Weekly Payton, Buchanan Outlook- November 8
Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2010 7:51 pm
WATCH LISTS UPDATE- NOVEMBER 8, 2010
MY 20 PAYTON WATCH CANDIDATES
QB Matt Barr, Western Illinois, Sr.- 164-262, 2438 yds, 23 TD, 3 INT, 62.6%, 167.4 pass eff., 270.9 yds/gm, 72 carries, 398 yds, 5.5ypc, 5 TD in 9 games.
QB Mike Brown, Liberty, Jr.- 182-281, 2348 yds, 19 TD, 10 INT, 64.8%, 260.9 yds/gm, 150.2 pass eff., 119 carries, 623 yds, 5.2ypc, 6 TD, 69.2 yds/gm, 3 catches, 18 yds in 9 games.
QB Thomas DeMarco, Old Dominion, Jr.- 191-334, 2200 yds, 19 TD, 11 INT, 57.2%, 124.7 pass eff., 244.4 yds/gm, 106 carries, 361 yds, 3.4ypc, 8 TD in 9 games.
QB Matthew Johnson, Bethune-Cookman, Sr.- 122-189, 1724 yds, 12 TD, 3 INT, 64.6%, 159.0 pass eff., 191.6 yds/gm, 119 carries, 643 yds, 5.4ypc, 7 TD, 71.4 yds/gm in 9 games.
QB Denarius McGhee, Montana State, Fr.- 197-312, 2802, 20 TD, 5 INT, 63.1%, 156.5 pass eff., 280.2 yds/gm, 69 carries, 165 yds, 2.4ypc, 2 TD in 10 games.
QB Josh McGregor, Jacksonville, Jr.- 189-301, 2889 yds, 31 TD, 7 INT, 62.8%, 172.7 pass eff., 288.9 yds/gm, 48 carries, -10 yds, 1 TD in 10 games.
QB Jeremy Moses, Stephen F. Austin, Sr.- 251-411, 2898 yds, 26 TD, 4 INT, 61.1%, 139.2 pass eff., 322.0 yds/gm, 12 carries, -68 yds in 9 games.
QB DeAndre Presley, Appalachian State, Jr.- 141-226, 1874 yds, 15 TD, 3 INT, 62.4%, 208.2 yds/gm, 151.3 pass eff., 113 carries, 710 yds, 6.3ypc, 11 TD, 78.9 yds/gm in 9 games.
QB Scott Riddle, Elon, Sr.- 218-322, 2468 yds, 22 TD, 6 INT, 67.7%, 150.9 pass eff., 308.5 yds/gm, 37 carries, -10 yds, 1 TD in 8 games.
QB Casey Therriault, Jackson State, Jr.- 217-385, 2941 yds, 24 TD, 8 INT, 56.4%, 136.9 pass eff., 326.8 yds/gm, 80 carries, 22 yds, 7 TD in 9 games.
QB Chris Whitney, Villanova, Sr.- 128-190, 1476 yds, 16 TD, 5 INT, 67.4%, 164.0 yds/gm, 155.2 pass eff., 99 carries, 380 yds, 3.8ypc, 7 TD in 9 games.
RB Eric Breitenstein, Wofford, Jr.- 175 carries, 1189 yds, 17 TD, 6.8ypc, 132.1 yds/gm, 3 catches, 34 yds in 9 games.
RB Nate Eachus, Colgate, Jr.- 267 carries, 1507 yds, 16 TD, 5.6ypc, 167.4 yds/gm, 13 catches, 115 yds, 8.8ypc in 9 games.
RB Henry Harris, Southeast Missouri State, Sr.- 264 carries, 1493 yds, 16 TD, 5.7ypc, 149.3 yds/gm, 18 catches, 182 yds, 10.1ypc, 1 TD in 10 games.
RB Taiwan Jones, Eastern Washington, Jr.- 134 carries, 1078 yds, 10 TD, 8.0ypc, 134.8 yds/gm, 16 catches, 290 yds, 18.1ypc, 2 TD, 3 PR, 28 yds, 9.3avg, 11 KR, 224 yds, 20.4avg in 8 games.
RB Kyle Minett, South Dakota State, Sr.- 218 carries, 1133 yds, 5.2ypc, 10 TD, 125.9 yds/gm, 28 catches, 192 yds, 6.9ypc in 9 games.
RB Andrew Pierce, Delaware, Fr.- 195 carries, 1014 yds, 12 TD, 5.2ypc, 112.7 yds/gm, 16 catches, 110 yds, 6.9ypc, 1 TD in 9 games.
RB Frank Warren, Grambling State, Sr.- 197 carries, 1370 yards, 15 TD, 7.0ypc, 152.2 yds/gm, 17 catches, 142 yds, 8.4ypc, 1 TD, 2 KR, 33 yds in 9 games.
WR Tysson Poots, Southern Utah, Sr.- 77 catches, 1121 yards, 10 TD, 14.6ypc, 112.1 yds/gm in 10 games.
OT Ben Ijalana, Villanova, Sr.
MY TOP 5
There is a shake up with DeAndre Presley falling all the way from 1 to out of the top 5 in just two weeks. It just goes to show how fluid this thing is week by week. Consistency is one of the most important things and I believe this group is a consistent group that might not have much reputation from last year but has had the best seasons of anyone out there. I gave the SWAC a lot of love this week with two very deserving candidates!
1. QB Matt Barr, Western Illinois, Sr.- 164-262, 2438 yds, 23 TD, 3 INT, 62.6%, 167.4 pass eff., 270.9 yds/gm, 72 carries, 398 yds, 5.5ypc, 5 TD in 9 games.
Barr has WIU 6-3 and eyeing a playoff berth. He has been hot the last few weeks with an impressive 28 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He is second nationally in pass efficiency and eighth in passing yards per game. Don’t be fooled though because this race is long from over and the final two weeks will be key in deciding this race.
2. RB Henry Harris, Southeast Missouri State, Sr.- 264 carries, 1493 yds, 16 TD, 5.7ypc, 149.3 yds/gm, 18 catches, 182 yds, 10.1ypc, 1 TD in 10 games.
Harris leads a hot SEMO team that has won 9 straight games, ranked #7 in the TSN poll, and he is second nationally in rushing yards per game. Harris has been brilliant this year and consistent proving he can be the workhorse and provide a big play with an impressive 5.7 yards per carry.
3. RB Nate Eachus, Colgate, Jr.- 267 carries, 1507 yds, 16 TD, 5.6ypc, 167.4 yds/gm, 13 catches, 115 yds, 8.8ypc in 9 games.
Eachus leads the nation in rushing yards per game (167.44). His season is reminiscent of former Walter Payton Award Winner Jamaal Branch as Eachus has been nothing short of brilliant all year long. His team’s average season and lack of much production in the receiving game are the main reasons why he is not higher.
4. RB Frank Warren, Grambling State, Sr.- 197 carries, 1370 yards, 15 TD, 7.0ypc, 152.2 yds/gm, 17 catches, 142 yds, 8.4ypc, 1 TD, 2 KR, 33 yds in 9 games.
Warren ranks third nationally in rushing yards per game and has been a big play back averaging 7.0 yards per game. GSU’s success definitely helps him and it would not be surprising to see him finish as high as third in the balloting.
5. QB Casey Therriault, Jackson State, Jr.- 217-385, 2941 yds, 24 TD, 8 INT, 56.4%, 136.9 pass eff., 326.8 yds/gm, 80 carries, 22 yds, 7 TD in 9 games.
Therriault is a great story and his season only adds to how impressive his comeback has been. With 31 touchdowns it is hard to leave him off the top five at this point.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
QB Sean Brackett, Columbia, Soph.- 134-224, 1689 yds, 17 TD, 5 INT, 59.8%, 143.7 pass eff., 211.1 yds/gm, 114 carries, 377 yds, 3.3ypc, 2 TD in 8 games.
QB B.J. Coleman, Chattanooga, Jr.- 188-328, 2467 yds, 22 TDs, 12 INT, 57.3%, 135.3 pass eff., 274.1 yds/gm, 35 carries, -1 yds, 4 TD in 9 games.
QB Justin Roper, Montana, Sr.- 143-231, 1539 yds, 18 TD, 8 INT, 61.9%, 136.7 pass eff., 171.0 yds/gm, 40 carries, 93 yds, 2.3ypc, 1 TD in 9 games.
QB Brad Sorensen, Southern Utah, Soph.- 227-337, 2729, 19 TD, 4 INT, 67.4%, 151.6 pass eff., 272.9 yds/gm, 57 carries, 25 yds, 2 TD in 10 games.
RB Jordan Brown, Bryant, Soph.- 219 carries, 1173 yds, 5.4ypc, 13 TD, 130.3 yds/gm, 10 catches, 129 yds, 12.9ypc, 1 TD, 3 PR, 144 yds, 48.0avg, 2 TD, 9 KR, 197 yds, 21.9avg in 9 games.
RB Jamaine Cook, Youngstown State, Soph., 220 carries, 1199 yds, 5.4ypc, 10 TD, 119.9 yds/gm, 25 catches, 219 yds, 8.8ypc, 1 TD in 10 games.
RB Gino Gordon, Harvard, Sr.- 133 carries, 913 yds, 6.9ypc, 7 TD, 114.1 yds/gm, 13 catches, 119 yds, 9.2ypc in 7 games.
RB Jonathan Grimes, William & Mary, Jr.- 162 carries, 644 yds, 4.0ypc, 8 TD, 71.6 yds/gm, 1-1, 6 yds, 1 TD, 16 catches, 121 yds, 7.6ypc, 16 KR, 413 yds, 25.8avg in 9 games.
RB Russ Myles, Robert Morris, Sr., 189 carries, 1137 yds, 6.0ypc, 8 TD, 126.3 yds/gm, 7 catches, 117 yds, 16.7ypc, 1 TD in 9 games.
RB Nick Schwieger, Dartmouth, Jr.- 189 carries, 942 yds, 9 TD, 5.0avg, 134.6 yds/gm, 22 catches, 156 yds, 7.1ypc in 7 games.
WR Chris Summers, Liberty, Jr.- 69 catches, 954 yds, 14 TD, 13.8ypc, 106.0 yds/gm in 9 games.
WR Raymond Webber, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Sr.- 80 catches, 1178 yds, 10 TD, 14.7ypc, 130.9 yds/gm in 9 games.
MY 20 BUCHANAN BATTLE CANDIDATES
DE Kenneth Charles, Stephen F. Austin, Sr.- 49 TT, 13 TFL, 9 sacks, 2 PBU, 1 QBH, 3 FF in 9 games.
DE Jabari Fletcher, Appalachian State, Sr.- 46 TT, 12 TFL, 7 sacks, 1 INT, 4 PBU, 8 QBH, 4 FR/returned one for TD, 1 FF in 9 games.
DE Mario Kurn, San Diego, Jr.- 55 TT, 19.5 TFL, 13.5 sacks, 5 PBU, 7 QBH, 2 FF in 10 games.
DE Ameet Pall, Wofford, Jr.- 43 TT, 19.5 TFL, 12.5 sacks, 6 QBH, 1 FR, 1 FF in 9 games.
DE Dain Taylor, Drake, Sr.- 51 TT, 21.5 TFL, 12.5 sacks, 1 INT returned for TD, 3 PBU, 3 QBH, 2 FR, 2 FF, 2 BLK in 10 games.
DT Kenrick Ellis, Hampton, Sr.- 84 TT, 14 TFL, 2 sacks, 4 QBH, 2 FR, 1 FF in 8 games.
DT Martin Parker, Richmond, Sr.- 78 TT, 9 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 1 PBU, 9 QBH, 1 BLK in 9 games.
LB Matt Evans, New Hampshire, Soph.- 113 TT, 8 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 INT, 1 PBU, 1 QBH, 2 FR, 2 FF in 9 games.
LB Kyle Glazier, Western Illinois, Sr.- 114 TT, 9.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 2 PBU, 1 FR, 1 FF in 9 games.
LB Tyler Holmes, UMASS, Jr.- 91 TT, 11 TFL, 5 sacks, 5 INT/returned two for TD, 1 PBU, 2 FF in 9 games.
LB Ryan Lewis, Bethune-Cookman, Jr.- 57 TT, 9 TFL, 4 sacks, 3 INT/returned one for TD, 2 PBU, 1 QBH, 2 FR/returned one for TD, 4 FF in 9 games.
LB Keith Pough, Howard, Soph.- 84 TT, 24 TFL, 7 sacks, 3 PBU, 5 QBH, 1 FR, 3 FF in 9 games.
LB J.C. Sherritt, Eastern Washington, Sr.- 106 TT, 9 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 3 INT, 3 PBU, 2 QBH in 9 games.
LB D.J. Smith, Appalachian State, Sr.- 98 TT, 3 TFL, 1 sack, 1 INT, 3 PBU, 2 QBH, 1 FR in 9 games.
CB Moses Ellis, Prairie View A&M, Sr.- 34 TT, 1 TFL, 6 INT, 13 PBU, 2 FR, 1 FF in 9 games.
CB Trumaine Johnson, Montana, Jr.- 39 TT, 3.5 TFL, 0.5 sack, 4 INTs/returned 2 for TDs, 5 PBU, 1 carry, 11 yds, 7 KR, 155 yds, 22.1avg in 9 games.
CB Korey Lindsey, Southern Illinois, Sr.- 35 TT, 2.5 TFL, 5 PBU in 9 games.
FS Tylor Brock, Southeast Missouri State, Soph.- 46 TT, 0.5 TFL, 6 INT/returned two for TD, 2 PBU in 10 games.
FS Mark LeGree, Appalachian State, Sr.- 40 TT, 1 TFL, 5 INT, 5 PBU in 9 games.
SS Eugene Clifford, Tennessee State, Sr.- 69 TT, 0.5 TFL, 0.5 sack, 4 INT, 7 PBU, 1 FF in 9 games.
MY TOP 5
This year’s race is still wide open but Tyler Holmes could help make this pick much easier if he keeps up his play from the last two weeks. With that said this race is still wide open and anyone could truly take charge and claim this award over the next two weeks.
1. LB Tyler Holmes, UMASS, Jr.- 91 TT, 11 TFL, 5 sacks, 5 INT/returned two for TD, 1 PBU, 2 FF in 9 games.
This was a very tough selection with three players worthy of the top spot at this point but nobody has been better the last two weeks than Holmes whose two interceptions returned for touchdowns on Saturday vaulted him to the top spot.
2. DE Ameet Pall, Wofford, Jr.- 43 TT, 19.5 TFL, 12.5 sacks, 6 QBH, 1 FR, 1 FF in 9 games.
Pall is a player I have got to watch recently and while he is not overly big nor that fast he just makes plays. He has a good motor, is well coached as he plays with good technique, and doesn’t miss many tackles. His 19.5 tackles for loss are second nationally while his 12.5 sacks are good for first.
3. LB J.C. Sherritt, Eastern Washington, Sr.- 106 TT, 9 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 3 INT, 3 PBU, 2 QBH in 9 games.
Sherrit was the preseason front runner and has not been a disappointment as he will definitely be a first-team All-American and could still vault to first on my ballot if he can produce big games here to close out the season. What has made his season so impressive with the lack of big numbers in tackles and tackles for loss is the fact he has made plays in the passing game with picks and breakups and wreaked havoc when blitzing producing 2.5 sacks.
4. DT Kenrick Ellis, Hampton, Sr.- 84 TT, 14 TFL, 2 sacks, 4 QBH, 2 FR, 1 FF in 8 games.
Ellis is perhaps the most dominating player in the nation because he can truly take over games when he wants to. He would be first on my ballot if he had a few more sacks and production in other areas besides the big three (TT, TFL, sacks).
5. LB Keith Pough, Howard, Soph.- 84 TT, 24 TFL, 7 sacks, 3 PBU, 5 QBH, 1 FR, 3 FF in 9 games.
I know Pough isn’t on the official watch list and I know many of you have never heard of him. With that said I have to honor him at least one time this year with his incredible season for Howard. This potential future draft pick has great size (6’3, 235), leads the nation in tackles for loss (24), and is twelfth in sacks (7). For those wondering where this kid has come from he is not new to impressive play with 57 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and five hurries in 10 games last year.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
DE Coulter Boyer, North Dakota Sate, Jr.- 42 TT, 9 TFL, 7 sacks, 4 PBU, 9 QBH, 3 FR, 3 FF in 9 games.
DE Erik Clanton, The Citadel, Sr.- 59 TT, 13 TFL, 9 sacks, 1 QBH, 1 FR, 3 FF in 10 games.
DE Chris Donald, Chattanooga, Jr.- 44 TT, 12.5 TFL, 7.5 sacks, 1 QBH, 2 FR, 4 FF in 9 games.
DE Preston Pemasa, Gardner-Webb, Fr.- 52 TT, 10.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 9 QBH, 1 FR, 1 FF in 9 games.
DE Zack Nash, Sacramento State, Jr.- 30 TT, 10.5 TFL, 8 sacks, 3 QBH, 5 FF in 9 games.
DE Ben Obaseki, Indiana State, Soph.- 53 TT, 15 TFL, 8 sacks, 1 PBU, 3 QBH, 1 FR, 1 FF, 1 SAF in 9 games.
DE/LB Brandon Peguese, Hampton, Sr.- 73 TT, 19.5 TFL, 7 sacks, 1 PBU, 12 QBH, 1 FF in 9 games.
DT Ibraham Abdulai, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Sr.- 50 TT, 14.5 TFL, 6.5 sacks, 5 QBH, 2 FR, 3 FF in 9 games.
DT Ronnie Cameron, Old Dominion, Jr.- 52 TT, 13.5 TFL, 4 sacks, 7 QBH in 9 games.
DT Andre Caroll, Delaware State, Sr.- 78 TT, 13.5 TFL, 4 sacks, 1 INT, 5 QBH, 2 FR, 2 FF in 9 games.
LB Kadarron Anderson, Furman, Jr.- 94 TT, 6 TFL, 1 INT, 1 QBH, 1 FF in 9 games.
LB Josh Bey, UT Martin, Sr.- 84 TT, 10 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 4 PBU, 2 QBH, 1 FR, 3 FF in 10 games.
LB Ryan Consiglio, Chattanooga, Jr.- 95 TT, 6 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 3 PBU, 1 QBH, 2 FR, 1 FF in 9 games.
LB John Eddy, Northern Colorado, Sr.- 84 TT, 7.5 TFL, 4 sacks, 1 PBU, 8 QBH, 1 FR, 2 FF, 1 BLK in 10 games.
LB Eric McBride, Richmond, Sr.- 101 TT, 5.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 INT, 4 PBU, 2 FR, 1 FF in 9 games.
LB Mark Newbill, Southeastern Louisiana, Sr.- 107 TT, 5.5 TFL, 1 sack, 2 PBU, 3 QBH, 1 FR, 1 FF in 9 games.
LB Bryce Smith, Samford, Sr.- 105 TT, 4 TFL, 0.5 sack, 1 INT, 3 PBU in 9 games.
LB A.J. Storms, Idaho State, Jr.- 115 TT, 6.5 TFL, 2 PBU in 9 games.
LB Antoine Wilkinson, Missouri State, Sr.- 81 TT, 6.5 TFL, 4 sacks, 3 PBU, 1 FF, 1 BLK in 9 games.
LB Jabara Williams, Stephen F. Austin, Sr.- 77 TT, 4.5 TFL, 1 sack, 4 PBU, 3 FR in 9 games.
CB Jarard Cribbs, Lehigh, Sr.- 36 TT, 3 TFL, 6 INT/returned one for TD, 3 PBU, 16 PR, 92 yds, 7.1avg in 9 games.
CB EJ Jones, Illinois State, Sr.- 32 TT, 6 INT, 2 PBU, 1 FF in 10 games.
CB Torez Jones, Western Carolina, Jr.- 57 TT, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 7 INT, 5 PBU, 1 FR in 9 games.
CB Justin Rogers, Richmond, Sr.- 39 TT, 2 INT/returned one for TD, 5 PBU, 2 FF, 5 carries, 12 yds, 1 catch, 8 yds, 20 KR, 384 yds, 19.2avg, 13 PR, 179 yds, 13.8avg in 9 games.
CB Ryan Steed, Furman, Jr.- 50 TT, 2 TFL, 4 INT/returned 2 for TDs, 8 PBU, 2 FF in 9 games.
FS Thomas Broussard, Samford, Sr.- 33 TT, 3 TFL, 0.5 sack, 6 INT, 2 PBU in 9 games.
SS Tommy Connors, Southeastern Louisiana, Sr.- 83 TT, 10.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 3 INT/returned one for TD, 5 PBU, 3 QBH, 3 FF in 9 games.
SS Erik Stoll, Montana, Sr.- 58 TT, 2.5 TFL, 5 INT/returned one for TD, 3 PBU in 9 games.
SS James Vercammen, Dayton, Sr.- 94 TT, 13 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 1 INT, 2 PBU, 1 QBH, 1 FR, 3 FF in 10 games.
MY 20 PAYTON WATCH CANDIDATES
QB Matt Barr, Western Illinois, Sr.- 164-262, 2438 yds, 23 TD, 3 INT, 62.6%, 167.4 pass eff., 270.9 yds/gm, 72 carries, 398 yds, 5.5ypc, 5 TD in 9 games.
QB Mike Brown, Liberty, Jr.- 182-281, 2348 yds, 19 TD, 10 INT, 64.8%, 260.9 yds/gm, 150.2 pass eff., 119 carries, 623 yds, 5.2ypc, 6 TD, 69.2 yds/gm, 3 catches, 18 yds in 9 games.
QB Thomas DeMarco, Old Dominion, Jr.- 191-334, 2200 yds, 19 TD, 11 INT, 57.2%, 124.7 pass eff., 244.4 yds/gm, 106 carries, 361 yds, 3.4ypc, 8 TD in 9 games.
QB Matthew Johnson, Bethune-Cookman, Sr.- 122-189, 1724 yds, 12 TD, 3 INT, 64.6%, 159.0 pass eff., 191.6 yds/gm, 119 carries, 643 yds, 5.4ypc, 7 TD, 71.4 yds/gm in 9 games.
QB Denarius McGhee, Montana State, Fr.- 197-312, 2802, 20 TD, 5 INT, 63.1%, 156.5 pass eff., 280.2 yds/gm, 69 carries, 165 yds, 2.4ypc, 2 TD in 10 games.
QB Josh McGregor, Jacksonville, Jr.- 189-301, 2889 yds, 31 TD, 7 INT, 62.8%, 172.7 pass eff., 288.9 yds/gm, 48 carries, -10 yds, 1 TD in 10 games.
QB Jeremy Moses, Stephen F. Austin, Sr.- 251-411, 2898 yds, 26 TD, 4 INT, 61.1%, 139.2 pass eff., 322.0 yds/gm, 12 carries, -68 yds in 9 games.
QB DeAndre Presley, Appalachian State, Jr.- 141-226, 1874 yds, 15 TD, 3 INT, 62.4%, 208.2 yds/gm, 151.3 pass eff., 113 carries, 710 yds, 6.3ypc, 11 TD, 78.9 yds/gm in 9 games.
QB Scott Riddle, Elon, Sr.- 218-322, 2468 yds, 22 TD, 6 INT, 67.7%, 150.9 pass eff., 308.5 yds/gm, 37 carries, -10 yds, 1 TD in 8 games.
QB Casey Therriault, Jackson State, Jr.- 217-385, 2941 yds, 24 TD, 8 INT, 56.4%, 136.9 pass eff., 326.8 yds/gm, 80 carries, 22 yds, 7 TD in 9 games.
QB Chris Whitney, Villanova, Sr.- 128-190, 1476 yds, 16 TD, 5 INT, 67.4%, 164.0 yds/gm, 155.2 pass eff., 99 carries, 380 yds, 3.8ypc, 7 TD in 9 games.
RB Eric Breitenstein, Wofford, Jr.- 175 carries, 1189 yds, 17 TD, 6.8ypc, 132.1 yds/gm, 3 catches, 34 yds in 9 games.
RB Nate Eachus, Colgate, Jr.- 267 carries, 1507 yds, 16 TD, 5.6ypc, 167.4 yds/gm, 13 catches, 115 yds, 8.8ypc in 9 games.
RB Henry Harris, Southeast Missouri State, Sr.- 264 carries, 1493 yds, 16 TD, 5.7ypc, 149.3 yds/gm, 18 catches, 182 yds, 10.1ypc, 1 TD in 10 games.
RB Taiwan Jones, Eastern Washington, Jr.- 134 carries, 1078 yds, 10 TD, 8.0ypc, 134.8 yds/gm, 16 catches, 290 yds, 18.1ypc, 2 TD, 3 PR, 28 yds, 9.3avg, 11 KR, 224 yds, 20.4avg in 8 games.
RB Kyle Minett, South Dakota State, Sr.- 218 carries, 1133 yds, 5.2ypc, 10 TD, 125.9 yds/gm, 28 catches, 192 yds, 6.9ypc in 9 games.
RB Andrew Pierce, Delaware, Fr.- 195 carries, 1014 yds, 12 TD, 5.2ypc, 112.7 yds/gm, 16 catches, 110 yds, 6.9ypc, 1 TD in 9 games.
RB Frank Warren, Grambling State, Sr.- 197 carries, 1370 yards, 15 TD, 7.0ypc, 152.2 yds/gm, 17 catches, 142 yds, 8.4ypc, 1 TD, 2 KR, 33 yds in 9 games.
WR Tysson Poots, Southern Utah, Sr.- 77 catches, 1121 yards, 10 TD, 14.6ypc, 112.1 yds/gm in 10 games.
OT Ben Ijalana, Villanova, Sr.
MY TOP 5
There is a shake up with DeAndre Presley falling all the way from 1 to out of the top 5 in just two weeks. It just goes to show how fluid this thing is week by week. Consistency is one of the most important things and I believe this group is a consistent group that might not have much reputation from last year but has had the best seasons of anyone out there. I gave the SWAC a lot of love this week with two very deserving candidates!
1. QB Matt Barr, Western Illinois, Sr.- 164-262, 2438 yds, 23 TD, 3 INT, 62.6%, 167.4 pass eff., 270.9 yds/gm, 72 carries, 398 yds, 5.5ypc, 5 TD in 9 games.
Barr has WIU 6-3 and eyeing a playoff berth. He has been hot the last few weeks with an impressive 28 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He is second nationally in pass efficiency and eighth in passing yards per game. Don’t be fooled though because this race is long from over and the final two weeks will be key in deciding this race.
2. RB Henry Harris, Southeast Missouri State, Sr.- 264 carries, 1493 yds, 16 TD, 5.7ypc, 149.3 yds/gm, 18 catches, 182 yds, 10.1ypc, 1 TD in 10 games.
Harris leads a hot SEMO team that has won 9 straight games, ranked #7 in the TSN poll, and he is second nationally in rushing yards per game. Harris has been brilliant this year and consistent proving he can be the workhorse and provide a big play with an impressive 5.7 yards per carry.
3. RB Nate Eachus, Colgate, Jr.- 267 carries, 1507 yds, 16 TD, 5.6ypc, 167.4 yds/gm, 13 catches, 115 yds, 8.8ypc in 9 games.
Eachus leads the nation in rushing yards per game (167.44). His season is reminiscent of former Walter Payton Award Winner Jamaal Branch as Eachus has been nothing short of brilliant all year long. His team’s average season and lack of much production in the receiving game are the main reasons why he is not higher.
4. RB Frank Warren, Grambling State, Sr.- 197 carries, 1370 yards, 15 TD, 7.0ypc, 152.2 yds/gm, 17 catches, 142 yds, 8.4ypc, 1 TD, 2 KR, 33 yds in 9 games.
Warren ranks third nationally in rushing yards per game and has been a big play back averaging 7.0 yards per game. GSU’s success definitely helps him and it would not be surprising to see him finish as high as third in the balloting.
5. QB Casey Therriault, Jackson State, Jr.- 217-385, 2941 yds, 24 TD, 8 INT, 56.4%, 136.9 pass eff., 326.8 yds/gm, 80 carries, 22 yds, 7 TD in 9 games.
Therriault is a great story and his season only adds to how impressive his comeback has been. With 31 touchdowns it is hard to leave him off the top five at this point.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
QB Sean Brackett, Columbia, Soph.- 134-224, 1689 yds, 17 TD, 5 INT, 59.8%, 143.7 pass eff., 211.1 yds/gm, 114 carries, 377 yds, 3.3ypc, 2 TD in 8 games.
QB B.J. Coleman, Chattanooga, Jr.- 188-328, 2467 yds, 22 TDs, 12 INT, 57.3%, 135.3 pass eff., 274.1 yds/gm, 35 carries, -1 yds, 4 TD in 9 games.
QB Justin Roper, Montana, Sr.- 143-231, 1539 yds, 18 TD, 8 INT, 61.9%, 136.7 pass eff., 171.0 yds/gm, 40 carries, 93 yds, 2.3ypc, 1 TD in 9 games.
QB Brad Sorensen, Southern Utah, Soph.- 227-337, 2729, 19 TD, 4 INT, 67.4%, 151.6 pass eff., 272.9 yds/gm, 57 carries, 25 yds, 2 TD in 10 games.
RB Jordan Brown, Bryant, Soph.- 219 carries, 1173 yds, 5.4ypc, 13 TD, 130.3 yds/gm, 10 catches, 129 yds, 12.9ypc, 1 TD, 3 PR, 144 yds, 48.0avg, 2 TD, 9 KR, 197 yds, 21.9avg in 9 games.
RB Jamaine Cook, Youngstown State, Soph., 220 carries, 1199 yds, 5.4ypc, 10 TD, 119.9 yds/gm, 25 catches, 219 yds, 8.8ypc, 1 TD in 10 games.
RB Gino Gordon, Harvard, Sr.- 133 carries, 913 yds, 6.9ypc, 7 TD, 114.1 yds/gm, 13 catches, 119 yds, 9.2ypc in 7 games.
RB Jonathan Grimes, William & Mary, Jr.- 162 carries, 644 yds, 4.0ypc, 8 TD, 71.6 yds/gm, 1-1, 6 yds, 1 TD, 16 catches, 121 yds, 7.6ypc, 16 KR, 413 yds, 25.8avg in 9 games.
RB Russ Myles, Robert Morris, Sr., 189 carries, 1137 yds, 6.0ypc, 8 TD, 126.3 yds/gm, 7 catches, 117 yds, 16.7ypc, 1 TD in 9 games.
RB Nick Schwieger, Dartmouth, Jr.- 189 carries, 942 yds, 9 TD, 5.0avg, 134.6 yds/gm, 22 catches, 156 yds, 7.1ypc in 7 games.
WR Chris Summers, Liberty, Jr.- 69 catches, 954 yds, 14 TD, 13.8ypc, 106.0 yds/gm in 9 games.
WR Raymond Webber, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Sr.- 80 catches, 1178 yds, 10 TD, 14.7ypc, 130.9 yds/gm in 9 games.
MY 20 BUCHANAN BATTLE CANDIDATES
DE Kenneth Charles, Stephen F. Austin, Sr.- 49 TT, 13 TFL, 9 sacks, 2 PBU, 1 QBH, 3 FF in 9 games.
DE Jabari Fletcher, Appalachian State, Sr.- 46 TT, 12 TFL, 7 sacks, 1 INT, 4 PBU, 8 QBH, 4 FR/returned one for TD, 1 FF in 9 games.
DE Mario Kurn, San Diego, Jr.- 55 TT, 19.5 TFL, 13.5 sacks, 5 PBU, 7 QBH, 2 FF in 10 games.
DE Ameet Pall, Wofford, Jr.- 43 TT, 19.5 TFL, 12.5 sacks, 6 QBH, 1 FR, 1 FF in 9 games.
DE Dain Taylor, Drake, Sr.- 51 TT, 21.5 TFL, 12.5 sacks, 1 INT returned for TD, 3 PBU, 3 QBH, 2 FR, 2 FF, 2 BLK in 10 games.
DT Kenrick Ellis, Hampton, Sr.- 84 TT, 14 TFL, 2 sacks, 4 QBH, 2 FR, 1 FF in 8 games.
DT Martin Parker, Richmond, Sr.- 78 TT, 9 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 1 PBU, 9 QBH, 1 BLK in 9 games.
LB Matt Evans, New Hampshire, Soph.- 113 TT, 8 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 INT, 1 PBU, 1 QBH, 2 FR, 2 FF in 9 games.
LB Kyle Glazier, Western Illinois, Sr.- 114 TT, 9.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 2 PBU, 1 FR, 1 FF in 9 games.
LB Tyler Holmes, UMASS, Jr.- 91 TT, 11 TFL, 5 sacks, 5 INT/returned two for TD, 1 PBU, 2 FF in 9 games.
LB Ryan Lewis, Bethune-Cookman, Jr.- 57 TT, 9 TFL, 4 sacks, 3 INT/returned one for TD, 2 PBU, 1 QBH, 2 FR/returned one for TD, 4 FF in 9 games.
LB Keith Pough, Howard, Soph.- 84 TT, 24 TFL, 7 sacks, 3 PBU, 5 QBH, 1 FR, 3 FF in 9 games.
LB J.C. Sherritt, Eastern Washington, Sr.- 106 TT, 9 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 3 INT, 3 PBU, 2 QBH in 9 games.
LB D.J. Smith, Appalachian State, Sr.- 98 TT, 3 TFL, 1 sack, 1 INT, 3 PBU, 2 QBH, 1 FR in 9 games.
CB Moses Ellis, Prairie View A&M, Sr.- 34 TT, 1 TFL, 6 INT, 13 PBU, 2 FR, 1 FF in 9 games.
CB Trumaine Johnson, Montana, Jr.- 39 TT, 3.5 TFL, 0.5 sack, 4 INTs/returned 2 for TDs, 5 PBU, 1 carry, 11 yds, 7 KR, 155 yds, 22.1avg in 9 games.
CB Korey Lindsey, Southern Illinois, Sr.- 35 TT, 2.5 TFL, 5 PBU in 9 games.
FS Tylor Brock, Southeast Missouri State, Soph.- 46 TT, 0.5 TFL, 6 INT/returned two for TD, 2 PBU in 10 games.
FS Mark LeGree, Appalachian State, Sr.- 40 TT, 1 TFL, 5 INT, 5 PBU in 9 games.
SS Eugene Clifford, Tennessee State, Sr.- 69 TT, 0.5 TFL, 0.5 sack, 4 INT, 7 PBU, 1 FF in 9 games.
MY TOP 5
This year’s race is still wide open but Tyler Holmes could help make this pick much easier if he keeps up his play from the last two weeks. With that said this race is still wide open and anyone could truly take charge and claim this award over the next two weeks.
1. LB Tyler Holmes, UMASS, Jr.- 91 TT, 11 TFL, 5 sacks, 5 INT/returned two for TD, 1 PBU, 2 FF in 9 games.
This was a very tough selection with three players worthy of the top spot at this point but nobody has been better the last two weeks than Holmes whose two interceptions returned for touchdowns on Saturday vaulted him to the top spot.
2. DE Ameet Pall, Wofford, Jr.- 43 TT, 19.5 TFL, 12.5 sacks, 6 QBH, 1 FR, 1 FF in 9 games.
Pall is a player I have got to watch recently and while he is not overly big nor that fast he just makes plays. He has a good motor, is well coached as he plays with good technique, and doesn’t miss many tackles. His 19.5 tackles for loss are second nationally while his 12.5 sacks are good for first.
3. LB J.C. Sherritt, Eastern Washington, Sr.- 106 TT, 9 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 3 INT, 3 PBU, 2 QBH in 9 games.
Sherrit was the preseason front runner and has not been a disappointment as he will definitely be a first-team All-American and could still vault to first on my ballot if he can produce big games here to close out the season. What has made his season so impressive with the lack of big numbers in tackles and tackles for loss is the fact he has made plays in the passing game with picks and breakups and wreaked havoc when blitzing producing 2.5 sacks.
4. DT Kenrick Ellis, Hampton, Sr.- 84 TT, 14 TFL, 2 sacks, 4 QBH, 2 FR, 1 FF in 8 games.
Ellis is perhaps the most dominating player in the nation because he can truly take over games when he wants to. He would be first on my ballot if he had a few more sacks and production in other areas besides the big three (TT, TFL, sacks).
5. LB Keith Pough, Howard, Soph.- 84 TT, 24 TFL, 7 sacks, 3 PBU, 5 QBH, 1 FR, 3 FF in 9 games.
I know Pough isn’t on the official watch list and I know many of you have never heard of him. With that said I have to honor him at least one time this year with his incredible season for Howard. This potential future draft pick has great size (6’3, 235), leads the nation in tackles for loss (24), and is twelfth in sacks (7). For those wondering where this kid has come from he is not new to impressive play with 57 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and five hurries in 10 games last year.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
DE Coulter Boyer, North Dakota Sate, Jr.- 42 TT, 9 TFL, 7 sacks, 4 PBU, 9 QBH, 3 FR, 3 FF in 9 games.
DE Erik Clanton, The Citadel, Sr.- 59 TT, 13 TFL, 9 sacks, 1 QBH, 1 FR, 3 FF in 10 games.
DE Chris Donald, Chattanooga, Jr.- 44 TT, 12.5 TFL, 7.5 sacks, 1 QBH, 2 FR, 4 FF in 9 games.
DE Preston Pemasa, Gardner-Webb, Fr.- 52 TT, 10.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 9 QBH, 1 FR, 1 FF in 9 games.
DE Zack Nash, Sacramento State, Jr.- 30 TT, 10.5 TFL, 8 sacks, 3 QBH, 5 FF in 9 games.
DE Ben Obaseki, Indiana State, Soph.- 53 TT, 15 TFL, 8 sacks, 1 PBU, 3 QBH, 1 FR, 1 FF, 1 SAF in 9 games.
DE/LB Brandon Peguese, Hampton, Sr.- 73 TT, 19.5 TFL, 7 sacks, 1 PBU, 12 QBH, 1 FF in 9 games.
DT Ibraham Abdulai, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Sr.- 50 TT, 14.5 TFL, 6.5 sacks, 5 QBH, 2 FR, 3 FF in 9 games.
DT Ronnie Cameron, Old Dominion, Jr.- 52 TT, 13.5 TFL, 4 sacks, 7 QBH in 9 games.
DT Andre Caroll, Delaware State, Sr.- 78 TT, 13.5 TFL, 4 sacks, 1 INT, 5 QBH, 2 FR, 2 FF in 9 games.
LB Kadarron Anderson, Furman, Jr.- 94 TT, 6 TFL, 1 INT, 1 QBH, 1 FF in 9 games.
LB Josh Bey, UT Martin, Sr.- 84 TT, 10 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 4 PBU, 2 QBH, 1 FR, 3 FF in 10 games.
LB Ryan Consiglio, Chattanooga, Jr.- 95 TT, 6 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 3 PBU, 1 QBH, 2 FR, 1 FF in 9 games.
LB John Eddy, Northern Colorado, Sr.- 84 TT, 7.5 TFL, 4 sacks, 1 PBU, 8 QBH, 1 FR, 2 FF, 1 BLK in 10 games.
LB Eric McBride, Richmond, Sr.- 101 TT, 5.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 INT, 4 PBU, 2 FR, 1 FF in 9 games.
LB Mark Newbill, Southeastern Louisiana, Sr.- 107 TT, 5.5 TFL, 1 sack, 2 PBU, 3 QBH, 1 FR, 1 FF in 9 games.
LB Bryce Smith, Samford, Sr.- 105 TT, 4 TFL, 0.5 sack, 1 INT, 3 PBU in 9 games.
LB A.J. Storms, Idaho State, Jr.- 115 TT, 6.5 TFL, 2 PBU in 9 games.
LB Antoine Wilkinson, Missouri State, Sr.- 81 TT, 6.5 TFL, 4 sacks, 3 PBU, 1 FF, 1 BLK in 9 games.
LB Jabara Williams, Stephen F. Austin, Sr.- 77 TT, 4.5 TFL, 1 sack, 4 PBU, 3 FR in 9 games.
CB Jarard Cribbs, Lehigh, Sr.- 36 TT, 3 TFL, 6 INT/returned one for TD, 3 PBU, 16 PR, 92 yds, 7.1avg in 9 games.
CB EJ Jones, Illinois State, Sr.- 32 TT, 6 INT, 2 PBU, 1 FF in 10 games.
CB Torez Jones, Western Carolina, Jr.- 57 TT, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 7 INT, 5 PBU, 1 FR in 9 games.
CB Justin Rogers, Richmond, Sr.- 39 TT, 2 INT/returned one for TD, 5 PBU, 2 FF, 5 carries, 12 yds, 1 catch, 8 yds, 20 KR, 384 yds, 19.2avg, 13 PR, 179 yds, 13.8avg in 9 games.
CB Ryan Steed, Furman, Jr.- 50 TT, 2 TFL, 4 INT/returned 2 for TDs, 8 PBU, 2 FF in 9 games.
FS Thomas Broussard, Samford, Sr.- 33 TT, 3 TFL, 0.5 sack, 6 INT, 2 PBU in 9 games.
SS Tommy Connors, Southeastern Louisiana, Sr.- 83 TT, 10.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 3 INT/returned one for TD, 5 PBU, 3 QBH, 3 FF in 9 games.
SS Erik Stoll, Montana, Sr.- 58 TT, 2.5 TFL, 5 INT/returned one for TD, 3 PBU in 9 games.
SS James Vercammen, Dayton, Sr.- 94 TT, 13 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 1 INT, 2 PBU, 1 QBH, 1 FR, 3 FF in 10 games.