Hawk among nation's bestBy Bruce Feldman
ESPN Insider
Archive

The college football season is still a few months away, but it's time to take a preseason look at the Hot 100 list for 2005. As always, this isn't a projection in regards to draft prospects, but simply a run-through of who will be the biggest impact/value guys to their programs in the '05 season.

NOTE: Players in limbo due to academic question marks or guys battling through injuries or dealing with off-field matters probably didn't make the list. Same for place kickers or punters.

1. Reggie Bush, USC, RB/WR/KR: The ultimate game-breaker.

2. A.J. Hawk, OSU, LB: Great speed, great instincts and is superb against the run and the pass.

3. Matt Leinart, USC, QB: Mr. Cool is a perfect fit for possibly the most loaded offense in college football history.

4. Adrian Peterson, OU, RB: The franchise. Even with a rebuilt O-line, he's still a good bet to make a run at 2000 yards.

5. Mathias Kiwanuka, Boston College, DE: Single-handedly dominates games. Could get 30 TFLs this fall.


6. DeAngelo Williams, Memphis, RB: Has Bush's burst and Peterson's power, all coupled with outstanding hands.

7. D'Qwell Jackson, Maryland, LB: As much as the scouts loved Shawn Merriman, this guy's a better player.

8. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Virginia, OT: Top technician has better feet than some running backs.

9. Eric Winston, Miami, LT: Converted TE has a coach's grit and a bouncer's mentality.



Chad Greenway cuts an imposing figure in the hole at 6-3, 238.
10. Chad Greenway, Iowa, LB: Not quite as flashy as Abdul Hodge, but even more versatile. A rangy farm boy type who keeps making huge strides each year.

11. Omar Jacobs, Bowling Green, QB: If he matches his numbers from last year (41 TDs, 4 INTs), he should get invited to NYC for the Heisman.

12. Laurence Maroney, Minnesota, RB: Numbers should get even better now that Marion Barber III has moved on to the NFL.

13. Brian Brohm, Louisville, QB: Will tear up the Big East. Might be the top pick in the '07 Draft.

14. Antonio Cromartie, FSU DB: Taller, faster version of Va. Tech's Jimmy Williams.

15. Vince Young, Texas, QB: If he can cut down the picks he will make a run at the Heisman. Especially if the Horns finally beat OU.

16. Greg Eslinger, Minnesota, C: Best center college football has seen in years. Has great agility and heart.

17. Jesse Mahelona, Tenn., DT: Powerhouse tackle makes a habit of brawling his way into the backfield.

18. JJimmy Williams, Va Tech, CB: Great size, toughness and has really matured as a leader.

19. Chris Leak, Florida, QB: Appears to be a perfect fit for Meyer's offense, he's the trendy pick for the Heisman.

20. Derek Hagan, ASU, WR: Top route runner has wonderful hands and showed improved wheels for NFL scouts, clocking a 4.44 forty this spring.

21. Reggie McNeal, Texas A&M, QB: Lost in the Vince Young hype, he's ready to make some Heisman noise.

22. Leon Washington, Florida State, RB: Great all-around back who is probably the most underrated RB in the nation.

23. Calvin Johnson, Ga. Tech, WR: A bigger Larry Fitzgerald. As close to a sure thing in the red zone as there is in college football.

24. Mario Williams, NC State, DE: Has top-pick-in the-draft talent, and with an added 15 lbs, might be ready to be an every-down dominator.

25. Abdul Hodge, Iowa, LB: Hard-nosed run stuffer is a safe bet for 10 tackles plus per game.

26. Manese Hopoi, Washington, DL: Says he's ready to make a run at Terrell Suggs' Pac-10 sack mark.

27. Ahmad Brooks, Virginia, ILB: Has NFL tools right now, but disappears too much.

28. Darryl Tapp, Va. Tech, DE: Superb moves and motor. Had 8.5 sacks and 16.5 TFLs last season.

29. Ernie Sims, FSU, OLB: Flashy hitter is the energizer for a great defense.

30. Jared Zabransky, Boise St., QB: A winner. Dual threat, who pilots a great scheme.

31. Dale Robinson, ASU, LB: Made the switch from the outside to the middle and looks ready to take the jump from all-conference type to all-America candidate.

32. Michael Bush, Louisville, RB: Shockingly nimble 245-pounder is like a flashier Greg Jones.

33. Jarrett Hicks, Texas Tech, WR: Fluid junior should get 100 catches and 1500 yards this fall.

34. Daryn Colledge, Boise St., OT: Great strength and agility but still needs to elevate his run blocking skills to match up with his pass pro game.

35. Drew Tate, Iowa, QB: Pinpoint passer needs to cut down the picks (14 in '04) to make a run at Heisman contention.

36. Marcus McNeill, Auburn, OT: Mammoth road-grader is a surprisingly adept pass blocker.

37. AJ Nicholson, FSU, LB: Not as big a hitter as Ernie Sims, but every bit as productive.

38. Manny Lawson, NC State, DE: The nation's fastest D-lineman also is a lethal kick blocker.



The Buckeyes should have success in the passing game.
39. Santonio Holmes, Ohio State, WR: The Buckeyes version of Derek Hagan.

40. Brandon Siler, Florida, LB: Great closing speed and leadership skills for such a young player.

41. Marshawn Lynch, Cal, RB: Despite the great backs from the LA teams, expect him to lead the Pac-10 in rushing. Has great balance and vision.

42. Ted Ginn, OSU, KR-WR: Blessed with a gear no one in the Big Ten can match.

43. Bruce Gradkowski, Toledo, QB: Overshadowed by Omar Jacobs, he's the nation's most overlooked star (27 TDs, 8 INTs, 70%).

44. Steve Breaston, Michigan, WR-KR:Lost in the Bush-Hester-Ginn hype, Breaston is right in their class as a game-changer now that he's healthy.

45. Jason Allen, Tenn., DB: Versatile DB has great nose for the ball.

46. Jonathan Scott, Texas, OT: Smooth pass protector figures to be Horns' next first-round O-lineman.

47. Stanley McClover, Auburn, DE: Showed this spring he's ready to be a dominant rush end.

48. Mike Hart, Michigan, TB: Unbelievably tough for his size. The big question is will he get as many carries with blue-chipper Kevin Grady around?

49. Marcedes Lewis, UCLA, TE: If he continues to improve as a blocker, he should be a lock first-rounder.

50. Devin Hester, Miami, CB-KR: Says he's ready to notch 10 TD returns. We'll see.

51. Tyler Palko, Pitt, QB: Should be even better now that he's working with Matt Cavanaugh.

52. Andrew Whitworth, LSU, OT: Only allowed one sack last season.

53. Gabe Watson, Michigan, DT: Could be another Vince Wilfork if he can play bigger in the big games.

54. Andre Caldwell, Florida, WR: Numbers should double in the new system.

55. Anthony Fasano, ND, TE: Nation's best blocking TE should thrive in Weis's regime, showcasing his underrated receiving skills.

56. Rod Wright, Texas, DT: Potential is there to dominate, but production hasn't quite been there.

57. PJ Daniels, Ga. Tech RB: Pound-for-pound toughest back in the country.

58. Orien Harris, Miami, DT: At times he looks like the Canes' next stud DT. Other times, he looks bored. Does he really want to be a star?

59. Dwayne Jarrett, USC, WR: With an added 10 pounds of muscle and some maturity, he should make a jump at 15 TD grabs.

60. Patrick Willis, Ole Miss, MLB: Vicious hitter is a perfect fit for new 4-3 D.

61. Jamario Thomas, No. Texas, RB: Nation's leading rusher will be ever more of a weapon in Mean Green passing game although he probably won't get as many carries now that Patrick Cobbs is healthy again.

62. Chad Henne, Michigan, QB: Has all the tools to be Michigan's next stud QB prospect.

63. LaRon Landry, LSU, S: Great tackler is the backbone of the Tiger D.

64.Winston Justice, USC, OT: Impressive specimen is the more athletic of a standout pair of bookend tackles.

65. Gerald Riggs, JR., Tenn. RB: Bruiser is coming off an 1100-yard season and should make a run at 1500 this fall.

66. Robby Carpenter, Ohio State, LB: Every bit as athletic as A.J. Hawk, but not as consistent.

67. David Anderson, Colorado State, WR: Tough wideout is a lock for 1200 yards. Also a great blocker.

68. Brad Smith, Missouri, QB: Will get back to running more and has good receivers to make the passing game work too.

69. Garrett McIntyre, Fresno State, DL: Former walk-on linebacker has blossomed into a relentless 260-pound attack man. The West Coast's version of David Pollack.

70. Maurice Drew, UCLA, RB: Breakaway back who will get more all-purpose yards than Reggie Bush.

71. Darnell Bing, USC, S: Great athlete and a big hitter, only lacking consistency.

72. Max Jean-Gilles, Georgia, OG: A mauler who should key one of the country's top ground games.



AP Photo
Marcus Vick has all the tools to be a dynamic performer.
73. Marcus Vick, Va. Tech, QB: Great arm and wheels, but how well will he handle the pressure this time around?

74. Baraka Atkins, Miami, DL: Now moves inside to DT where he should amass as many sacks as anyone at the position.

75. Greg Lee, Pittsburgh, WR: A combination of Larry Fitzgerald and Antonio Bryant and he gets to work with a better QB than they had.

76. Spencer Havner, UCLA, LB: Active Bruin will again contend for nation's tackle title.

77. Lawrence Jackson, USC, DE: The Trojans next stud D-lineman has trimmed his body fat from 14% to under 10% as he takes over leadership of a revamped front.

78. Wali Lundy, Uva: RB: Great nose for the goal-line. Had 16 TDs in '04.

79. Mike Hass, Oregon State, WR: Best-kept secret in the Pac-10. Production is as good as any WR.

80. Brady Quinn, ND, QB: All the pieces are in place for a dramatic improvement.

81. Elvis Dumerville, Louisville, DE: Poor man's Dwight Freeney will again pile up double-digit sacks.

82. DonTrell Moore, New Mexico, RB: Punishing runner hopes to be 100% recovered from knee injury by fall.

83. Haloti Ngata, Oregon, DT: Awesome powerhouse just needs to stay healthy to anchor Duck D.

84. Larry Birdine, Oklahoma, DE: Explosive big-play end can make up for his big mouth.

85. Bernard Pollard, S, Purdue: Big hitter (8 tackles per) puts the toughness in the underrated Boiler D.

86. LenDale White, USC, RB: Trojan sledgehammer can bounce plays outside as well as any big back in the country.

87. Greg Olsen, Miami, TE: Hard-nosed kid has soft hands and knows how to get open. UM coaches are convinced he will be their next first-round TE.

88. Kyle Williams, LSU, DL: Has great potential. Now needs to bring it on every down.

89. Dallas Baker, Florida, WR: Took to Utah scheme nicely.

90. Donte Whitner, Ohio State, DB: Sure tackler is the latest in a great run of Buckeye DBs.

91. Charlie Whitehurst, Clemson, QB: Should rebound from dismal '04 with new OC Rob Spence altering the offense.



Charlie Whitehurst is looking to rebound from a miserable season.
92. Derrick Williams, Penn State, WR-KR: Best thing to hit State College since LaVar.

93.Taurean Henderson, Texas Tech, RB: Great all-around back should get 1000 rushing and 600 receiving yards.

94. Will Derting, Wash. St., LB: Would jump 60 places higher if he can get back to 2003 form.

95. Tim Day, Oregon, TE: Should get 50 catches and 10 TDs this fall.

96. Ko Simpson, So. Carolina, S: Great ball skills, had six INTs and three fumble recoveries as a frosh.

97. Darrell Hackney, UAB, QB: Combination of Daunte Culpepper and Jared Lorenzen, he's worth the price of admission.

98. Alan Zemaitis, Penn State, CB: Best pro prospect on a very good D.

99. Steve Smith, USC, WR: Huge title game performance was no fluke.

100. Nick Reid, Kansas, MLB: Best bet to lead the Big 12 in tackles.

At a Glance:
The defensive MVP of the 2003 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and one of the top linebackers in college football … tops the depth chart at the Will (weak side) linebacker spot in 2004, his second season as a starter … coming off a monster year in which he led the Buckeyes in tackles with 106 in his first season as a starter … also was second in solo tackles behind Dustin Fox (55) with 52 … blessed with size, speed and instinct … runs to the ball well and is a punishing tackler … won first-team All-Big Ten honors last year and should be a Butkus Award candidate this year … has already been named to the 2004 watch list for the Lombardi Award.

2003 (Sophomore):
Finished the 2003 campaign with 13 tackles-for-loss (second on the team/Will Smith-20) and four sacks … also had a pair of interceptions and five passes broken up … had a career-high 13 tackles against Northwestern and was in double figures on three other occasions, including the Fiesta Bowl, where he had 10 stops … led the team in tackles seven times … had a 55-yard interception return against North Carolina State and also had a pick against Bowling Green … first team All-Big Ten in his second year in the league … an OSU Scholar-Athlete … more than tripled playing time with 333 minutes as a sophomore (100 as a frosh) … tied for second most returning minutes on the defensive side with free safety Nate Salley … Dustin Fox is the defensive leader with 365 in 2003.

2002 (Freshman):
The backup to Cie Grant at the weak-side linebacker spot … recorded 26 tackles as a true freshman, 13 solo and 13 assisted tackles … had 3.5 tackles-for-loss including a half-sack against Washington State … had two interceptions, including one he returned 34 yards for a score against Kent State … had five tackles and made his first career start against Penn State ... intercepted Penn State QB Zach Mills on the Nittany Lions’ first possession and returned it 10 yards … also had five tackles against Kent State and Wisconsin … came off the bench at Wisconsin and played the entire second half in place of the injured Grant.

High School:
Missed much of his senior year because of injury, but still finished the campaign with 82 tackles … 585 career tackles (142 as a freshman, 192 as a sophomore and 169 as a junior) … rated as the nation’s 30th best outside linebacker by Rivals.com … also averaged over 40 yards as a punter his senior year … played point guard on the basketball team as a freshman and sophomore.

Personal:
Is the son of Keith and Judy Hawk … has two older brothers, Matt (26), Ryan (23) … Ryan is a senior quarterback at Ohio University … enjoys hunting and target shooting … practices yoga, which he lists as one of the biggest risks he has taken … best football memory to date is winning the 2002 National Title … top memory from 2003 is the repeat victory at the Fiesta Bowl … the pregame OSU Marching Band “Skull Session� is his favorite home game experience … the Tunnel of Pride is top OSU tradition