Quarterbacks

Ben Chappell, Indiana (6’2, 238, Sr.)

The biggest reason for the Hoosiers early 3-0 start was QB Ben Chappell and his exciting early season performance. After only throwing 15 interceptions in 2009, Chappell has reduced his interceptions to just 3 this season, while passing for 12 touchdowns. One of the things that will jump out to you on film is how much he has improved on poise and pocket presence. Expect for Chappell to get back on track now that Ohio State and Michigan are out of the way.

Russell Wilson, NC State (5’11, 200, Jr.)

Despite throwing 5 interceptions in the last two weeks, Wilson remains one of the most accurate passers in college football. Wilson is a 3 year starter for the Wolfpack and has gone longer than any other QB in college football without throwing an interception. Wilson is a smart QB that makes good decisions anytime the ball is in his hands. The one thing that has caught my eye about Wilson is the velocity he puts on the football when making middle of the field throws. But why should I be surprised? He was only drafted in the 1^st round of the 2010 MLB draft.

T.J. Yates, UNC (6’4, 200, Sr.)

Yates was the same individual that was nearly booed out of the Dean Dome earlier this year by Carolina fans at a basketball game. Now, the fateful baby blue and white are singing his praises while he gives stability to an offense with very little playmakers. Despite missing WR phenom Greg Little, Yates has completed 65% of his passes for 8 touchdowns in five games. Best of all he has only thrown 1 interception this season. Yates has quickly jumped on DraftNasty’s radar for QB prospects this season.

Running Backs

Noel Devine, West Virginia (5’8,180, Sr.)

I know he’s on everyone’s prospect list as a playmaker, athlete, or running back. The biggest question I had coming into this season about Devine was his ability to pass protect? This season Devine has done a better job of being active in pass protection and not turning down blocks. Although he has not mastered blocking just yet, Devine finally understands the advantages he has with leverage and strength at the point of attack.

Roy Helu, Nebraska (6’0,220, Sr.)

Helu is my kind of back. He hits the hole with no hesitation and runs with power behind his 220 pound frame. Helu averages 8.1 yards a carry this season, second behind teammate Taylor Martinez.

Wide Receivers

Owen Spencer, NC State (6’2,185, Sr.)

Spencer is one of three NC State receivers with big play ability. So you ask what sets him apart from the others. Spencer displays good speed and even some of the fastest DB’s in the conference have a hard time running stride for stride with the NC native. He currently leads NC State in yards, catches, and touchdowns this season.

O.J. Murdock, Fort Hays State (5’11, 195, Sr.)

The former South Carolina transfer is putting DII Fort Hayes State on the map, after his early season stardom. Murdock currently leads the MIAA conference with 22.7 yards a catch this season.

Jordan White, Western Michigan (6’0, 211, Sr.)

White has become one of the best possession receivers in the country this season. White caught my eye mid-way through the season opener against Michigan State where he caught 8 passes for 82 yards in a losing effort. He did a good job of finding the soft coverage in the defense, as well as his ball security after the catch. He’s not a burner at receiver, but he knows how to get open. White ranks 7^th in the nation in receiving yards per game (107).

Tight Ends

Lance Hendricks, Wisconsin (6’3,240, Sr.)

Hendricks is a versatile TE that will most likely project as an H-Back at the next level. He displays soft hands and the ability to create mismatches in the middle of the field. He is used much like former 3^rd round pick Jared Cook of the Tennessee Titans.

George Bryan, NC State (6’5, 265, Jr.)

In my opinion, this is the best all-around TE in the country so far. Not only is he a dynamic red zone target (12 career TD’s), but he’s an excellent run blocker as well. It will be interesting to see if his stock is high enough for him to declare early for the 2011 NFL draft.

Offensive Tackles

Curt Porter, Jacksonville State (6’7, 315, Sr.)

Porter first jumped out to me last season when I was watching former Jacksonville State QB Ryan Perriloux. Porter is a good left tackle that exhibits good hand and foot speed in pass protection. One of the highlights of the season was Porter’s move to OG against Ole Miss to bring All-SEC DT Jerrell Powe to a halt.

Zebrie Sanders, Florida State (6’5, 290, Jr.)

With the injury to starting LT Andrew Datko, junior Zebrie Sanders has been one of the stalwarts of the FSU OL. Sanders has spent most of this season multi-tasking; seeing duty at both right and left tackle in FSU’s first six games. If Sanders can continue to show the consistency he’s shown thus far, he could jump up everyone’s draft board before the start of next season. His biggest test will come against Clemson DE’s DeQuan Bowers and Andre Branch.

Offensive Guards

Joe Looney, Wake Forest (6’3, 298, Jr.)

Very few Wake Forest players have the chance to step onto the playing field for Jim Grobe as a true freshman. Looney is an exception. Looney is a 3-year starter with a relentless motor, earning him the nickname from fellow teammates “Looney Toons”. Much like the animated cartoon characters, Looney’s quick footed imagery allows him to climb to the second level and connect with little effort. The only knock on him is strength at this point.

Colin Madison, Temple (6’3, 328, Sr.)

This two sport star paves the way every Saturday for the Owls rushing attack. He exhibits good strength and body control when making contact at the LOS. Last season, Madison started all 13 games garnishing first team All-MAC honors as an offensive lineman.

Center

Ryan Bartholomew, Syracuse (6’2, 298, Sr.)

Named to the preseason’s Rimington Award watch list for the nation’s best center, Bartholomew has improved his overall game from a season ago. He does a good job of sealing backside defender to allow cut back lanes for RB Delone Carter. Thanks to Bartholomew, Carter is averaging a career best 5.2 yard average this season.

Defensive Ends

DE Rodney Gnat, Louisville (6’3, 258, Sr.)

After only recording just 1 sack a season ago, Rodney Gnat is off to a career start this season. Under new HC Charlie Strong, Gnat appears to be much comfortable in a system that allows him to speed rush and stunt more efficiently inside. He leads the Big East with 6 sacks and I look for him to add to his total throughout Big East play.

DE Jabaal Sheard, Pitt (6’3, 255, Sr.)

Sheard has become the rock of the Pitt defense with the absence of All-Big East DE and counterpart Greg Romeus. Before the season, I believed Sheard was the stronger between the two against the run, but lacked the explosive pass rushing ability to be a steady factor. This season Sheard leads the Big East with 8 TFL’s and ranks second in sacks behind Rodney Gnat.

Defensive Tackles

DT Kendrick Ellis, Hampton (6’5, 340, Sr.)

The former South Carolina transfer is simple a dominant force in the middle of Hampton’s defense. Not only is he hard to move, he displays above average quickness for a guy his size. He has given me all the reason to believe he can be an effect zero technique at the NFL level, but he must learn to play with consistency every down.

DT Logan Harrell, Fresno State (6’2, 275, Jr.)

If I didn’t know any better I would imagine he has a battery attached to his body. The junior DT has great snap count anticipation and the ability to disrupt the backfield, just ask Cincinnati QB Zach Collaras, who was sacked 4 times in the season opener. Out of his 22 total tackles this season, 7.5 are sacks and 9.5 are TFL’s.

Linebackers

LB Mario Harvey, Marshall (6’0, 250, Sr.)

As my colleague Matt Elder pointed out before, Mario “The Thumper” Harvey is for real. At 250 pounds, Harvey is blessed with 4.35 speed at the linebacker position. This season he has recorded double digit tackles in every game except for one. He ranks 3^rd in the nation with 12.8 tackles per game.

LB Bryce Smith, Samford (6’1, 245, Sr.)

This head hunting LB looks NFL ready every Saturday. Smith not only leads the SoCon in tackles, but ranks 3^rd on the FCS level with 73 total tackles. Smith was named preseason SoCon Defensive Player of the Year and to the Buchanan Award Watch List. I must say he has made a strong campaign in the early going this season.

LB Zach Brown, UNC (6’2, 255, Jr.)

Despite only starting one game this season, Brown has caught my eye every time he steps on the field for the Tar Heels. He’s a dynamic special teams player that plays on every UNC special teams.  He’s even the team’s gunner on punt. I was amazed to see his sideline-to-sideline speed was even faster than Bruce Carter when comparing the two against LSU. Then I was even more amazed to find out he was clocked in the 40 yard dash with 4.28 speed, while setting the school’s track record in the 60 meters at a 6.72. The Tar Heels won’t miss Sturdivant or Carter too much after this season.

Cornerbacks

CB Torez Jones, Western Carolina (6’0, 175, Jr.)

After appearing in 8 games last season, Torez Jones has burst onto the scenes leading the FCS nation with 6 interceptions. Jones has the ability to play all of the secondary positions, but had excelled this season at CB.  In Week 3, Jones had an incredible game against Garner-Webb, recording 12 solo tackles, 1 sack, and 4 interceptions.

CB Chris L. Rucker, Michigan State (6’2, 195, Sr.)

Not only has Michigan State been my surprise team of the year, CB Chris Rucker has been exceptional this season. Despite only recording 1 interception, Rucker is earning the respect of his opponents. In 6 games, the 6’2 senior has 40 tackles, 3 TFL’s, and 4 PBU’s. This let’s me know he’s not afraid to get “Nasty”.  There's one problem:  Rucker is suspended as of current press time.  

Safeties

S Joe Lefeged, Rutgers (6’0, 205, Sr.)

Whether it’s on special teams or defense, #26 is showing up on film a lot this season. While there’s not much glamour to the 6’0 safety, you will notice he plays a variety of roles in the Scarlet Knights' defense.  In addition to his duties on defense, Lefeged has a blocked punt returned for a touchdown, as well as a 28.3 yard average per kick return this season.