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Five reasons to look forward to 2010 in the NCAA
by Paul Hopkins
31/1/2010
With the Senior Bowl taking place yesterday and with a record number of juniors jumping ship to the NFL to get their hands on the money ahead of the end of the CBA and a looming lockout, I was drawn to begin wondering just who would be left in the college world to entertain this in 2010. I really shouldnt have been concerned.
The last two seasons weve been spoilt for choice, particularly at quarterback with the likes of Sam Bradford, the irrepressible Tim Tebow, Colt McCoy and even the likes of Jimmy Clausen lighting up scoreboards across the country. But they, as well as many others have now left their schools behind leaving us to search for a new set of playmakers to thrill and entertain us. Ive purposely kept out returning Heisman trophy winner Mark Ingram who will no doubt be running through defences again at will in 2010.
Here are my top five to watch for in 2010:
LaMichael James (RB) Oregon
 When LeGarrette Blount clocked a Boise State offensive lineman at the end of the first game of the NCAA season, Oregons season looked to be in tatters before it had even begun. Blount was regarded not only as a potential future first-round NFL draft pick but was the main player on whom the Ducks hopes were meant to rest. Step forward LaMichael James.
Unlike Blounts impressive combination of size and speed, James is elusive and has the ability to break a big play every time he gets his hands on the ball. His 6.72 yards per rush average is impressive enough, no doubt aided by his 20 plays of over 20 yards, but he accrued 14 TDs in the process. Blount eventually worked his way back into the rotation once his suspension was lifted but James kept up his momentum. Now the spot is all his, look for this explosive tailback to continue to shine.
Michael Floyd (WR) Notre Dame
 I put Floyd down with a little trepidation simply because he will no longer have Jimmy Clausen throwing him the ball and Golden Tate drawing coverage away from him. But Floyds stats are still too good to ignore. He missed five games in 2009 when he suffered a broken collarbone but still amassed 44 catches at an average of 18.1 yards per catch and 9 touchdowns.
Given Brian Kellys ability to construct an offence, as witnessed in Cincinnatti, expect Floyd to truly break out in 2010.
Ryan Broyles (WR) Oklahoma
 As a Longhorns fan, it pains me to acknowledge it but this guy might actually be the biggest playmaker in college football next season. His touchdown reception in the Red River rivalry game back in October highlighted what you get with Broyles. Great athleticism, control over his body and feet and the ability to make a play that should just be a checkdown into a touchdown.
With 17 touchdowns Broyles led the nation in receivers who will be back in 2010 and I expect him to dominate. Despite missing two games he had over 1000 yards receiving and 15 touchdowns. Oh, and he returns punts to devastating effect as Oklahoma State will testify.
Eligible for the draft, it surprised a few Big XII watchers that he didnt go to the NFL after the season he had in 2009. Instead, he has stuck with Bob Stoops who stuck by him after his legal difficulties suffered in his freshman year. I expect the Sooners coach will be rewarded with more of the same explosive plays in 2010.
Ryan Williams (RB) Virginia Tech
 This redshirt freshman exploded onto the scene in 2009, amassing a phenomenal 21 touchdowns on the ground at a return of 5.6 yards per carry. He deservedly carried off the ACCs Rookie of the Year crown. Arguably his crowning moment in a season full of highlights was his performance in the Chick-fil-a Bowl as Tech crushed Tennessee. Despite suffering an injury that forced him to leave the game Williams picked up 117 yards on 25 carries.
The sky is the limit if he continues at this rate. Watch the Hokies ride him right back into the top 10.
Kellen Moore (QB) Boise State
 No shortlist would be complete without looking at the quarterback position and after going back and forth over whether to go with Moore or Jerrod Johnson at Texas A+M, I plucked for the Broncos Moore.
Moore isnt exactly a secret anymore such is the profile that Boise State are now rightly getting on the national scene, and anytime a quarterback amasses 39 touchdown passes with only 3 interceptions people have to sit up and take notice. Moores great attributes are his decision-making, his unflappability and ability to carry these through into what he produces. He will be at the forefront of Boise States charge to the top of the rankings once again.
An early contender for the 2010 Heisman trophy I suspect.
These are just a few of the stars who will be entertaining us come September – which seems so far away right now. But the countdown is on to Thursday 2 September when it all kicks off again.
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