Now that the season is fastly appraoching, we take a look at each conference for where the teams may stack up, who are the best at each positon, some of the storylines to watch, and some of the top talents for the 2010 NFL Draft.
Projected Final Standings:
1. Troy 9-3
2. Florida Atlantic 8-4
3. Arkansas State 8-4
4. Florida International 6-6
5. UL Lafayette 4-8
6. Middle Tennessee St. 4-8
7. UL Monroe 3-9
8. North Texas 1-11
9. Western Kentucky 1-11
Pre-Season All-Conference:
QB- Rusty Smith, Florida Atlantic, Sr.
RB- Reggie Arnold, Arkansas State, Sr.
RB- DuJuan Harris, Troy, Jr,
WR- Jerrel Jennigan, Troy, Jr.
WR- Cortez Gent, Florida Atlantic, Sr.
TE- Jason Harmon, Florida Atlantic, Sr.
C- Brad Serini, Florida International, Jr.
OL- Danny Franks, Troy, Sr.
OL- David Matlock, Florida Atlantic, Sr.
OL- Mark Fisher, Mid. Tennessee St, Jr.
OL- Dominic Padtra, Arkansas State, Sr.
DE- Alex Carrington, Arkansas State, Sr.
DE- Brandon Lang, Troy, Sr.
DT- Cameron Sheffield, Troy, Sr.
DT- Josh Savidge, Florida Atlantic, Sr.
LB- Boris Lee, Troy, Sr.
LB- Cardia Jackson, UL Monroe, Sr.
LB- Bear Woods, Troy, Sr.
CB- Tavious Polo, Florida Atlantic, Jr.
CB- Anthony Gaitor, Florida International, Jr.
S- Gerren Blunt, UL Lafayette, Sr.
S- Josh Thompson, UL Monroe, Sr.
Intriguing Story Lines:
1. Can the Sun Belt Gain Some Respect?
Usually regarded as the worst conference in college football, a few solid out of conference games could do wonders to build up the Sun Belt. Troy and Florida Atlantic have head up the Sun Belt name to an extent in recent years, but with other conference teams going outside of the Sun Belt and not as much into the FCS ranks, they have a shot to finally gain some repsect.
2. Troy’s Talent Could Spell Easy Conference Win, Top 25 ranking?
Troy has a very solid QB returning in Levi Brown, and playmakers all over the place at receiver positions, secondary, and defensive line. They have as many as 5 possible future NFL draft picks, and are starting to win some recruiting battles. Though a Top 25 will be tough, If they can run the table, and go undefeated or have as many as 2 out of conference losses, they still could be Top 25 worthy.
End of the Season Awards:
MVP: Rusty Smith, QB, Florida Atlantic
Offensive Player of the Year: Corey Leonard, QB, Arkansas State
Defensive Player of the Year: Brandon Lang, DE, Troy
Newcomer of the Year: Riley Dodge, QB, North Texas
Surprise Player of the Year: Levi Brown, QB, Troy
Top 4 NFL Prospects for 2010 Draft:
1. Brandon Lang, Defensive End, Troy
Troy has produced NFL pass rushers like DeMarcus Ware and Osi Umenyiora in the past, and Brandon Lang looks to continue that trend. He’s viewed as a late 1st to mid 2nd rounder now, but with a 12+ sack season, which is very possible, he could move up into the 1st round. Outside of Carlos Dunlap, who’s a junior himself, now one really has emerged as the clear cut 2nd best defensive end in this upcoming draft. And, with his ability to play in a 3-4 as a pass rusher as well as the 4-3, he should be highly sought after with a good senior season.
2. Alex Carrington, Defensive End, Arkansas State
The reigning Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year, Carrington is not only being scouted by opposing teams. Although Lang is clearly more talented than Carrington and a much better prospect, Carrington still is a good prospect in his own right. He has great size at 6-5, 284, and is a good fit for an aggressive 4-3 defensive set. He also has the size and pass rush ability to play in a defensive end rushing 3-4 such as the Cowboys.
3. Boris Lee, Outside Linebacker, Troy
One of the better recruits the Trojans brought in, Lee has shown NFL talent consistently in his time with Troy. Last season, he led the team with 126 tackles and has come to be a team leader. Lee has NFL quickness and strength for a linebacker, and his instincts are obvious. He needs to get a little better technique and show that he has the range to play a middle or strong side backer in the pros.
4. Rusty Smith, Quarterback, Florida Atlantic
Hyped up by Howard Schnellenberger as a Heisman hopeful, Smith hasn’t quite achieved that yet. However, he has lead the Florida Atlantic team to two bowl games, including beating Central Michigan a season ago. He has a very awkward throwing motion that scares me a little, and his in the pocket small routes aren’t very accuate. However, he has a very quick release and is a winner when it counts. He should be picked around the 5th-7th round, barring he has an outstanding season.
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