The College Football season is now officially over and coaches are hard at work on the recruiting trail. However, some of the more talented young players are facing one of the most difficult decisions of their careers. Players face the choice to remain in college or chase the money and the dream of playing in the NFL. Take a look at the players that have decided to stay in college and those who will move on with their careers. Note this will be the first time in history that the top 3 Heisman finalist will all be returning to the college field. We break down the biggest names in college football and their decisions. Tell us what you think and if these were the right choices from these players by commenting on this article.
Returners
QB Tim Tebow (Florida) –
Tebow has probably become the most popular name in college football for his extreme passion for the game and desire to achieve. Tebow post-game press conference after the loss to Ole Miss this season will be a speech for the ages. Despite the popular belief that Tim Tebow is more of a running quarterback, the Heisman winner has completed 426 of 648 passes equaling 66%, for 6,033 yards, 62 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions all through the air in the last two seasons. Tebow’s decision to return next year shocked the vast majority of the public due to his overwhelming list of accomplishments in the college ranks. Tebow has already become the first sophomore to win the Heisman and also owns two National Championship rings. Does the decision to come back mean Tebow is trying to become the greatest college quarterback to ever step on the field with the opportunity to win a second Heisman and the possibility to win a 3rd National Title?
QB Sam Bradford (Oklahoma) –
This year’s Heisman winner completely lighted up the stat sheet throwing for 50 touchdowns and 4,721 yards on the season. Bradford became the 2nd ever sophomore to win the Heisman behind Tim Tebow. However, the National Championship Game may have mildly tarnished the star quarterback’s reputation. Many will make the argument that his stats reflect the high pass offensive attacks and suggested weak defenses of the Big 12. Despite the conference or style of play, Bradford still has the arsenal to make all the throws on the football field and that was something that was demonstrated time and time again this year. Bradford has the look of an NFL style quarterback and he very well has the ability to be a solid QB at the next level as well. Bradford decision to return may not be a big surprise considering he will only be a junior next year and will get an always helpful extra year to develop into an even bigger threat.
QB Colt McCoy (Texas) –
Colt McCoy was also another Heisman finalist that decided to come back for his senior year. McCoy reason for staying was noted to make a run at next year’s National Championship. The talented Tuscola, Texas native made big plays this year with his feet and dominated with his arm. McCoy broke two Texas records with 32 touchdowns and 3,445 yards on the year. Texas will have another strong team next year and McCoy will again try to lead Texas towards a National Title just like the previous returners. McCoy decision to return surprised me simply for the fact that Texas lost their top 3 receivers this season considering they were seniors and their time is done. However, the Longhorns do have a lot of young talent. It will just be interesting to see how fast they develop early in the year and really give McCoy the support he needs.
RB C.J. Spiller (Clemson) –
Despite the constant disappointments from Clemson, C.J Spiller gives them hope with his decision to return. Spiller is among one of the most elusive backs that will step on the field in 2009 and the Tigers will have to find a way to utilize him in better than they did this season. Despite the under achievements, Spiller still managed 1,770 all purpose yards that equaled over 9 yards every time he touched the football. Spiller and California running back Jahvid Best should be among the best tailbacks in the nation in 2009.
Other honorable mentions for key players that will return next season.
MLB Brandon Spikes (Florida) – Spikes is the centerpiece to the powerful Gator defense, the side of the ball that really won the National Championship.
S Taylor Mays (USC) – Mays will again lead the Trojan defense as possibly the best safety in the nation with a combination of size and blazing speed.
TE Jermaine Gresham (Oklahoma) – Gresham will be one of the best tight ends in the country and will likely become a bigger threat for the Sooner offense in 2009 after an impressive 950 yards and 14 touchdowns this season.
Early Departures
WR Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech) –
Crabtree’s game winning reception over Texas in the final seconds will be remembered for a long time, but the talented wide receiver made those big plays all season. Crabtree was 2nd in the nation with an outstanding 19 touchdowns and also added 1,165 yards for the year. Crabtree decision to part may not come as any big surprise considering he proved time and time again this season he was clearly the best wide receiver in college football and returning may have only hurt that reputation rather than helped.
OL Andre Smith (Alabama)–
Smith is one of the biggest powers on the Crimson Tide offensive line in a very long time. Smith was the winner of the Outland Trophy Award for being the best lineman in the country. Smith was the Alabama standout that was suspended prior to the Sugar Bowl for breaking team rules and failed to play in the BCS Bowl Game. The 340lb monster declared his early departure after having a fantastic junior campaign and some draft boards have him projected as the number 1 pick in this year’s NFL draft.
QB Mark Sanchez (USC) –
If you have not seen by now, Sanchez decision to turn pro was a big disappointment in the Trojans locker room. Head Coach Pete Carroll made it rather clear during Sanchez’s announcement that he did not approve of the decision. Still Sanchez will be a lottery pick in this year’s draft after a solid season throwing for 3,207 yards along with 32 touchdowns and completing over 65% of his passes. Sanchez’s decision to not return for his senior season shocked many. The Trojans lost a ton of key players especially on the defensive side of the ball and will have a lot of areas to fill.
RB Knowshon Moreno (Georgia) –
Knowshon Moreno was a big part of the highlight films this season with spectacular athletic plays. Moreno decision comes as a big surprise considering many thought he was firmly committed to staying with the Bulldogs. Moreno may be slightly under sized compared to many of the NFL backs, but makes up for it with a natural talent. Moreno sported 1,400 yards and 16 touchdowns against the brutal defenses of the SEC this season and will be on the verge of a top 10 pick in this year’s draft.
RB Percy Harvin (Florida) –
Percy Harvin can arguably be mentioned as the biggest threat on offense this season. The speedster at tailback had 650 yards of rushing and 650 yards of receiving as well equaling 17 touchdowns on the season. Harvin’s ability to make big plays played a vital role on the Florida offense this season and QB Tim Tebow will have to find a new go to guy. Harvin position on the NFL may be in question as to where he will be used, but he has an immeasurable amount of talent that will find a way onto the field.
Let us know how you feel about some of these players decisions and if they were the right decisions for their careers. Note that we could not go over every big name, but we tried to throw in the most notable. Feel free to add a name that we did not discuss as well.
