Premier Players

FANPAGE / CHEERLEADERS / PLAYER’S INK / FITNESS / COMMUNITY

AUGUST 2011

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VOL 2 / ISSUE 2

Ferrari 458 Italia The success being enjoyed by the 458 Italia crosses all borders – it has won awards in a host of different nations from the USA to the Far East and Europe. In the US, the mid-rear V8 was named "World Performance Car of the Year".

Get Your Tickets Now!

The 2011

Premier Player of College Football Charitable Awards Dinner

Co-Hosted By News Channel 8 Morning Anchor Rod Carter& 10 News Sports Anchor Dave Wirth

6-9 p.m.

Friday, January 13th, 2012 Embassy Suites Tampa - USF, 3705 Spectrum Blvd., Tampa, Florida, 33612

For More Information Or To Purchase Tickets Visit www.premierplayers.com Or Call 813-833-3495

Features & Departments

PUBLISHING CEO & PUBLISHER Carnell Moore CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Steve Wright Marc Jenkins Carnell Moore Barry Brudny, Players’ Bios Chris DeCegli, Players’ Bios CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER Carnell Moore Clarisa Rosianu For advertising information e-mail: Advertise@premierplayers.com To submit editorials & ideas e-mail: editor@premierplayers.com or visit www.premierplayers.com Write to us at: P.O. Box 341064, Tampa, FL 33694-1064 Call us at: 800-470-0250 PHOTO CREDITS Travis Bell, Sideline Carolina, ppCover, 23, 28 Stanford Sports Information, pp5, 29 AP Photos, pp6, 18, 19, 22, 35 Oklahoma State Sports Information, p8 Oklahoma Sports Information, pp9, 27 ASU Sports Information, p10 UNC Sports Information, p12 Albert Pena, p16 USF Sports Information, p17 Josh Thompson, p20 Virginia Tech Sports Information, p21 FSU Sports Information, p26 NFL Photo, p30 Matt Cilley, p32 UW Sports Information, p33 Alabama Sports Information, p34 W. Va. Sports Information, p36 Matt Slocum, p37 Denis Poroy, p39 David Goldman, p42 Large Charlie Riedel, p42 Content Disclaimer & Use The opinions expressed in Premier Players Magazine and on Premier Players Online do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers and or their agents. For use of any material used in Premier Players Magazine or on Premier Players Online, please contact the publisher at 813-833-3495.

With Luck on their side, Andrew Luck that is, the Cardinal are ready to make another run at a national championship. However, the road to the top will not be easy as we list our Top 25 contenders for the title. See page 40.

6

Fans Get Ready To Vote

8

Top 20 Premier Player Candidates

19

The Boys Are Back In Town

30

Foundation Takes Disabled Kids Outdoors

40

Preseason Top 25

42

Player’s Ink PREMIER PLAYERS 5

PREMIER PLAYERS 6

Ryan Mallett was the first recipient of the Premier Player of College Football trophy and the fans couldn’t have selected a better person. From the moment the University of Arkansas quarterback entered the room, he served the crowd with a certain charm that left every fan wanting more time with him.

When NFL and Collegiate Hall of Fame defensive lineman Lee Roy Selmon met Mallett, the two were like old friends.

“This is why I got out of the game,” Selmon joked as he stood near Mallett’s 6’6” frame. “The quarterbacks just keep getting bigger.”

You had to be there to truly understand the fun and excitement that night. If you missed it, here is where the next opportunity begins for you to experience the hottest award in college football. In this issue, it is our pleasure to present the initial 20 candidates for The 2011 Premier Player of College Football trophy. The award will be presented to the athlete you, the fans, voted for as the best player in NCAA college football.

Here is the process: At the beginning of the college football season, a poll is released with 20 of the best players for fans to follow. In mid October, five more great performing players are added to the ballot. Fans then have until the last conference championship game to cast their initial votes for deciding The 2011 Premier Player of College Football five finalists.

The five athletes with the most votes will be announced in early December and invited to The Premier Player of College Football charitable awards dinner. Simultaneous, another poll begins with just those five players on the ballot that remains open until a week before the awards dinner.

The recipient of the trophy will be revealed at the charitable dinner set for 6 p.m. on January 13, 2012, at the Embassy Suites Tampa -University of South Florida.

Fans are such a big part of the games, so we wanted to come up with an award that they can be a big part of too. All the athletes on the list are Premier Players, but the fans decide who gets the trophy each January.

Selmon views this award as a great voice for college football fans, and sees The Premier Player of College Football

charitable awards dinner as a signature event that will showcase Tampa, provide fun for fans, recognize premier athletes, and help many children around world.

At the inaugural Premier Player of College Football event, the proceeds equally supported The Joshua House, The Children’s Home, SCORE International and The Premier Player Sports Foundation. The Premier Player Sports Foundation is also establishing The Premier Player of College Basketball charitable awards dinner in Charlotte, NC; The Premier Player of College Baseball charitable awards dinner in Atlanta, GA; and The Premier Player of College Hockey charitable awards dinner in Boston, MA, with the help of volunteers from Columbia Investments. Proceeds from each event will stay in its respective city to assist local charities.

The Premier Players Sports Foundation is based in Tampa, FL. The foundation recognizes sports can be a game-changer in a child's life because it teaches team work, physical fitness, leadership and relationship building. That's why the foundation's mission is to provide orphanages around the world with sports balls, apparel and league sponsorships to help their kids get into the games. The foundation will also financially assist orphanages and other children organizations by using its charitable award dinners as community fundraisers for nonprofits that operate for the well-being of children in orphanages, foster care or with disabilities and diseases.

“I think it’s important for everyone to have a chance to play sports,” says Josh Freeman, starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Premier Players Sports Foundation advisory board member. “Football is a big part of my family and it has put me in a position to help others in sports and other aspects of life.”

The 2011 Premier Player of College Football charitable awards dinner promises to be a fun event for fans, but overall, it will be a great event for the community. You have to be there to truly understand the experience. Call 813-8333495 to order your tickets or print a ticket order form at www.premierplayers.com. Enjoy the issue and the candidates for the Premier Player of College Football award.

PREMIER PLAYERS 7

1. Justin Blackmon When looking at Justin Blackmon on paper, nothing jumps off the page. His size is nothing to marvel at (6’ 1” and 211) and his stats in high school were nothing spectacular (notching a little over 1500 yards his senior year). Hence, scouts never ranked him highly. He was the no. 91 wide receiver in his class and was only a three star recruit.

The Oklahoma native, born January 9th, 1990 in Ardmore, OK, committed to Oklahoma State and played sparingly his freshman year. He caught 20 passes for a little over 250 yards and only 2 touchdowns. His sophomore year, before the season began, Justin told reporters to expect great things out of him. Most reporters laughed, as he had not shown anything to prove otherwise in career.

However, Blackmon made his presence known very early on, beating his freshman TD total in just his first game of the season. It was almost like clockwork for him, every game he caught at least one touchdown and had at least 100 PREMIER PLAYERS 8

receiving yards. He finished his season with 111 receptions for 1,782 yards and 20 receiving touchdowns.

It seems expecting great things wasn’t too much of a stretch. Blackmon won the Biletnikoff award, which is awarded to the top wide receiver each year. He was first team all American as he led Oklahoma to an 11-2 record and ended the season with a 9 reception 117 yard and 2 TD performance against Arizona in the Alamo Bowl.

Blackmon also owns an NCAA record for the most consecutive games with 100 receiving yards or more. He expects greater things this season, maybe an NCAA championship, a Heisman trophy, or even The 2011 Premier Player award. While the season is all a mystery right now, one thing is for sure, don’t doubt him. He has a tendency to prove his doubters wrong. He’s been doing it his whole career from no. 91 in his HS class to one of the best in the nation.

2. Ryan Broyles Athletes come in all sizes in college football. However, the precedent for wide receivers has almost always been that they must be at 6’ 2” to succeed. Not all precedents are true though, as Ryan Broyles continues to dominate the receiving game.

His 5’11” 175 frame would make most scouts look away immediately, deeming him too small to be a capable player. This small player has huge game though. Born in Norman, OK on April 9th, 1988, Broyles played both sides of the ball in high school and actually finished his career with more interceptions than receiving touchdowns (20 to 18).

In his first season for the Sooners, Broyles tied a freshman record for receptions and set a freshman record

for receiving yards. He gained over 1,000 yards the next season receiving and had a dominant 150 yard, 3 touchdown performance in their bowl game to end the year. However, for a guy people claimed to be too small, he never stops playing bigger. So he improved even more this past season, accruing more than 1,600 receiving yards and almost 15 receiving touchdowns.

Broyles enters his senior season 1,577 yards away from the NCAA career receiving yards record. Barring any injury or misfortune, that record could very well belong to Broyles by the end of the season. Leave it to the smallest of the elite wide receivers to raise the bar the highest.

PREMIER PLAYERS 9

3. Vontaze Burfict Get used to hearing the name Vontaze Burfict as you will definitely be hearing it every Sunday. Burfict is one of those physically dominating players that most college offenses would prefer not to play against.

Born in Corona, California, on September 24, 1990, the talented linebacker played ball at powerhouse Centennial High School. His ability for the next level was evident by several awards.

He was named the Pac-10 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2009 as he collected 69 total tackles, 7 PREMIER PLAYERS 10

tackles for loss, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. Burfict was also selected as a Freshman All-American by multiple sources, including CollegeFootballNews.com and Scout.com.

He had an even better sophomore year, when he led the ASU defense with 90 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 2 forced fumbles. He can really play, and his highlight film of big hits on YouTube shows the tenacity of this LB to snuff out plays.

Burfict has all the tools necessary to finish a successful career at Arizona

State, and have a very productive career in the NFL. At 6-3, 245lbs, he has the physical attributes and mental toughness for the game of football.

Many regard him as an NFL player already, and some even call him the “meanest man in college football.�

Vontaze truly makes every play count, and he makes every play into a highlight reel worthy play. He is a leader for Arizona State, and if he has the season according to our expectations, you just cannot go wrong with Vontaze Burfict as a Premier Player.

PREMIER PLAYERS 12

4. Quinton Coples Quinton Coples is a force to be reckoned with on the North Carolina defensive front. Highly regarded out of high school, Coples has steadily improved every year at North Carolina.

His freshman year, he recorded only 8 tackles and one sack.

His sophomore year, he progressed and recorded a solid 22 tackles and 5 sacks. Last year, he exploded and showed his opponents what he was all about with 59 total tackles, 10 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.

Coples is clearly showing that he deserves to be held in the same regard as other top defensive players. He has the potential to become the top defensive player, even though the University of North Carolina is going through a tough time right now after firing their head coach.

Born on June 22, 1990, Coples went to Kinston High School in Kinston, NC. He has all the physical attributes you look for in a DE as he is around 6’6� and 275 lbs, while being very quick on his feet.

PREMIER PLAYERS 13

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Brabus, the German aftermarket auto tuner, has unveiled its 800 E V12 Cabriolet, a drop top based on the Mercedes E-Class Convertible. Under the hood is a modified engine borrowed from the Mercedes S600: A 788-horsepower biturbo 6.3-liter V12, with an electronically limited 811 lb-ft of torque. This means the car can reach 0-62 mph in 3.7 seconds, 124 mph in 9.9 seconds, with a top speed of 231 mph. It is the fastest four-seat convertible in the world. Prices start at $681,200.

5. Jared Crick If there is an offensive lineman who thinks they can hold back Jared Crick, they are in for a surprise.

No quarterback is safe with Crick around. The 6’6�, 285lb senior will do whatever it takes to get to the QB or get a TFL (tackle for a loss).

Being the best defensive player on one of the best defense in the nation is surely an accomplishment for Crick, but he shows no signs of letting this get to his head. He has recorded 9.5 sacks in each of the past two seasons for Nebraska, and his career 19 sacks is already 7th most in Nebraska history.

Crick also has 32 Tackles for loss in his career, and should reach the top 10 in Nebraska history by the end of his career. He even has the school record for both single-game sacks (-5) and tackles for loss (-7). Crick has started 28 out of the 37 games he has played in.

Born in Cozad, NE, on August 21, 1989, Crick attended Cozad High School and is known for more than just his superb on-the-field performance. His off-the-field personality is also outstanding as he has been recognized for his community outreach work as a two-time member of the Brook Berringer Citizenship Team along with volunteering at hospitals and speaking at elementary schools.

Crick has won numerous awards already for his outstanding career at Nebraska. He was picked to the 2009 and 2010 First-Team All-Big 12 team, and was also selected as a First-Team All -American in 2010.

He has all the tools necessary to be one of the best defensive player in the country so be sure to keep an eye on him.

6. BJ Daniels B.J. Daniels, a redshirt junior at University of South Florida, is one of the most electric quarterbacks in college football. He is truly a dual-threat QB with a tough 6’1”, 214lb frame that allows him to take on defenders if there is no open receiver down the field.

Daniels is fueled by his fierce competitive nature, which can be seen in last year’s exciting Meineke Car Care bowl game against Clemson. In that game, Daniels went 20-of-27 (74.1%) for 189 yards and two TDs and one rushing TD, which earned him MVP honors.

He was born on October 24, 1989, and comes from Florida State University territory as he went to Lincoln HS in Tallahassee. The fact that he grew up around all of that rich FSU tradition and chose to come to an up-and-coming program at USF shows the pride that drives Daniels.

The story of how he became the starting QB for USF is also interesting.

Back in 2009, the starting QB for USF was Matt Grothe, but he tore his ACL (a season-ending injury) during a game against Charleston Southern. Daniels was next in line, and started his first game against almighty FSU. Daniels showed off his dual-threat skills as he rushed for 126 yards on 23 attempts, and was 8-of-21 for 215 yards. In the end, USF took its first victory over one of Florida’s Big 3 schools (UF, FSU & Miami).

Daniels has some impressive stats to back up his great athleticism. In his young career, he has started 22 of 27 games that he has played in and has completed 269-of-477 (56.4%) passes for 3,754 yards with 25 TDs. He has rushed for another 1,033 yards and 14 TDs on 290 carries.

PREMIER PLAYERS 17

The Boys Are

By Steve Wright

Ohio State Marching Band

FSU Chief Osceola PREMIER PLAYERS 18

There is nothing in the world quite like college football and the pomp and circumstance, tradition, pageantry, and passion that it has to offer.

From the dotting of the “I� in Columbus, Ohio, to Chief Osceola planting the flaming spear in Tallahassee, Florida, there is nothing quite like college football.

From turf fields to grass fields to blue fields (and even a bright red field thanks to Eastern Washington), there is nothing quite like college football.

From 100,000+ at the Big House in Michigan to less than 100 fans at some of the smallest NAIA colleges in the Midwest, there is nothing quite like college football.

From a buffalo stampeding the field in the Rockies to a caged tiger intimidating the opposition in the Deep South, there is nothing quite like college football.

Yes, college football is back and it’s bigger and better than ever.

It is easy to see the appeal of college football to the masses. It is the one sport on the North American landscape in which you can actually feel a sense of true kinship with the players and the teams. Sure you can buy season tickets to the Patriots or Lakers, but when it comes down to it, those players live in a different world that we as fans are never going to be a true part of.

With the college athletes, however, it is much easier to find a common bond. Many college football fans have been to the same schools and attended the same classes as the players they now fill massive stadiums to watch play.

Many fans have family ties to schools. Some become boosters and work on helping their sports programs.

Simply put, it is much easier to feel part of a college football team.

Then we have the game day experience itself. As stated earlier, college football has so many quirks and traditions that it would be impossible to list them all. It seems that every college has one or two little nuances that make it stand out from the crowd. Some, I am looking at you Notre Dame and Texas A&M, have entire books dedicated to their school traditions and we, as fans, eat up every last bit of it.

It says something when the passion for a sport is able to

Back In Town show through and translate on TV, and thanks to the networks, college football, in all its High Definition glory, does exactly that. We love the fight songs, the mascots, and the cute coeds on the cheer and dance teams. It allows us to get wrapped up in the game-day experience.

For a time, this powerful concoction of sound, color, and spirit can even transfer us back to a simpler point in life where nothing matters but the game on the field.

It’s amazing how college players, amateur athletes that are not even paid for their work, can become huge symbols not only on the local stage, but on a national level. The ultimate example of this in modern terms is of course former Florida Gators and current Denver Broncos QB Tim Tebow. Tebow was able to parlay a record setting college career into a larger than life character who is recognizable from coast to coast. Only the popularity and exuberance of football would allow a college kid in Florida to be identified instantly in so many states of the union.

Coaches, too, have become larger than life characters in the battle for football superiority. Institutional figures like Joe Paterno at Penn State, the Nittany Lions head coach since 1966, and legends like Knute Rockne and Bobby Bowden, are names almost mentioned in a hushed whisper, such is the reverence in which these kinds of men are held.

With 120 Football Bowl Subdivision Universities, college football holds a geographical pull that no other sport can match. In 2011, states as diverse as Oklahoma, Oregon, Wisconsin and Alabama (to name but a few) can legitimately think that their schools have a real shot at a national title game appearance. Even schools that cannot compete at this moment know that they are only one of two solid recruiting classes, or in some cases, just one special player away from competing at that level.

We are just weeks away from talking about major upsets, breakout players, surprise teams, broken dreams and Heisman contenders all over again. Saturdays in the Fall are made for doing nothing but crashing in front of the TV from noon until midnight catching every play or every game that matters and soaking in everything that college football has to offer. Enjoy the experience. . . I for one cannot wait!

Boise State Blue Turf

Mike VI of The LSU Tigers PREMIER PLAYERS 19

7. Matt Barkley Matt Barkley started at quarterback for his second season as a sophomore in 2010 and had a solid year. Overall while starting 12 games (he missed the Notre Dame game with an injury), he was 236-of-377 for 2,791 yards with 26 TDs and 12 interceptions, plus he had 2 rushing TDs. The 2010 Davey O’Brien semifinalist showed why he became the first ever sophomore captain for the Trojans.

He had a streak of 140 consecutive passes without an interception in 2010. He threw at least 2 TDs in 7 games in 2010 and at least 3 TDs 5 times, including twice with a school record-tying 5 TDs. His 236 completions in 2010 was eighth on the USC season list and his 2,774 yards of total offense was 11th on USC's season ladder.

PREMIER PLAYERS 20

Matt also made 2010 All-Pac 10 honorable mention and Phil Steele All-Pac-10 third team.

Born Sept. 9, 1990, Matt attended Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, CA. He was active in his church (playing guitar in the choir) and in community service (he helped build homes for the poor in Mexico, volunteered at an orphanage in South Africa and spearheaded the Monarchs For Marines program that raised money for the families of wounded and fallen soldiers).

Matt has the character, poise and talent to reach the next level, which is where many of his college opponents would prefer to see him.

8. Jayron Hosley Last year Virginia Tech had its fair share of ups and downs. The team went from losing their first two games (one to unlikely winner James Madison) to winning their next 11 straight to win the ACC championship and make it to the Orange bowl.

Fans and sportswriters mostly attributed the great ACC success to former quarterback Tyrod Taylor. However, football is a game that can be won on both sides of the field.

While it’s true that Taylor propelled the offense, Jayron Hosley propelled the defense.

Hosley, born September 18th, 1990, in Boynton Beach, FL, attended Atlantic High School and played all three sides of the ball (offense, defense, and special teams). After barely playing his freshman year, Hosley started all but one game

last season and led the NCAA with 9 interceptions.

In a game against North Carolina State, Hosley came up huge for his team and intercepted 3 passes. For a guy who’s 5’ 10”, 170 lbs, that’s a pretty “big” performance.

Hosley has been coming up big his whole career. In high school he was not rated highly because of his size. Scouts felt he couldn’t cover the 6’ 4” wide receivers in college.

They could not have been more wrong.

Hosley won the honor of top College Defensive Back last season and was selected to second team all America and first team all ACC. Hosley returns this year as a junior and there are even larger expectations. Only time will tell if he rises to the occasion but, if the past is any record, there are even greater things to come from him.

PREMIER PLAYERS 21

9. LaMichael James Last season, Oregon’s blur offense shocked the college world with its dynamic mix of different offenses. They were unstoppable for most of the season, scoring the most points in college football at over 45 points a game.

Their offense could not have been better named for LaMichael James. The entire season, James scorched opposing defenses, leaving them in a literal blur as he dashed for more than 100 yards in 10 games last seasons.

Things were not always so swift for James, who was raised mostly by his grandma in Texarcana, TX. His father was killed before James was born on October 22nd, 1989, and his mother was rarely in his life.

In his junior year at Liberty-Eylau High School, his grandmother passed away from cervical cancer and James lived by himself in their home. Since then, life has truly been a blur for James.

After James was thrust into the spotlight as a freshman, PREMIER PLAYERS 22

he rushed for over 1,500 yards and truly carried the running game of a team that was thought to have lost its “main” running option. He has been on a tear ever since, dashing through every defense, running for almost 1,700 yards to lead the NCAA in rushing yards and scoring over 20 touchdowns last year.

His stellar performance won him the Doak Walker trophy, which is presented to the best running back in college football each year. James finished 3rd in the Heisman and Premier Player of College Football voting last year. He was selected American Football Coaches Association AllAmerican, First Team Associated Press All-American, Football Writers Association of America All-American, Walter Camp Football Foundation All-American and First Team All-Pac 10.

James continues to be the piston that powers the blur offense, blasting defenses and leaving barely a trace. Just try to catch the blur, very few can.

10. Alshon Jeffery Last season was supposed to be more of the same in the SEC. Alabama and Florida were supposed to dominate their competition and meet in another epic SEC title game with a trip to the national championship awaiting the winner.

However, college football rarely goes as it’s supposed to. While Florida was encountering some struggles without Tebow, Alabama was playing like the defending national champs that they were, winning every game. However, that all changed in a game against South Carolina.

The once-inconsistent Stephen Garcia was somehow playing the most focused game of his career and was not making any mistakes. The Gamecocks held a small lead on the Crimson Tide in the fourth quarter. It was third down; every fan figured if Alabama got the stop then they would drive down and win the game.

Alshon Jeffery knew this, too, and that’s why he wouldn’t let it happen. Garcia launched a short lob to Jeffery’s outside shoulder and Jeffery, being smothered by

the defensive back, somehow made a marvelous, jaw dropping one handed catch and then dragged his defender 20 yards. First down Gamecocks!

Jeffery continued his sensational play all year, compiling 88 receptions, more than 1,500 receiving yards and was voted an All American. His large 6’ 4” 230 lbs frame made defending him a nightmare for almost all defenders and this rising junior is far from done. His team is now the favorite to win the SEC and knowing Jeffery, he’ll do everything in his power to ensure that happens.

Born February 14th, 1990, Jeffery attended Calhoun County High School in St. Matthews, SC, and played both basketball and football. In fact, his basketball team won four state championships and went 80-0 during his time at Calhoun County. Jeffery eventually committed to football and the rest is history.

PREMIER PLAYERS 23

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11. Brandon Jenkins Brandon Jenkins is primed to become another FSU great. Highly touted out of Florida High School in Tallahassee, FL, Jenkins is on his way to stardom.

Born on February 9, 1990, Jenkins, now a junior at FSU, has emerged as one of the elite rush defensive ends in the country. As a true freshman, Jenkins played in 12 of 13 games, and was pretty productive with 12 total tackles and three tackles for loss. He also led the team in quarterback hurries with four.

Last year, however, was when Jenkins exploded into the national spotlight. He managed 13.5 sacks, which ranked 3rd nationally, 21.5 tackles for loss, which was tied for 4th nationally, and 63 total tackles along with two forced fumbles. This monster of a season earned Jenkins a First Team All-ACC selection and Second Team All-American honors from Rivals.com.

Even with all of this production, it’s scary to think of all the un-tapped potential inside of Jenkins. He is still young and with a new coaching staff.

However, we’ll probably see an even better year from him with all of the training that he has been doing to prepare for the season.

Keep an eye on him throughout the college football season as his potential is limitless.

12. Landry Jones

Landry Jones, born April 4, 1989 in Artesia, NM, has long experienced success in football. He was New Mexico’s 4A player of the year and one of the most highly recruited quarterbacks in his class.

After his commitment to Oklahoma, Landry, who is named after Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame coach Tom Landry, was seen as a budding star that would be a backup for at least two years. Then he would take over the program when he was mature enough to lead the Sooners.

However, his start came a bit earlier than predicted when two years ago, in the first game of the season and his career, he had to fill in for the injured Sam Bradford, who had just won the Heisman the year before. Even though his predicament was very hard to succeed in, he actually did extremely well, passing for over 3,000 yards

and more than 25 passing touchdowns.

This past season, there was no quarterback to fill in for. The Sooners were Landry’s team and he led them very confidently to a 6-0 start and even a #1 ranking in the AP poll. He finished the year with over 4,700 passing yards and 38 passing touchdowns.

His season ended with a 48-20 win over Connecticut in the Fiesta Bowl. Landry earned the MVP honors for his 429 passing yard, 3 touchdown performance. With that win he also ended Oklahoma’s BCS bowl skid, which had lasted since 2002.

Landry returns this year with many of his offensive weapons remaining and a Boomer Sooner mentality that could make him a national champion and Premier Player of College Football trophy winner.

PREMIER PLAYERS 24

13. Marcus Lattimore Very few freshmen make an immediate impact on the college football world. That sentence should end with “Marcus Lattimore was not one of those freshmen.”

Born October 29, 1991, in Duncan, South Carolina, Lattimore was one of the most decorated recruits South Carolina ever received. The Byrnes High School alumni was named to both USA Today All-American honors and named Mr. Football of South Carolina.

In only his second college football game, Lattimore rushed for over a hundred yards and two touchdowns. He was the human bull, raging through the line and bulldozing anyone who got in his way.

He was also a workhorse who could, in some games, take as many as 40 carries. Do you know any way to stop a raging bull-workhorse? Neither did the defenses that he faced.

Lattimore came up huge several times for his team in a PREMIER PLAYERS 28

role that was more suited for a veteran junior than an “inexperienced” freshman. Against the then undefeated Alabama, he ran for two touchdowns and caught another (scoring just as many points, 21, for his team as Alabama scored the entire game).

After a disappointing game against Arkansas, Lattimore was thought to be slumping and sports writers and analysts did not expect a recovery any time soon. However, like all stars, he dictated when he would be great, not anyone else.

In his very next game against Florida, where the SEC East title was on the line, Lattimore had 40 carries for over 200 yards (first time in his career he broke 200 rushing yards) and 3 touchdowns on the ground. He simply would not accept losing and powered his team to victory. That’s what stars do; they shine when most needed.

Remember, he did all of this as a freshman. This year, Lattimore has the Gamecocks in the hunt for more than just an SEC East title.

14. Andrew Luck What more needs to be said of this Stanford Junior? After finishing as a runner up for the Heisman last year, Luck was projected to be drafted first overall.

However, in a rather bizarre yet refreshing twist for the ever-developing college football world that has become so obsessed with getrich-quick-schemes, Luck passed up on the draft and decided to return to Stanford for one more season to get his degree.

This Stratford High graduate (Houston, TX) was a force to be reckoned with on the field last year. Luck threw for more than 3,000 yards, completed over 70 percent of his passes, and had a 4:1 touchdown to interception ratio with 32 TDs (breaking John Elway’s old record of 27 for a single season) and 8 interceptions.

Luck was selected First Team All-Pac 10 and capped off his season with a 40-12 trouncing of Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl. He earned that game’s MVP honor by completing all but 5 of his 23 passes and recording 4 passing TDs. Luck was born the oldest of 4 kids on September 12th, 1989, to his parents Oliver and Kathy. He spent most of his early childhood in London, England and Frankfurt, Germany because his father was the general manager of two different World League of American Football teams.

Later on, the family moved to Houston and Luck developed into the football star he’s known as today. He currently owns 6 Stanford single season records, 3 career records and, before he’s done, could set many more.

It’s hard not to root for the man who turned down the glitz and glamor of the professional sports world, at least for another year, to support his team and maybe make history by becoming only the second player from Stanford to win the Heisman and the first to win the Premier Player of College Football trophy.

Degree over dollars, it’s a nice change to see in the sport.

Community

NFL Player Foundation Takes Disabled Kids Outdoors

By Chris Young GateHouse News Service Tony Semple’s life’s journey has taken him from Lincoln High School in Springfield, Ill., to the National Football League. But Semple knows that not everyone’s life takes the preferred path.

Now that Semple’s playing days are over, the former football star is helping kids who are facing disabilities or lifethreatening illnesses that can put a jarring hit on self-esteem.

The Tony Semple Foundation for Hope, based in Ada, Mich., brings kids with disabilities and other life challenges outdoors for hunting and fishing adventures.

More importantly, he says, kids get the chance to talk to other kids who have experienced similar setbacks and learn how to draw on their inner strength.

Semple, 40, played college football at what is now called the University of Memphis before playing offensive guard for the Detroit Lions for nine seasons. He retired in 2002.

His foundation puts on a series of camps each year, serving 10-20 kids a year. But don’t expect Semple to have a bunch of hunting and fishing stories up his sleeve. That’s not what he wants to talk about at all.

Instead, he focuses on what happens in camp, around the campfire or in the lodge.

“We don’t just take kids and send them out on a hunt,” Semple says.

“We are about the experience. The passion of hunting brings us together, but it’s the group setting, the family atmosphere and the experience of being around the fire — that is what this program is about.”

He says those experiences are very

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“I get calls from different kids almost every week,” he says. “We stay in touch.”

One boy came into camp with low self-esteem because of an automobile accident that put the brakes on his life’s plans.

“He left camp and he ended up starting his own company that helps other individuals get back into society,” Semple says. “We were able to take a kid who came in with a negative outlook on life and stop that in its tracks.“ Camp helped him adjust to his new life,” Semple says. “It is so awesome to see that.”

How it started intimate. Kids and camp staff bond over stories of struggle and, ultimately, Christian faith.

“It can be very heartfelt,” Semple says. “Before the night is over, we might have 40 people sharing stories and kids opening up about how God is real in their lives and how they pull strength from that … It can be a very powerful moment.”

And the kids end up helping each other.

“They are always lifting the other kids up,” Semple says.

The outdoors experience — something many take for granted — can help kids find confidence.

“By taking kids that are living with a disability, getting them outdoors, it helps them discover the very real power and gifts they have,” Semple says. “It’s very special, and that is what these camps are all about.”

Semple says he often hears from many of the kids who have attended the camps, especially at important times in their lives.

Tony Semple and Michigan businessman Craig Mortz started the Tony Semple Foundation for Hope six years ago.

“We got the National Football League behind it, and it really took off,” Semple says.

The idea, he says, is not to have the biggest organization or put on the most camps. Rather, Semple wants to limit the size and number of camps to stay focused on the foundation’s ideals.

“We’re not looking to put on 50 camps a year,” he says. “Craig Mortz can’t be at 50 camps, and I can’t be at 50 camps.

“The two or three camps, four camps are very intimate and personal,” he says. “It’s not about trying to become the biggest. We thought, ‘Wait a minute. Let’s be the best.’”

Camps Michigan is home base, but camps have been held in other states, including Missouri, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.

15. Kellen Moore When you see the stats and awards that Kellen Moore has earned in his high school and college career, your jaws will drop to the floor.

nearly 11,000 yards, completing 831-of-1219 passes. He has a total of 99 TD’s and only 19 INTs, and this is only through 3 years of college!

Born on July 12, 1989, Moore went to Prosser High School in Prosser, Washington, and set many state records including career completions (787), career touchdown passes (173), single-season completions (317 as a junior), single-season yards (4,600 as junior) and single-season touchdown passes (67 as a senior). During his high school career, Moore completed 787-of-1,195 passes (65.9%) for 11,367 yards and 173 touchdowns with only 34 interceptions.

His award list is also extremely remarkable. He is a twotime All-American, a 2010 Heisman Trophy finalist, the 2008 WAC Freshman of the Year, and the 2009 and 2010 WAC Offensive Player of the Year among many other awards.

So far, his college career has been equally impressive. At Boise State, where he plays with his younger brother (WR) and one of his long-time friends (OL), Moore has amassed PREMIER PLAYERS 32

Entering the 2011 season, Moore is the nation’s active career leader in passing efficiency (166.74) and has the most active wins by a QB with 38 wins. He also ranks 2nd in completion percentage at 68.17%, passing yards at 10,867, passing touchdowns at 99, and completions at 831. The kid can play, and if you haven’t seen him play, you are missing out on something special.

16. Chris Polk If you checked around the Washington Huskies campus before the start of last season, all of the buzz would have been about Jake Locker. Who could blame them as Locker surprisingly passed up going pro when many expected him to go first overall in the draft.

With another year of Locker, fans believed anything was possible, even a Pac 10 title. However, this was not in the cards for the Huskies. The only bright light in their season was Chris Polk.

Polk, born December 16th, 1989 in Redlands, CA, has been a feel good story even before this past season. His first season tragically came to an end only two games into the season due to an injury.

After being granted medical redshirt, the East Valley High School alumni (who once rushed for 214 yards in high school on only 5 carries) returned the next season and ran for more than a 1,000 yards and got 5 rushing touchdowns, earning him First-Team Freshman All-Pac-10.

Polk continued his dominance this year by rushing for over 1,400 yards and 9 touchdowns. In his last game of the regular season, Polk rushed for a career high 284 yards and a pair of touchdowns. To cap his season, Polk earned MVP honors in the Holiday Bowl in a 19-7 win over Nebraska with 177 rushing yards and 1 rushing touchdown.

Just go by Husky campus this fall and see whom all the rage is about. The reign of Polk has taken full hold and he has earned his throne.

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17. Trent Richardson Trent Richardson is one of those rare athletes with just limitless amount of skills. He has this rare combination of speed, size, and elusiveness that provide him with raw power.

Coming out of Escambia High School, Richardson was one of the most sought after running backs and overall recruit. During his senior season, Richardson piled up over 2,000 yards on 228 carries while scoring 25 touchdowns. He was a Parade All-American, Under Armour All-American, USA Today All-American, and he was the top recruit out of the state of Florida.

Richardson contributed immediately to the Crimson Tide offense as a true freshman, providing 751 yards on 145

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carries and 8 touchdowns. He was also a huge part of Alabama’s national championship as he rushed for 109 yards and 2 TD’s. He earned SEC All-Freshman honors for his play.

He didn’t stop there, though. For his sophomore season, Richardson rushed for 700 yards on 112 carries and 6 touchdowns, and he had 266 yards receiving and 4 touchdowns. Richardson was also the kick returner for the Crimson Tide and he gained 634 kick return yards with 1 touchdown.

Richardson is primed for a monster of a season and should be considered one of the best running backs in the country, if not the best player in the country.

18. Denard Robinson College football is said to be the grounds for players to explode onto the football scene. Very few exploded quite like Denard Robinson.

In his very first start for Michigan, he set a school record for the most total yards by a player with 383 yards. The next week, he toppled his own record by posting 502 yards.

He quickly evolved from new incoming starter to early season Heisman frontrunner as he became the first player in the Football Bowl Subdivision history to run and pass for over 200 yards in multiple games in a season. Unfortunately, his historic season had some roadblocks as Michigan faltered consistently in the middle of the season and lost three consecutive games at one point.

As the Wolverines fell out of the national spotlight Robinson continued a stellar season. He finished the season

with over 1,700 rushing yards and over 2,500 passing yards, becoming the first player in NCAA history to pass and rush for over 1,500 yards in the same season.

Robinson, or “shoelace� as he came to be called from his tendency to play football without tying his shoelaces, originally tried out to be a defensive back at his high school, Deerfield Beach, in Florida. However, the team placed him as a quarterback and the position stuck as Robinson compiled over 6,000 yards of total offense in his HS career.

From high school to Michigan, he continues to juke and cut through the competition. Whether its his deceptively accurate arm of his dart-like speed on the ground, Robinson has emerged as one of the most explosive players in college football today. Imagine what he could do with tied shoelaces.

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19. Geno Smith When you think of West Virginia, a few names might come to mind. Geno Smith wants to be one of those names that are synonymous with success.

Born on October 10, 1990, Smith went to Miramar High School in Miami, FL and was a Parade High School AllAmerican. There, he completed 205 of 308 passes for 3,089 yards and 32 touchdowns. He also played in the “Elite 11” football camp in California and finished No. 2 in the voting for Mr. Florida.

Smith earned some valuable knowledge as the backup quarterback to Jarrett Brown in 2009, but his real experience and explosion happened last year when he became the PREMIER PLAYERS 36

starting QB for the Mountaineers. He completed 241 of 372 passes for 2,763 yards and had 24 touchdowns to only 7 interceptions, making him the first WVU quarterback to throw for more than 2,500 yards since 1998.

He was named First Team All-Big East by multiple sources. His future looks bright at West Virginia as he enters the 2011 season being ranked No. 2 on West Virginia’s single -season touchdown passes with 24, single season pass completions with 241, and No. 4 in total offense with 2,980 yards. He will also be helped with a new coaching staff in place at West Virginia with a head coach who is widely regarded as an offensive mastermind.

20. Ryan Tannehill Ryan Tannehill is an interesting player for Texas A&M. After playing quarterback at Big Spring High School in Big Spring, Texas, he switched to wide receiver at the college level because he couldn’t quite compete with the other QB’s on roster at Texas A&M. He didn’t let this get to his head though, as he shined as a WR by leading the team and setting a Texas A&M freshman record in both receptions and in receiving yards by gaining 844 yards on 55 passes and 5 TDs. He continued his sophomore season playing as the team’s best WR, but he also gained some experience playing as the team’s backup QB. He earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors for his performance on the field.

Last year, Tannehill started the season playing WR but

became the starting QB halfway through the season after a constant battle against Jerrod Johnson. Once he became the starting QB, the team was clearly changed for the better.

During his first career start against Texas Tech, Tannehill threw for 449 yards - a school record. He also led the team to wins over Oklahoma, Nebraska and Texas. Considering he was only the starting QB for half the season, his more than 1,300 yards and 10 TDs against these teams are quite impressive.

Not only is Tannehill a remarkable athlete, he is also a gifted scholar. He has received First-Team All-Big 12 Academic honors for all three years he has been at Texas A&M. For life after football, his hopes are to become an orthopedic surgeon.

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PREMIER PLAYERS 2011 NCAA Football Preseason Top 25.

25. West Virginia Mountaineers The Mountaineers have several key members returning from an incredible defense last season (only allowed 13.5 points per game, 3rd in FBS) and they must have a similar year in order to put the offense in a position to win. Quarterback Geno Smith needs to have a solid year.

24. Florida Gators The Gators are in limbo as far as having the top talent to truly compete in the SEC. They need more out of their running game and junior QB John Brantley must have a breakout season. The defense must step up to mask the many weaknesses displayed on the offensive end.

23. Penn State Nitty Lions

amazing freshman season. On the defensive end of the ball, Nick Fairley will also be missed so Auburn must have a player or two fill the void left by his absence.

18. Ohio State Buckeyes Even with all the turmoil that has surrounded the Buckeyes over the past few months, OSU is still ranked in our (and every other) preseason Top 25. Joe Bauserman will have the opportunity of being the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes. Ohio State will heavily rely on their lockdown defense (14.5 points allowed per game in 2010, 5th in FBS) to cover up any weakness on the offense.

17. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Sophomore running back Siles Redd appears to be a college star in the making while we also keep an eye on junior signal caller Matthew McGloin. Those two and the defense must play better for any chance at moving up in the polls.

No matter if it’s Dayne Crist or Tommy Rees who gets the majority of the snaps behind center for the Irish this year, reinstated wideout Michael Floyd will be hauling in the majority of the passes thrown. Notre Dame’s defense will definitely be solid and add to what the offense will provide.

22. Georgia Bulldogs

16. Michigan State Spartans

QB Aaron Murray should have another stellar year to followup his fantastic freshman season but he will need Tavarres King and Orson Charles to emerge as quality wideouts. With the loss of Washaun Early due to transfer and Caleb King to the NFL, the ground game is a wait-and-see for the dogs.

The Spartans top threat in 2011 will be halfback Edwin Baker who looks to improve on a fantastic sophomore season in 2010 in order to lead them through a revamped Big 12. Can quarterback Kirk Cousins have a solid season behind center?

Sparty’s defense will be solid as it usual.

21. Mississippi State Bulldogs

15. Arkansas Razorbacks

The Bulldogs have a good blend of a solid rushing attack and a very stout defense. Vick Ballard will get most of the reps at tailback but will also need some assistance from some of the younger players on the team. The defense only allowed 19.8 points per game last season which ranked 21st in the FBS.

Minus the 2010 Premier Player of College Football Trophy winner Ryan Mallet, the Razorbacks expect a very fruitful season out of junior signal caller Tyler Wilson. Arkansas’ defense must improve from a year ago to lighten some of the load for Wilson. The running game will definitely lend a hand or two with Knile Davis leading the way.

20. Missouri Tigers

14. TCU Horned Frogs Missouri is another team who has several top players returning to one of the best defenses in college football last season. Blaine Gabbert now plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars so sophomore James Franklin must fill his shoes. The running game and defense will also have to fill some of the void for Missouri as well.

Senior LB Tank Carder is simply a beast and will undoubtedly be the heart and soul of the Horned Frogs this season. With Andy Dalton in the pros sophomore QB Casey Pachall and junoir running back tandem Ed Wesley and Matthew will look to spark most of the offensive fire power for TCU.

19. Auburn Tigers

13. South Carolina Gamecocks

These Tigers also lost a top-10 NFL Draft pick signal caller in the form of Cam Newton so a lot will be on the shoulders of sophomore Barrett Trotter. He will have a huge weapon and asset in the form of running back Michael Dyer who had an

Sophomore Marcus Lattimore is an animal at the halfback position. Last season was just the beginning of what should be a terrific college career. Junior WR Alshon Jeffery is also another major playmaker for South Carolina.

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12. Virginia Tech Hokies

5. LSU Tigers

CB Jayron Hosley is the Hokies biggest game changer and should have another incredible season down in Blacksburg.

Freshman QB Logan Thomas has a lot to deal with filling in for the departed Tyrod Taylor while RBs David Wilson and Darren Evans must make it easier for him.

The Tigers feature an extremely exceptional defense along with an excellent recruiting class which is why there are so many high expectations down in Baton Rouge. Neither Jordan Jefferson nor Jarrett Lee (both saw the majority of snaps in 2010) may finish the season at QB as sophomore Spencer White may wind up calling the action. Ryan Baker, Michael Brockers and Ken Adams are just a few of the talented players on the defensive side of the football.

11. Wisconsin Badgers The Badgers feature RBs James White and Montee Ball so the ground & pound game will be on full display again. Now it’s all on QB Scott Tolzien not to make too many mistakes, which he doesn’t, and their defense to play solid, which they do, to keep this team on BCS championship watch.

10. Texas A&M Aggies The Aggies are another team that features a tremendous balance of a solid rushing attack and an attacking defense. RB Cyrus Gray will lead the way for the Aggies offense along with QB Ryan Tannehill who came on very strong at the end of last season. However, the defense will lead this team to more than one victory.

9. Oklahoma State Cowboys The Cowboys return one of the most explosive offenses along with a senior signal caller. Brandon Weeden is coming off an amazing 2010 campaign and looks to possibly gain a little Premier Player buzz while leading his team to their share of victories. His go-to-guy, WR Justin Blackmon, is already enjoying some of that buzz.

8. Nebraska Cornhuskers Despite being in the new Big 10 this year (that really should now be called the Big 12), the Huskers have everything needed to still make some major noise this season. DT Jared Crick is clearly their best player and the anchor of a tremendous defense. The offense will rely on sophomore QB Taylor Martinez to put together another good year.

7. Stanford Cardinal Andrew Luck, Andrew Luck, Andrew Luck! That is where all of the Stanford football talk begins and ends. Luck declined becoming possibly the number one overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft and now looks to take the Cardinal further than an Orange Bowl victory.

4. Florida State Seminoles The Noles haven’t looked this great entering a season in quite some time. E.J. Manuel is fully capable of stepping in for the NFL departed Christian Ponder and leading the Noles back to college football glory. DE Brandon Jenkins might just be the best defensive player in the country and when you add Mario Edwards (one of the top defensive end recruits in the nation) the sky is the limit for this defense.

3. Oregon Ducks The top offense from 2010 looks to remain amongst the top in 2011 and capture what they just missed out on last year— a BCS Championship. LaMichael James is one of the best RB in all of the land and looks to playing on the final day of the bowl schedule. Darron Thomas is a solid QB to get them back there and CB Cliff Harris is an exciting player to watch.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide Sophomore A.J. McCarron is the new signal caller in Tuscaloosa and he, along with standout RB Trent Richardson, must lead the way for the Tide in 2011. Them and possibly the top defense in the NCAA who will return nine defensive starters from last season including Don’t’a Hightower.

1. Oklahoma Sooners Despite losing their top defensive player, outside LB Travis Lewis (out at least the first six games with broken left foot) the Sooners are still the preseason #1 team entering the 2011 campaign. Landry Jones is another top signal caller who could be competing for all of the hardware at the end of the season. . WR Ryan Broyles will definitely haul in many of those passes that Jones throws as he did in 2010. The defense must fill the void of Lewis’ absence until he returns.

6. Boise State Broncos The Blue Field Boys are back in the preseason Top 10 again and QB Kellen Moore looks to show everyone that there’s another gunslinger in town besides Mr. Luck. Moore had a stellar season in 2010 and will look to better that to take Boise State back to another BCS Bowl. DT Billy Winn is a monster in the middle and will give QBs and RBs nightmares.

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Player’s Ink

“Trust in the Lord” is how Nick Miller handles his days. A wide receiver for the Oakland Raider, Nick was born March 29, 1987, in Mesa, AZ. Even though he had great success at Red Mountain High School and Southern Utah University, Miller came into the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2009. At 5’9” and 180 lbs, Miller is not the type of physical specimen being talked about at the WR position. However, he has many tattoos that lets you know he lives and plays with heart.

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