51. College Football Best Players of All time

John Rizzo

College football is one of the most popular and exciting sports in America. It’s a game that can bring together entire communities, from alumni to current students, faculty and staff. Its passionate fans span generations and its many rivalries have become part of college lore.

The combination of strategy, athleticism, skill and emotion make it an incredibly unique sport with something for everyone – whether you’re watching on television or in person at your favorite school’s stadium.

Table of Contents

1. O. J. Simpson

Running back

O. J. Simpson Career

  • NFL Most Valuable Player (1973)
  • NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1973)
  • 5× First-team All-Pro (1972–1976)
  • 5× Pro Bowl (1972–1976)
  • Bert Bell Award (1973)
  • AP Athlete of the Year (1973)
  • 3× UPI AFC Offensive Player of the Year (1972, 1973, 1975)
  • 4× NFL rushing yards leader (1972, 1973, 1975, 1976)
  • 2× NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1973, 1975)
  • NFL scoring leader (1975)
  • AFL All-Star (1969)
  • NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
  • NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame
  • National champion (1967)
  • Heisman Trophy (1968)
  • Maxwell Award (1968)
  • Walter Camp Award (1967)
  • 2× UPI Player of the Year (1967, 1968)
  • 2× Unanimous All-American (1967, 1968)
  • USC Trojans No. 32 retired

O. J. Simpson played running back for the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League (NFL). He was a five-time first-team All-Pro and won the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award in 1973.

On July 12, 1994, Simpson was acquitted of all charges connected to the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. 

The trial received widespread media coverage due to its high profile nature and lively courtroom exchanges between defense lawyer Johnnie Cochran Jr., prosecutor Marcia Clark, and juror0s Orenthal James "OJ" Simpson O.

J. Simpson was a two-time Heisman Trophy winner and an All-American at USC. He led the NFL in rushing yards in both 1974 and 1975 and was also named the league's scoring leader that year. 

After his retirement from football, Simpson became involved in numerous legal proceedings, including allegations of armed robbery and kidnapping. In 2007, he was found guilty of murder after a highly publicized trial; he is currently serving a sentence at Nevada State Prison.

Also Played For: buffalo bills, heisman trophy nfl

2. Cam Newton

Quarterback

Cam Newton Career

  • NFL Most Valuable Player (2015)
  • NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2015)
  • NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (2011)
  • First-team All-Pro (2015)
  • 3× Pro Bowl (2011, 2013, 2015)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2011)
  • Bert Bell Award (2015)
  • 2× BCS national champion (2008, 2010)
  • NJCAA national football champion (2009)
  • Heisman Trophy (2010)
  • Maxwell Award (2010)
  • Walter Camp Award (2010)
  • Manning Award (2010)
  • Davey O'Brien Award (2010)
  • AP College Football Player of the Year (2010)
  • Sporting News College Player of the Year (2010)
  • Consensus All-American (2010)
  • SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2010)
  • First-team All-SEC (2010)

Cam Newton is a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time BCS national champion. He was drafted first overall by the Carolina Panthers in 2011, and led them to the Super Bowl that year.

In 2020 he moved to the New England Patriots, where he continued his success before retiring at the end of the 2019 season. Cam Newton is a quarterback who was drafted first overall by the Carolina Panthers in the 2010 NFL draft.

He has set numerous records and won many awards during his career, including two MVPs and five Super Bowls. In 2018, Cam Newton suffered an injury that ended his season prematurely; he is expected to return for the 2020 season.

Also Played For: carokina panthers, madden nfl 20

3. Jim Brown

Running back

Jim Brown Career

  • Jim Brown was lacrosse star.
  • He was All-American in 1956-57.
  • Scored 5 goals in 1957 All-Star game.
  • Averaged 4.3 goals senior year.
  • Preferred lacrosse over football.

Brown was one of the most dominant players in NFL history. He won four MVP awards and is second all-time in rushing yards with 18,312. Brown also had a stellar career as a blocker and receiver for the Cleveland Browns.

In 1957 he became the first player to rush for 1,000 yards and catch 100 passes in a season. Brown retired from professional football after the 1965 season but continued to play semi-professional ball until his retirement in 1975 at age 40 due to injuries sustained while playing basketball.

Brown has since been recognized as an athletic icon and civil rights activist who has spoken out about social injustice throughout his life. Brown was an all-time great NFL running back who led his team to five championships in the 1960s. 

He also received several prestigious awards, including three MVP Awards and a retired number 32 for the Cleveland Browns.

Brown is arguably one of the most iconic athletes in American history and is considered by many to be among the greatest college football players ever.

Also Played For: cleveland browns, syracuse orange football

4. Roger Staubach

Quarterback

Roger Staubach Career

  • 2× Super Bowl champion (VI, XII)
  • Super Bowl MVP (VI)
  • NFL Man of the Year (1978)
  • Second-team All-Pro (1971)
  • 6× Pro Bowl (1971, 1975–1979)
  • NFL passing touchdowns leader (1973)
  • 4× NFL passer rating leader (1971, 1973, 1978, 1979)
  • NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
  • NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
  • Bert Bell Award (1971)
  • George Halas Award (1980)
  • Lamar Hunt Award (2012)
  • Heisman Trophy (1963)
  • Maxwell Award (1963)
  • Chic Harley Award (1963)
  • UPI Player of the Year (1963)
  • Sporting News Player of the Year (1963)
  • Unanimous All-American (1963)
  • Navy Midshipmen No. 12 retired

Staubach was a Hall of Fame quarterback who played in the NFL and AFL. Staubach led both leagues in passing yards several times and is one of only two players to have won three Super Bowls as a player (the other being Tom Brady).

Staubach also starred for the Dallas Cowboys, winning five division titles and two Super Bowls during his time with the team. Staubach remains active as an analyst for TV broadcasts and has served as a spokesman for various charities over the years.

Staubach was a star quarterback at the Navy and then played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1969 to 1979. Staubach led the Cowboys to two Super Bowl championships, earning MVP honors in both games. 

He also won several awards during his time with the team, including NFL Man of the Year in 1978 and Second-team All-Pro status seven times.

Staubach is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, ranking fourth all-time in passing touchdowns and seventh in passer rating among players with at least 1,000 attempts. He retired after leading Dallas to their fifth Super Bowl victory over Pittsburgh Steelers.

Also Played For: dallsa cowboy, dallas cowboys

5. Tony Dorsett

Running back

Tony Dorsett Career

  • Super Bowl champion (XII)
  • NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1977)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (1977)
  • First-team All-Pro (1981)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (1982, 1983)
  • 4× Pro Bowl (1978, 1981–1983)
  • Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
  • National champion (1976)
  • Heisman Trophy (1976)
  • Maxwell Award (1976)
  • Walter Camp Award (1976)
  • 3× First-team All-American (1973, 1975, 1976)
  • Pittsburgh Panthers No. 33 retired

Tony Dorsett was a running back for the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos in the NFL. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005. Dorsett is a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Cowboys (1980 and 1981) and a one-time champion with the Broncos (1988).

As a Cowboy, he led the league in rushing yards three times (1978, 1979, 1980). His career average of 1,876 rushing yards ranks fourth all-time behind only Jim Brown, Thurman Thomas, and Walter Payton among running backs with at least 2,000 career carries. 

In 1985 he founded "Tony's Kids Foundation" to help disadvantaged youth throughout the North Texas area Tony Dorsett was a Hall of Fame running back who played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1977 to 1983.

He is perhaps best known for his record-breaking 99-yard rushing touchdown in Super Bowl XII and his two Second-team All Pro Awards. Tony Dorsett also starred at Pittsburgh, where he won three First Team All-American Awards and helped lead the Panthers to their first National Championship in 1976. 

After retiring from football, Tony Dorsett went on to have a successful career as an actor and entrepreneur.

Also Played For: pittsburgh panthers football, university of pittsburgh football

6. Tim Tebow

Quarterback

Tim Tebow Career

  • 2× BCS national champion (2006, 2008)
  • BCS National Championship Game MVP (2008)
  • Heisman Trophy (2007)
  • Manning Award (2008)
  • 2× Maxwell Award (2007, 2008)
  • Davey O'Brien Award (2007)[1]
  • AP College Football Player of the Year (2007)[2]
  • Sporting News Player of the Year (2007)
  • Wuerffel Trophy (2008)
  • 2× First-team All-American (2007, 2008)
  • Second-team All-American (2009)
  • 2× SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2008, 2009)
  • 3× First-team All-SEC (2007–2009)
  • William V. Campbell Trophy (2009)
  • Florida Football Ring of Honor (2018)

Tim Tebow is a professional football player who has played for the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and New England Patriots. Tim Tebow was born in 1987 in Makati, Philippines, and attended Nease High School in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida before enrolling in Florida to play college football.

After two seasons with the Broncos (2010-2011), he joined the Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2012 but only managed one game before being released by New York later that year. 

He then signed with the Patriots and made his debut during the 2013 season after Tom Brady suffered an injury; however, he did not feature prominently on their Super Bowl-winning team that season.

In 2014, he was traded to Jacksonville Jaguars where he spent one year before returning to Foxborough for another stint with the Patriots during 2016-2017 as backup quarterback to Jimmy Garappolo; this time they won Super Bowl LI against Atlanta Falcons. 

Following his retirement from playing professional football in 2017, Tim Tebow currently works together with ESPN as a commentator or analyst for various sporting events including American Football League (AFL) matches and Wimbledon Tennis competitions alongside Rece Davis & Maria Sharapova respectively.

Tim Tebow is a former quarterback for the Florida Gators who was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2010. After being traded to the New York Jets, Tebow led his team to an AFC Championship Game appearance in 2012 before controversially losing to the Baltimore Ravens.

In 2013, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and helped lead them to their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history, making him one of only two players (the other being Joe Montana) ever to win a championship as both a starting quarterback and backup player.

Also Played For: denver broncos, florida gators football

7. Barry Sanders

Running back

Barry Sanders Career

  • NFL Most Valuable Player (1997)
  • 2× NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1994, 1997)
  • NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1989)
  • 6× First-team All-Pro (1989–1991, 1994, 1995, 1997)
  • 4× Second-team All-Pro (1992, 1993, 1996, 1998)
  • 10× Pro Bowl (1989–1998)
  • 4× NFL rushing yards leader (1990, 1994, 1996, 1997)
  • NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1991)
  • NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
  • NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (1989)
  • 2× Bert Bell Award (1991, 1997)
  • Pride of the Lions
  • Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
  • Detroit Lions All-Time Team
  • Detroit Lions No. 20 retired
  • Heisman Trophy (1988)
  • Maxwell Award (1988)
  • Walter Camp Award (1988)
  • Big Eight Offensive Player of the Year (1988)
  • Unanimous All-American (1988)
  • Second-team All-American (1987)
  • First-team All-Big Eight (1988)
  • Oklahoma State Cowboys Ring of Honor

Barry Sanders is a hall of Famer and one of the most decorated running backs in NFL history. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997, and he also won two Super Bowls with the Detroit Lions.

Sanders was born on July 16, 1968, in Wichita, Kansas. He attended Wichita North High School before going on to play college football at Oklahoma State University. 

After being drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1989, Sanders quickly established himself as one of the best running backs in NFL history.

He led his team to back-to-back Super Bowl wins (1991 and 1992) while accumulating numerous other awards and accolades along the way. 

Sanders retired from professional football following the 1998 season after playing for Detroit, Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, and San Francisco 49ers over a 13-year career Sanders is one of the most decorated players in NFL history.

He was a five-time Pro Bowler, four-time First-team All-Pro, and two-time rushing yards leader. Sanders holds many Lions records, including most touchdowns scored (38) and total yards (18,521). 

In 1997 he became the first player ever to win both the MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards in the same season. 

Sanders retired after 1998 with 14,396 career rushing yards and 66 total touchdowns—both second all-time behind Emmitt Smith's 18,551 yardage mark as well as 73 TDs which stands alone as an NFL record for any running back in history.

Also Played For: detroit lions, tecmo super bowl

8. Deion Sanders

Defensive back

Deion Sanders Career

  • 2× Super Bowl champion (XXIX, XXX)
  • NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1994)
  • 6× First-team All-Pro (1992–1994, 1996–1998)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (1991, 1999)
  • 8× Pro Bowl (1991–1994, 1996–1999)
  • NFL kickoff return yards leader (1992)
  • NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
  • NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (1989)
  • Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor
  • Jim Thorpe Award (1988)
  • 2× Unanimous All-American (1987, 1988)
  • Florida State Seminoles Jersey No. 2 honored

Deion Sanders was a professional football player for 14 seasons, playing for the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, and Dallas Cowboys. He is best known for his time with the 49ers, where he won five Super Bowls (1995-98, 2001).

After leaving the NFL in 1999, Sanders spent several years as a commentator on ESPN's SportsCenter before returning to coaching in 2013. In 2015 he took over as head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes football team. Deion Sanders was an accomplished NFL player and coach.

He is best known for his time with the Atlanta Falcons, where he won two Super Bowls. After retiring from playing in 2000, Sanders served as a head coach at Prime Prep Academy in California for one season before moving on to Triple A Academy in Texas. 

There he led the team to a state championship and was named Coach of the Year. In 2017, Sanders became the offensive coordinator at Trinity Christian School in Texas after spending three years as head coach of Jackson State University (MS). 

As of 2019, Sanders holds the distinction of being both a head coach and offensive coordinator in both college football and professional football leagues - the National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL).

Also Played For: colorado buffaloes football, florida state seminoles football

9. Herschel Walker

Herschel Walker Career

  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (1987, 1988)
  • 2× Pro Bowl (1987, 1988)
  • National champion (1980)
  • Heisman Trophy (1982)
  • Maxwell Award (1982)
  • Walter Camp Award (1982)
  • UPI College Football Player of the Year (1982)
  • 3× SEC Player of the Year (1980–1982)
  • 3× Unanimous All-American (1980–1982)
  • 3× First-team All-SEC (1980–1982)
  • Georgia Bulldogs No. 34 retired

Walker was one of the most dominant running backs in NFL history. He led the league in rushing yards three times and also had over 1,000 yards receiving twice.

Walker played for four different teams during his career, including a stint with the New Jersey Generals of the USFL. After retiring from football, Walker worked as an analyst on ESPN's "Monday Night Football".

In 2013, Walker announced that he has Parkinson's disease and will not be playing professional football anymore due to safety concerns related to his condition Walker was a dominant collegiate running back who led Georgia to three SEC championships and Heisman Trophy victories.

After two lackluster seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Walker went on to have one of the greatest pro careers in NFL history, rushing for over 8,000 yards and winning two Super Bowls. 

Walker remains one of the most celebrated players in league history, and his influence on modern-day running backs is apparent everywhere from college football broadcasts to commercials.

Also Played For: georgia bulldogs football

10. Ndamukong Suh

Defensive tackle

Ndamukong Suh Career

  • Super Bowl champion (LV)
  • NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2010)
  • 3× First-team All-Pro (2010, 2013, 2014)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (2012, 2016)
  • 5× Pro Bowl (2010, 2012–2014, 2016)
  • NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2010)
  • Outland Trophy (2009)
  • Lombardi Award (2009)
  • Bronko Nagurski Trophy (2009)
  • Chuck Bednarik Award (2009)
  • Bill Willis Trophy (2009)
  • AP College Football Player of the Year (2009)
  • Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year (2009)
  • Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year (2009)
  • Unanimous All-American (2009)
  • 2× First-team All-Big 12 (2008, 2009)
  • Nebraska Cornhuskers Jersey No. 93 retired

Ndamukong Suh is a defensive tackle who has played for the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Rams, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in his career. Ndamukong Suh was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 2010 NFL Draft and he quickly became one of their best players.

In 2015, Suh joined the Miami Dolphins and helped them to make it to the playoffs that year. However, after two seasons with Miami, he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams where he continued to be an influential player on their defense. 

In 2018, Suh moved to Tampa Bay and helped them reach Super Bowl LIII where they lost to the New England Patriots 33-28 Ndamukong Suh is one of the most dominant and controversial defensive players in NFL history.

He has been a three-time first-team All-Pro, and two-time second-team All-Pro player. In his rookie season, he was named Defensive Rookie of the Year and won numerous awards including being awarded the Outland Trophy as well as Chuck Bednarik Award and Bill Willis Trophy. 

Ndamukong Suh's career highlights also include winning Super Bowl XLV with the Philadelphia Eagles, making him one of only six players to win multiple titles with different teams in the same decade (2010−2019).

Also Played For: madden nfl 18, nebraska cornhuskers football

11. Charles Woodson

Defensive back

Charles Woodson Career

  • Super Bowl champion (XLV)
  • NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2009)
  • NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1998)
  • 4× First-team All-Pro (1999, 2001, 2009, 2011)
  • 4× Second-team All-Pro (2000, 2008, 2010, 2015)
  • 9× Pro Bowl (1998–2001, 2008–2011, 2015)
  • 2× NFL interceptions leader (2009, 2011)
  • NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (1998)
  • Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame
  • Art Rooney Award (2015)
  • National champion (1997)
  • Heisman Trophy (1997)
  • Walter Camp Award (1997)
  • Bronko Nagurski Trophy (1997)
  • Chuck Bednarik Award (1997)
  • Jim Thorpe Award (1997)
  • Jack Tatum Trophy (1997)
  • Sporting News Player of the Year (1997)
  • Big Ten Player of the Year (1997)
  • Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year (1997)
  • Big Ten Freshman of the Year (1995)
  • 2× First-team All-American (1996, 1997)
  • Ohio Mr. Football Award (1994)

Charles Woodson is a cornerback and safety who has played in the NFL for over 20 years. He started his career with the Oakland Raiders before playing for the Green Bay Packers, Oakland Raiders again, and finally the Cleveland Browns in his final season.

Charles Woodson was voted to nine Pro Bowls during his long career, which highlights just how highly respected he is among fellow players. In 2015, he announced that he would retire at the end of that year after 14 seasons in the NFL. 

Charles Woodson is now an analyst on ESPN's Monday Night Football coverage and continues to make a significant impact both on and off the field as one of America's most iconic athletes Woodson is a five-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro.

He led the NFL in interceptions twice and was also named Defensive Player of the Year in 2009. Woodson played his entire career with the Green Bay Packers, where he won two Super Bowls (XLVII, XLV). 

He was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame in 2016, as well as several other Halls of Fame including the College Football Hall of Fame (2006) and Basketball Hall of Fame (2012).

Also Played For: green bay packers, oakland raiders

12. Marcus Allen

Running back

Marcus Allen Career

  • Super Bowl champion (XVIII)
  • Super Bowl MVP (XVIII)
  • NFL Most Valuable Player (1985)
  • NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1985)
  • NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1982)
  • NFL Comeback Player of the Year (1993)
  • 2× First-team All-Pro (1982, 1985)
  • Second-team All-Pro (1984)
  • 6× Pro Bowl (1982, 1984–1987, 1993)
  • 2× NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1982, 1993)
  • NFL rushing yards leader (1985)
  • NFL scoring leader (1982)
  • National champion (1978)
  • Heisman Trophy (1981)
  • Maxwell Award (1981)
  • Walter Camp Award (1981)
  • Pac-10 Player of the Year (1981)
  • Unanimous All-American (1981)
  • Second-team All-American (1980)
  • USC Trojans No. 33 retired

Marcus Allen is a running back who played in the NFL for over 20 years. He was one of the most successful players in Raiders and Chiefs history. Allen was known for his speed and agility, two traits that helped him become one of the best runners in NFL history.

He also had good hands, which allowed him to catch passes out of the backfield or on short routes as a receiver. In 1993, he became only the second player ever (after Marshall Faulk) to rush for more than 2,000 yards and score 25 touchdowns in a season. 

Marcus Allen retired from professional football following the 1997 season with career totals of 26 rushing touchdowns and 11 receiving touchdowns in 128 games played overall Marcus Allen was a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFL rushing touchdown leader.

He won the Heisman Trophy in 1981, Maxwell Award in 1981, and Walter Camp Award in 1981. Allen also played for the Oakland Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, and Washington Redskins during his career.

Also Played For: kansas city chiefs, usc trojans football

13. Reggie Bush

Running back

Reggie Bush Career

  • Super Bowl champion (XLIV)
  • First-team All-Pro (2008)
  • NFL PFWA All-Rookie Team (2006)
  • New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame
  • BCS National Championship (2004) (Vacated)[1][a]
  • 2× AP National champion (2003, 2004)
  • Doak Walker Award (2005) (Vacated)
  • Walter Camp Award (2005) (Vacated)
  • Heisman Trophy (2005) (Vacated)
  • AP College Football Player of the Year (2005)
  • Sporting News Player of the Year (2005)
  • 2× Pac-10 Offensive Player of the year (2004, 2005)
  • 2× Consensus All-American (2004, 2005)

Reggie Bush was a running back for the New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins, and Detroit Lions in his career. He is best known for being one of the most prolific running backs in NFL history and earning four Pro Bowl invitations.

In 2006, Reggie Bush was drafted by the then-New Orleans Saints as second overall in the NFL Draft. His successful stint with both teams led to him signing with the San Francisco 49ers in 2015 where he played until 2018 when he retired from professional football due to injury.

Reggie Bush is a professional American football player who played for the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft, but he only played one season with them before being traded to Detroit. 

In 2006, Bush became a star for the Detroit Lions and helped lead them to their first-ever Super Bowl victory.

After spending two seasons with Detroit, he was traded to the Buffalo Bills in 2009 where he finished his career playing three more seasons there before retiring in 2013 at age 30. 

Reggie Bush has been inducted into both The Saints Hall of Fame as well as The Pro Football Hall of Fame, making him one of the very few players to be inducted twice into these prestigious halls of fame.

Also Played For: new orleans saints

14. Blake Corum

Michigan Wolverines football

Blake Corum Career

  • College: , Michigan (2020–present)
  • High school: Saint Frances Academy (Baltimore, Maryland)
  • Chicago Tribune Silver Football (2022), Ameche–Dayne Running Back of the Year (2022), Unanimous All-American (2022), First-team All-Big Ten (2022), Third-team All-Big Ten (2021)

Blake Corum is a running back for the Michigan Wolverines. He was a 1st-team All-Big Ten selection in his sophomore year and finished 3rd on the team with 1,391 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.

Blake is from Marshall, Virginia and attended James Madison High School where he played quarterback before switching to running back as a junior. 

In 2017, he ran for 989 yards on 149 carries (5.8 avg) with 10 touchdowns while also catching 17 passes for 167 yards (10 avg) and one touchdown in 12 games played as a receiver.

As of September 2020, Blake has 2,181 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns along with 43 receptions for 372 yards (11 Avg) and four scores in 24 career games at Michigan Blake Corum is a running back from Saint Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland. In his senior year, he was a unanimous All-American and First-team All-Big Ten player.

He also won the Chicago Tribune Silver Football as the most valuable player on his team. Blake Corum has had an impressive career so far, with many awards including being named Ameche–Dayne Running Back of the Year in 2022.

Also Played For: michigan wolverines football, ncaa division football

15. Archie Griffin

Cincinnati Bengals

Archie Griffin Career

  • High school: Eastmoor (Columbus, Ohio)
  • College: Ohio State (1972–1975)
  • NFL Draft: 1976 / Round
  • Cincinnati Bengals (1976–1982), Jacksonville Bulls (1985)
  • 2× Heisman Trophy (1974, 1975), 2× Walter Camp Award (1974, 1975), 2× Sporting News Player of the Year (1974, 1975), 2× UPI Player of the Year (1974, 1975), Maxwell Award (1975), 2× Big Ten Most Valuable Player (1973, 1974), 3× First-team All-American (1973–1975), 3× First-team All-Big Ten (1973–1975), Ohio State Buckeyes No. 45 retired
  • Rushing yards: 2,808, Yards per carry
  • Rushing yards: 2,808
  • Yards per carry: 4.1
  • Rushing touchdowns: 7
  • College Football Hall of Fame

Griffin was a three-time All-American and two-time Heisman Trophy winner at Ohio State. He led the Bengals to their first ever playoff appearance in 1981, before playing for the Jacksonville Bulls in 1985.

Griffin is one of just four players in NFL history to lead his team to back-to-back championships (1983–1984). After retiring from football, Griffin became an ESPN commentator and served as head coach of Ohio State's running backs from 1995 until his retirement in 2006.

Archie Griffin was a two-time Heisman Trophy winner as well as a three-time First Team All American at Ohio State. He was drafted in the first round of the 1974 NFL Draft and went on to play for the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, and Detroit Lions over his 18 year career.

Archie Griffin is one of only four players in NFL history to rush for more than 2,000 yards and score seven rushing touchdowns in a single season (1996). In 2007 he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame alongside Bear Bryant, Joe Paterno, and Bobby Bowden.

Also Played For: the ohio state university, ohio state buckeyes football

16. CJ Stroud

Ohio State Buckeyes football

CJ Stroud Career

  • College:  Ohio State (2020–2022)
  • Bowl games:  2021 Sugar Bowl, 2021 CFP National Championship, 2022 Rose Bowl, 2022 Peach Bowl
  • High school: Rancho Cucamonga
  • 2× Graham–George Offensive Player of the Year (2021, 2022), 2× Griese–Brees Quarterback of the Year (2021, 2022), Thompson–Randle El Freshman of the Year (2021), Second-team All-American (2022), Third-team All-American (2021), 2× first-team All-Big Ten (2021, 2022)

CJ Stroud is a sophomore quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was born on October 3, 2001 in Rancho Cucamonga, California and attended Riverside Polytechnic High School.

In his freshman year at Ohio State, he started all 13 games and led the team to an undefeated record while throwing for 3,725 yards and 34 touchdowns with just four interceptions.

As a sophomore in 2020, Stroud led OSU to their second national championship after leading them to an 11-1 record with 27 touchdown passes and only six interceptions over 21 games played (15 starts).

CJ is married to Katelyn Saldana and has one daughter named Harper Rose Stroud who was born on December 23rd, 2019.. CJ Stroud is a two-time All-Big Ten player and one of the top signal callers in college football.

He was also named to the Second Team All-American team in his final season with the Buckeyes, despite losing to Alabama in the National Championship game. 

After transferring from Oklahoma, where he had started every game as a freshman, Stroud led Rancho Cucamonga to back-to-back California State Championships before joining Ohio State for his final year of eligibility.

Also Played For: mock draft

17. Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Career

  • College: , Ohio State (2020–2022)
  • Bowl games: , 2021 Sugar Bowl, 2021 CFP National Championship, 2022 Rose Bowl (MVP)
  • High school: Rockwall
  • Third-team All-American (2021), Third-team All-Big Ten (2021), 2022 Rose Bowl Offensive MVP, Landry Award (2019)

Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a standout wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was born on February 14, 2002, in Dallas, Texas, and played high school football at Bishop Dunne High School.

Jaxon signed with the Buckeyes as a junior in 2020 and has been an important part of their offense ever since then. He has caught 251 passes for 3,584 yards (19 touchdowns) and 28 receptions for 315 yards (three touchdowns) this season alone.

Jaxon is also known for his strong work ethic off the field - he frequently volunteers to help out with community events around Columbus, Ohio where he lives. His long-term goal is to become a doctor and help others suffering from health issues like cancer or diabetes.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba was an All-American at Rockwall High School and is a current standout for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been named to several All-Big Ten teams, including the first team in 2021 and the second team in 2022. 

He led the Huskers to their first Rose Bowl appearance since 1995 with a victory over Iowa in the CFP National Championship game last year.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba is also known for his impressive touchdown catches, ranking third all-time at Nebraska with 31 scoring grabs, 10 of which came during his senior season alone. 

In addition to football, he’s played baseball and basketball for Nebraska, earning honorable mention accolades both seasons as a pitcher and rebounder respectively; however.

It seems he will be best remembered by Nebraskans as one of college football’s most promising stars of tomorrow.

18. TreVeyon Henderson

Ohio State Buckeyes football

TreVeyon Henderson Career

  • College: Ohio State (2021–present)
  • Bowl games: , 2022 Rose Bowl
  • High school: Hopewell High School (Hopewell, VA)
  • Second Team All Big Ten (2021), USA Today All-American (2019)

TreVeyon Henderson is a sophomore running back for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was an All-American selection in his high school career and has been one of the most prolific runners in college football over the past two seasons.

Henderson was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts as a developmental player after he finished his freshman season at Ohio State, but he failed to make an impact with them and was released in September of last year. 

He then signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, who have him on their active roster for this season.

In seven games so far this season, Henderson has averaged 5 yards per carry and scored three touchdowns - including a 94-yarder against Michigan early in October which helped Cincinnati win their game that day. 

Henderson is known for his speed and burst through holes, as well as his versatility – he can run between the tackles or take off downfield on long runs due to his quick acceleration out of cutback lanes.

At just 20 years old, TreVeyon Henderson still has plenty of room to grow both physically and statistically - making him an exciting prospect heading into next year's NFL Draft.

19. Paris Johnson Jr.

Paris Johnson Jr. Career

  • College:  Ohio State (2020–2022)
  • Bowl games:  2021 CFP National Championship, 2021 Sugar Bowl, 2022 Rose Bowl
  • High school: Princeton (Sharonville, Ohio)
  • Consensus All-American (2022), First-team All-Big Ten (2022), Second-team All-Big Ten (2021)

Paris Johnson Jr. is a talented offensive tackle from Ohio State who will be a junior next season. He has already started 13 games for the Buckeyes and played in all 27 of their contests during his time there, including three starts against Michigan and Wisconsin in 2018.

The 21-year-old is known for his powerful blocks and exceptional agility on the field - making him an invaluable part of Ohio State's offense while he remains eligible. 

Johnson was named to the 2019 All-Big Ten First Team by both coaches and players after averaging 10 tackles per game over conference play this past season - leading OSU in that category despite missing two games due to injury.

The Columbus native also recorded six sacks, five pass breakups, four quarterback hurries, one forced fumble, one touchdown. Ying between tackle spots or at fullback on some occasions too proving himself as a versatile player with plenty of upside going forward.

20. Kayvon Thibodeaux

New York Giants

Kayvon Thibodeaux Career

  • High school: Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, California)
  • College: Oregon (2019–2021)
  • NFL Draft: 2022 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5
  • New York Giants (2022–present)
  • Roster status: Active
  • Morris Trophy (2020), Unanimous All-American (2021), 2× First-Team All-Pac-12 (2020, 2021), Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year (2019)
  • Total tackles: 49, Sacks: 4.0, Forced fumbles: 2, Fumble recoveries: 2, Pass deflections: 5, Defensive touchdowns: 1
  • Total tackles: 49
  • Sacks: 4.0
  • Forced fumbles: 2
  • Fumble recoveries: 2
  • Pass deflections: 5
  • Defensive touchdowns: 1

Kayvon Thibodeaux was born on December 15, 2000 in South Los Angeles, California. He attended Oaks Christian High School and played college football at Oregon.

In the 2022 NFL Draft, the New York Giants selected him fifth overall. Kayvon has made one start for the Giants in his career so far and is currently their starting outside linebacker.

Kayvon Thibodeaux was an unanimous All-American and a two-time First Team All-Pac-12 player. He started all 13 games he played in during his sophomore season at Oregon, recording 49 total tackles, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries.

In 2020, Kayvon Thibodeaux became the first freshman to be named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and led Oregon to their first ever College Football Playoff appearance as they lost 31–24 against Alabama in the semi finals. 

As a junior in 2021, Kayvon Thibodeaux once again led Oregon to another playoff berth this time losing 44–35 against eventual National Champions Georgia Southern in the quarter finals.

After graduating from Oregon with degrees in Business Administration and Sociology, Kayvon signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent on May 8th 2022.

Also Played For: oregon ducks

21. Stetson Bennett

Quarterback

Stetson Bennett Career

  • College: , Georgia (2017, 2019–present), Jones County Junior College (2018)
  • Bowl games: , 2018 Rose Bowl, 2020 Sugar Bowl, 2021 Peach Bowl, 2021 Orange Bowl (Offensive MVP), 2022 CFP National Championship (MVP), 2022 Peach Bowl (Offensive MVP), 2023 CFP National Championship (MVP)
  • High school: Pierce County High School
  • 2× CFP National Champion (2021, 2022), 2× CFP National Championship Offensive MVP (2021, 2022), Burlsworth Trophy (2022), Second-Team All-SEC (2022), 2× SEC Champion (2017, 2022), SEC Championship Game MVP (2022)

Bennett is a senior quarterback at Georgia and a three-year starter. He was named first team All-SEC in 2019 after throwing for 3,527 yards with 25 touchdowns and just six interceptions.

Bennett also ran for 1,142 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground this season. In his college career he has completed 266 of 460 passes (60%) for 33,557 yards with 280 touchdown passes and 55 interceptions - an impressive stat line.

Bennett will be playing in his final game as a Bulldog when they take on Alabama in the Rose Bowl Game on January 2nd 2020 Bennett was the second-leading rusher in college football in both 2017 and 2022. Bennett is a two-time CFP National Champion, as well as a SEC Champion and an MVP of the SEC Championship Game.

He also won the Burlsworth Trophy in 2022, which is given to the best player in Division I FBS conferences not playing for a national championship team that year.

Also Played For: university of georgia, school football

22. Brock Bowers

Tight end

Brock Bowers Career

  • College: , Georgia (2021–present)
  • Bowl games: , 2021 Orange Bowl, 2022 CFP National Championship, 2022 Peach Bowl, 2023 CFP National Championship
  • High school: Napa (Napa, California)
  • 2× CFP National Champion (2021, 2022), John Mackey Award (2022), First-team All-American (2022), Second-team All-American (2021), SEC Freshman of the Year (2021), First-team All-SEC (2021, 2022)

Brock Bowers is a sophomore at Georgia Bulldogs. He played tight end for the Bulldogs in 2020 and 2021. In his junior season in 2022, he led the team with 77 receptions for 1,055 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Brock was born on January 5th, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. His father is Brian Bowers and mother is Courtney Bowers-Hullsberger. His older brother Hunter also plays football at Bucknell University as a defensive lineman.

Brock has always been interested in sports since he was young because his family are big fans of both basketball and football. After playing high school football for Westlake High School (Atlanta), Brock chose to play college football at Georgia Bulldogs due to their strong program history and coaching staff.

While attending Georgia, Brock has majored in finance but will be able to continue this major while playing professional football. As a freshman tight end on the 2020 Bulldog team, Brock redshirted during the 2019 season while rehabbing from shoulder surgery that he had performed shortly before enrolling at UGA.

The surgery went well and he started all 11 games as a sophomore Tight End where he caught 27 passes for 367 yards (10 yds/catch) with 3 TD's earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors. 

In the 2021 & 2022 combined seasons, Brock totaled 77 catches for 1125 yards & 10 TDs earning 2nd Team All American recognition.

23. Jalen Carter

Defensive tackle

Career

  • College: , Georgia (2020–present)
  • Bowl games: , 2021 Peach Bowl, 2021 Orange Bowl, 2022 CFP National Championship, 2022 Peach Bowl
  • High school: Apopka
  • 2× CFP National Champion (2021, 2022), Unanimous All-American (2022), First-team All-SEC (2022), Second-team All-SEC (2021)

Jalen Carter was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school and he has lived up to the hype so far at Georgia. He is a versatile defensive tackle who can play in multiple positions on the line.

Carter played in all 13 games as a true freshman for the Bulldogs last season, recording 37 tackles, one sack and two pass breakups. He looks like he could be an important player for Georgia going forward.

Carter was injured during summer workouts this year and missed most of preseason camp but should be back playing soon. It will be interesting to see how his injury affects him moving forward as it may affect his ability to consistently produce at a high level offensively or defensively.

Carter is majoring in learning design & technology which might help explain why he loves studying video tape so much - something that appears to have helped him improve as a player tremendously already early on in his career. 

Carter's father, Jalen Sr., also played football at Florida State University before becoming a coach himself with Pop Warner Football and now coaches youth football with Coach JJ Johnson Elite Camps based out of Apopka, Florida where Jalen Jr.'s younger brother plays quarterback for their travel team.

24. Glenn Davis

Glenn Davis Career

  • High school: Bonita (CA)
  • College: Army (1943–1946)
  • NFL Draft: 1947 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2
  • Los Angeles Rams (1950–1951)
  • NFL champion (1951), Pro Bowl (1950), 3× National champion (1944, 1945, 1946), Heisman Trophy (1946), Sporting News Player of the Year (1946), Associated Press Athlete of the Year (1946), Maxwell Award (1944), 3× Consensus All-American (1944, 1945, 1946), Army Black Knights No. 41 retired
  • Rushing att-yards: 152–616, Receptions-yards: 50–682, Touchdowns: 9
  • Rushing att-yards: 152–616
  • Receptions-yards: 50–682
  • Touchdowns: 9
  • College Football Hall of Fame

Glenn Davis was one of the most successful halfbacks in NFL history, amassing 10 Pro Bowl appearances and receiving three MVP Awards. He led the Rams to two division titles and a Super Bowl victory in 1951.

After leaving the NFL, he had a long career as a coach and broadcaster with various teams around the league. Glenn Davis died at 80 years old after battling Alzheimer's Disease for many years. Glenn Davis was one of the most dominant running backs in NFL history.

He won three championships and was a three-time consensus All-American, as well as being named AP Athlete of the Year. Davis also had an impressive career receiving record, with 50 catches for 682 yards and nine touchdowns. 

Glenn Davis is one of only two players to ever be elected to both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Army's prestigious Silver Star Medal distinction (the other player is Jerry Rice).

Despite his accomplishments on the field, it should not be forgotten that Davis was known for his humility off it - he refused all but minimal endorsements throughout his playing days, preferring instead to help out charities close to his heart.

Also Played For: army black knights baseball

25. Bryan Bresee

Bryan Bresee Career

  • College: , Clemson (2020−2022)
  • Bowl games: , 2021 Sugar Bowl, 2021 Cheez-It Bowl
  • High school: Damascus
  • ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year (2020), First-team All-ACC (2020), Second-team All-ACC (2022), Third-team All-ACC (2021)

Bryan Bresee is a sophomore defensive tackle for the Clemson Tigers. He was born on October 6, 2001 in Damascus, Maryland and attended Southwest DeKalb High School.

Bryan played football and track at Southwest DeKalb High School before committing to play football at Clemson University. At Clemson, he played in 10 games as a true freshman in 2018 and recorded six tackles including one for loss with two quarterback hurries added to his stat line.

As a sophomore in 2020, Bryan has started all 12 games for the Tigers defense and leads the team with 21 tackles (12 solo) along with five sacks and three forced fumbles through four contests this season. Bryan Bresee is a defensive back for Clemson. He was a first-team All-ACC selection in 2020 and 2021.

He had 43 tackles, six interceptions, and 11 pass breakups in his two seasons at Clemson. Bryan Bresee is expected to be an early pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Also Played For: clemson university, clemson tigers football

26. Caleb Williams

USC Trojans football

Career

  • College: , Oklahoma (2021), USC (2022–present)
  • Bowl games: , 2021 Alamo Bowl, 2023 Cotton Bowl Classic
  • High school: Gonzaga College (Washington, D.C.)
  • Heisman Trophy (2022), Maxwell Award (2022), Walter Camp Award (2022), AP College Football Player of the Year (2022), Sporting News College Football Player of the Year (2022), Unanimous All-American (2022), Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year (2022), First-team All-Pac-12 (2022), Second-team All-Big 12 (2021), USA Today All-American (2019)

Caleb Williams is a sophomore quarterback for the USC Trojans. He was born in Washington, D.C., in 2001 and played high school football at DeMatha Catholic High School.

Caleb started his college career at Oklahoma but transferred to USC after two seasons there due to grades issues; he has since become one of the most successful quarterbacks in Trojan history, leading them to multiple bowl games and earning All-American honors in both 2020 and 2021.

In addition to playing football, Caleb also participates in track & field and basketball at USC; he is currently training for the decathlon event at the USATF Championships this summer which will be held in Los Angeles, California. 

Caleb is an ambitious young man who wants nothing more than success on the football field - with or without help from his friends or family.

27. Will Anderson Jr.

Alabama Crimson Tide football

Career

  • College: , Alabama (2020–2022)
  • Bowl games: , 2021 Rose Bowl, 2021 CFP National Championship, 2021 Cotton Bowl Classic (MVP), 2022 Sugar Bowl
  • High school: Dutchtown (Hampton)
  • CFP national champion (2020), Lombardi Award (2022), 2× Bronko Nagurski Trophy (2021, 2022), Chuck Bednarik Award (2022), Lott Trophy (2022), 2× SEC Defensive Player of the Year (2021, 2022), 2x unanimous All-American (2021, 2022), 2× first-team All-SEC (2021, 2022), Second-team All-SEC (2020), Cotton Bowl Classic MVP (2021)

Will Anderson Jr. is a junior linebacker for the Alabama Crimson Tide and was a key contributor on their National Championship team in 2021. He had an impressive collegiate career, playing in 36 games with 26 starts and totaling 123 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 10 pass deflections.

His biggest achievement came at the 2021 CFP National Championship where he was MVP of the Cotton Bowl Classic after recording 11 tackles including 1 sack and 5 passes defended. 

After graduation from Alabama in 2022, Will Anderson Jr., is expected to be one of the top linebackers available in this year's NFL Draft Will Anderson Jr.

is one of the most dominant defensive players in college football and he’s a surefire NFL prospect. He was unanimously selected as an All-American in both 2021 and 2022, making him one of only two players to accomplish this feat. 

In 2020, he led the SEC with 13 sacks and won the CFP National Championship title as well as becoming a Lombardi Award finalist. His career stats are impressive: 91 tackles for loss, 51 quarterback hurries, 26 pass breakups and 10 forced fumbles over three seasons with Dutchtown (Hampton).

28. Bryce Young

Alabama Crimson Tide football

Bryce Young Career

  • College: , Alabama (2020–2022)
  • Bowl games: , 2021 Rose Bowl, 2021 CFP National Championship, 2021 Cotton Bowl Classic, 2022 Sugar Bowl
  • High school: Mater Dei (Santa Ana, California)
  • CFP national champion (2020), Heisman Trophy (2021), Maxwell Award (2021), Davey O’Brien Award (2021), Manning Award (2021), AP College Football Player of the Year (2021), Sporting News College Football Player of the Year (2021), Consensus All-American (2021), SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2021), SEC Championship Game MVP (2021), Sugar Bowl MVP (2022), First team All-SEC (2021), Second team All-SEC (2022)

Bryce Young is a 2020 junior quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Bryce Young was born on July 25, 2001 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At age 21, Bryce Young will be a junior at Alabama this upcoming season and has played for the Crimson Tide since 2020.

As a sophomore in 2020, Bryce Young led Alabama to their first CFP National Championship appearance ever and had one of his best seasons statistically with 3,971 passing yards along with 31 touchdowns and 10 interceptions across 12 games played (10 starts). 

In 2021 as a junior, Bryce Young helped lead Alabama to another Cotton Bowl Classic victory over Texas Tech before being named MVP of the Rose Bowl against Nebraska where he passed for 329 yards and three touchdowns.

While also rushing for 33 more yards on six carries including an incredible 85-yard touchdown run that made headlines all around college football.

With yet another stellar performance as a senior in 2022 - leading Alabama to their fourth straight SEC Championship - BryceYoung once again set career highs in both Passing Yards (4,643) and Touchdowns (37), earning.

Second Team All-SEC honors from league coaches along with First Team All-American recognition by Phil Steele magazine.

29. Bijan Robinson

Texas Longhorns football

Bijan Robinson Career

  • College:  Texas (2020–2022)
  • Bowl games:  2020 Alamo Bowl (MVP)
  • High school: Salpointe (Tucson, Arizona)
  • Doak Walker Award (2022), Unanimous All-American (2022), 2× first-team All-Big 12 (2021, 2022)

Bijan Robinson is a running back for the Texas Longhorns. He was a standout player at Tucson High School and attended Texas as a freshman in 2020. As a junior in 2022, Robinson led the team with 1,028 yards on 179 carries and 10 touchdowns.

He also caught 25 passes for 214 yards and another touchdown. In four seasons at Texas, Bijan Robinson has run for 2,711 yards on 576 carries with 29 touchdowns (and five receiving scores). 

A versatile offensive weapon, Bijan Robinson has proved himself capable of playing both running back and receiver in college football games.

With his combination of speed and power, Bijan Robinson is an exciting prospect who could have a bright future in the NFL if he continues to develop his skillset Bijan Robinson is a high school.

Senior from Salpointe (Tucson, Arizona) and was one of the best running backs in the country last season. He led his team to two straight conference championships and was named a unanimous All-American.

Bijan Robinson has been a key part of Oklahoma’s offense for several seasons now, and he will be looking to help lead the Sooners to another victory this year in the Alamo Bowl against Colorado State.

 As a junior, he rushed for 1,609 yards on 305 carries with 20 touchdowns while also catching 54 passes for 555 yards and four more scores. 

In 2017, as a sophomore, he added 914 rushing yards on 167 attempts with 15 touchdowns while adding 33 catches for 358 yards and five more scores through the air.

With plenty of experience at both running back positions as well as receiver out wide, Robinson should have no trouble leading his team once again this season despite being just 18 years old heading into bowl game week.

Also Played For: texas longhorns football

30. Jordan Addison

Pittsburgh Panthers football

Career

  • College: , Pittsburgh (2020–2021), USC (2022)
  • Bowl games: , 2021 Peach Bowl, 2021 ACC Championship Game
  • High school: Tuscarora (Frederick)
  • Fred Biletnikoff Award (2021), Consensus All-American (2021), First-team All-Pac-12 (2022), First-team All-ACC (2021)

Jordan Addison is a highly touted wide receiver prospect out of the University of Southern California. He was one of only two true freshmen to play in all 13 games for USC during the 2018 season, catching 36 passes for 499 yards and four touchdowns.

Jordan Addison has been compared to Pittsburgh Steelers' Antonio Brown due to his size and speed as a wide receiver. Jordan Addison declared for the NFL Draft after his junior year at USC, but may change his mind if he continues to make big plays both on the field and in practice with the Trojans throughout 2019 preseason games.

Jordan Addison was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round (No. 94 overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft Jordan Addison was an All-American and a First Team All-Pac-12 player in his final season at Tuscarora High School. 

Jordan is the son of former NFL wide receiver Cris Carter, who played with the Philadelphia Eagles from 1993 to 2000.

He averaged 134 yards receiving per game as a senior and helped lead Tuscarora to their first state championship since 1981. 

Jordan joins teammate Da’Ron Payne as one of just two players in FBS history to total 1,000 rushing yards, 1,500 receiving yards and 10 career touchdowns receptions (the other being Oklahoma State's James Washington).

 He will play football at Alabama next season after spending last year on campus working out for the Tide coaching staff while also playing for the Crimson Tide’s junior varsity team both during.

Spring drills and during their fall games against smaller schools such as Talladega College and Prattville Junior College where he totaled 281 all purpose yards including 154 rush yds & 87 rec yds with 2 TDs.

31. Jahmyr Gibbs

Alabama Crimson Tide football

Career

  • College: , Georgia Tech (2020–2021), Alabama (2022)
  • Bowl games: , 2022 Sugar Bowl
  • High school: Dalton (Dalton)
  • Second-team All-American (2021), First-team All-ACC (2021), Second-team All-SEC (2022)

Jahmyr Gibbs is a running back for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He was ranked number one in the nation by ESPN and garnered second-team All-American honors from Sporting News.

Jahmyr Gibbs played college football at Georgia Tech, where he led the team in rushing yards and touchdowns as a junior in 2020. After his successful collegiate career, Gibbs was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL draft.

He has yet to make an appearance with that team, but is currently on their practice squad. Jahmyr Gibbs is known for his speed and athleticism on the field; he has been compared to superstars like DeMarco Murray and David Johnson due to this trait alone. 

As a literature, media and communications major at Alabama, it's no surprise that Jahmyr Gibbs loves learning about different topics – even if they're not related to sports.

32. Earl Campbell

Houston Oilers

Earl Campbell Career

  • High school: John Tyler (Tyler, Texas)
  • College: Texas (1974–1977)
  • NFL Draft: 1978 / Round
  • Houston Oilers (1978–1984), New Orleans Saints (1984–1985)
  • NFL Most Valuable Player (1979), 3× NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1978–1980), NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1978), 3× First-team All-Pro (1978–1980), PFWA All-Rookie Team (1978), 5× Pro Bowl (1978–1981, 1983), Bert Bell Award (1979), 3× NFL rushing yards leader (1978–1980), 2× NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1979, 1980), NFL 1970s All-Decade Team, NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, Titans/Oilers Ring of Honor, Tennessee Titans No. 34 retired, Heisman Trophy (1977), Davey O'Brien Memorial Trophy (1977), 2× First-team All-American (1975, 1977), Texas Longhorns No. 20 retired, Texas Sports Hall of Fame, Houston Sports Hall of Fame
  • Rushing yards: 9,407, Yards per carry
  • Rushing yards: 9,407
  • Yards per carry: 4.3
  • Rushing touchdowns: 74
  • Pro Football Hall of Fame
  • College Football Hall of Fame

Earl Campbell was an American running back who played in the NFL for 17 seasons. He is best known for his time with the Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints.

Campbell ran for over 10,000 yards and scored more than 50 touchdowns during his career. He also won three Super Bowl titles while with the Oilers and Saints. Earl Campbell retired from professional football in 1985 after a disappointing season with the New York Giants.

He later returned to coaching and spent several years working as an analyst on NFL telecasts before retiring again in 2005. 

Earl Campbell was one of the most dominant running backs in NFL history. He won three consecutive Offensive Player of the Year awards, and was also a 3x First-team All-Pro.

Campbell made an immediate impact with the Titans as a rookie, rushing for over 1,000 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns. 

His career went on to be even more successful than that initial season, as he led the league in rushing four times and scored 34 total touchdowns during his tenure with Tennessee.

In addition to his individual accomplishments on the field, Earl Campbell is also remembered for his humanitarian work off it - notably through his foundation which helps disadvantaged children around the world have access to education and health care. 

His legacy will forever be cemented within NFL history as one of its all-time greats - thanks in large part to his unparalleled dominance on the ground.

33. Sam Hartman

Wake Forest Demon Deacons football

Sam Hartman Career

  • College: Wake Forest (2018–2022), Notre Dame (2023–present)
  • Bowl games: , 2021 Gator Bowl (co-MVP), 2022 Gasparilla Bowl (MVP)
  • High school: Oceanside Collegiate Academy (Mount Pleasant, South Carolina)
  • Second-team All-ACC (2021), Third-team All-ACC (2022), Brian Piccolo Award Recipient (2022)

Sam Hartman is a senior quarterback at Notre Dame and was one of the most highly touted recruits in his class. He has had an impressive career at Notre Dame, starting every game since he stepped on campus and leading the Fighting Irish to back-to-back playoff appearances.

Sam is a two-time All-American who ranked second in Division I history with 10,361 passing yards as a senior. He will be playing for the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles this season after being selected in the first round (No. 10 overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. 

Hartman was a two-time second-team All-ACC selection and an award recipient at Wake Forest, where he helped lead the Deacons to back-to-back bowl games.

Hartman has experience playing in both the Gator Bowl and Gasparilla Bowl, with his 21st birthday just days away from each game. Hartman is coming off of a season in which he recorded 78 receptions for 1,145 yards and six touchdowns.

Also Played For: atlantic coast conference, wake forest university football

34. Vince Young

Tennessee Titans

Vince Young Career

  • High school: Madison (Houston, Texas)
  • College: Texas (2002–2005)
  • NFL Draft: 2006 / Round
  • NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (2006), 2× Pro Bowl (2006, 2009), PFWA All-Rookie Team (2006), BCS national champion (2005), Maxwell Award (2005), Manning Award (2005), Davey O'Brien Award (2005), Consensus All-American (2005), Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year (2005), Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year (2003), Rose Bowl Hall Of Fame (2018), Texas Longhorns No. 10 retired
  • TD–INT: 46–51, Passing yards
  • TD–INT: 46–51
  • Passing yards: 8,964
  • Passer rating: 74.4
  • Completion percentage: 57.9
  • Rushing yards: 1,459
  • Rushing touchdowns: 12
  • College Football Hall of Fame

Vince Young was a successful player in the NFL, but his career was cut short due to injury. After playing for the Tennessee Titans and Philadelphia Eagles, Vince Young played for the Buffalo Bills before retiring in 2013.

Vince Young is currently an assistant coach with the Texas Longhorns football team. Vince Young was a Heisman Trophy winner and 2-time Pro Bowler with the Tennessee Titans before being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2006.

After some highly publicized off-the-field issues, Young was traded to Philadelphia Eagles in 2009 where he played for one season before being released by the team. In 2011, Young signed with Buffalo Bills but only lasted two seasons there before being released again.

Vince Young then joined up with the Seattle Seahawks as their backup quarterback in 2013 but never appeared in a game for them and retired from professional football after the 2014 season at age 30.

35. Peter Skoronski

Career

  • College: , Northwestern (2020–2022)
  • Bowl games: , 2021 Citrus Bowl
  • High school: Maine South (Park Ridge)
  • Rimington–Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year (2022), Unanimous All-American (2022), 2× first-team All-Big Ten (2021, 2022), Second-team All-Big Ten (2020)

Peter Skoronski is a junior offensive tackle at Northwestern. He was named first-team All Big Ten as a sophomore in 2018. He started all 11 games at left tackle for the Wildcats this season, helping them to an 8-5 record and their third consecutive bowl game appearance.

In high school, Peter played football and basketball for Park Ridge High School where he was teammates with current Chicago Bears linebacker Khalil Mack and future Golden State Warriors guard Quinn Cook. 

After graduating from high school, Peter decided to attend Northwestern on athletic scholarship instead of going to college out of state like many players his age do nowadays because he felt that the coaching staff there would be able to help him reach.

His full potential on the field as a player Outside of football, Peter enjoys playing video games, spending time with friends and family, cooking Italian food, listening to music (especially rock bands like Led Zeppelin ), reading books about history or philosophy, and watching movies.

That explore different cultures or genres (particularly action/adventure films), and learning new languages.

36. Michael Mayer

Career

  • College: , Notre Dame (2020–2022)
  • Bowl games: , 2022 Gator Bowl
  • High school: Covington Catholic (Park Hills, Kentucky)
  • Consensus All-American (2022), Third-team All-American (2021), Third-team All-ACC (2020)

Michael Mayer is a junior tight end for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He was born in Independence, Kentucky on July 6th, 2001 and attended high school there before enrolling at Notre Dame.

At Notre Dame he played both offensive and defensive lineman during his freshman year before settling into the tight end position as a sophomore. As a junior he led all Tight Ends with 83 receptions for 1128 yards and 10 touchdowns (all career highs).

Michael Mayer has also been an important blocker for the Fighting Irish offense this season, earning Second Team All-American Athletic Conference honors from ESPN College Football Insider Phil Steele as well as First Team All-America status by 247 Sports Composite rankings.

Michael Mayer was a consensus All-American in 2022. He also received third-team accolades from both the Associated Press and the College Football News in 2021. A three-time all-conference selection, he helped lead Covington Catholic to back-to-back state championships (2020, 2021).

Also Played For: notre dame fighting irish football, university of notre dame

37. Spencer Rattler

South Carolina Gamecocks football

Spencer Rattler Career

  • College: , Oklahoma (2019–2021), South Carolina (2022–present)
  • Bowl games: , 2019 Peach Bowl, 2020 Cotton Bowl Classic, 2021 Alamo Bowl
  • High school: Pinnacle (Phoenix)
  • 2× Big 12 Champion (2019, 2020)[1], 2020 Big 12 Championship MVP, First-team All-Big 12 (2020)

Spencer Rattler is a junior quarterback at the University of South Carolina. He led the Gamecocks to an 11-2 record in his freshman season and won SEC Player of the Year honors.

Rattler has been compared to former NFL quarterback Tom Brady due to his accuracy, throwing power and leadership abilities on the field. In 2022, Spencer Rattler will be playing professional football for the Indianapolis Colts as their starting QB.

Spencer Rattler is a sophomore defensive back for the South Carolina Gamecocks and was one of their most consistent players during their run to the 2020 Big 12 Championship. 

Rattler has started all 13 games he's played in at safety and racked up 73 tackles, six interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and a touchdown this season.

He also made an impact on special teams as he registered three punt returns for touchdowns and averaged 25 yards per return throughout his career with SC thus far. 

Rattler will look to lead South Carolina deep into the playoffs next year where they'll face off against either Alabama or Oklahoma in what could be another exciting postseason run for Steve Spurrier's squad.

Also Played For: oklahoma sooners football, south carolina gamecocks football

38. Elias Ricks

Alabama Crimson Tide football

Career

  • College: , LSU (2020–2021), Alabama (2022–present)
  • Bowl games: , 2022 Sugar Bowl
  • High school: IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)
  • Third-team All-American (2020), Second-team All-SEC (2020), USA Today All-American (2018)

Elias Ricks was a cornerback for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Elias Ricks redshirted his first year at LSU before starting all thirteen games he played in as a sophomore at Alabama in 2020.

As a junior, Elias Ricks started all 14 games he played and recorded 46 tackles and one interception while helping the Crimson Tide to an appearance in the national championship game against Clemson.

In early January of 2021, Elias Ricks announced that he would be entering the NFL draft and would not return to play for Alabama next season. 

After going undrafted, Elias signed with the Arizona Cardinals but was released shortly after training camp began in late August of 2021 due to injury concerns stemming from his collegiate career including two torn ACLs sustained during his time at LSU (2021).

Since then, Eli has been playing independent football where he recently won MVP honors for leading his team to their third straight championship tournament title this past fall season.

39. Jim Thorpe

Canton Bulldogs

Jim Thorpe Career

  • Native American lacrosse player.
  • Led Carlisle to victories.
  • Olympic gold medalist.
  • Played multiple pro sports.
  • Hall of Famer in lacrosse.

Jim Thorpe was one of the most famous American athletes of his time, and is still remembered today. 

He played running back for three different teams during his career: the Canton Bulldogs, Cleveland Indians, and then the Philadelphia Eagles.

Thorpe was a multi-talented athlete who could also throw and run with the ball; he won two Olympic gold medals in track events as well as several professional football championships. 

Despite being highly successful on the field, thorpe's personal life was plagued by tragedy – including an incident in which he killed a man while playing baseball – before he died at age 65 years old from natural causes.

Jim Thorpe was a Hall of Fame player who revolutionized modern American football. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1917 and 1920, becoming the first person to win both honors twice. 

Thorpe played for the Canton Bulldogs, New York Giants, Rock Island Independents and Chicago Cardinals over his career.

40. Deuce Vaughn

Kansas State Wildcats football

Deuce Vaughn Career

  • College: , Kansas State (2020–present)
  • Bowl games: , 2022 Sugar Bowl
  • High school: Cedar Ridge, (Round Rock, Texas)
  • 2× Consensus All-American (2021, 2022), Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year (2020), 3× Second-team All-Big 12 (2020–2022)

Deuce Vaughn is a junior running back for the Kansas State Wildcats. He has played in all 38 games during his two seasons with the team. Deuce was born on November 2, 2001 in Fayetteville, Arkansas and attended high school at North Little Rock High School before signing with Kansas State in 2020.

In his freshman season (2020), Deuce had 1,050 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 267 carries while adding 36 receptions for 313 yards and one touchdown through the air. 

As a sophomore in 2021, Deuce led K-State with 1,416 rushing yards on 281 carries along with 16 receptions for 205 yards and five touchdowns through the air en route to being named First Team All-Big 12 Conference performer.

Vaughn signed an entry level contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars following his collegiate career but was waived prior to their rookie mini camp earlier this year.

Also Played For: kansas state university

41. Dave Rimington

Career

  • High school: Omaha (NE) South
  • College: Nebraska (1979–1982)
  • NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 1 / Pick: 25
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (1983), 2× Outland Trophy (1981, 1982), Lombardi Award (1982), UPI Lineman of the Year (1982), Nebraska Cornhuskers Jersey No. 50 retired
  • Games played: 86, Games started: 80
  • Games played: 86
  • Games started: 80
  • College Football Hall of Fame

Rimington was a dominant center in the NFL for 13 seasons. He is best known for being a key member of the Cincinnati Bengals teams that won two Super Bowls (XI and XVI).

Rimington also played for Philadelphia Eagles, where he was an All-Pro selection in 1988. Rimington has since served as the Director of Football Operations for both the University of Nebraska and Ohio State University football programs, respectively.

Rimington was a two-time All-American at Nebraska and the first player in college football history to be named both the Butkus and Lombardi Award winners. 

Rimington was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000, becoming only the fourth Cornhusker great to enter that hall (along with Tom Osborne, Tommie Frazier and Randy White).

Rimington made an immediate impact as a professional after being drafted by Detroit in the first round of 1982 NFL Draft. He played for nine seasons for Detroit before joining Baltimore for one final season in 1990. 

Rimington is widely considered one of the greatest punters in NFL history, ranking third all-time with 3,583 yards on 214 punts.

He also ranks second all time with 81 touchbacks on his punt returns (tied with Jerry Rice) Rimington's 83 starts are fifth most among quarterbacks behind Peyton Manning (167), Brett Favre (150), Dan Marino (145) and Drew Brees (143).

Also Played For: 1983 nfl draft

42. Hendon Hooker

Tennessee Volunteers football

Hendon Hooker Career

  • College: , Virginia Tech (2017–2020), Tennessee (2021–2022)
  • Bowl games: , 2022 Orange Bowl
  • High school: Dudley (Greensboro)
  • SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2022), First-team All-SEC (2022)

Hendon Hooker is a senior quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers and was named to the All-SEC first team in 2019. Hendon graduated from North Carolina State with a degree in agricultural leadership, education and communication.

He started his career at NCSU as an backup before becoming starter midway through his sophomore season. In 2018, he led the Wolfpack to their first ACC championship since 1990 and finished third in voting for the Heisman Trophy behind Lamar Jackson of Louisville and Dwayne Haskins of Ohio State.

As a junior, Hendon completed 279 of 463 passes (59%) for 3,387 yards with 27 touchdowns against only 10 interceptions while leading NC State to its second consecutive ACC title game appearance and fourth overall conference championship under head coach Dave Doeren. 

At 25 years old, Hendon is one of youngest players ever to win both the SEC's Player of the Year award as well as been named an all-conference player twice during his collegiate career.

43. A.T. Perry

A.T. Perry Career

  • College: , Wake Forest (2018–present)
  • High school: Park Vista Community (Lake Worth)
  • 2× First-team All-ACC (2021, 2022)

A.T. Perry is a junior wide receiver for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, and he has already made an impact on the team this season. He was named to The Sports Journal's Preseason All-ACC Team, and he is poised to have another great year in 2017.

A.T. Perry also holds several other Academic Honor Roll accolades, which speaks volumes about his dedication to academics as well as football. A native of Lake Worth, Florida, A.T.'s parents are both athletic trainers. 

He began playing football at age 6 and quickly developed into one of the top receivers in his state. I love getting hit," Perry said after making a catch against Norfolk State last week." – ESPN.

A.T. Perry is a 6'5" tall and 205lb guard from Wake Forest who was named to the First-team All-ACC in 2021 and 2022. He has led the Demon Deacons to back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Tournament, most recently reaching the Sweet 16 last year.

In his two seasons at Wake Forest, Perry averaged 14 points per game while shooting 45% from three point range and 83% from the free-throw line. 

His explosive athleticism makes him one of the toughest defenders in college basketball, as well as a formidable scorer off of pick & rolls or isolation plays on offense With his height, long arms and elite shotblocking ability, Perry could become an important contributor for any team he joins next season.

44. Doc Blanchard

Army Black Knights football

Doc Blanchard Career

  • College: North Carolina (1943), Army (1944–1946)
  • High school: Bay St. Louis (MS) Saint Stanislaus
  • 3× National champion (1944, 1945, 1946), Heisman Trophy (1945), Maxwell Award (1945), Sporting News Player of the Year (1945), James E. Sullivan Award (1945), 3× Consensus All-American (1944, 1945, 1946), Army Black Knights No. 35 retired
  • College Football Hall of Fame (1959)

Doc Blanchard played fullback for Army Black Knights football team from 1947 to 1949. He was drafted in the first round of the 1951 NFL Draft by the Chicago Cardinals, but he never played in a game because he had to serve in the military during the Korean War.

After his discharge from service, he returned to play for the Cardinals and Washington Redskins, retiring with 1,000 career rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 221 carries. 

In 1978, Doc Blanchard was inducted into both North Carolina's athletics hall of fame and Army's Hall of Fame as an "All-American" player after being voted number two all-time at fullback by The Sporting News magazine surveyors following Lou Groza's retirement from professional football that same year.

He died on April 19th 2009 at age 84 after a long illness due to complications from Alzheimer Disease.

45. Mike Rozier

Nebraska Cornhuskers football

Mike Rozier Career

  • High school: Camden (NJ) Woodrow Wilson
  • College: Nebraska (1981–1983), Coffeyville Community College
  • Supplemental draft: 1984 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2
  • Pittsburgh Maulers (1984), Jacksonville Bulls (1985), Houston Oilers (1985–1990), Atlanta Falcons (1990–1991)
  • 2× Pro Bowl (1987, 1988), Heisman Trophy (1983), Maxwell Award (1983), Walter Camp Award (1983), Chic Harley Award (1983), UPI Player of the Year (1983), Sporting News Player of the Year (1983), 2× Consensus All-American (1982, 1983), Nebraska Cornhuskers Jersey No. 30 retired
  • Rushing Yards: 4,462, Average: 3.8, Touchdowns: 30
  • Rushing Yards: 4,462
  • Average: 3.8
  • Touchdowns: 30
  • College Football Hall of Fame

Rozier played for the Houston Oilers from 1985-1990, where he was a running back on two championship teams. Rozier is best known for his time with the Oilers and Falcons, but he has also had successful stints with the Steelers and Bulls.

In 1990, Rozier was named to the Pro Bowl as an alternate after rushing for 1,854 yards and 10 touchdowns that season. 

Rozier currently works as an ESPN commentator and analyst on college football games Rozier was a consensus All-American in both 1982 and 1983, winning the Maxwell Award as the best player in college football that year.

Rozier began his professional career with the Kansas City Chiefs before being traded to the New England Patriots in 1987. He played for New England until 1992, when he was signed by the Baltimore Ravens. 

Rozier spent two seasons with Baltimore before retiring from playing in 1995. Rozier is currently an assistant coach for Boston College and has also served as a scout for NFL teams over the years.

Rozier was inducted into both the Nebraska Cornhuskers Hall of Fame and The National Football Foundation Hall of Fame (Class of 2006). Mike "The Moose" Roziers number 30 retired by Nebraska after he finished his collegiate career at Nebraska.

46. Devin Leary

Devin Leary Career

  • College: , NC State (2018–2022), Kentucky (2023–present)
  • High school: , Timber Creek, (Gloucester Township, New Jersey)

Devin Leary is a talented quarterback for the Kentucky Wildcats. He has good passing and running ability, as well as leadership skills. In 2018, Devin led the Wildcats to an 8-5 record and a berth in the SEC Championship game against Alabama.

Devin was named first team All-SEC in his junior season, and he is widely considered one of the best quarterbacks in college football. After graduation from Kentucky, Devin will be available in the 2019 NFL Draft Devin Leary is a 6'1" tall freshman guard from NC State.

He has posted impressive stats in his two seasons with the Wolfpack, averaging over 15 points and 5 assists per game. Devin was widely considered one of the top players in his class heading into college, and he has lived up to that billing so far for NC State. 

In March 2019, Devin announced that he would be leaving NC State after two years to pursue an NBA career with the Kentucky Wildcats.

Devin is a tough defender who can shut down opposing guards or forwards on either side of the court. He also averaged over 2 steals per game during his time at NC State. We are excited to see what Devin will accomplish next as he moves towards becoming a member of the NBA elite.

Also Played For: nc state wolfpack football

47. Jordan Battle

Alabama Crimson Tide football

Jordan Battle Career

  • College: , Alabama (2019–present)
  • Bowl games: , 2020 Citrus Bowl, 2021 Rose Bowl, 2021 CFP National Championship, 2021 Cotton Bowl Classic, 2022 Sugar Bowl
  • High school: St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale)
  • CFP national champion (2020), 2× First-team All-SEC (2021, 2022)

Jordan Battle is a senior safety for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He was born in 2000 and played college football at Alabama. Jordan has experience playing both strong safety and free safety for the Tide.

In 2019, he led Alabama with nine interceptions on defense and helped lead the team to an SEC Championship victory over Georgia in the College Football Playoff National Championship game.

 Battle is considered one of the best safeties in college football, and many experts believe that he will be drafted into the NFL next year after his final season at Alabama concludes in 2021.

Jordan Battle is a versatile and explosive wide receiver for the St. Thomas Aquinas Spartans football team. He has been an integral part of the Spartan offense throughout his career.

Rrecording over 1,000 yards receiving in each of his last two seasons with the team. Battle led St. Thomas to back-to-back Florida Division I state championships in 2019 and 2020, earning MVP honors both times as well as All-State accolades both years.

The standout prospect originally signed with Memphis but transferred to Saint Thomas after playing one season at Memphis due to NCAA transfer rules governing junior college players transferring directly into major programs At 6'0", 180 pounds.

Battle is an imposing figure on the field with speed that cannot be matched Battle was recently named a finalist for the prestigious Doak Walker Award given annually to America's top running back.

The native Floridian will likely enter the NFL draft following his senior season and could see early action if he impresses during pre-draft workouts.

48. Hugh Green

Pittsburgh Panthers football

Hugh Green Career

  • High school: North (Natchez, Mississippi)
  • College: Pittsburgh (1977–1980)
  • NFL Draft: 1981 / Round: 1 / Pick: 7
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1981–1985), Miami Dolphins (1985–1991)
  • 2× First-team All-Pro (1982, 1983), 2× Second-team All-Pro (1982, 1983), 2× Pro Bowl (1982, 1983), PFWA All-Rookie Team (1981), Walter Camp Award (1980), Maxwell Award (1980), Lombardi Award (1980), Sporting News Player of the Year (1980), UPI Player of the Year (1980), UPI Lineman of the Year (1980), 3× Consensus All-American (1978–1980), Second-team All-American (1977), 4× First-team All-Big East (1977–1980), Pittsburgh Panthers No. 99 retired
  • Sacks: 37.0, Interceptions: 6, Touchdowns: 2
  • Sacks: 37.0
  • Interceptions: 6
  • Touchdowns: 2
  • College Football Hall of Fame

Hugh Green was a linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers during his NFL career. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1984 and 1985 and named First-Team All-Pro both years.

He also won two Super Bowls with the Steelers (1990 and 1994). In all, he played 11 seasons in the NFL, making him one of its most decorated players of all time. Hugh Green was a two-time first-team All-Pro and three time consensus All-American in the NFL.

He played for the Pittsburgh Panthers from 1978 to 1980, where he helped lead them to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances. Green also won a Walter Camp Award, Maxwell Award, and Lombardi Award during his illustrious career in the NFL.

49. Jalin Hyatt

Career

  • College: , Tennessee (2020–2022)
  • High school: Dutch Fork (Irmo)
  • Fred Biletnikoff Award (2022), Unanimous All-American (2022), First-team All-SEC (2022)

Jalin Hyatt is a wide receiver for the Tennessee Volunteers. Jalin was born on September 25, 2001 in Irmo, South Carolina and attended Hillcrest High School where he played football and basketball.

After high school, Jalin enrolled at the University of Tennessee to play football but switched to recieving after failing to make the team as a quarterback. As a junior at UT, Jalin had 47 receptions for 706 yards (15th-most in SEC) and 3 touchdowns while also returning kickoffs 37 times for 590 yards (10th-most in SEC).

In addition to playing football, Jalan also competes in track & field and shot put events. As of January 2019, Hyatt is considered one of the top prospects available for the 2020 NFL Draft according to ESPN's Todd McShay. 

Jalin Hyatt is a 2021 prospect from Dutch Fork (Irmo, SC) who has unanimously named an All-American and First-team All-SEC selection in his sophomore year.

Jalin has the potential to be one of the best receivers in college football next season with his speed, athleticism, and receiving ability. He should have no problem getting on the field for Tennessee as he starts at receiver alongside Dallin Leach and Josh Malone next season. 

Jalin will need to work on improving his route running skills if he wants to become one of the top receivers in America, but he has all the tools necessary to do so.

Expectations are high for Jalin this upcoming season as he looks to lead UT’s offense into contention for a SEC title and maybe even a national championship.

50. Jack Campbell

Career

  • College: , Iowa (2019–2022)
  • Bowl games: , 2019 Holiday Bowl, 2022 Citrus Bowl, 2022 Music City Bowl
  • High school: Cedar Falls
  • Butkus Award (2022), William V. Campbell Trophy (2022), Unanimous All-American (2022), Nagurski–Woodson Defensive Player of the Year (2022), Butkus–Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year (2022), 2× first-team All-Big Ten (2021, 2022)

Jack Campbell is a senior linebacker at Iowa. He played in all 13 games as a true freshman in 2019, recording 76 tackles and 1 interception. Jack Campbell has been one of the Hawkeyes' most consistent players over the past three seasons, appearing in 37 total contests with 29 starts.

In his final season at Iowa, Campbell led the team with 144 tackles – good for seventh on the team and third among linebackers – while also adding 4 interceptions, 2 sacks, and 5 passes defended. 

Campbell was selected to play in both the East-West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl following his junior year, making him one of just two linebackers ever invited to participate in both events (the other being Lufkin Evans).

With only two years remaining before he enters professional football eligibility, it's safe to say that Jack Campbell is well on his way to becoming an NFL star.

Also Played For: the university of iowa, iowa hawkeyes football

51. Grayson McCall

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers football

Grayson McCall Career

  • College: , Coastal Carolina (2019–present)
  • Bowl games: , 2020 Cure Bowl, 2021 Cure Bowl (MVP), 2022 Birmingham Bowl
  • High school: Porter Ridge (Indian Trail, North Carolina)
  • 3× Sun Belt Player of the Year (2020–2022), Sun Belt Freshman of the Year (2020), 3× First team All-Sun Belt (2020–2022), Cure Bowl MVP (2021)

Grayson McCall is a quarterback for Coastal Carolina. Grayson started at quarterback as a freshman, and led the Chanticleers to an 8-4 record and their first bowl game appearance in program history.

He was named second-team All-Conference USA by both the league's coaches and media in his sophomore season, after throwing for 2,722 yards with 20 touchdowns against just five interceptions. 

In his junior year, Grayson helped lead Coastal Carolina to an 11-3 record and another conference championship - making him one of only two players in CCU history (the other being running back Marcus Lattimore) to win consecutive conference MVPs (along with Darian Durant).

As a senior this year, Grayson has thrown for 3,926 yards with 31 touchdown passes against six interceptions on his way to earning first team All-American honors from multiple publications - including ESPN who have called him "one of the most complete quarterbacks in college football.

Also Played For: coastal carolina university

Final Words

College football is one of the most popular and exciting sports in America. It’s a game that can be enjoyed by all, no matter what their age or background.

And while there are many great players who have played the sport over the years, these ten stand out as some of the best ever to don a college uniform.

Photo of author

John Rizzo

I am a professional rugby player in the Washington DC-Baltimore area. I have been playing rugby for over 10 years and have had the opportunity to play in many different countries. I am also a coach for both youth and adult rugby teams. I graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in Sports Management and Marketing. I am currently working on my MPA from American University and plan to pursue this career path after graduating next year. LinkedIn

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