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Nation's 10 best position groups
May, 1, 2014
By Travis Haney | ESPN.com
Alabama’s running backs, Baylor’s receivers and FSU’s defensive backs were among thebest position groups a year ago. Some of the personnel has changed, but that fact hasn’t. They’re still at the top.
Here is a post-spring look at the country’s best 10 position groups, along with some honorable mentions.
1. Alabama running backs
The Sugar Bowl was widely forgettable in the Crimson Tide’s recent run of success, but the prideful legion of fans could at least take away that the already strong running back position got even stronger with freshman Derrick Henry’s nine-touch, 161-yard, two-touchdown performance.
Put Henry’s size and speed with similarly gifted runners T.J. Yeldon and Kenyan Drake and you have the No. 1 position group in college football.
If there’s such a thing as a quiet 1,200-yard, 14-TD season, Yeldon had it as a sophomore. Drake added 700 yards and eight scores. Henry was seldom used until the bowl.
New coordinator-slash-lightning rod Lane Kiffin has promised to speed up the offense a bit, so there’s no reason to expect anything other than those three backs -- and maybe more -- to enter a carry-share. (Which is also a reason to hesitate before considering Yeldon, or any other Bama back, for the Heisman.)
Full disclosure: I was trying to diversify and spread the wealth among conferences and positions, but you could make a strong case that Georgia's and Auburn’s running backs belong on this list. It’s a running back-heavy year in the sport and particularly in the SEC.
2. Baylor receivers
Bears coach Art Briles started telling me, oh, a year ago how good the ’14 recruiting class could be at the WR position. When I visited last month, though, the sense was that only one of the newcomers, K.D. Cannon, would have a chance to get in the rotation, because of the receiver talent returning. Baylor just keeps replacing skill talent (and quarterbacks).
“We feel really confident in the people we’re going to put on the field,” Briles told me this spring.
Antwan Goodley (1,339 yards, 13 TDs) proved he could be Bryce Petty’s No. 1 target. Levi Norwood (733 yards, 8 TDs) will provide a solid No. 2. Corey Coleman (527 yards, 2 TDs) showed he has potential to be a future No. 1.
That doesn’t include the fastest player on the team, Clay Fuller, or the top player in the 2013 class, Robbie Rhodes. In addition to Cannon, there are three other ESPN300 receiversarriving this summer: Davion Hall, Ishmael Zamora and Chris Platt. Hall enrolled in January but was slow to pick things up and suffered a minor injury, so the freshmen will be on relatively equal footing.
3. Florida State defensive backs
The Seminoles' D will no doubt be younger than it was a year ago, but do not equate that with a drop in talent. FSU has been first in yards per pass attempt each of the past two years, and that could likely remain true again in 2014.
Terrence Brooks and Lamarcus Joyner’s leadership will be difficult to replace, but Jalen Ramsey has star potential. Like the jack-of-all-trades Joyner, Ramsey has already shown the ability to play every spot in the secondary. Brooks’ replacement, Nate Andrews, also saw time as a freshman. They’ll be ready for added responsibility.
Corner P.J. Williams was the defensive MVP in the BCS title game. He’s back. So is the opposite corner, Ronald Darby. Nick Waisome has started games. As if more depth were needed, the staff liked what it saw this spring from early-enrolling safety Trey Marshall.
Taking a step back, there really are not too many secondaries bringing back quality depth and experience. That makes FSU, despite some prudent departures, stand out even more.
4. Clemson defensive line
Even offensive coordinator Chad Morris admitted that, while the Tigers are figuring themselves out on that side of the ball, they’ll likely lean a bit more on the up-and-coming defense that has gone in two years’ time from youthful to experienced.
Of Clemson’s 19 scholarship seniors, six are defensive linemen. The Tigers intend to rotate as many as 10 bodies through there.
“[Two years ago] it was ‘all these guys can’t play,’” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “We were a bunch of nobodies. Now everyone knows their names.”
That includes end Vic Beasley, whose hot start in 2013 had him in in the top 10 of Mel Kiper’s Big Board. Beasley finished the season with 13 sacks and 10 additional tackles for a loss. He also broke up six passes. Tackle Grady Jarrett put up linebacker numbers: 83 tackles, third most on the team, and 14 quarterback pressures. That illustrates some serious athleticism from the interior.
End Corey Crawford added 10.5 tackles for loss and 16 QB hurries. Tackles D.J. Reader andDeShawn Williams combined for 80 tackles despite seven total starts. Reader had three sacks.
Swinney called it the “most complete defense” he has had since he took over at Clemson, and the secondary’s growth is a big reason for the statement. While it figures to be better, a terrific line can really help a defensive backfield look good.
5. South Carolina offensive line
The Gamecocks’ front was a liability for so long under Steve Spurrier. Credit position coach Shawn Elliott with gradual improvement, both in terms of recruiting and development.
The line should not only be a team strength this year but, crazy as it might seem given how the others recruit, it could be the SEC’s best.
South Carolina loses only guard Ronald Patrick, and its two tackles, Corey Robinson andBrandon Shell, have All-SEC potential. Guard A.J. Cann isn’t far behind, and Elliott has been high for a year on center Cody Waldrop’s work ethic and desire to improve.
The line’s experience will be vital as Dylan Thompson gets the keys to the offense. Their ability to protect him and open holes for Heisman dark horse Mike Davis will determine if the Gamecocks can continue their high level of offensive efficiency without dual-threat QB -- and 27-game winner -- Connor Shaw.
6. Texas running backs
The Longhorns still haven’t sorted out their quarterback situation, and they might not all fall. There are capable options, but none that really stand out. That could (and should) mean a reliance on the run game and veteran backs who are due some luck in the health department.
First-year coach Charlie Strong is telling the spring booster circuit that Malcolm Brown, who approached 1,000 yards a year ago, had an “unbelievable” spring.
It feels as if Joe Bergeron has been around Texas since Vince Young, if not Earl Campbell, was there. Johnathan Gray, who missed the final four games last season after an Achilles tendon tear, is expected back sometime this summer. He has shown explosiveness but hasn't yet averaged five yards a carry for his career. Like the QB position, perhaps the new coaching staff will be an eye-opener for the talented Gray -- and Brown, as well.
7. Oklahoma linebackers
Just a year ago everyone, myself included, wondered why the once-tough Sooners front seven had slid as far as it had. It didn’t take long, however, before a new attitude began to permeate through the group.
The tone was set by a young, versatile bunch of linebackers, then led by veteran Corey Nelson. A midseason injury to Nelson opened the door for Dominique Alexander, Frank Shannon and Eric Striker, in particular, to stand out. Alexander and Shannon combined for 172 tackles. Striker added 50 tackles -- including a team-high 6.5 sacks.
Now it’s officially their turn to lead, and expectations have again returned for OU and its defense. Mike Stoops’ turnaround is complete.
“Mike’s good, man,” a Big 12 assistant told me this spring. “He got that defense right in a hurry.”
8. Texas A&M receivers
Losing Ryan Swope and Mike Evans in consecutive classes would seem to water down this group, but 2013 ESPN300 prospect Ricky Seals-Jones is returning from injury, and the country’s No. 7 overall prospect, Speedy Noil, had a great first spring.
The staff didn’t want to put too much expectation on Noil, but they see him as a multipurpose weapon in the spirit of college sensations like Percy Harvin and Tavon Austin. Offensive coordinator Jake Spavital even told me that Noil will receive consideration for third-team QB after Matt Joeckel’s decision to transfer.
A&M coaches also told me that juco Josh Reynolds fits in well and could serve a purpose similar to Derel Walker (51 catches, 818 yards, 5 TDs). Most forget, too, that seniorMalcome Kennedy (60 catches, 658 yards, 7 TDs) was such an unsung part of the ’13 offense.
The quarterback questions are obvious for the Aggies, but the stability of the offensive line (four of five starters are back) and the skill spots should mean the offense will still produce yards and points at a high rate.
9. Washington linebackers
I had the same group in the honorable mention class a year ago, and they all return. So, welcome to the top 10.
As he was then, Shaq Thompson is the star. First-year coach Chris Petersen has even been toying with the idea of making Thompson, who has the most tackles (78) of any returning player, this year’s Myles Jack. The junior, who saw time at safety as a freshman, has been getting some carries at running back. He’ll make an NFL team very happy a year from now.
Travis Feeney had a nice spring after a disappointing sophomore season. John Timu, third on the team in tackles a year ago, has been reinstated after a two-week suspension during the spring.
That group has been together for a while; it’ll be interesting to see what Thompson and the linebackers do with Petersen and his staff now in place.
10. Notre Dame quarterbacks
Malik Zaire evidently didn’t receive the memo that the quarterback position was again supposed to belong to Everett Golson. Zaire was every bit the equal of Golson during the spring, especially in the Blue and Gold scrimmage.
Zaire missed on just five of his 23 throws, going for 292 yards and two scores. Golson was 13 of 24 for 154 yards and no TDs.
Sure, it’s just a spring scrimmage, but it would seem to indicate that there will be a battle in August. What it really means, though, is that Notre Dame is likely in good hands either way.
Mike Denbrock was promoted to coordinator, but head coach Brian Kelly has made it clear that he will have a larger role this season with the offense. Familiarity with both Golson and Zaire means there’s a chance this team will finally be something other than defensively driven.
Honorable mentions
UCLA quarterbacks
In former Elite 11 champ Asiantii Woulard, the Bruins might have the most talented backup QB in America. Some wondered if his presence would cause Brett Hundley to leave early. (It didn’t.)
Oregon running backs
Byron Marshall and Thomas Tyner quietly combined for 1,700 yards and 23 TDs in their first seasons getting significant carries. They should be a bit louder this season, you would think.
Georgia running backs
As mentioned above, I wanted to max at one position group from each league. I chose Alabama, but it doesn’t mean I have anything against Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall. Bama just has additional depth.
West Virginia running backs
Let’s keep the running backs theme going. Rushel Shell was an all-conference-type back when he transferred from Pitt. Dustin Garrison, who has 968 career yards, is again healthy.Dreamius Smith and Wendell Smallwood got carries in their first seasons.
Michigan State defensive line
This group was already on the cusp, but file away Demetrius Cooper’s name. He broke out this spring as another pass-rushing end on a line that already included Shilique Calhounand Marcus Rush.
LSU defensive backs
The Tigers’ weakness in 2013 can quickly become a strength. That happens sometimes when young players are forced early into action. Jalen Mills’ move to safety should bolster the group, and I love the potential for young corners Tre’Davious White and Rashard Robinson.
May, 1, 2014
By Travis Haney | ESPN.com
Alabama’s running backs, Baylor’s receivers and FSU’s defensive backs were among thebest position groups a year ago. Some of the personnel has changed, but that fact hasn’t. They’re still at the top.
Here is a post-spring look at the country’s best 10 position groups, along with some honorable mentions.
1. Alabama running backs
The Sugar Bowl was widely forgettable in the Crimson Tide’s recent run of success, but the prideful legion of fans could at least take away that the already strong running back position got even stronger with freshman Derrick Henry’s nine-touch, 161-yard, two-touchdown performance.
Put Henry’s size and speed with similarly gifted runners T.J. Yeldon and Kenyan Drake and you have the No. 1 position group in college football.
If there’s such a thing as a quiet 1,200-yard, 14-TD season, Yeldon had it as a sophomore. Drake added 700 yards and eight scores. Henry was seldom used until the bowl.
New coordinator-slash-lightning rod Lane Kiffin has promised to speed up the offense a bit, so there’s no reason to expect anything other than those three backs -- and maybe more -- to enter a carry-share. (Which is also a reason to hesitate before considering Yeldon, or any other Bama back, for the Heisman.)
Full disclosure: I was trying to diversify and spread the wealth among conferences and positions, but you could make a strong case that Georgia's and Auburn’s running backs belong on this list. It’s a running back-heavy year in the sport and particularly in the SEC.
2. Baylor receivers
Bears coach Art Briles started telling me, oh, a year ago how good the ’14 recruiting class could be at the WR position. When I visited last month, though, the sense was that only one of the newcomers, K.D. Cannon, would have a chance to get in the rotation, because of the receiver talent returning. Baylor just keeps replacing skill talent (and quarterbacks).
“We feel really confident in the people we’re going to put on the field,” Briles told me this spring.
Antwan Goodley (1,339 yards, 13 TDs) proved he could be Bryce Petty’s No. 1 target. Levi Norwood (733 yards, 8 TDs) will provide a solid No. 2. Corey Coleman (527 yards, 2 TDs) showed he has potential to be a future No. 1.
That doesn’t include the fastest player on the team, Clay Fuller, or the top player in the 2013 class, Robbie Rhodes. In addition to Cannon, there are three other ESPN300 receiversarriving this summer: Davion Hall, Ishmael Zamora and Chris Platt. Hall enrolled in January but was slow to pick things up and suffered a minor injury, so the freshmen will be on relatively equal footing.
3. Florida State defensive backs
The Seminoles' D will no doubt be younger than it was a year ago, but do not equate that with a drop in talent. FSU has been first in yards per pass attempt each of the past two years, and that could likely remain true again in 2014.
Terrence Brooks and Lamarcus Joyner’s leadership will be difficult to replace, but Jalen Ramsey has star potential. Like the jack-of-all-trades Joyner, Ramsey has already shown the ability to play every spot in the secondary. Brooks’ replacement, Nate Andrews, also saw time as a freshman. They’ll be ready for added responsibility.
Corner P.J. Williams was the defensive MVP in the BCS title game. He’s back. So is the opposite corner, Ronald Darby. Nick Waisome has started games. As if more depth were needed, the staff liked what it saw this spring from early-enrolling safety Trey Marshall.
Taking a step back, there really are not too many secondaries bringing back quality depth and experience. That makes FSU, despite some prudent departures, stand out even more.
4. Clemson defensive line
Even offensive coordinator Chad Morris admitted that, while the Tigers are figuring themselves out on that side of the ball, they’ll likely lean a bit more on the up-and-coming defense that has gone in two years’ time from youthful to experienced.
Of Clemson’s 19 scholarship seniors, six are defensive linemen. The Tigers intend to rotate as many as 10 bodies through there.
“[Two years ago] it was ‘all these guys can’t play,’” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “We were a bunch of nobodies. Now everyone knows their names.”
That includes end Vic Beasley, whose hot start in 2013 had him in in the top 10 of Mel Kiper’s Big Board. Beasley finished the season with 13 sacks and 10 additional tackles for a loss. He also broke up six passes. Tackle Grady Jarrett put up linebacker numbers: 83 tackles, third most on the team, and 14 quarterback pressures. That illustrates some serious athleticism from the interior.
End Corey Crawford added 10.5 tackles for loss and 16 QB hurries. Tackles D.J. Reader andDeShawn Williams combined for 80 tackles despite seven total starts. Reader had three sacks.
Swinney called it the “most complete defense” he has had since he took over at Clemson, and the secondary’s growth is a big reason for the statement. While it figures to be better, a terrific line can really help a defensive backfield look good.
5. South Carolina offensive line
The Gamecocks’ front was a liability for so long under Steve Spurrier. Credit position coach Shawn Elliott with gradual improvement, both in terms of recruiting and development.
The line should not only be a team strength this year but, crazy as it might seem given how the others recruit, it could be the SEC’s best.
South Carolina loses only guard Ronald Patrick, and its two tackles, Corey Robinson andBrandon Shell, have All-SEC potential. Guard A.J. Cann isn’t far behind, and Elliott has been high for a year on center Cody Waldrop’s work ethic and desire to improve.
The line’s experience will be vital as Dylan Thompson gets the keys to the offense. Their ability to protect him and open holes for Heisman dark horse Mike Davis will determine if the Gamecocks can continue their high level of offensive efficiency without dual-threat QB -- and 27-game winner -- Connor Shaw.
6. Texas running backs
The Longhorns still haven’t sorted out their quarterback situation, and they might not all fall. There are capable options, but none that really stand out. That could (and should) mean a reliance on the run game and veteran backs who are due some luck in the health department.
First-year coach Charlie Strong is telling the spring booster circuit that Malcolm Brown, who approached 1,000 yards a year ago, had an “unbelievable” spring.
It feels as if Joe Bergeron has been around Texas since Vince Young, if not Earl Campbell, was there. Johnathan Gray, who missed the final four games last season after an Achilles tendon tear, is expected back sometime this summer. He has shown explosiveness but hasn't yet averaged five yards a carry for his career. Like the QB position, perhaps the new coaching staff will be an eye-opener for the talented Gray -- and Brown, as well.
7. Oklahoma linebackers
Just a year ago everyone, myself included, wondered why the once-tough Sooners front seven had slid as far as it had. It didn’t take long, however, before a new attitude began to permeate through the group.
The tone was set by a young, versatile bunch of linebackers, then led by veteran Corey Nelson. A midseason injury to Nelson opened the door for Dominique Alexander, Frank Shannon and Eric Striker, in particular, to stand out. Alexander and Shannon combined for 172 tackles. Striker added 50 tackles -- including a team-high 6.5 sacks.
Now it’s officially their turn to lead, and expectations have again returned for OU and its defense. Mike Stoops’ turnaround is complete.
“Mike’s good, man,” a Big 12 assistant told me this spring. “He got that defense right in a hurry.”
8. Texas A&M receivers
Losing Ryan Swope and Mike Evans in consecutive classes would seem to water down this group, but 2013 ESPN300 prospect Ricky Seals-Jones is returning from injury, and the country’s No. 7 overall prospect, Speedy Noil, had a great first spring.
The staff didn’t want to put too much expectation on Noil, but they see him as a multipurpose weapon in the spirit of college sensations like Percy Harvin and Tavon Austin. Offensive coordinator Jake Spavital even told me that Noil will receive consideration for third-team QB after Matt Joeckel’s decision to transfer.
A&M coaches also told me that juco Josh Reynolds fits in well and could serve a purpose similar to Derel Walker (51 catches, 818 yards, 5 TDs). Most forget, too, that seniorMalcome Kennedy (60 catches, 658 yards, 7 TDs) was such an unsung part of the ’13 offense.
The quarterback questions are obvious for the Aggies, but the stability of the offensive line (four of five starters are back) and the skill spots should mean the offense will still produce yards and points at a high rate.
9. Washington linebackers
I had the same group in the honorable mention class a year ago, and they all return. So, welcome to the top 10.
As he was then, Shaq Thompson is the star. First-year coach Chris Petersen has even been toying with the idea of making Thompson, who has the most tackles (78) of any returning player, this year’s Myles Jack. The junior, who saw time at safety as a freshman, has been getting some carries at running back. He’ll make an NFL team very happy a year from now.
Travis Feeney had a nice spring after a disappointing sophomore season. John Timu, third on the team in tackles a year ago, has been reinstated after a two-week suspension during the spring.
That group has been together for a while; it’ll be interesting to see what Thompson and the linebackers do with Petersen and his staff now in place.
10. Notre Dame quarterbacks
Malik Zaire evidently didn’t receive the memo that the quarterback position was again supposed to belong to Everett Golson. Zaire was every bit the equal of Golson during the spring, especially in the Blue and Gold scrimmage.
Zaire missed on just five of his 23 throws, going for 292 yards and two scores. Golson was 13 of 24 for 154 yards and no TDs.
Sure, it’s just a spring scrimmage, but it would seem to indicate that there will be a battle in August. What it really means, though, is that Notre Dame is likely in good hands either way.
Mike Denbrock was promoted to coordinator, but head coach Brian Kelly has made it clear that he will have a larger role this season with the offense. Familiarity with both Golson and Zaire means there’s a chance this team will finally be something other than defensively driven.
Honorable mentions
UCLA quarterbacks
In former Elite 11 champ Asiantii Woulard, the Bruins might have the most talented backup QB in America. Some wondered if his presence would cause Brett Hundley to leave early. (It didn’t.)
Oregon running backs
Byron Marshall and Thomas Tyner quietly combined for 1,700 yards and 23 TDs in their first seasons getting significant carries. They should be a bit louder this season, you would think.
Georgia running backs
As mentioned above, I wanted to max at one position group from each league. I chose Alabama, but it doesn’t mean I have anything against Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall. Bama just has additional depth.
West Virginia running backs
Let’s keep the running backs theme going. Rushel Shell was an all-conference-type back when he transferred from Pitt. Dustin Garrison, who has 968 career yards, is again healthy.Dreamius Smith and Wendell Smallwood got carries in their first seasons.
Michigan State defensive line
This group was already on the cusp, but file away Demetrius Cooper’s name. He broke out this spring as another pass-rushing end on a line that already included Shilique Calhounand Marcus Rush.
LSU defensive backs
The Tigers’ weakness in 2013 can quickly become a strength. That happens sometimes when young players are forced early into action. Jalen Mills’ move to safety should bolster the group, and I love the potential for young corners Tre’Davious White and Rashard Robinson.