Without a single doubt, College Football is where the magic begins. Although the NFL is a widely acclaimed organization, it is not where student-kids are still spoon-fed, or where money does not play a prominent role yet. True, if you make it to the NFL, you are lucky. College Football, on the other hand, offers far more; you fight for the reputation of your university and there is always that one flickering billboard that reads “if you play well enough, you might make the trip to Radio City Music Hall, NY in April.”

Last night Ruurd told me that "Tim Tebow is a great player" and based on his performances in the past few years, how could Ruurd be wrong? I was joking, of course, when I told him that Tebow is probably the only player he knows. That made me think. I think that, in addition to Tebow, there are a couple of players that are going to have an even bigger impact on the NFL in the upcoming years. And I am sorry, Tim Tebow does not top that chart, but he is on that list somewhere.

My top ten all-NCAA college prospects.


10.Quan Sturdivant and Bruce Carter – UNC Tar Heels (LBs)
I am a UNC fan, and everyone should know that by now, but these guys are ridiculously good. They are fast, strong and hit well. Watching these perform for the nation’s #7 defense is just a blessing. These guys will play on Sundays.

9.Tim Tebow – Florida Gators (QB)
Well, Tebow, as I said, is not bad, let me get that right. It is just that he rides the legs more than the arms. When under pressure, he becomes gun-shy and when Tebow doesn’t throw the ball, he runs and gets hit. In College the hits are not necessarily decleaters, but when Ray Lewis or DeMarcus Ware knock you out, it is a different story.
Projected: Saint-Louis Rams or Buffalo Bills


8.Brandon Spikes – Florida Gators (LB)
Fast, tough, pesky defender who can take you out of a game, both mentally as well as physically.
Projected: San Diego Chargers

7.Jahvid Best – Cal Golden Bears (RB)
At the beginning of the season Jahvid was considered a Heisman candidate, but since the team around him is not as stable as was expected, Jahvid’s numbers have declined, too. He is still one of the most prominent runners in college, but Ryan Williams is surpassing him.
Projected: NY Jets

6.Ryan Williams – VT Hokies (RB)
It is a red-shirt freshman, and he is already torching defenses and wreaking havoc. His production is always solid but it requires a good performance through the air by Tyrod Taylor to set up the running game. If Williams continues to play like he does, he will be in the spotlights for a long long time.

5.Colt McCoy – Texas Long Horns (QB)
This man is just too solid. He is your All-American under center. I am sure that the Tennessee Titans could use a man just like him. He is a Romo-type of guy but the machismo is not as obvious. One of Sam Bradford’s best friends, and a great Heisman contender.
Projected: Tennessee Titans

4.Jonathan Dwyer – Georgia Tech Yellow-Jackets (RB)
He was an all-ACC RB last year, and behind the wheels of Nesbitt he is just outstanding. Big guy, who likes to run over people. A powerful back who needs just a little more polishing to become a perfect NFL-start. He plays for the best team in the ACC, and it will probably increase his draft stock value, although the triple-option has not been his best friend so far this year.
Projected: Saints, to help out Bush and Thomas

3.Ndamukong Suh – Nebraska Huskies (DT)
The best player in the 2010 draft. The Bucs would love him as an interior force to stop the run. Suh is not a skill player but moves like a LB while being over 300 pounds.
Projected: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2.Sam Bradford – Oklahoma Sooners (QB)
Bradford is a pin-point passer. He delivers the ball on the numbers and that is the perfectionism he strives for. That said, Sam has had to deal with injuries during the 2009 NCAA season. His shoulders are weak and it will take a couple of good games from him to show NFL experts that he is worthy of a high pick in the draft.
Projected: Jaguars, Bills, Titans or Rams (depending on picks before him)

1.Christian Ponder – Florida State Seminoles (QB)
Christian Ponder, although quite unknown still, could be the next Manning or even Montana for that matter. This guy has it all. A smart student, great arm strength, good vision, athletic ability, stamina and awareness. Ponder is THE man to watch, trust me!

Other noteworthy candidates: Jimmy Clausen, Jake Locker, Eric Berry, and CJ Spiller.

First things first though, we need to predict a Superbowl winner before we can even think about the draft. I composed a power ranking after week 2 which looked like this:
1.New Orleans Saints
2.Indianapolis Colts
3.Baltimore Ravens
4.Minnesota Vikings
5.NY Giants
6.Atlanta Falcons
7.NY Jets
8.San Francisco 49’ers
9.Pittsburgh Steelers
10.Dallas Cowboys

My new list after week 7
1.Indianapolis Colts
2.New Orleans Saints
3.New England Patriots
4.Pittsburgh Steelers
5.Denver Broncos
6.Minnesota Vikings
7.NY Giants
8.Cincinnati Bengals
9.Philidelphia Eagles
10.Green Bay Packers
Superbowl: Indianapolis defeats New Orleans???