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Covering the SEC, ACC, CUSA, Sun Belt, and other Southern Schools
Covering the SEC, ACC, CUSA, Sun Belt, and other Southern Schools
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The Unknowns
Expect more highlight catches from East Carolina's Justin Jones in 2011
The Unknowns
This group of Southern players were not the stars at their respective position a year ago, but in 2011 expect for these names to be known nationally.
Darrell Scott RB South Florida- This name will be familiar to those who follow recruiting. Coming out of high school Scott was ranked the number 1 running back in the country and chose to play for Colorado. After only rushing for 348 yards his freshman year, he decided to transfer and is now at South Florida. Scott is a big 6'1 230 running back and fits Holtz's physical style perfectly.
Bruce Ellington All Purpose South Carolina- In my 6 years of doing play by play for The South Carolina High School League and local high schools, Ellington is one of the top four athletes I've seen. Last year Ellington did not play football for South Carolina because he was on the basketball court making the All SEC Freshman team. This year Ellington has dedicated himself to football and will be one of the most versatile athletes in the SEC. Ellington will remind many of former Alabama All American David Palmer who played WR, but also returned kicks and played some QB in the early 90s.
Chris Gragg TE Arkansas- Gragg has spent most of his career as the backup for current Green Bay Packer DJ Williams. The biggest highlight of Gragg's career at this point was a crucial 4th down catch against Louisiana-Monroe in Petrino's first year. Bobby Petrino loves to use the tight end in his offense, so expect Gragg(a former WR) to be one of the nation's top receiving tight ends.
Justin Jones WR East Carolina- At 6'8 264 there might not be a bigger WR in college football. As a freshman Jones ranked 7th in receptions for the Pirates, but one of those receptions was a Hail Mary catch that helped ECU beat Tulsa. This year expect bigger things from Jones in East Carolina's air raid offense.
EJ Manuel QB Florida State- Manuel did see playing time last year when Christian Ponder went down to injury. Manuel has the ability to pass and run, making him one of the best duel threat QBs in the country. Florida State will be a darkhorse national championship contender. If Florida State can beat Oklahoma early in the season, then Manuel could be a darkhorse Heisman Trophy Candidate.
Mike Glennon QB NC State- This 6'6 225 QB for NC State was once the #3 pro-style QB recruit in the country according to Rivals. Many thought it would be Glennon, and not Russell Wilson who would be the starter for the Pack as a freshman. Glennon failed to pickup O'Brien's system as quick as Russell and would be his backup for three seasons. When Wilson transferred to Wisconsin in the off season it opened the starting role up for Glennon. The potential is there for Glennon to become one of the nation's top passers and could become a top NFL prospect in 2 years.
Lamar Miller RB Miami- As a freshman, Miller had 646 yards rushing backing up Damien Berry. Twice last season Miller was named the ACC Freshman of the Week with his biggest game coming against Virginia Tech when he rushed for 163 yards. With legit 4.3 speed Miller is a threat to score no matter where he is on the field. Expect him to become only the 7th player in Miami history to rush for 1,000 yards in 2011.
Logan Thomas QB Virginia Tech- At 6'6 245 some might think of Heisman Trophy Winner Cam Newton when they see Thomas. Last year Thomas only attempted 26 passes backing up the school's all time leading passer Tyrod Taylor. He came to Virginia Tech with offers from nearly major D1 school on the East Coast. With the ability to run and pass expect to see some huge numbers for this first year starter in 2011.
Perry Jones RB Virginia- He's not as big as 255 lb Keith Payne who started for Virginia last year, but Jones has much more speed. Last year as a sophomore Jones ran for over 600 yards and also caught 31 passes. Jones is one of the ACC's most versatile RBs and while he is small at 5'8 185, he is a big time play maker who will attempt to get Virginia back to their first bowl game since 2007.
Justin Hunter WR Tennessee- Hunter only started 2 games in 2011 for Tennessee, but still was able to make the ALL SEC Freshman Team catching 16 passes for a team high 25.9 yards per catch. Hunter is 6'4 and runs a 4.4 forty. While he was only 5th on the team in receptions, Hunter is in for a huge 2011 where he will burst on the scene as one of the nation's top wide receivers.
