Top Players of Each Conference: Conference-USA

The college football season is right around the corner. As the season approaches, I will be breaking down the best players of each conference. Each article a new conference will be unveiled and the order will be alphabetical. The players will be ranked 1-10 (1 being the best). Note: This is before the start of the 2012 season, therefore players may get hurt and some will get better or worse. This is simply analyzing the best players in each conference, not which players will get drafted the highest in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Conference-USA

1.Margus Hunt-Defensive End-Southern Methodist 
A 6 foot 7 inches and 295 pounds, Margus Hunt is the type of guy that gives quarterbacks nightmares.  All across the board this behemoth of an end is a winner; he has leadership qualities, has the ability to take over a game from the defensive side of the ball and he is a great guy to be around. In 2011, Hunt racked up 28 tackles, four blocked kicks and he also recorded three sacks in the BBVA Compass Bowl against Pittsburgh. Raw but strong and dominant, Hunt can: deflect passes, get to the QB, stop the run and can even be dominant in the special teams games, he will have a breakout season and could be will be the biggest force in the Conference-USA.

2.Aaron Dobson-Wide Receiver-Marshall
The Thundering Herd’s Aaron Dobson has the ability to get open and has a fantastic pair of hands. Most college football fans know Dobson by the ridiculous circus catch he made against ECU on November 26, 2011 (jumped over defender, mad a one-handed-back handed catch for a touchdown). Dobson doesn’t have elite size (6’3,  204 lbs.) or blazing speed but he is a consistently good route runner and he finds ways to create separation between him and the cornerbacks. In his junior season, Dobson caught 49 balls for 668 yards and 12 touchdowns, becoming freshman QB Rakeem Cato’s favorite and most reliable target. Dobson is incredibly tough to defend, making him one of the biggest game changers in his conference.

3.David Piland-Quarterback-Houston
The Houston Cougars may have lost one of the greatest college quarterbacks of all-time in 2011 (Case Keenum), but they have yet another QB that can spin it stepping into the shadows. As a freshman, David Piland only played in the fourth quarter when Houston was embarrassing opponent but he still managed to throw for 2,641 yards in only 201 attempts. The Houston air-raid offense might be the reasons quarterbacks succeed so frequently but Piland is going to do damage in 2012. The baby-faced quarterback has a sidearm release but leads his receivers perfectly, look for Houston to run up the score on opponents again in 2012.

4.Zach Line-Running Back-Southern Methodist
Halfback Zach Line is a true warrior on the gridiron. No player in the country plays with more passion and no player is more eager to get to game day than this SMU Mustang. Line is a player who has battled through injuries but has still remained the biggest constant on the SMU roster. As the starting RB, Line has rushed for over 1,200 yards in each of the past two seasons (missed last three games in 2011 due to foot surgery). At 6’1, 230 Line looks to be more like an NFL fullback, but for now he will just bulldoze over opposing defenders from 8 yards deep in the backfield. Line has tremendous hands for a big guy and never gets tackles for a loss (5.9 yards per carry). Once SMU gets a lead, they just hand it off to Line and there is no chance for the other team to come back.

5.Rakeem Cato-Quarterback-Marshall
As a freshman, the spunky Marshall quarterback took matters into his own hands and started to turn the program around. While having a very thin WR corps (with the exception of Aaron Dobson), Cato found ways to put points on the board for the Thundering Herd.  When the Miami native takes the field, there is a certain swagger, an indescribable confidence that is shown; Cato feels like no one can beat him, and for a freshman, it looked like no one could. As an analytic viewer, Cato doesn’t have great mechanics and he doesn’t even read defenses all too well, but he finds ways to get the ball to his playmakers, whether it be Aaron Dobson, or, Tron Martinez. In 2011, Cato passed for 2,059 yards, 15 TD and 11 int. His most remarkable game was against Eastern Carolina where he threw for 371 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions.

6.Darius Johnson-Wide Receiver-Southern Methodist
5’10 isn’t an ideal height for a no. 1 wide receiver but there are always exceptions to the rules and Darius Johnson is just that. The SMU Mustang is a speedy receiver with big play potential and can break open a game at any moment. For example, on the second drive of the 2011 BBVA Compass Bowl, Johnson broke the game open by burning defenders and scoring on a 50-yard touchdown game. Another thing that makes the All Conference-USA receiver special is that he performs his best when the lights are brightest; in back-to-back bowl games Johnson has been the game’s MVP and lead his team to victory with a combined 16 catches for 272 yards and 3 touchdowns.

7.Charles Sims-Running Back-Houston
Yes the Houston Cougars throw the ball 90% of the time but that doesn’t mean running back Charles Sims doesn’t get any touches. In 2011, Sims got his hands on the ball 151 times and was close to reaching 1,500 all-purpose yards out of the backfield. With Case Keenum, Tyron Carrier and Patrick Edwards all graduating, Charles Sims will be one of the few veterans going into the 2012 season. With the ability to both rush the ball and catch out of the backfield, defenses have trouble matching up because you don’t want to lineup a safety over the HB but Sims has the ability to outrun linebackers.

8.Sam McGuffie-Running Back-Rice 
Although the master of the hurdle hasn’t gotten a ton of playing time at the college level (transfer from Michigan), I still feel confident in saying that he will be a game-changer for the Rice Owls.  McGuffie was a terrific running back in high school (Cy-Fair HS; Cypress, Texas), and he still has his explosiveness, which is needed at the college level. Yes the Owls have a sub-par offensive line but McGuffie can do damage as an all-purpose back if given the chance. Great hands, good moves, quick bursts of speed are all components of the senior running back’s game.

9.Dexter McCoil-Cornerback-Tulsa
The Tulsa Golden Hurricanes have one of the most intimidating cornerbacks in the country on atop their depth chart.  At a towering 6’4 and a solid 222, McCoil won’t be barreled over by any WR in the 2012 season. When you think of cornerback, you initially think of the diva of the defense and creating turnovers by intercepting the ball, but McCoil is an old school corner. In 2011, Mccoil had some outstanding individual games (11 tackles @ Oklahoma St., 9 tackles @ Boise St. and 2 interceptions + 9 tackles against BYU in the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl). McCoil is very physical at the line of scrimmage and C-USA WR will have a hard time taking him deep.

10.Trent Mackey-Middle Linebacker-Tulane
Returning for his senior season, Trent Mackey has some more stats to rack up for the Tulane Green Wave. Mackey transferred from Duke after his freshman season and has started the last two seasons for Tulane. In 2011, Mackey started all 12 games and earned a spot on the All-Conference Defensive Team. Mackey is a special player because he gravitates to the football, last season, the Louisiana born backer tallied 145 tackles (96 solo) and had 14 tackles for loss while pouncing on 4 fumbles. Tulane is fortunate to have such a complete player on their defense, he is one of the most underrated linebackers in the country.

Just Missed:
Garrett Gilbert-Quarterback-Southern Methodist
Jamie Collins-Defensive End-Southern Miss.
Jeremy Grove-Linebacker-Eastern Carolina
Taylor Reed-Linebacker-Southern Methodist

Mock Draft 2.0 (Pre-Free Agency, Pre-Pro Day)

The draft is about a month and a half away and free agency does not start till next week, however, it is never a bad time for a mock. This draft does not include free agency signings and player’s stock could rise or drop due to college pro-days that will take place over the course of this month. It still looks like Andrew Luck will be the number one overall pick but there have been many changes and new players added since Mock Draft 1.0.

1.Indianapolis Colts-Andrew Luck-QB-Stanford
It is inevitable, Andrew Luck is going first overall. The most highly touted NFL QB prospect since John Elway. Luck has everything; arm strength, accuracy, instinct, knowledge of the game (Father ex-NFL QB), desire to win and he can be the face of a franchise that needs to move on.

2.Washington Redskins-Robert Griffin III-QB-Baylor
Many signs lead to feeling that the Redskins will move up ahead of the Browns to acquire the biggest playmaker in the draft. They should put together a big enough package to swap picks with the Rams (Maybe this year’s 1^st/4^th round picks and a 2^nd round pick next year). Shanahan has built some pretty darn good teams with versatile QB’s. Griffin could bring life to the nation’s capital and Daniel Snyder said he is going to bring in a top free agent WR. All signs point to RG3.

3.Minnesota Vikings-Matt Kalil-OT-USC
Christian Ponder and Joe Webb got pounded last year; Ponder was sacked 30 times alone. The Vikings biggest need is protection to keep their QB alive and to help AP continue his success. LG Steve Hutchinson is 34 and wearing down, the only other lineman worth mentioning is Phil Loadholt. The USC tackle has great strength, can stand up defenders and can pancake blitzers. Matt Kalil is the best LT coming out since Joe Thomas and he has good genes (brother of CAR C Ryan Kalil).

4.Cleveland Browns-Morris Claiborne-CB-LSU
Claiborne is one of the many defensive superstars to come out of LSU. He will have an immediate impact playing on the opposite side of former top 10 pick Joe Haden. It could make sense for the Browns to select Justin Blackmon but CLE has tried drafting offensive playmakers in the past (Hardesty, Little, Robiske and injury-riddled Massaquoi). Claiborne seems like the safest pick and he improves an already adequate defense.

5.Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Luke Kuechly-LB-Boston College
Historically middle linebackers do not go top 10. Ex-Boston College MLB Mark Herzlich was projected as a top 10 pick back in ’08 before being diagnosed with cancer. The last MLB taken in the top 10 was Rolando McClain 8^th overall to Oakland. Tampa Bay has drafted many front seven defenders in the past 3 years (McCoy, Bowers, Clayborn). However, they lost their tackling machine, Barrett Ruud, due to free agency before last season and they struggled without him. Kuechly shows great instinct on the field, can lead a defense, has a nose for the ball carrier and rarely misses tackle. He had a solid combine but didn’t shock anyone in the drills, Kuechly is a great fit and the Bucs will regret it quickly if they pass on him.

6.St. Louis Rams-Justin Blackmon-WR-Oklahoma State
Blackmon is a 2-time Biletnikoff Award winner (nation’s top receiver). I watched many of the games Blackmon played as an OK St Cowboy and he is a baller. He runs well, creates separation, has great hands and is terrific after the catch. The Rams might be losing free agent Brandon Lloyd and Sam Bradford needs a target, Blackmon is a great fit. Blackmon is light years ahead of the rest of his wide receiver class and he could start as the number 1 wideout easily.

7.Jacksonville Jaguars-Quinton Coples-DE-North Carolina
Quinton Coples draws comparisons to Julius Peppers and rightfully so. Coples is 6’6/284 and was a top defensive lineman in his stint with UNC. As a Tar Heel, Coples learned to contain the RB and stop the run, he also has great explosiveness and can get to the QB. With an arm length of 36 inches he can bat down balls at the line of scrimmage. The Jags would love to see Coples available especially with aging Aaron Kampman, needless to say, they desperately need a pass rusher alongside those two young defensive tackles.

8.Miami Dolphins-Michael Brockers-DT-LSU
It does not look like the Dolphins are going to get Paul Solail back and it seems as if they will be bringing in a QB named Matt Flynn. With that being said, they need to address the defensive tackle position. Michael Brockers is a great DT to fit the Dolphins defense now run by Kevin Coyle. Brockers is 6’5 and 322, can bring down running backs with ease and can get past the offensive lineman in a variety of ways. He will be a great attribute to the defensive unit right of the back.

9.Carolina Panthers-Dontari Poe-DT/NT-Memphis
Poe is easily the biggest risk in the first round but he opened eyes at the combine. At the NFL scouting combine Poe weighed in at 346 lbs and managed to run an impressive 4.98 forty time along with muscling out 44 reps on the bench press. This is a high risk/ high reward situation but he could anchor that 3-4 defense for the Panthers and they can finally stop letting up so many points.

10.Buffalo Bills-Melvin Ingram-DE/OLB-South Carolina
Melvin Ingram wowed scouts at the combine and he has solidified his spot as a first round pick. The Bills have made it clear that they will switch to a 4-3 defense, Ingram would be a great edge rusher at the DE position. Ingram played DE, DT and OLB at South Carolina, being productive at each position. Ingram has a high motor, can recognize plays well and is a big body who can get to the QB.

11.Kansas City Chiefs-Trent Richardson-RB-Alabama
I really like Trent Richardson, but with the way that the NFL is a pass-happy league I don’t see him going top ten. Jackie Battle said he will hit the open market because he wants to fill a bigger role. Jamaal Charles and Trent Richardson could be a scary tandem and it is the perfect balance of speed and power. Richardson is the best RB in the draft and displays power, speed, hands and vision.

12.Seattle Seahawks-Nick Perry-DE/OLB-USC
The Seahawks need to increase their pass-rush and what better way to go about that by taking a DE/OLB hybrid out of the PAC-12. Perry can rush the QB from the DE position or move back to a blitzing OLB. He is raw and has some learning to do but Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll recruited Perry when he was coach at Southern Cal. Carroll could have a lot of fun implementing Perry into different packages.

13.Arizona Cardinals– Riley Reiff-OT-Iowa
Offensive line was the Cardinals biggest need going into the offseason. Levi Brown is a free agent and the two could not agree on a contract, so now offensive line is an even bigger need. Riley Reiff is coming out of Iowa so you know he is well coached and he exhibited brute strength throughout the season. Reiff has great footwork and showed the ability to standup defenders, the Cardinals will be pleased to get him.

14.Dallas Cowboys-Dre Kirkpatrick-CB-Alabama
Many of the fourth quarter collapses were because of inconsistent pass defense. Kirkpatrick is a huge corner at 6’3 but he is great in press and in zone and he is a very impressive tackler for a cornerback. Newman is overpaid and Kirkpatrick could take his spot if drafted.

15.Philadelphia Eagles-Dont’a Hightower-LB-Alabama
Philadelphia’s was hurting up the middle over the season. Dont’a Hightower has great instinct and is a mean tackler. Saban used to rave about him at Alabama and we can see why, he just gets the game of football.

16.New York Jets-Michael Floyd-WR-Notre Dame
Plax is a free agent and Santonio Holmes underachieved last season. Floyd had the best all-around combine for WR’s and he is a fast, physical WR with great hands and concentration. Mark Sanchez may only have one more shot to be the starting QB, but Michael Floyd would make him look great.

17.Cincinnati Bengals-Janoris Jenkins-CB-University Northern Alabama
With all of the off-field baggage and attitude problems put aside, Janoris Jenkins is giving Morris Claiborne a run for his money as the top CB taken. He is a great in man coverage and has huge playmaking ability. Owner Mike Brown has no trouble in drafting questionable character guys (Carlos Dunlap, Jerome Simpson, Chris Henry). Jenkins is a steal at the 17^th pick.

18.San Diego Chargers-David DeCastro-OG-Stanford
With Dielman retiring because of a concussion, a mediocre offensive line just got a little bit worse. David DeCastro is the draft’s top guard, he is fundamentally sound, stays out of trouble and could be a perennial Pro-Bowler.

19.Chicago Bears-Cordy Glenn-OG-Georgia
Last year the Bears drafted Wisconsin tackle Gabe Carimi with their first pick but they still need to improve that line. Cordy Glenn is a big guy with a lot of upper body strength and if WR Michael Floyd is off the board I full expect Chi-town to take a lineman to protect Cutler.

20.Tennessee Titans-Courtney Upshaw-OLB/DE-Alabama
Many scouts and I feel every team has a spot for Courtney Upshaw. I firmly believe that he can move to DE and have his presence be known around the league. Although he had a bad combine, his instincts and on-field impact has been taken note of throughout the college season. Upshaw would fit nicely in the Titans defense. Upshaw has great play recognition, hits hard and has been known to make dinner reservations in the backfield with opposing running backs; this could be good considering he might be facing MJD and Arian Foster twice a year.

21. Cincinnati Bengals-Lamar Miller-RB-Miami
The Bengals biggest offensive need is a speed back. Lamar Miller has Chris Johnson type speed and can run either between the tackles or bounce it outside. This Miami product would be a great complimentary back to Cedric Benson and he will add to the young talent on the Cincinnati offense.

22.Cleveland Browns– Ryan Tannehill-QB-Texas A & M
I feel the browns could go WR with this pick but with the uncertainty of Colt McCoy’s injury status and his ability to lead a team to victories, I feel the Browns HAVE to take Tannehill if he is on the board. Tannehill has tremendous upside and can be a great playmaker on the Cleveland Browns. He only started at QB for one season as an Aggie but was the starting slot receiver his fresh/soph year. We did not see Tannehill at the combine because he broke his foot but I expect him to excel in his pro-day workout and he could be the west coast QB that Cleveland is looking for.

23.Detroit Lions-Stephon Gilmore-CB-South Carolina
The Lions are on the up and up but they need to solidify their defensive backfield. Stephon Gilmore is fundamentally sound and has a high IQ. He covered the top corners in the SEC: 2 years ago AJ Green and Julio Jones, Reuben Randle of LSU. Gilmore is not afraid of the bump and run and he is a tremendous tackler, all around great talent.

24.Pittsburgh Steelers-Kendall Reyes-DT-Connecticut
Reyes is a 299-pound defensive lineman. The Steelers are in a world of hurt with their salary cap issues and the aging of their team. Casey Hampton will be 35 next season and could start the season on the PUP (ACL injury). Reyes lacks body fat and has great awareness, he is strong and can also play the 3-technique.

25.Denver Broncos-Stephen Hill-WR-Georgia Tech
Tim Tebow needs more help than the option game in Denver. I would consider Eddie Royal a bust thus far in his career. Eric Decker is more of a slot receiver but Demaryius Thomas started coming into his own last season. The Broncos need a viable number two receiver: Stephen Hill is 6’4, 215 and ran a 4.36 at the combine. Hill, like Demaryius Thomas, is a Georgia Tech product. He can stretch the field, catch away from his body and he is a very good blocker, which Denver coach John Fox loves.

26.Houston Texans-Brock Osweiler-QB-Arizona State
This is my bold prediction of the draft but hear me out. Matt Schaub is 30 years old and only has played 16 games in two seasons with the Texans. The Texans’ biggest needs are WR and DT, which can be assessed in the later rounds. Yates is not a franchise quarterback and the Texans still made the playoffs due do defense and run game. Under the new CBA the Texans wouldn’t have to pay Osweiler the amount of money first round QBs used to get. Osweiler would be a good project for Gary Kubiak to work with, he has a cannon, he is 6’8, great in play action and has a great balance between velocity and accuracy. If you have a chance to take a potential star late in the first round you do it.

27.New England Patriots-Whitney Mercilus-DE-Illinois
The Patriots need pass rushing ability, they had great production from Mark Anderson and Andre Carter but they need to draft some defense. Mercilus is vicious at the defensive end position, he lead the nation in sacks and forced fumbles in 2011. He has a ton of pass-rush moves in his repertoire and has great ability to track down halfbacks.

28.Green Bay Packers-Jared Crick-DE/DT-Nebraska
Crick is one of those guys that just seems like he would be a great fit in Green Bay. He is a rugged player who can get to the QB and bowl over offensive lineman. Crick’s senior season was shortened by a torn pectoral muscle; he still ended up 8^th on Nebraska’s all-time sack list. Crick is a power lineman and could play defensive end for the Packers.

29.Baltimore Ravens-Peter Konz-C-Wisconsin
With Matt Birk heading towards the end of his career the Raven’s desperately need a center. Not many centers are taken in the first round, only 3 in the past 6 years (The Pounceys and Alex Mack). Konz is just another great lineman to come out of Wisconsin; he is well coached and has his head on straight. Konz uses all of his 315 lbs. to his advantage and he can push back DTs. This prospect is great in both pass blocking and run blocking, there aren’t many noticeable improvements that need to be made in order to play at the next level; he will only get better.

30.San Francisco 49ers-Alshon Jeffery-WR-South Carolina
Keep in mind this is a pre-free agency mock draft. As of right now San Fran desperately needs a red zone threat at the WR position. Jeffery is a big body who can break the press coverage and leap of corners. With no history of major injuries and no off-the-field issues Jeffery would be a great pick for the Niners. He is a potential #1 WR.

31.New England Patriots-Mark Barron-S-Alabama
The safety class this year is thin, just like it always is. Mark Barron is easily the best safety, the Patriots would be lucky if they have a shot to draft this guy just because he might go earlier because of the lack of safeties. Barron played under Nick Saban at Alabama and has great instinct. He is physically gifted and make adjustments on the fly. 5 years from now we will still be saying he was the best safety in the draft.

32.New York Giants-Orson Charles-TE-Georgia
Tom Coughlin said he wants the team to go out and get a tight end. Orson Charles would be a great pick for the Giants. This John Mackey Award finalist is measured at 6’3, 241 and he can move. He is probably the most balanced TE in the draft and he is great at going up and getting the ball. Charles fits the Giant mold by playing defensively mind (tough and not afraid of anything) and he has a great work ethic.