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Mississippi RB
Deuce McAllister
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When picking a midseason All-America team, the two traps to avoid are putting too much
weight on statistics at the skill positions and going too much off reputation at the grunt
positions. With the help of the experts we spoke to, we hope to avoid that trap this year.
The strongest position in college football is quarterback with five legitimate
All-America and Heisman Trophy candidates in Virginia Tech’s Michael Vick,
Clemson’s Woodrow Dantzler, Nebraska’s Eric Crouch, Purdue’s Drew Brees and
Florida State’s Chris Weinke. Vick is clearly the Player of the First Half, but
Dantzler was also sensational and Crouch, a running quarterback, has started to throw some
TD passes.
Offense
QB Michael Vick, Virginia Tech
The best running quarterback I have ever seen and a powerful passer as well.
RB Deuce McAllister, Mississippi
Excellent all-purpose back with size, speed and versatility.
RB Damien Anderson, Northwestern
Has carried Northwestern to big Big Ten wins.
TE Jerramy Stevens, Washington
Excellent receiver who was the key to Washington’s big win over Colorado.
WR David Terrell, Michigan
Came up very big at the end of the Wisconsin game.
WR Koren Robinson, North Carolina State
A quicker, faster Mike Quick. Could end up being as good as Torry Holt
C Dominic Raiola, Nebraska
Quick off the ball and very effective.
OG Steve Hutchinson, Michigan
Best player on a fine line.
OG Chad Ward, Washington
Not a great athlete but overpowering and tough as nails.
OT Leonard Davis, Texas
Is not playing up to his potential but is still so big and talented that he gets
the nod in a down year for top tackles having good years.
OT Jeff Backus, Michigan
A good, tough blue-collar blocker.
Defense
DE Jamal Reynolds, Florida State
Speed rusher who is having a monster year.
DE Andre Carter, California
Very steady technique-oriented player with fine speed and surprising power.
DT Casey Hampton, Texas
Not the most gifted, but nobody will outwork him.
DT John Schlecht, MInnesota
Undersized overachiever with a great motor.
MLB Carlos Polk, Nebraska
Big-time run-stuffer.
LB Keith Adams, Clemson
Great undersized player in the Tom Jackson mold.
LB Orlando Huff, Fresno State
Watch the Ohio State game, and you will see why I am so high on this young man.
CB Rashad Bauman, Oregon
A big-time cover corner who tackles too.
CB Fred Smoot, Mississippi State
Talks a lot but generally backs it up.
CB Nate Clements, Ohio State
I am picking four corners because the safeties are not playing up to an
All-America standard and four corners are. And by the way, Clements may be the best of the
bunch.
DB Ken Lucas, Mississippi
Converted wide receiver continues to improve.
Specialists
PK Jamie Rheem, Kansas State
Best of a mediocre group.
P Nick Harris, California
If you don’t think he can be a difference-maker, just ask Illinois. |
