The one thing about college football is, with the exception of Jason White, you only get to see your favorite players play for 4 or 5 years tops. And sometimes not even that long. Great, legendary players come around a lot, but it seems they leave quicker then they came.
2004 will be no different, especially after the flood of great players to the NFL this season. This leaves a huge void on the teams, but now we’ll take a look at the players who will try to continue the magic.Arkansas Razorbacks
Loss – Cedric Cobbs: After a record setting cotton bowl performance against Texas in 1999, Cobbs (a true freshman at the time) received all sorts of heisman hype from all over America. Due to severe off field trouble and injuries, Cobbs was never extremely effective from 2000-2002. Cobbs missed one game completely in 2003, and had only 22 carries in 3 others combined due to injury. Cobbs still managed 1320 yards (2nd in SEC) and led the SEC in yards per game with 110.
Filling in – Dearrius Howard/Decori Birmingham: Fred Talley, Madre Hill, Chyrs Chukwuma, and Cedric Cobbs are just a few of the great Arkansas runningbacks, and soon you will add more names to that list. Decori Birmingham was a receiver at the start of the season, but was tranferred to runningback after a Cobbs injury, and played remarkably well. Together, Howard and Birmingham had 816 yards last season with 9 touchdowns, and were a vital part of a hog rushing attack that ranked 2nd in the country, only behind Navy. Together, this is one of the best runningback duos in the country.
Boise State Broncos
Loss – QB Ryan Dinwiddie: Ryan Dinwiddie led the WAC last season in Pass Efficiency (163.7), Yards (4356), touchdowns (31), and completion percentage (61.9). He did all of that while throwing only 7 interceptions. He was probably the most efficient Quarterback in the ENTIRE country last season.
Filling in – Jared Zabransky or Michael Sanford: The Broncos have had terrific Quarterbacks for years, dating back to 2000 when Bart Hendricks led the nation in about every passing stat possible. What did Dinwiddie do when he took over? Threw 20 touchdowns and only 3 picks in a 9-3 season. Michael Sanford, a senior, will most likely get the start after a breakout spring.
Bowling Green Falcons
Loss – QB Josh Harris: Harris is basically responsible for putting Bowling Green on the map. He led the Falcons to a remarkable 8-0 start in 2002, being ranked as high as #16 at one point. He carried over the hype from 2002 and started out the 2003 campaign with an eye-popping 27-26 victory over Purdue in West Lafayette.
Filling in – Omar Jacobs: Watch Omar Jacobs play, and you probably won’t even be able to find a huge difference between him and Harris. Jacobs is actually faster then Harris was (Omar brings 4.59 speed to the table), but just needs to work on his passing accuracy. Bowling Green returns every receiver and every offensive linemen, and shouldn’t miss a beat this season.
Colorado State Rams
Loss – QB Bradlee Van Pelt: Van Pelt had more heart and courage than just about any player I can remember in college football. He combined his mental capacity with very impressive physical attributes. He won the Mountain West Conference player of the year award in 2002, throwing for 2,073 yards and rushing for 940. Last season he threw for nearly 3,000 yards while rushing for 1,121. He was probably one of the best overall leaders in the history of college football.
Filling in – Justin Pollard: Although it is probably impossible to replace the leadership skills that Van Pelt possesed, the Rams won’t lose much as far as offensive production is concerned. Pollard filled in at QB last season as Van Pelt broke his arm in the season finale (althought Van Pelt fought through the pain and came in off the bench in the bowl game). Casey Hansen was a great recruit for Sonny Lubick last season, as he brings together great size (6’5, 207) and 4.6 speed.
Georgia Bulldogs
Loss – Strong Safety Sean Jones: Jones was an All-SEC safety last season who was all over the field. Jones had 119 tackles and racked in a team-high 5 interceptions. On the special teams side, Jones also blocked 3 field goals.
Filling in – Greg Blue: – Blue, a Junior, is no stranger to playing time as Jones’ backup the past 2 season. He will be ready to make a name for himself throughout the SEC.
Kansas Jayhawks
Loss – QB Bill Whittemore: Everyone knows about Bill Whittemore and his passing abilities, but he was a very underrated runner. He was originally recruited by Colorado as somewhat of an option QB, but then transferred to Kansas. In 2002, Whittemore ran for 749 yards in the first 8 games, but missed the next 3 due to injury.
Filling in – Adam Barmann: Barmann, more than likely, isn’t going to have the type of immediate impact that Whittemore brought to the table. However, Barmann is very athletic and has great raw potential. Running a 4.6 40 doesn’t hurt.
Kansas State Wildcats
Loss – QB Ell Roberson: With losing Ell Roberson, you lose one of the most flashy, most dynamic players in college football. Drop into pass coverage, and Roberson will run all over you. Overload the box, and boom, he beats you through the air. No wonder Kansas State lost to Marshall and Texas last year… he was hurt against Marshall, did not play, and wasn’t 100% against Texas. Seeing how bad K-State does without him, is this a sign of the future…?
Filling in – Dylan Meier: First, it was a question of whether Jonathan Beasley could fill the shoes of Michael Bishop, who nearly won heisman. Then it was a question of whether or not Marc Dunn could fill the shoes of Beasley. And surely, Roberson isn’t capable of being as good as Dunn, right? The point im trying to make is, don’t count out Bill Snyder and his ability to find great Quarterbacks. Allen Webb, an Indiana transfer, is more then ready to come in at backup if needed.
LSU Tigers
Loss – WR Michael Clayton and Devery: Henderson: Clayton led the SEC in receiving yards (1,079) and yards per game (77.1) last season with 10 touchdowns. Devery Henderson, however, had 11 touchdowns to go along with his 861 receiving yards. Both are gone, and the young quarterbacks are left with young receivers.
Filling in – Skyler Green: Green was originally one of the top runningback recruits in America, but his poise and blazing speed combine to make a terrific receiver. Also, LSU has 3 recruits at receiver in Xavier Carter, Early Doucet, and Lavelle Hawkins, who were all ranked top 5 nationally in high school last season.
Miami Hurricanes
Loss – Safety Sean Taylor: Led the country with 10 interceptions last season, and is arguably the best safety in college football this decade. Along with his covering abilities, Taylor has made a repuation for himself as one of the strongest hitters in college football.
Filling in – Greg Threat: Miami is never short of top-notch athletes, especially on defense, and look for the next big name in Miami football to be Sophomore Greg Threat. He does have experience in the starting lineup, but now it’s time for him to take his game to another level.
Miami Ohio Redhawks
Loss – QB Ben Roethlisberger: Ben Roethlisberger didn’t play Quarterback until his senior year of high school, but you already know that story. He came in to last season as somewhat of an unknown, and came out as one of the best Quarterbacks in the game. Roethlisberger threw for 4,486 yards last season, leading his team to a 13 game win streak and a MAC championship.
Filling in – Josh Betts: No offense to Roethlisberger, but he wasn’t the only reason Miami OH was so good last season. Calvin Murray ran for 1056 yards last season, while Mike Smith ran for 846 and led the MAC in touchdowns with 17. Smith returns, as well do the top two Redhawk receivers in Martin Nance and Michael Larkin, which will make Betts’ job much easier. Betts has typical QB size at 6’3, 225.
Michigan Wolverines
Loss – RB Chris Perry: Perry had a standout season last year, rushing for 1674 yards and running in 18 touchdowns on the way to winning the Doak Walker award.
Filling in – David Underwood: Michigan has been known for producing great runningbacks. Anthony Thomas, Tim Biakabukata, and Chris Perry are among the notable names. David Underwood has some pretty prestigous company to live up to, but has great potential and has carried the ball in the past. He has a younger, faster Jerome Jackson (sophomore) breathing down his neck if things were to go wrong.
Northern Illinois Huskies
Loss – Michael Turner: Turner has been the most famous and recognizable runningback in the MAC in quite some time, and for good reason. He combines great speed and power and finds multiple ways to elude defenders, running for 1648 yards last season and 14 touchdowns.
Filling in – A.J. Harris: Harris has great 4.4 speed to go along with his 6’1, 219 frame. Harris, obviously, has seen limited carries backing up Turner, but has tremendous upside and is quite capable of a 1,000 yard season.
N.C. State Wolfpack
Lose – QB Philip Rivers: Rivers was sensational last season throwing for 4,491 yards and 34 touchdowns, and is a big part of the new era in Wolfpack football. Rivers showed remarkable poise during his 4 years as the Wolfpack QB, and should go on to great things in the NFL.
Filling in – Marcus Stone/Jay Davis: There really is no guarantee on who gets a majority of the snaps this season, but Junior Jay Davis is the one with the most experience. Davis threw only 10 passes last season, and completed 9 of them. The Wolfpack return 8 starters on offense, but another key loss is receiver Jerrico Cotchery.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Loss – Craig Krenzel: Krenzel isn’t the most athletic QB ever to play college football, but he is a natural leader and has great composure on the field. You can’t argue with his success, leading the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2002, defeating the once invincible Miami Hurricanes.
Filling in – Justin Zwick: This is a tough time for Ohio State football, losing your key receivers and some key components on defense. Luckily, just about every other team in the Big 10 faces similar losses. Zwick has a stronger arm than Krenzel and backup Scott McMullen, but lacked experience. Now both Krenzel and McMullen are gone, so that leaves Ohio State with an inexperienced QB guiding one of the strongest programs in college football. Is he up to the pressure? We’ll find out.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
Loss – WR Rashaun Woods: Departing is the best receiver in Oklahoma State history. Woods broke nearly every Oklahoma State record possible, and even had 3 straight seasons with over 1,000 yards. His best year was in 2002, when he hauled in a remarkable 1,695 yards.
Filling in – D’Juan Woods: Younger brother D’Juan is following in some pretty big footsteps that Rashaun left behind. D’Juan got in 11 starts last season as a Redshirt Freshman, and showed pretty good poise for a youngster. It’s his show to run now, and it will be interesting to see how he handles the pressure and expectations. Another Woods’ brother, Donovan, could earn the start at QB with his 4.5 speed.
Ole Miss Rebels
Loss – Eli Manning: The name says it all. Ole Miss hasn’t had success like that at Quarterback since father Archie Manning was running the show. Eli Manning is probably the most complete Quarterback to come out of college football this season, and his #1 pick debacle proves it.
Filling in – Michael Spurlock or Robert Lane: The good news? Mike Epsy and Bill Flowers return at receiver. Bad news? No one in the country can replace Eli Manning. Robert Lane was one of the best high school quarterbacks in the country in 2001, through the air and on the ground.
Oregon State Beavers
Loss – RB Steven Jackson: Jackson ran for 1,545 yards during the regular season last year, and capped it off with a record setting 5 touchdowns in the Las Vegas bowl. Carrying on that momentum, Jackson decided to leave early and enter the NFL draft, getting picked up by the St. Louis Rams.
Filling in – Dwight Wright: Oregon State has produced several top-notch backs over the past couple of years in Steven Jackson and Ken Simonton. Wright is a different kind of runner then Jackson was at 5’9, 195, but does have 4.37 speed. Wright gained 378 yards on 89 carries last year with a pair of touchdowns. The offensive line consists of 4 seniors and a junior, so maybe that will help the loss of Jackson.
Pittsburgh Panthers
Loss – WR Larry Fitzgerald: A majority of fans across the country think Larry Fitzgerald was the best player in the entire country last season, and for good reason. Not one player was as vital to a teams success as Fitzgerald was to Pittsburgh. He will be missed sorely.
Filling in – Princell Brockenbrough: Brockenbrough, a senior this season, was third on the team in receiving last year, hauling in 616 yards yards and 4 touchdowns. Brockenbrough has size (6-3, 205) but lacks the personnel around him to make the type of impact Fitzgerald had. However, you can’t argue with the success Walt Harris has with receivers, with players like Antonio Bryant and R.J. English.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Lose – QB B.J. Symons: Symons was on the opposite side of this last year, replacing the legendary Kliff Kingsbury. The Red Raiders didn’t miss a beat last season, with Symons running the Red Raider attack very effictively. Symons basically re-wrote the Big 12 record books last season on route to an absolutely incredible 5,833 passing yards and 52 touchdowns! Some Quarterbacks call that a successful CAREER, much less a season.
Filling in: Sonny Cumbie: Ok, enough with the “system” label already. Every offense is a system, so that is one of the dumbest arguements anyone can come up with, calling someone a “system quarterback.” Sonny Cumbie is very similar to BJ Symons. Like Symons, Cumbie comes in this year as a senior, patiently waiting for his turn to run the show. If Cumbie doesn’t perform, Texas Tech has super JUCO transfer Robert Johnson at backup, who possesses incredible 4.4 speed.
James is the editor of www.collegefootballnation.com, and can be reached via email here