🏈 Top 25 players in the nation -

[TerryP]

A list Matt Hayes, TSN, put together for NBCSports.com

1. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida. I said it last year and everyone thought I was an idiot (some still do): When his career is complete, Tebow will be the greatest amateur player ever in a team sport. No one affects the game like he can.

8. Eric Berry, S, Tennessee. At some point, the new Tennessee staff must find a way to get Berry 10 plays per game on offense.

11. Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama. When McClain was a freshman, one AFC scout told me he was the best linebacker in the SEC. That was two years ago.

15. Julio Jones, WR, Alabama. Had a brilliant freshman season despite average quarterback play. What happens if/when the Tide gets an athletic quarterback with a strong arm?

17. Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida. Fiery, emotional, big-hitting run stuffer with invaluable leadership skills.

19. Ciron Black, OT, LSU. The best pass blocker in the game; he's a wall to get around.

20. Jevan Snead, QB, Ole Miss. First season as a starter was remarkable, especially considering he sat out 2007 after transferring from Texas.

24. Joe Haden, CB, Florida. The best cover corner in the game. Former high school quarterback gets terrific breaks on the ball because of his passing-game knowledge.


Cody gets mentioned just outside the top 25...

 

[BamaJay73]

A list Matt Hayes, TSN, put together for NBCSports.com



8. Eric Berry, S, Tennessee. At some point, the new Tennessee staff must find a way to get Berry 10 plays per game on offense.

Why all the love? He did not save their season last year.

 

[TerryP]

Why all the love? He did not save their season last year.

Fair question.

I suspect it is because of the yards he had from INT returns last season a few of which resulted in TD's.

What makes this interesting to me is...

Passes broken up last season — he had six. There were 10 other players in the SEC with more.

Interceptions — Tide for 1st in the SEC with Ahmad Black (UF.) He did have 265 yards in returns which beat Black by about 80 yards on the season. Two TD's on the season from those returns which also tied Black, Brandon Spikes and Rashad.

Just as a side note: He had seven INT's last year. There were seven other players in the NCAA with that number. One, with seven interceptions in six games though.

 

[CtrlAltDel]

A list Matt Hayes, TSN, put together for NBCSports.com

1. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida.

No one affects the game like he can.

This is true, yet he can be stopped. 'Bama almost got him last year. I would almost bet someone that this year will be just a little bit different. Still a hard fought battle but, a different outcome this season.

 

[reerun865]

Why all the love? He did not save their season last year.

One player cannot save a season. He is a great defensive player and the new coaches have to figure out a way to utilize him more such as was said above.

 

[VirginiaTider22]

In all honesty Brandon Spikes should be higher on the list. Eric Berry is easily a lock for his spot. He was the ONLY positive to the Viles season. Ro was and continues to be a very solid player with a continued upside. He should be higher also. Timmy is number one on every list but will be a tTE or FB at the next level. A good player with a big heart but mediocre QB skills. I would have him around third. For importance to his team however I would give him a number one ranking.