Meet the players who make Sunday's football hangover worthwhile.
OFFENSE
1. QB Tim Tebow - Florida
Tired of him? Too bad. He’s about to win another national title.
2. RB Jacquizz Rodgers - Oregon State
Single-handedly beat USC last year. (Sorry, rest of the Beavers’ offense, but it’s true.)
3. RB Jahvid Best - California
The latest product from college football’s new Running Back U.
4. WR Julio Jones - Alabama
All this freak in the flats needs is someone to throw to him.
5. WR Dez Bryant - Oklahoma State
Had 19 TDs last year, more than any returning receiver at OSU.
6. TE Jermaine Gresham - Oklahoma
Led the nation’s top scoring offense in touchdowns last year.
7. OT Sam Young - Notre Dame
The Joe Lieberman of blocking plays both right and left sides.
8. OG Rodney Hudson - Florida State
The Seminoles’ ground game had as much punch as a Leno joke until he waddled onto the scene.
9. C Kristofer O’Dowd - USC
The first freshman starting center in Trojans history could still play two more years.
10. OG Sergio Render - Virginia Tech
All front sevens are “Rendered” useless when he’s on the field. Hey-oh!
11. OT Ciron Black - LSU
Has been a starter at the position since 2006, making him 103 in football years.
DEFENSE, SPECIAL TEAMS
1. DT Terrence Cody - Alabama
Georgia coach Mark Richt doesn’t think anyone can beat Cody—even in the NFL.
2. DT Gerald McCoy - Oklahoma
Could’ve bolted early, but stayed in school for one more title shot.
3. DE Jason Worilds - Virginia Tech
Led the Hokies in sacks last year.
4. DE George Selvie - South Florida
Simply put, there’s no better pass rusher.
5. LB Sean Weatherspoon - Missouri
Logged the most takedowns in ’08.
6. LB Joe Pawelek - Baylor
So good he makes the Bears almost watchable.
7. LB Eric Norwood - South Carolina
Coach Steve Spurrier says his own teammates are afraid to block him in practice.
8. S Taylor Mays - USC
Tops all players in several 2010 NFL draft projections.
9. S Eric Berry - Tennessee
Nicknamed “the Fifth Dimension.”
10. CB Javier Arenas - Alabama
Gilbert Arenas’ saner, faster cousin.
11. CB Trevard Lindley - Kentucky
Third-team all-America in’07 and second-team in ’08. Do the math.
12. K Kai Forbath - UCLA
In the most stats-driven position on the field, no one was better last year.
13. P Zoltan Mesko - Michigan
Should get plenty of in-game reps this season.
14. KR Brandon James - Florida
Sure, he can be hangnail-tackled—but you have to catch him first.