Curry, Sr.-Wake Forest
-Curry, in
my opinion, the best defensive player in the country a joy
to watch play. His size, strength, athleticism an d
instincts are top notch. The 2008 Butkus Award winner
finished the regular season with 101 tackles, with 15 of
those for loss.
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LB-Brandon Spikes, Sr.-Florida
-Spikes, the
undisputed leader of the Gator’s defense, has propelled his game
and his name to the top of the college football world. He
racked up 87 tackles, 8 tfl, 4 interceptions and two sacks.
Spikes returned 2 of those picks for scores as well. Spikes is a
bona fide playmaker and one of the top senior LB prospects in
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LB-Mark Herzlich, Jr.-Boston College
-Herzlich is a
ball of intensity that always seems to be around the ball. The
6-4, 238 lb playmaker posted 105 tackles, 10 tfl, 2.5 sacks, 6
interceptions, 7 passes defensed and 2 forced fumbles. He also
scored on 2 of those interceptions. Whew! That’s what you call
a stat sheet stuffer, my friends. Herzlich has stated he’ll
return for his senior year, so look for big things from him in
2009.
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CB-Malcolm Jenkins, Sr.-Ohio State
-The 2008
Thorpe Award winner rarely posts big interception numbers,
as he is hardly ever tested. He is the definition of a
shutdown corner and should hear his name called very early
in the first round of the 2009 draft. Jenkins had 3
interceptions and 9 pass breakups in 2008.
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CB-DJ Moore, Jr.-Vanderbilt
-Moore had 54
tackles, 4.5 of those for loss, 6 interceptions and 6 pass
breakups in 2008. He is a playmaker supreme. Moore added 2 td
receptions and 73 yards rushing on offense and was the 14th
ranked punt returner in the country. |
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S-Eric Berry, Soph.-Tennessee
-A lot of
Berry’s spectacular play was lost in the Vols’ horrid season,
but he had as good a season as any player in ’08. Berry
finished with 7 interceptions (tied for first in the NCAA), 72
tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks and 6 passes defensed.
Only a sophomore, the sky’s the limit for Berry.
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S-Morgan Burnett, Soph.-Georgia Tech
-Burnett tied
Berry for the national lead with 7 picks in 2008. At 6-2, 198,
Burnett is an imposing figure in the Yellow Jackets’ defensive
backfield. A sophomore as well, Burnett has a very bright future
in Atlanta.
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P-Matt Fodge, Sr.-Oklahoma State
-Fodge
averaged 44.1 yards on 31 punts in 2008. He also pinned his
opponents inside the 20-yard line 17 times. Fodge also had
a long punt of 71 yards this season. Fodge also took home
the 2008 Ray Guy award as the nation’s top punter.
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KR-Mardy Gilyard, Sr.-Cincinnati
-The former
defensive back is thrill with the ball in his hands. He
averaged 28 yards per kick return and to two to the house…one
each against Oklahoma and West Virginia.
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SECOND TEAM
OFFENSE
QB-Colt McCoy, Jr.-Texas
No team silenced critics more efficiently than McCoy, who has
the height, the running-ability, and the decision-making ability
to be an NFL Quarterback. He took Texas to the cusp of the
National Title picture and only threw 7 picks. College Football
will not soon forget his season.
RB-Shonn Greene, Jr.-Iowa
We could talk about off-days for some All-Americans, but not
Greene. The only way to beat Iowa was to keep Greene off of the
field. He looked just as fresh on carry 307 as he did in his
first game. As a prospective 25 year-old rookie, he will pound
out yards in short-yardage situations by keeping his feet moving
and always falling forward.
FB-Conredge Collins, Sr.-Pittsburgh
Collins is better in the straight-ahead running game than most
of his peers. He gets his pad level low and immobilizes
defenders. He doesn’t carry the ball much, but he is tough
enough to be a Goal Line option in the NFL.
WR-Dez Bryant, So.-Oklahoma State
Bryant is not only successful statistically, but he is a
borderline freak of nature with huge hands, long arms, and
leaping ability that makes him look bigger than his 6’2” frame.
He plays hurt and jams Cornerbacks at the line. Regardless of
their current Wide Receiver situation, most NFL teams covet a
player like Bryant.
TE-Jermaine Gresham, Jr.-Oklahoma
At mid-season, I questioned whether or not Gresham should have
declared for the draft. His masterful performance this year
eliminates any doubts. Gresham could easily go in the Top 15.
He provides a great deal in the running game as well.
OT-Jason Smith, Sr.-Baylor
Jason Smith is a former Tight End who plays with the speed that
makes that fact obvious. He displayed great character by going
hard on every snap. His name has risen off draft-boards with
each passing day.
OT-Eugene Monroe, Sr.-Virginia
Monroe isn’t the strongest guy at his position, but he makes
protecting his Quarterback’s blindside look easy. The Top 5 at
Left Tackle in this draft class will change hands multiple times
before April since the Top players are all so strong.
OG-Brandon Carter, Sr.-Texas Tech
Louis Vazquez, the strongest at his position, does not have the
skills of his counterpart Carter. He will need a lot of work in
run blocking, but there isn’t a better Pass-Blocking Guard in
this draft. Graham Harrell’s success deals primarily with the
time that he had to throw the ball.
OG-Kraig Urbik, Sr.-Wisconsin
In an off-year for the Big Ten, the best units were in the
trenches. Urbik is as great in the running game as Carter is in
the passing game. P. J. Hill’s success in the inside running
game had its most success running behind Urbik.
OC-Antoine Caldwell, OC-Alabama
André Smith is deservedly getting a great deal of attention, but
Antoine Caldwell is the experienced, emotional leader of the
Tide’s line. He could easily play Guard in Denver, Atlanta, or
New England. He gets set very quickly.
DEFENSE
DE-Everette Brown, Jr.-Florida State
-The All-ACC pass rusher is a terror off the edge. Brown
finished the regular season with 12.5 sacks and a national
high of 20.5 tackles for loss. Brown finished second in the
race for ACC Player of the Year (Jonathan Dwyer, GA Tech)
and second for ACC Defensive Player of the Year (Mark
Herzlich, Boston College).
DE-Aaron Maybin-Penn State
-Maybin, the ultra-talented pass rushing Nittany Lion
registered 41 tackles,12 sacks and 3 forced fumbles in
2008. Maybin led a resurgent Penn State defense that was a
big reason for a Penn State 2009 Rose Bowl appearance.
DT-Gerald McCoy, Soph.-Oklahoma
-McCoy, the big underclassman in Oklahoma outshined some
pretty big names on that Sooners’ defense this year. McCoy
posted 26 tackles, 10 for loss, 6.5 sacks and 2 pass
breakups.
DT-Arthur Jones, Jr.-Syracuse
-Jones, an All Big East first team selection, enjoyed a
breakout season in 2008. Jones posted 60 tackles, 13 for
loss, 4.5 sacks and 1 fumble recovery. Jones, consistently,
was the lone bright spot on a dismal Syracuse defense.
LB-Rey Maualuga, Sr.-USC
-Maualuga, a ball of rage on defense, was a Butkus,
Lombardi, Nagurski and Bednarik Award finalist for 2008. He
managed a team high 73 tackles and 2 interceptions. He
returned one of those picks for a touchdown.
LB-James Laurinaitis, Sr.-Ohio State
-Laurinaiis, the unquestioned leader of the Buckeye defense,
has a been a steady force for what seems like forever, now.
The senior posted a team high 121 tackles in 2008. He also
managed 2 interceptions during the 2008 regular season.
LB-Rolando McClain, Soph.-Alabama
-The big sophomore was a rock in the middle of that defense
that was amongst the best in the nation. McClain finished
with 91 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 5 pass
breakups, 1 interception and two fumble recoveries.
CB-Victor Harris, Sr.-Virginia Tech
-The man more commonly known as “Macho” lived up to his
nickname this season. He consistently put on manly displays
on Saturdays. Harris was second in the country with 6
interceptions, returning two for scores. He also
contributed 42 tackles, 2.5 for loss, 5 pass breakups, 1
forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery.
CB-Alphonso Smith, Sr.-Wake Forest
-The All-ACC first team corner was a standout for the Demon
Deacons in 2008. He recorded 36 tackles, 2.5 for loss, 2
forced fumbles and blocked a punt. Smith also had 6
interceptions and an amazing, national leading 19 pass
breakups.
S-Rashad Johnson, Sr.-Alabama
-Johnson, a team captain, was a true leader for the Tide in
2008. He put together 82 tackles, 5 for loss, 11 pass
breakups, 1 forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He
included 5 picks (two returned for touchdowns) Johnson had
three interceptions vs. LSU in a big overtime victory.
S-Taylor Mays, Jr.-USC
-Mays, a physical specimen, was a key cog in that dominant
USC defense. He had 49 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 8
pass break ups in 2008. Mays definitely passes the eyeball
test and is sure to be a top 15 pick whenever he decides to
enter the NFL draft.
P-Kevin Huber, Sr.-Cincinnati
-Huber enjoyed a sensational 2008 campaign. He averaged an
astounding 44.9 yards per punt in 2008. Only 3% of Huber’s
punts were touchbacks.
KR-AJ Jefferson, Jr.-Fresno State
-Jefferson, the only player from my pre-season All-America
Team that actually made this team, averaged over 27.6 yards
per kick return in 2008. Jefferson is an super-fast athlete
who helps the Bulldogs’ offense tremendously with field
position.
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