Matt Barkley, QB, USC 23/30-187-6/1
Johnathan Franklin, RB, UCLA 26-217-0
Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia 9-2-1
Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon 34-201-3
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Week 2, 2012 - On the Rise
Another week in the books, and this week there is movement on the big board. Some guys have their stock rising quickly and now it is time to spotlight some of them.
Matt Barkley, QB, USC 23/30-187-6/1
Barkley was the highest rated QB in the nation coming into their week 2 game, and after a 6 touchdown performance, there are very few left doubting him. Had he come out last year, he would have pushed RG3 for the second position in the draft, and this year, he seems to have a stranglehold on the top spot as he climes even further up the big board.
Johnathan Franklin, RB, UCLA 26-217-0
Franklin could have easily made this list last week, posting 214 yard on a gaudy 14.3 ypc, but that was against Rice. Now after adding another 217 yards against Nebraska, Johnathan Franklin and his surprise UCLA Bruins are soaring. Bottom line with Franklin is he has looked simply unstoppable the first two weeks of the year, and he is starting to attract some serious national attention.
Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia 9-2-1
Jones was already a highly rated pro prospect, but he continues to exceed even the loftiest of expectations. He picked up 9 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 pick against SEC newcomer Mizzou on Saturday, and he also continues to climb up the big board. Bad NFL squads with suspect defenses have to be excited about the possibility of getting their hand on a talent like Jones.
Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon 34-201-3
Picking up 3 TDs in a game is not easy, nor is 5 over the first two weeks, but that is exactly what Ducks RB Kenjon Barner has done. This team has a lot of talent, especially on offense, but Barner is leading the way. Chip Kelly has found a way to mix the talents of both Barner and backfield mate De'Anthony Thomas to create great results and both guys are moving on up.
Matt Barkley, QB, USC 23/30-187-6/1
Johnathan Franklin, RB, UCLA 26-217-0
Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia 9-2-1
Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon 34-201-3
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Top 25 + 5, 2012 Week 2
After an exciting week 2, where we saw a whole lot of top teams take unexpected losses, it is time to look at the new Top 25 + 5. Lets take a look at where everyone falls. We also peak in on the fastest risers and fallers in the nation.
2. Alabama Crimson Tide (2-0) 0
3. USC Trojans (2-0) 0
4. LSU Tigers (2-0) 0
5. Oklahoma Sooners (2-0) 0
6. Florida State Seminoles (2-0) 0
7. Georgia Bulldogs (2-0) 0
8. Stanford Cardinal (2-0) 0
9. Virginia Tech Hokies (2-0) +1
10. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2-0) +1
11. Michigan State Spartans (2-0) +2
12. Texas Longhorns (2-0) +3
13. Clemson Tigers (2-0) +5
14. Michigan Wolverines (1-1) +3
15. Florida Gators (2-0) +4
16. West Virginia Mountaineers (2-0) +5
17. South Carolina Gamecocks (1-0) +5
18. Wisconsin Badgers (1-1) -9
19. Nebraska Cornhuskers (1-1) -7
20. Kansas State Wildcats (2-0) +6
21. BYU Cougars (1-0) +3
22. Louisville Cardinals (1-0) +2
23. Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0) +2
24. North Carolina Tar Heels (1-1) -10
25. Arkansas Razorbacks (1-1) -6
26. Boise State Broncos (0-1) 0
27. Oregon State Beavers (1-0) +4
28. UCLA Bruins (2-0) +6
29. Oklahoma State Cowboys (1-1) -13
30. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (2-0) +3
Biggest Risers
44. Arizona Wildcats (2-0) +10
38. Texas Tech Red Raiders (2-0) +9
43. Wake Forest Demon Deacons +9
59. Maryland Terrapins (2-0) +9
Fastest Fallers
29. Oklahoma State Cowboys (1-1) -13
24. North Carolina Tar Heels (1-1) -10
42. Iowa Hawkeyes (1-1) -10
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Week 1, 2012 - On the Rise
After each week, I like to take a look at some individual players whose performance has their stock on the rise. This week, 4 players stood out as guys who are on the upswing. Lets take a look.
Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee 6-93-1
After the Vols lost Da'Rick Rodgers for the year, folks wondered who would pose a threat to opposing defenses opposite Justin Hunter. Lets call that question answered. The JUCO transfer Patterson stepped it up in a big way against the Wolfpack, and simply looked uncoverable at times. At 6'3", 205 lbs, Patterson has both the size and skills necessary to take attention off Hunter (who had 9 grabs of his own in week 1), and should help make this Tennessee offense one of the sneaky good units in the nation.
Le'Veon Bell, RB, Michigan State 44-210-2
On a night where the Spartans were in a tough battle with the Boise State Broncos, MSU really needed to rely on the running game to get this win. New QB Andrew Maxwell was less than impressive, and if not for Bell, this game definitely would have went the other way. Bell was a workhorse, staying on the field, giving and taking a beating, while picking up a tough 210 yards to kick off the year. If he continue to produce in this manner, Sparty will continue to rise in the polls.
Duke Johnson, RB, Miami 7-135-2
One of the more common positions to see Freshmen make an impact from is Running Back. With their defense not showing up for this game, the Hurricanes needed to get a good performance from their offense to beat conference rival Boston College in week 1. Freshman, Duke Johnson was the key factor to making that happen. 135 yards and 2 touchdowns is a nice week, but what made it outstanding was that he did it on only 7 carries in relief of starter Mike James. At 19+ yards per carry, the Hurricane fans have to be excited about what Johnson brings, and as Miami sports personality, Armando Salguero tweeted during the game, "If Johnson keeps this up, they will be changing his name from Duke to King very soon."
Other Week 1 Players on the Rise
Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama
Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson
Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Taylor Martinez, QB, Nebraska
After the Vols lost Da'Rick Rodgers for the year, folks wondered who would pose a threat to opposing defenses opposite Justin Hunter. Lets call that question answered. The JUCO transfer Patterson stepped it up in a big way against the Wolfpack, and simply looked uncoverable at times. At 6'3", 205 lbs, Patterson has both the size and skills necessary to take attention off Hunter (who had 9 grabs of his own in week 1), and should help make this Tennessee offense one of the sneaky good units in the nation.
On a night where the Spartans were in a tough battle with the Boise State Broncos, MSU really needed to rely on the running game to get this win. New QB Andrew Maxwell was less than impressive, and if not for Bell, this game definitely would have went the other way. Bell was a workhorse, staying on the field, giving and taking a beating, while picking up a tough 210 yards to kick off the year. If he continue to produce in this manner, Sparty will continue to rise in the polls.
One of the more common positions to see Freshmen make an impact from is Running Back. With their defense not showing up for this game, the Hurricanes needed to get a good performance from their offense to beat conference rival Boston College in week 1. Freshman, Duke Johnson was the key factor to making that happen. 135 yards and 2 touchdowns is a nice week, but what made it outstanding was that he did it on only 7 carries in relief of starter Mike James. At 19+ yards per carry, the Hurricane fans have to be excited about what Johnson brings, and as Miami sports personality, Armando Salguero tweeted during the game, "If Johnson keeps this up, they will be changing his name from Duke to King very soon."
Other Week 1 Players on the Rise
Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama
Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson
Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Taylor Martinez, QB, Nebraska
Monday, September 3, 2012
Top 25 + 5 Week 1
Most of week 1 is now in the books, and there is some early fluctuation in the EZFootballFutures Top 25 + 5 rankings. Lets take a look at how teams fared, and where they stand 1 week in. We also look at the top 3 risers and fallers after our first week.
2. Alabama Crimson Tide (1-0) +2
3. USC Trojans (1-0) 0
4. LSU Tigers (1-0) -2
5. Oklahoma Sooners (1-0) 0
6. Florida State Seminoles (1-0) 0
7. Georgia Bulldogs (1-0) +1
8. Stanford Cardinal (1-0) +1
9. Wisconsin Badgers (1-0) +1
10. Virginia Tech Hokies (1-0) +1
11. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (1-0) +1
12. Nebraska Cornhuskers (1-0) +1
13. Michigan State Spartans (1-0) +1
14. North Carolina Tar Heels (1-0) +1
15. Texas Longhorns (1-0) +1
16. Oklahoma State Cowboys (1-0) +4
17. Michigan Wolverines (0-1) -10
18. Clemson Tigers (1-0) -1
19. Arkansas Razorbacks (1-0) -1
20. Florida Gators (1-0) +1
21. West Virginia Mountaineers (1-0) +2
22. South Carolina Gamecocks (1-0) 0
23. BYU Cougars (1-0) +1
24. Louisville Cardinals (1-0) +1
25. Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0) +1
26. Boise State Broncos (0-1) -7
27. Kansas State Wildcats (1-0) +5
28. South Florida Bulls (1-0) 0
29. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (0-0) 0
30. TAMU Aggies (0-0) 0
Biggest Risers
47. Texas Tech Red Raiders (1-0) +6
27. Kansas State (1-0) +5
16. Oklahoma State (1-0) +4
Fastest Fallers
61. Penn State Nittany Lions (0-1) -23
53. Pittsburgh Panthers (0-1) -17
17. Michigan Wolverines (0-1) -10
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Week 1 2012 Hot Stocks
So with the initial Hot Stocks list of 2012, lets once again remind everyone what this list is, and what it isn't. This Hot Stocks list reviews the 25 best college football players as they project to the pros. This is not going to completely fluctuate each week. It will however change as I continue to learn more about the players. One of the factors that effect a players rating is performance though, so as the individuals play each week, their grades will change some.
Also, this is not a mock draft. Although many of the guys on the list will eventually be drafted, this is not meant to indicate a specific order, as mock drafts include the drafting team needs. Underclassmen are marked with an *.
So lets get down to business. Below are the EZ Football Futures Hot Stocks.
1. Robert Woods*, WR, USC
Simply put, Robert Woods has everything it takes to become an elite wide receiver at the next level. I have not seen a receiver like him since Calvin Johnson was at Georgia Tech. Few, if any corners can match up to him one-on-one, and he is a big time difference maker for an offense.
2. William Gholston*, DE, Michigan State
This guy is a freak. At 6'7", you would expect him to be a bit slower, but he is not. He is deadly coming off the edge. He has an excellent burst, and pass rushers are worth a premium at the next level.
3. Barkevious Mingo*, DE, LSU
Mingo will have a lot of NFL teams drooling when he declares for the draft. Mingo is a solid all around end who can seal the edge and get after the QB. He plays on an excellent defense, and he should have a great opportunity to shine.
4. Jarvis Jones*, DE/OLB, Georgia
Jones may be the single best overall ballplayer in the nation. He has the ability to play with his hand in the dirt, or upright. He has exceptionally fast hands, and a violent streak necessary to be a dominant linebacker in the NFL.
5. Ricky Wagner, OT, Wisconsin
Top notch OTs are difficult to find in the NFL. O-linemen from Wisconsin are like gold at the next level. When those two things combine, you have Wagner. He projects better than Matt Kalil who was picked 4th overall this past April.
6. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
An elite DT in the NFL can be a difference maker. If that guy can penetrate, he can shut down a run game, or put direct pressure on an opposing QB. Star Lotulelei can be that kind of guy.
7. Jackson Jeffcoat*, DE, Texas
Jeffcoat has the ability to get in the backfield, and that will be a reason he will be a highly sought after talent when he makes the jump to the NFL. If Texas improves to the levels I expect, Jeffcoat should get the chance to move up this list.
8. Manti Te'o, MLB, Notre Dame
Had Te'o come out last year, he likely would have been the top interior linebacker taken. He has all of the tools to be successful, and he still has room to grow. He may not come in as a rookie and take the league by storm, but he can be a long term pro-bowler for a team.
9. Matt Barkley, QB, USC
QBs are so valuable. Barkley is the best in college football this year. He is not as athletic as many others, but he is an excellent leader, and he knows how to win. Depending on how things shake out he very well could wind up being the first name called next April.
10. David Amerson*, CB, North Carolina State
Amerson is the top corner in the nation, and with a pass happy league, the NFL values guys who can match up with a receiver as well as Amerson does. He led the nation in picks a year ago, and he should be at or near the top of that list again this season.
11. Alex Okafor, DE, Texas
Okafor is the second standout DE from Texas. He is a better athlete than his teammate, but he is still more raw. He does have the ability to play standing up at the second level, and that flexibility is a real asset to him.
12. Logan Thomas*, QB, Virginia Tech
Logan Thomas is an exceptional athlete at the QB position, but he is also a very good QB with an elite arm. If he can continue to develop his decision making, he could be a guy who impacts the league in similar ways to what Cam Newton did last season.
13. Keenan Allen*, WR, California
Allen is not as fast as some receivers out there, and he is not as strong as some others, but he runs great routes, and has great hands. Allen is a great weapon because he does so many things so well. His overall game should make him a very good contributor for a long time.
14. Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina
Top notch OGs worthy of a first round consideration are rare. Last year Stanford's David Decastro was that guy. This year, Cooper is one of the two who are worthy of that consideration. He has an excellent all around game, and he can be a dominant road grader at the next level.
15. DJ Fluker*, OT, Alabama
The Crimson Tide have so many elite o-linemen this year, and Fluker is the top of that elite crew. Fluker projects to be an exceptional pass blocker at the next level. Although I expect he would be a top 15 selection if he declares, I think staying for his Senior season would make him a top 3 consideration in 2014.
16. Sam Montgomery*, DE, LSU
Like Texas, the LSU DEs are both standouts. Montgomery is a more polished product than his counterpart, but he lacks some of the overall athleticism that Mingo has. Montgomery is a very good technical player and he can use that strong technique to make plays.
17. Johnny Adams, CB, Michigan State
While not a great a cover man as Amerson, Adams is a athletically gifted player who plays a physical, tough form of football. He has the wheels to stay with most receivers, and a good nose for the football too.
18. Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
Eifert is the best TE in the nation this year. He is one of the new breed of TEs sweeping the NFL. He is a big body with the skills of the wide out. He will stretch opposing defenses up the seam. With the success of Jimmy Graham, and Rob Gronkowski, Eifert will be in high demand.
19. Johnathan Hankins*, NT, Ohio State
Nose tackles are often though of a big bodies who plug up holes. Hankins is a bit different. He is a big body, but he can do som much more than just plug holes or eat up blockers. He is very athletic for his size, and will make some 3-4 defense in the NFL very happy.
20. Johnathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State
Playing in the SEC, Johnathan Banks has faced the best competition anywhere in the nation. Not only has he faced them, but he has excelled against them. He doesn't pick as many passes as Amerson, and he is not as physical as Adams, but he is more complete than either.
21. Oday Aboushi, OT, Virgina
Aboushi is an athletic tackle who can keep speed rushers off his quarterback. With some of the talent on this list, and already in the league, a guy like Aboushi will be a hot commodity if he keeps his play up.
22. Kawann Short, DT, Purdue
Short is a very good prospect because of how complete a player he is. From a defensive tackles perspective, there is nothing he cannot do, and do well. His ability to do so much for a defense will be what has teams excited when they see him play.
23. Marcus Lattimore*, RB, South Carolina
Lattimore suffered a big injury a year ago, but now he is back faster, stronger, and leaner. He has the ability to take over a game on offense, and even in a pass heavy league, Lattimore will be a sought after addition to many NFL clubs.
24. Shane Skov, MLB, Stanford
Skov reminds me of an old school middle linebacker. He plays a hard nosed brand of football. He is also a very smart player and should project well at the next level.
25. Michael Buchanan, DE/OLB, Illinois
Last year, Whitney Mercilus exploded onto the scene from Illinois. Buchanan has the potential to be even better. I expect his explosion to be difficult to deal with for tackles in the Big 10.
Also, this is not a mock draft. Although many of the guys on the list will eventually be drafted, this is not meant to indicate a specific order, as mock drafts include the drafting team needs. Underclassmen are marked with an *.
So lets get down to business. Below are the EZ Football Futures Hot Stocks.
1. Robert Woods*, WR, USC
Simply put, Robert Woods has everything it takes to become an elite wide receiver at the next level. I have not seen a receiver like him since Calvin Johnson was at Georgia Tech. Few, if any corners can match up to him one-on-one, and he is a big time difference maker for an offense.
2. William Gholston*, DE, Michigan State
This guy is a freak. At 6'7", you would expect him to be a bit slower, but he is not. He is deadly coming off the edge. He has an excellent burst, and pass rushers are worth a premium at the next level.
3. Barkevious Mingo*, DE, LSU
Mingo will have a lot of NFL teams drooling when he declares for the draft. Mingo is a solid all around end who can seal the edge and get after the QB. He plays on an excellent defense, and he should have a great opportunity to shine.
4. Jarvis Jones*, DE/OLB, Georgia
Jones may be the single best overall ballplayer in the nation. He has the ability to play with his hand in the dirt, or upright. He has exceptionally fast hands, and a violent streak necessary to be a dominant linebacker in the NFL.
5. Ricky Wagner, OT, Wisconsin
Top notch OTs are difficult to find in the NFL. O-linemen from Wisconsin are like gold at the next level. When those two things combine, you have Wagner. He projects better than Matt Kalil who was picked 4th overall this past April.
6. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
An elite DT in the NFL can be a difference maker. If that guy can penetrate, he can shut down a run game, or put direct pressure on an opposing QB. Star Lotulelei can be that kind of guy.
7. Jackson Jeffcoat*, DE, Texas
Jeffcoat has the ability to get in the backfield, and that will be a reason he will be a highly sought after talent when he makes the jump to the NFL. If Texas improves to the levels I expect, Jeffcoat should get the chance to move up this list.
8. Manti Te'o, MLB, Notre Dame
Had Te'o come out last year, he likely would have been the top interior linebacker taken. He has all of the tools to be successful, and he still has room to grow. He may not come in as a rookie and take the league by storm, but he can be a long term pro-bowler for a team.
9. Matt Barkley, QB, USC
QBs are so valuable. Barkley is the best in college football this year. He is not as athletic as many others, but he is an excellent leader, and he knows how to win. Depending on how things shake out he very well could wind up being the first name called next April.
10. David Amerson*, CB, North Carolina State
Amerson is the top corner in the nation, and with a pass happy league, the NFL values guys who can match up with a receiver as well as Amerson does. He led the nation in picks a year ago, and he should be at or near the top of that list again this season.
11. Alex Okafor, DE, Texas
Okafor is the second standout DE from Texas. He is a better athlete than his teammate, but he is still more raw. He does have the ability to play standing up at the second level, and that flexibility is a real asset to him.
12. Logan Thomas*, QB, Virginia Tech
Logan Thomas is an exceptional athlete at the QB position, but he is also a very good QB with an elite arm. If he can continue to develop his decision making, he could be a guy who impacts the league in similar ways to what Cam Newton did last season.
13. Keenan Allen*, WR, California
Allen is not as fast as some receivers out there, and he is not as strong as some others, but he runs great routes, and has great hands. Allen is a great weapon because he does so many things so well. His overall game should make him a very good contributor for a long time.
14. Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina
Top notch OGs worthy of a first round consideration are rare. Last year Stanford's David Decastro was that guy. This year, Cooper is one of the two who are worthy of that consideration. He has an excellent all around game, and he can be a dominant road grader at the next level.
15. DJ Fluker*, OT, Alabama
The Crimson Tide have so many elite o-linemen this year, and Fluker is the top of that elite crew. Fluker projects to be an exceptional pass blocker at the next level. Although I expect he would be a top 15 selection if he declares, I think staying for his Senior season would make him a top 3 consideration in 2014.
16. Sam Montgomery*, DE, LSU
Like Texas, the LSU DEs are both standouts. Montgomery is a more polished product than his counterpart, but he lacks some of the overall athleticism that Mingo has. Montgomery is a very good technical player and he can use that strong technique to make plays.
17. Johnny Adams, CB, Michigan State
While not a great a cover man as Amerson, Adams is a athletically gifted player who plays a physical, tough form of football. He has the wheels to stay with most receivers, and a good nose for the football too.
18. Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
Eifert is the best TE in the nation this year. He is one of the new breed of TEs sweeping the NFL. He is a big body with the skills of the wide out. He will stretch opposing defenses up the seam. With the success of Jimmy Graham, and Rob Gronkowski, Eifert will be in high demand.
19. Johnathan Hankins*, NT, Ohio State
Nose tackles are often though of a big bodies who plug up holes. Hankins is a bit different. He is a big body, but he can do som much more than just plug holes or eat up blockers. He is very athletic for his size, and will make some 3-4 defense in the NFL very happy.
20. Johnathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State
Playing in the SEC, Johnathan Banks has faced the best competition anywhere in the nation. Not only has he faced them, but he has excelled against them. He doesn't pick as many passes as Amerson, and he is not as physical as Adams, but he is more complete than either.
21. Oday Aboushi, OT, Virgina
Aboushi is an athletic tackle who can keep speed rushers off his quarterback. With some of the talent on this list, and already in the league, a guy like Aboushi will be a hot commodity if he keeps his play up.
22. Kawann Short, DT, Purdue
Short is a very good prospect because of how complete a player he is. From a defensive tackles perspective, there is nothing he cannot do, and do well. His ability to do so much for a defense will be what has teams excited when they see him play.
23. Marcus Lattimore*, RB, South Carolina
Lattimore suffered a big injury a year ago, but now he is back faster, stronger, and leaner. He has the ability to take over a game on offense, and even in a pass heavy league, Lattimore will be a sought after addition to many NFL clubs.
24. Shane Skov, MLB, Stanford
Skov reminds me of an old school middle linebacker. He plays a hard nosed brand of football. He is also a very smart player and should project well at the next level.
25. Michael Buchanan, DE/OLB, Illinois
Last year, Whitney Mercilus exploded onto the scene from Illinois. Buchanan has the potential to be even better. I expect his explosion to be difficult to deal with for tackles in the Big 10.
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