Took a week off last week due to some issues, apologize to all (any) that noticed and missed out.
This week, I’ll pick my predictions for the major six awards for all of college football (more articles on every award coming soon), a prospect who’s a possible addition to the Supplemental Draft, a few very good prospects from a conference viewed as the lowest in the FBS, and a receiver to know for the future.
Favorites for Big 6 College Football Awards
There are (by my count) 24 major college football awards given out to college players at the end of each season. While breaking down my predictions and favorites for each one would be too long for this Monday article, I do think that with all the watch lists being released, it’s about time to give some educated guesses and predictions for awards whose season’s stats haven’t started yet. 
Obviously the most important award of them all is the Heisman Trophy, and this appears to be one of the most open ones in recent history. Andrew Luck has a new coach, Kellen Moore plays in a non-BCS conference, and Marcus Lattimore and Denard Robinson might not have the teams to get there. Check out my whole Top 50 list here, but I’ll take Landry Jones of Oklahoma over Andrew Luck in a pure toss up as of now.
As for the other awards, I’ll take the future BCS National Title contending coach Chris Pederson of Boise State for the Coach of the Year award, Cordy Glenn of Georgia (absolute beast) for the Outland Award, and Luke Kuechkly, linebacker from Boston College, for the Chuck Bednarik award. The Walter Payton Award, given to the best offensive player in the FCS will go to running back Andrew Pierce of Delaware (thanks to an elite offensive line, now without Devlin), and the Buck Buchanan Award (top FCS defensive player) to linebacker Tyler Holmes of Massachusetts. Finally, the Harlon Hill Trophy to the top Division II player to Mitchell Gale, quarterback from Abilene Christian.
Caleb King Scouting Report
Caleb King was ruled ineligible by the NCAA for academics, and is reportedly considering either the CFL or entering the NFL Supplemental Draft. Here is a portion of the scouting report done by myself:
“A combination of lingering injury concerns, especially in his lower body, and character and mental make-up concerns are enough to be cautious about expecting much from Caleb King at the next level. A once highly thought-of recruit with lots of promise, he failed to both improve mentally as well as a runner, and his potential may still not be realized. 
His size, power, body control, and vision as a runner gives reason for hope, especially since the other facets of his game have held him down thus far. He does take some time to pick up steam as a runner, but he can plow through defenders, break through arm tackles and poorly positioned linebackers, and pick up 4-5 yards easily at times. He can angle his body in the box well, angle behind his blockers, and ride the walls to big gains. But his lack of quick feet outside of the pocket limit how shifty he can be in the open field and how explosive he can really be.
His body control and shoulder suddenness as an athlete can allow him to spin and juke defenders in space, but he’s unable to cut two or three times with fluidity and speed, and needs to be in a lot of space or power through defenders to gain yards down the field. His receiving ability as a running back is very lackluster, and though he does seem to be confident in catching passes, he lacks the willingness and route running ability to make himself a weapon there. Also, his pass blocking ability is there, but he seems to lack the developed technique, motivation, or instincts to really be successful there.
While his lack of flexibility and slowish feet are some areas he can’t really improve over the course of his career, some of his issues as a runner are with technique. He hasn’t seemed to really improve over his career which puts his coachability into question, but he can develop into a better than average one cut, zone blocking runner at the next level if he chooses to develop. In the NFL, he may need to really be willing to sit and learn for a few years before he can play running back, but he may need to consider developing in the CFL or at fullback to have a long career.”
Sun Belt Offers 2012 Draft Talent
Generally, the Sun Belt has a few talents that people rarely discuss without outstanding numbers or electrifying plays. But remember, these schools have the potential to be loaded with talent thanks to their location (the South). This year, the conference boasts three very solid draft prospects and a host of running backs that could be draftable come April. 
Ladarius Green, tight end from Louisiana Lafayette, may be the best prospect from the conference. After a 794 yard, 7 touchdown season and being a 6’6, 230 agile, rebounding tight end, Green may be jostling right now to be the 2012 draft’s best tight end prospect. If he has another big season, don’t be shocked to hear 1st round possibilities, especially if he continues to make his game more well-rounded.
TY Hilton of Florida International is a lightning quick receiver/returner, and could be a Percy Harvin type prospect for the 2012 draft. While he’s not as electric nor been as deadly against top competition, his ability to make big plays by himself, and his nationally recognized return ability, he could sneak into the middle to late second round with another great season.
Finally, Jonathan Massaquoi, a junior defensive end, is next in a long line of great, NFL worthy Troy Trojan defensive end prospects. Like most of the others, he’ll likely need to play in a 3-4 defense at the NFL level, mostly because of his size (6’2, 251). Still, 13.5 sacks and 20.5 total tackles for loss is something that’s not easily accomplished against whatever competition, and I know I’ve taken notice of his pass rushing ability.
Also, three running backs in the conference that have been very productive and could intrigue a select few teams at the latter part of the draft with another good season and a scheme fit: Lance Dunbar of North Texas (6th leading rusher in the NCAA in 2010), Bobby Rainey or Western Kentucky (3rd leading rushing in the NCAA in 2010) and Alfred Morris of Florida Atlantic (power back).
Justin Hunter, Learn the Name
AJ Green and Alshon Jeffery were the two most talented receivers in the SEC last year (Julio Jones a close 3rd). Both Green and Jeffery were long, smooth, vertically gifted, focused, and productive throughout the season, and thanks to outstanding sophomore season’s, Green was a Top 4 pick and Jeffery is on his way to being there.
So if you’re looking to get on the early bandwagon for the next great high flying, athletic, long receiver in the SEC, look to a team that appears to be rebuilding but with loads of talent: Tennessee. And that receiver is Justin Hunter. A highly touted recruit (ranked the 8th best WR by Rivals out of high school), Hunter flashed some potential as a freshman last year. Only 415 yards and is the 2nd leading returning receiver behind running
back Tauren Poole, he did grab 7 touchdowns, a sign of his potential big play and red zone ability as a receiver.
His combination of size (6’4), hopeful added weight (Green, Jeffery, Julio Jones all added weight by sophomore year), and athleticism could make him not only the feature target for Tyler Bray, a quarterback with the arm to get the ball down the field, but Hunter could quickly become the next great SEC receiver. He hasn’t shown to be quite the athlete Green or Jeffery are, but he has the skill set and size to be as productive if he continues to work and get better.
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