Compiled by
Richard
Cirminiello
- CFN Sophomore All-America Teams
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007
- CFN 2008 Sophomore All-America
Defense
- CFN 2008 Sophomore All-America
2nd & Honorable Mention
Team
- CFN 2008 Freshman All-America
Offense
- CFN 2008 Freshman All-America
Defense
- CFN 2008 Freshman All-America
2nd & Honorable Mention
Team
Offensive Sophomore of the Year: QB Sam Bradford
First Team
Offense
QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma – In just his second season of action,
Bradford is authoring one of the greatest seasons by quarterback in
college football history. The nation’s leader in passing efficiency,
he’s gone 302-of-442 for 4,464 yards, 48 touchdowns and just six
interceptions. Oh, and he’s also led the Sooners to within a win of a
national championship. One of the most accurate and poised passers in
the country, he could eventually own every NCAA passing mark if he
decides to stick around in Norman for two more years.
RB Knowshon Moreno, Georgia – No, Moreno didn’t have the Heisman-esque
season so many expected, but he was still plenty good considering the
rash of injuries on the Bulldog line. He’s run for 1,388 yards, joining
Herschel Walker as the only Dawgs to rush for 1,000 yards in consecutive
seasons, and scored 17 touchdowns. Now, Georgia fans will hold their
collective breath over the next few weeks, as Moreno decides whether to
return to Athens in 2009 or test the NFL waters.
RB Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State – Coming out of high school,
most schools ignored the 5-8 Hunter because of his lack of prototypical
size. Boy, are he and head coach Mike Gundy getting the last laugh.
After flashing hints of his potential as a freshman, he has erupted as a
sophomore for a Big 12-best 1,518 yards and 20 scores on the ground. A
shifty runner with a great burst through the hole, he’s proven to be
tougher and more durable than even the Cowboy staff expected before the
season began.
WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech – Breaking down film of Crabtree
is like watching a man playing among boys. After just two seasons in
Lubbock, he’s clearly NFL-ready, with the upper body strength, hands,
and explosiveness in the open field to be a star on Sundays. Sharing the
workload more so than a year ago, he has still managed to haul in 93
passes for 1,135 yards and 18 touchdowns, while causing sleepless nights
for Big 12 coordinators and defensive backs.
WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State – How good has Bryant been? He
actually upstaged Big 12 brethren Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin
throughout the regular season. Although you sort of saw this coming a
year ago, he’s been even more explosive than anyone imagined, turning 74
receptions into 1,313 yards, and 18 touchdowns. A phenomenal all-around
athlete at 6-2 and 210 pounds, he’s at his scary best leaping above
defensive backs to pluck the ball out of the sky.
TE
Rob Gronkowski, Arizona – At an athletic 6-6 and 255 pounds,
Gronkowski enjoys an almost unfair advantage every time he runs a pass
pattern. Both too big and too fast for most opposing linebackers, he’s
that rare tight end who can block and stretch a defense. Despite missing
the first three games with mononucleosis, he’s still got 43 catches for
644 yards and 11 touchdowns. Whether it’s 2010 or 2011, he’ll be the
first tight end selected in that April’s NFL Draft.
OT Anthony Castonzo, Boston College – The lightest of the Eagle
offensive linemen, Castonzo has excelled in his first two seasons with
outstanding technique and light feet. Forced into the lineup as a
freshman a year ago, he’s improved immeasurably this season, landing a
spot on the All-ACC second team. Able to flip to the left or right side
of the line, Castonzo is a big reason why Boston College is No. 2 in the
league in sacks allowed.
OG Mike Pouncey, Florida – After bouncing between both sides of
the ball as a true freshman, Pouncey has found a permanent home on the
offensive line. Well on his way to becoming one of the unsung stars of
the high-powered Gator offense, he’s a powerful run blocker with the
quickness and agility to punish defenders at the second and third level.
C Maurkice Pouncey, Florida – Lining up shoulder-to-shoulder with
twin brother Mike, Pouncey has enjoyed an outstanding season at the
pivot for the Gators. A tenacious drive blocker, he’s got a nasty streak
and a knack for blowing his man off the ball. After playing guard as a
freshman, Pouncey has adapted nicely to playing center, improving his
snaps and displaying the smarts to emerge as one of the line leaders.
OG Stefen Wisniewski, Penn State – Wisniewski is already doing
his part to continue a family tradition of talented, no-nonsense
offensive linemen in Happy Valley. An academic All-American as well as a
member of the All-Big Ten second team, he’s light on his feet and moves
well for a big man. After excelling at guard this season, he’s expected
to supplant A.Q. Shipley at center next fall.
OT Bryan Bulaga, Iowa – After seeing action at left guard as a
true freshman, Bulaga made the shift over to left tackle. If this year’s
results are any indication, he won’t be going back. An All-Big Ten
second teamer this year, he’s got the prototypical 6-6, 300-pound frame
for his position, and will continue to fill out over the second half of
his career. As good as Bulaga was in his second season, he hasn’t even
come close to reaching his full potential as a blocker in Iowa City.
- CFN 2008 Sophomore All-America
Defense
- CFN 2008 Sophomore All-America
2nd & Honorable Mention
Team