2008 CFN Redshirt Freshman
All-America Defense
Compiled by
Richard Cirminiello
-
2008 Preview |
2008 CFN Redshirt
All-America Offense
-
2007 CFN Redshirt
All-America Defense
For hundreds of
freshmen across the country, last season was undoubtedly the most
frustrating of their athletic careers. Sure, there was plenty of
developing taking place, both physically and intellectually, but there
were no games to be played, no competition on Saturdays, and no box
scores that housed their names. For a variety of reasons, these idle
warriors were redshirted in 2007 with the design that they’d return this
year a little bigger, a little stronger, and a lot better prepared to
start paying dividends for all those recruiting trips, phone calls and
text messages during the courting process.
DE
Jake Bequette, Arkansas – Bequette was one of the surprises of the
spring, shooting up from the depths of the depth chart to winning a
starting job. Based on his performance, he’ll stay there once the season
begins. Naturally quick for a 265-pound strongside end, he has a
non-stop motor and tireless work ethic that caught the attention of
Bobby Petrino’s new staff. The Hogs need to generate more pocket
pressure this fall, something Bequette plans to provide.
DT Richard Johnson, Kansas – Johnson
is set to take over in the middle for James McClinton, a player he
emulates in many important ways. He was in the rotation a year ago
before the staff decided to give him a redshirt season to get bigger and
stronger. The reigning defensive scout team player of the year, he can
jump the snap to get penetration and has already shown one of the best
work ethics on the roster. McClinton will be missed, but a little less
because of Johnson’s development.
DT Tydreke Powell, North Carolina – Powell is part of a deep
and talented rotation of tackles in Chapel Hill that includes Marvin
Austin, Aleric Mullins, and Cam Thomas. He’s too disruptive not to be on
the field, combining quickness and physical play to make plays for
negative yards. He moves exceptionally well for a 6-3, 310-pounder,
validating the slew of offers he received from ACC and SEC schools.
DE Matt Conrath, Virginia – Although there’s no easy way to
replace All-American Chris Long on the outside, Conrath is an excellent
place to start. A rising star in Charlottesville, he’s been turning
heads since arriving on campus. An imposing 6-7, 270-pounder, he has the
quick first step to bolt around the edge and the upper body strength to
impact the run defense like a third tackle.
LB Austin Box, Oklahoma – The favorite to start at weakside, Box
is set to bridge a fantastic high school career that drew national
honors. Highly instinctive with a nose for the ball, he moves and covers
like a 6-2, 225-pound safety. Although he still needs a little more
fine-tuning, the physical characteristics are in place for him to be a
four-year starter and an all-star at some point in his Sooner career.
LB Brandon Maye, Clemson – While there are still legitimate
concerns regarding the rebuilt Tiger linebacker unit, Maye quieted them
with his performance in the spring. At only 6-1 and pounds, he’ll need
to fill out, but makes up for a lack of size by playing with non-stop
energy, tremendous range, and an air of unmistakable confidence. With so
many new faces in the mix, he’s liable to be the catalyst of the
linebackers in his rookie year.
LB Alex Watkins, Alabama – One of the many gems from Nick Saban’s
first recruiting class, Watkins is slated to see significant playing
time even if he doesn’t start. A dynamite athlete at 6-4 and 225 pounds,
he has natural pass rushing skills, and could eventually project as a
rush end from the weakside if he adds more weight and muscle.
CB Phelon Jones, LSU – Jones has a great future in Baton
Rouge, but may need to make an immediate impact at a position in flux
for the program. While he’ll surely get burned some in his first season
of action, he also has the athletic ability and smooth hips to blanket
receivers and take the first steps toward becoming a lockdown corner who
survives in man coverages.
S Earl Thomas, Texas – Thomas’
emergence is a must for a Longhorn defense looking for more consistency
from the defensive backs. While built like a cornerback at 5-10 and 190
pounds, he’s all safety when he squares up and lowers his shoulder. One
of the program’s standouts from the spring, he’s holding down the job at
free safety, pending what transpires in summer drills.
S Jordan Pendleton, BYU – Very big and very fast, the 6-2,
218-pound Pendleton gives the staff options on where he’ll best be
utilized in Provo. An ideal fit to patrol the secondary at strong
safety, he could also be considered at outside linebacker. An instant
playmaker wherever he lines up, he only needs some reps and live action
to begin approaching a high ceiling.
CB Jamell Fleming, Oklahoma – The likely backup to Brian Jackson
on one side of the field, Fleming has already made a positive impression
in just his second season on campus. He elevates well, has good catch-up
speed, and plays with sound fundamentals and technique. Questions about
his ability to step up and support the run were answered over and over
again in the spring.
Special Teams
PK Jay Wooten, North Carolina – Now that steady Connor Barth is
gone, Wooten is being counted on to be consistent on field goals and
reliable in the clutch. Leg strength won’t be an issue for one of the
nation’s top kicking recruits, nor will his length on kickoffs. The
Heels figure to be involved in plenty of tight games this fall, raising
the stakes for their new placekicker.
P Bryan Anger, Cal – It’s not common for a punter to qualify as a
spring star. Anger, however, is emerging as a rare talent at the
position. A strapping 6-4, 200-pounder, he consistently belted out
60-yarders, drawing oohs and aahs for his distance and hang time. He’ll
be a field position weapon for a Cal defense that’ll gladly take the
assist.
Honorable Mention – Defense
DE: Richetti Jones, Oklahoma State, Ryan Van Bergen, Michigan, Frank
Alexander, Oklahoma, Kentrell Lockett, Ole Miss, and Adewale Ojomo,
Miami
DT: Dennis Godfrey, Wake Forest
LB: Travis Lewis, Oklahoma, D.J. Holt, Cal, Kyle Jackson, Georgia Tech,
Manny Abreu, Rutgers, Anthony Perkins, Colorado, Garrick Williams, Texas
A&M, Chris Galippo, USC, and Jerry Franklin, Arkansas
S:
Ben Wells, Texas and Justin Byers, NC State
CB:
Dequan Bembry, Marshall and
Quinton Richardson, Washington
Honorable Mention –
Special Teams
PK: David Green, Stanford,
Chris Hinkebein, Virginia, San San Te, Rutgers, Stephen Hoge,
Kansas, and Philip Welch, Wisconsin
P: Chris Hagerup, Indiana, Justin Kucek, Minnesota, and Brad DeBauche,
Wisconsin
-
2008 CFN Redshirt
All-America Offense
|