The Top 5 Players of 2008: Kickers and Punters

The final installment of The Top 5 Players of 2008 will be the kickers and punters. The kickers and punter of college football are probably the most over looked team members, but at times can be the most vital. A place kicker can be the deciding factor in a tight game. A punter can be a valuable weapon in the field position battle. Here is a run down of both positions for the 2008 season:

Punters


Oklahoma State Punter Matt Fodge

1. Matt Fodge (Oklahoma State) - Matt Fodge had a super season for the Cowboys of Oklahoma State in 2008. The 6'1" - 195 lbs punter recorded 36 punts, a 42.9 yard average for 1,544 yards with his longest being 71 yards. Fodge received the 2008 Ray Guy Award for the top punter in the nation.
2. T.J. Conley (Idaho) - T.J. Conley was honored First-Team All-American by Walter Camp, ESPN, and Sporting News in 2008. The 6'3" - 220 lbs punter was also named First-Team All-WAC. Conley had 58 punts , averaging a nation best 47.4 yards per punt. He accumulated 2,751 yards with his longest being 74 yards.
3. Louie Sakoda (Utah) - Louie Sakoda was a Ray Guy finalists and consensus All-American in 2008. The 5'9" - 178 lbs Utes punter had 56 punts, a 42.1 yards per punt average, 2,357 yards with 81 yards being the longest.
4. Kevin Huber (Cincinnati) - Kevin Huber displayed a mighty foot for the Bearcats in 2008. Huber was honored as an AP All-American and named Big East Special Teams Player of the Week on October 13th. The 6'1" - 220 lbs punter had 60 punts with a 45.0 yards per punt average, and 2,697 yards.
5. Aaron Perez (UCLA) - Aaron Perez, 6'4" - 232 lbs, rounds out the top 5 punters for 2008. The Bruins punter posted 79 punts, a 45.2 yards per punt average, and a 67 yarder as the longest of the season.

Kickers


Florida State Kicker Graham Gano

1. Graham Gano (Florida State) - Graham Gano had a heck of a 2008 season for the Florida State Seminoles. The 6'1" - 197 lbs kicker posted 24 field goals made with 26 attempted for a 92.3 % ratio. He also made 33 out of 34 extra points for a total of 105 points. Gano received the 2008 Lou Groza Award for the top kicker in the nation.
2. Jeff Wolfert (Missouri) - Jeff Wolfert, 6'2" - 185 lbs, was the Tigers' point-producing foot in 2008. Wolfert made 18 out of 20 field goal attempts for a 90% ratio. He was perfect on extra point attempts, going 45 for 45 tallying 99 total points.
3. Pat McAfee(West Virginia) - Pat McAfee was named the 2008 Scott Shirley Special Teams Player of the Year and 2008 Second-Team All-American. The 5'11" - 228 lbs senior made 17 out of 20 field goal attempts for a 85% ratio. He was perfect on extra point tries going 36 for 36.
4. Colt David (LSU) - Colt David had a busy year kicking for the Tigers in 2008. The 5'10" - 173 lbs kicker made 16 out of 21 field goals for a 76.2% ratio. David went 43 for 44 on extra points and collected 91 points.
5. Sam Swank (Wake Forest) - Sam Swank had a very disappointing year for the Demon Deacons in 2008. Swank was plagued by an injury for the majority of the season. The 6'2" - 201 lbs senior made only 11 field goals and 18 extra points for 51 total points. Far off his usual ability. He is still one of the greatest kickers in 2008.

That's the top 5 kickers and punters of the 2008 season. I really enjoyed assembling The Top 5 Players of 2008, and I hope that you enjoy reading it. Not everyone will agree on some of the players I have put on my lists, but it is just my opinion. And we know everyone has one, right?

Stay tuned as I will be commenting soon on the players, coaches, and teams to watch for in the upcoming 2009 season.

The Top 5 Players of 2008: Defensive Backs

There were some great defensive backs in college football during the 2008 season. Defensive backs must have excellent speed, agility, and good catching skills. I decided to combine the cornerbacks and safeties together for this list. So, here they are.... the top 5 defensive backs of 2008:


Trojans Free Safety Taylor Mays Along With Head Coach Pete Carroll

1. Malcolm Jenkins (CB - Ohio State) - Malcolm Jenkins improved on his amazing Buckeye's career in 2008. The 6'1" - 201 lbs senior posted 57 tackles (34 solo), 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 INTs in 2008. Jenkins was honored with consensus First-Team All-Big Ten and First-Team All-American. He also received the Jim Thorpe Award for the top defensive back in the nation. Jenkins is the number one defensive back prospect coming into the 2009 NFL Draft.
2. Taylor Mays (FS - USC) - Taylor Mays has become one of the most feared safeties in college football. The 6'3" - 230 lbs Mays recorded 53 tackles (38 solo) in 2008. He received unanimous consensus All-American honors, and was a 2008 Jim Thorpe Award finalist. Mays was also on the Lott Trophy and Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch Lists. Mays was a key factor in USC's defense being ranked second nationally, arguably one of college football's best-ever defenses.
3. Eric Berry (CB - Tennessee) - Eric Berry had a phenomenal sophomore season in 2008. The 5'11" - 195 lbs cornerback posted 74 tackles (44 solo), 3 sacks, led the nation with 7 INTs, and 2 TDs. Berry was named 2008 All-SEC First-Team, First-Team All-American, 2008 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, 2008 National Defensive Sophomore of the Year, and 2008 Tennessee Sports Writer's Association Player of the Year. Berry was also awarded the Jack Tatum Award for best defensive back in college football.
4. Vontae Davis (CB - Illinois) - Vontae Davis added another great season to his college resume in 2008. Davis , 6'0" - 205 lbs, recorded 78 tackles (53 solo), 3 forced fumbles, and 2 INTs. Davis garnered much attention coming into the 2008 season with Playboy All-American honors, and named Big Ten's Best Athlete by The Sporting News. He was also named the #4 cornerback in the nation by Lindy's. Davis was a pre-season candidate for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Jim Thorpe Award, and the Chuck Bednarik Award.
5. Sean Smith (CB - Utah) - Sean Smith became a very reliable cornerback for the Utes in 2008. Smith was named First-Team All-MWC and led Utah in passes defended with 14. Davis posted 41 tackles (20 solo), 1 sack, 5 INTs, and 1 TD in 2008. He gave a stellar performance in Utah's victory versus Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Davis had 6 tackles, a pass break up, and a 10-yard sack that led to a Utah field goal in the bowl game.

These are the top 5 defensive backs in college football for the 2008 season. Please check in tomorrow..... I'll have the top 5 best kickers and punters!

The Top 5 Players of 2008: Linebackers

The linebacker position is one of the most highly regarded in football. A good linebacker must be lightning fast, possess good field vision, uncanny instincts, and crushing strength. The linebacker is the Nostradamus of football - he must recognize what will happen before it happens. I think you will enjoy this list of 2008's top 5 college linebackers.


Wake Forest Linebacker Aaron Curry

1. Aaron Curry (Wake Forest) - Aaron Curry may be a big surprise coming in at number one on my list. Curry, who is 6'3"-247 lbs, has emerged as an elite linebacker during the 2008 season. He finished with 101 tackles (63 solo), 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 INT. Curry received the 2008 Butkus Award for the nation's top linebacker. He was also placed on the first-team All-ACC Team. Look for Curry to be a first round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.
2. Rey Maualuga (USC) - Rey Maualuga has been a menace to PAC 10 offenses in 2008. The 6'3" - 255 lbs linebacker has been compared to Pittsburgh Steelers Safety Troy Polamalu for his aggressive play and hard hits. Maualuga recorded 80 tackles (52 solo), 2 INTs, and 1 TD. He was placed on the 2008 Playboy Pre-season All-American Team, and on the Lombardi Award and Bronko Nagurski Award Watch Lists. He was honored with the 2008 Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the best collegiate defensive player of the year.
3. James Laurinaitis (Ohio State) - The 6'3"-243 lbs Buckeyes linebacker had another great season in 2008. Laurinaitis had a whopping 130 tackles (52 solo), 4 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 2 INTs this past season. He received the 2008 Lott Trophy, presented to the college football defensive IMPACT player of the year. Laurinaitis was also awarded the 2009 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award, which is presented to the outstanding senior NCAA Division 1 Student-Athlete of the year. This was the first year of the award.
4. Mark Herzlich (Boston College) - Mark Herzlich had a fantastic 2008 season for the Eagles of Boston College. Herzlich had a combined 110 tackles with 81 solo tackles. That's right....81 solo tackles! He also contributed 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 6 INTs, and 2 TDs. He was named to the Butkus Award and Lott Trophy Watch Lists during the pre-season. Herzlich was a key factor in Boston College's return trip to the ACC Championship Game in 2008, and managed to give ACC offensive coordinators bad headaches each week. I don't think we are finished seeing what this great linebacker will do on the field.
5. Clint Sintim (Virginia) - The 6'3"-254 lbs, Clint Sintim, had an outstanding 2008 season for the Cavaliers. Sintim developed into a terrific pass-rusher in 2008, apparent by his 69 tackles (38 solo), amazing 10 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.

This will conclude my top 5 linebackers of 2008. Check in tomorrow for The Top 5 Players of 2008: Defensive Backs!

The Top 5 Players of 2008: Defensive Lineman

2008 was a great year for defensive lineman. These huge tackling machines were pivotal in shoring up staunch run defenses, along with providing superb pass rushing. Now for the top 5 defensive lineman of 2008:


Ole Miss Defensive Tackle Peria Jerry

1. Peria Jerry (Mississippi) - Defensive Tackle Peria Jerry is a 6'2", 290 lbs beast when it comes to rush defense. Jerry was named first-team All-American by ESPN and the AP, consensus All-SEC, and was first in the SEC in TFL with 18. With 48 tackles (24 solo), 6 sacks and 2 forced fumbles, I can see why he gets so many accolades.
2. Gerald McCoy (Oklahoma) - Gerald McCoy had a great 2008 helping Oklahoma win the Big 12 Championship and play for a national title as well. McCoy at 6'4" - 288 lbs, posted 26 tackles (13 solo), 6 sacks, and 1 INT this past season. McCoy has decided to return to Oklahoma in 2009 after flirting with the possibility of entering the 2009 NFL Draft. He was expected to be a high pick for defensive lineman.
3. Mitch King (Iowa) - Mitch King was a tackling machine for the Hawkeyes in 2008, recording 53 tackles (26 solo) and 4 sacks. King was added to the Bronko Nargurski Trophy and Lott Trophy watch lists in pre-season 2008. Look for King to be a menace to NFL offenses in 2009!
4. Terrence Cody (Alabama) - Terrence Cody is a behemoth at nose guard for the Crimson Tide at 6'5", 385 lbs. Cody is nicknamed "Mount Cody" for his tremendous size. Cody had a breakout year in 2008, recording 23 tackles (7 solo), 4.5 TFL, 1 sack and 1 forced fumble. Cody was instrumental in helping to hold Clemson's dynamic duo of Spiller and Davis to 0 net rushing yards. He was named AP All-SEC first team and All-American honors from AP, CBS, Rivals.com, Sporting News, Sports Illustrated, and Walter Camp.
5. Fili Moala (USC) - Fili Moala was key in helping the Trojan's defense become impenetrable in 2008. At 6'4" - 303 lbs, Moala has nice size and very good speed. He posted 30 tackles (16 solo) and 4 sacks in 2008. Moala was hampered for the early part of the season with back spasms. Look to see Moala on the NFL grid iron in 2009!

There are 5 very impressive defensive lineman for 2008. Expect to see Terrence Cody rise on this list for 2009. Tomorrow I will bring the top 5 linebackers of 2008. Until then, have a good one!

The Top 5 Players of 2008: Defensive Ends

Defensive end is one of the most critical positions on defense. This position requires great speed, good hands, strength and quick reflexes. I decided to make a list for defensive ends seperate from the other defensive lineman. I believe the importance of the defensive end position deserves that recognition. There were many superb defensive ends in 2008, but here are my top 5:


Texas Defensive End Brian Orakpo

1. Brian Orakpo (Texas) - Brian Orakpo had a sensational year wrecking havoc on the Big 12 offenses in 2008. The 6'4", 260 lbs DE posted 35 tackles ( 26 solo), 9 sacks, 15 TFL, 23 pressures and 3 forced fumbles in eight games. Orakpo received the 2008 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the 2008 Ted Hendriks Award, 2008 Lombardi Award, unanimous consensus All-American and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Honors. He is expected to be drafted very high in the first round come April in the NFL Draft.
2. Everette Brown (Florida State) - Everette Brown is as fast as lightning coming off the end position for Florida State for a 6'4", 248 lbs player. He had 37 tackles (31 solo), 13 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles in 2008.
3. Michael Johnson (Georgia Tech) - Michael Johnson is a monster 6'7", 260 lbs DE for The Ramblin' Wreck. You could say he IS a ramblin' wreck! Johnson had 45 tackles (27 solo), 9 sacks, and 1 INT resulting in a 26 yard TD. Johnson is a top 15 prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft.
4. Aaron Maybin (Penn State) - At 6'4", 236 lbs, Aaron Maybin is the smallest DE in my list. But don't let the lighter weight fool you, this guy packs a wallop! Maybin posted 49 tackles (30 solo), 12 sacks, and 1 forced fumble in 2008. He received All-American honors from several sources in 2008.
5. Paul Kruger (Utah) - Paul Kruger had a stellar year in 2008, helping the Utes accomplish an undefeated season. Kruger had 56 tackles (26 solo), 7 sacks and 1 INT. He was named 2008 All-MWC Defensive Lineman of the Year.

This is certainly a great crop of defensive ends for 2008. Check back tomorrow for the top 5 defensive lineman (interior) of 2008.

The Top 5 Players of 2008: Offensive Lineman

The offensive lineman is the work-horse of the college offense. The lineman is probably the most important position on offense, but also the least decorated. The big fellows up front are the ones that can either make or break an offense. The offensive line can make a running back/quarterback look like a hero, or a wasted scholarship. Here are the top 5 offensive linemen in 2008:




Alabama Offensive Tackle Andre Smith

1. Andre Smith (OT - Alabama) - Andre Smith is a 6'4", 330 lb beast at offensive tackle for the Crimson Tide. Smith garnered much attention in 2008 winning the Outland Trophy for the nation's top collegiate offensive lineman. Smith was also named All-SEC First Team and All-American honors by 10 different media outlets and organizations. In December 2008, Smith was suspended from the 2009 Sugar Bowl for "violating team rules". Smith will forgo his senior season and enter the 2009 NFL Draft, where he is expected to go in the top 5.
2. Michael Oher (OT - Mississippi) - Michael Oher is another SEC monster that was pivotal in Ole Miss' resurgence in 2008. Oher is 6'5", 318 lbs and won the 2008 Jacobs Blocking Trophy for Best Blocker in the SEC. He helped the Rebels rank second in the SEC in rushing, and fourth in the SEC in sacks allowed. Oher was named to several first-team All-American teams such as, Playboy, Sports Illustrated, and Lindy's. On January 14th, Oher filed papers to enter the 2009 NFL Draft, but changed his mind two days later to stay for his Senior year at Ole Miss. He will be a force to reckon with in the 2009 season.
3. Eugene Monroe (OT - Virginia) - Standing at 6'6", 315 lbs, Eugene Monroe has good size for the position and very quick feet. Monroe was awarded the Jacobs Blocking Trophy for best blocker in the ACC in 2008. He was also named Second Team All-American by the AP, Walter Camp, and Rivals.com. Monroe is also expected to go very high in the 2009 NFL Draft.
4. Max Unger (C - Oregon) - The Duck's senior center, Max Unger was on watch lists for the Rimington Award, Outland Trophy and Rotary Lombardi Award in 2008. This 6'5", 300 lbs ball-snapper was garnered All-American by Pro Football Weekly, SI.com, and Rivals.com. Unger was tied for second in the country with 51 consecutive starts, and displayed versatility by starting two games at left tackle.
5. Herman Johnson (OG - LSU) - Herman Johnson is one of the biggest offensive lineman in the country, at a whopping 6'7", 351 lbs. Johnson is nicknamed "The House" by teammates and he knows how to bring it on game day. He was awarded first-team All-SEC, and first team All-American by AP. Johnson is the heaviest baby ever recorded in Louisiana. He is sure to go high in the first round of the NFL Draft.

This concludes my top 5 players of 2008 for the offensive positions. Tomorrow I will begin a look at the defensive positions, starting with the top 5 defensive ends!

The Top 5 Players of 2008: Tight Ends

Today I will be presenting what I think were the top 5 tight ends of 2008.The tight end position is a unique position that requires quick feet, good blocking skills, and a good set of hands. The tight end is one of the most over-looked positions on offense but also one of the most versatile. So here we go.... The top 5 tights ends of 2008:




Rice Owls Tight End James Casey

1. James Casey (Rice) - James Casey had a big year for the Rice Owls in 2008. Casey had 111 receptions for 1,329 yards averaging 12.0 yards per catch and 13 TDs. Casey was probably one of the most versatile players in college football in 2008. He scored touchdowns receiving, rushing, and passing in 2008.
   
2. Chase Coffman (Missouri) - Chase Coffman had another tremendous year at Missouri in 2008. Coffman won the 2008 John Mackey Award for the best tight end in college football. He finished the 2008 season with 90 receptions for 987 yards, averaging 11.0 yards per catch and 10 TDs.
   
3. Jermaine Gresham (Oklahoma) - Jermaine Gresham had a vital part in Oklahoma's Big 12 Championship and national title run in 2008. Gresham recorded big games versus Oklahoma State and Washington. Gresham's 6'5", 264 lbs body is ideal for blocking in the run game. In 2008, he posted 66 receptions for 950 yards, averaging 14.4 yards per catch and 14 TDs.
4. Darius Hill (Ball State) - Darius Hill came up huge in 2008 for the Ball State Cardinals and was listed on the John Mackey Award Watch List. Hill compiled 670 yards on 40 receptions for a 16.8 yards per catch average. Hill also found the end zone 7 times in 2008.
5. Cody Slate (Marshall) - Although Cody Slate's season was hampered by a knee injury early in the season, he still had a great 2008. Slate had 510 yards on 40 receptions, averaging 12.8 yards per catch and 8 TDs. He is also one of the less heard-of players from the 2008 season, but has a bright NFL future ahead of him.

This concludes my top 5 tight ends of 2008, but be sure to check out tomorrow's post on the top 5 offensive linemen of 2008!

The Top 5 Players of 2008: Wide Receivers

Today's Top 5 Players of 2008 will focus on wide receivers. There were some exciting plays by the wide-out position this past season. Everything from last second touchdown miracles, to catches that were thought impossible. So here it is .... the top 5 wide receivers in 2008:


Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree

1. Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech) - Michael Crabtree had a phenomenal 2008 at Texas Tech. He accumulated 1,165 yards on 97 receptions, averaging 12.0 yards per catch. Crabtree also had 19 TDs with no fumbles. Expect to hear Crabtree's name numerous times again in 2009, and I'm sure he will be in the Heisman running.
2. Percy Harvin (Florida) - Percy Harvin was again a huge factor in the Gators' championship season in 2008. Harvin acquired 645 yards receiving on 40 receptions, averaging 16.1 yards per catch. He also had 7 receiving TDs. What is even more impressive about Harvin's 2008 season is he had 659 rushing yards on 70 attempts, averaging a whopping 9.4 yards per carry and 10 TDs!!
3. Jeremy Maclin (Missouri) - Jeremy Maclin had a stellar year with quarterback Chase Daniels gaining 1,260 yards on 102 receptions. Maclin averaged 12.4 yards per reception and 13 TDs. He also rushed for 293 yards on 40 carries and 2 TDs.
4. Juaquin Iglesias (Oklahoma) - Juaquin Iglesias was a huge part of the powerful Sooner offense in 2008. Iglesias had 74 receptions equaling 1,150 yards which averaged 15.5 yards per reception and 10 TDS.
5. Jarett Dillard (Rice) - Jarett Dillard is probably the least heard-of on this list. But do not let that fool you, Dillard is one talented receiver. Dillard amassed 1,310 receiving yards on 87 receptions with a 15.1 yards per catch average and 20 TDs. He was also named a Sports Illustrated All-American and a Walter Camp All-American in 2008. Dillard and Rice quarterback Chase Clement hold the NCAA Division 1-A record for career touchdowns between a quarterback-receiver tandem with 50.

So there they are.... the top 5 wide receivers of 2008. This is a great group of very talented receivers that I am sure we will see on Sundays in the near future.

The Top 5 Players of 2008: Running Backs

This is part two of my new series, The Top 5 Players of 2008. Today I will list what I think were the 5 best running backs in college football during the 2008 season. These 5 running backs were some of the most explosive and diverse backs in recent years.

Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno

1. Knowshon Moreno (Georgia) - Knowshon Moreno was the Bulldog's running machine in 2008. Moreno compiled 1,400 rushing yards on 250 attempts, averaging 5.6 yards a carry. That is pretty impressive running against the stout SEC defenses. Moreno had 16 rushing TDs, 2 receiving TDs, and 392 yards receiving on 33 receptions. Not bad for the sophomore from New Jersey.
2. Chris "Beanie" Wells (Ohio State) - Most Buckeye fans may argue about Beanie Wells being number 2 on my list, but with him having nagging injuries this past season, I had to drop his "stock" a notch. Even with the injuries, Wells posted great numbers with 1,197 yards on 207 attempts for a 5.8 average per carry and 8 rushing TDs. Wells also added 47 yards receiving on 8 receptions.
3. DeMarco Murray (Oklahoma) - DeMarco Murray had a great season at Oklahoma in 2008. Murray finished the season with 1,002 yards on 179 carries for a 5.6 yards per carry average and 14 TDs. He added 31 receptions for 395 yards and 4 TDs. Murray missed the Big 12 Championship game versus Missouri and the National Championship game versus Florida due to a hamstring injury.
4. C.J. Spiller (Clemson) - C.J. Spiller is one-half of the "Thunder and Lightning" tandem, which includes James Davis, at Clemson. Spiller had 629 yards on 116 attempts with a 5.4 yards per carry average and 7 TDs. He also had 436 yards on 34 receptions and 3 TDs.
5. LeSean McCoy (Pittsburgh) - LeSean McCoy is probably the least heard-of on this list, but in the upcoming years I believe he will become a household name. McCoy rushed for 1,488 yards on 308 attempts, bringing in 4.8 yards per carry and 21 TDs. He also had 32 receptions equaling 305 yards. With 2008 being his sophomore year, it would not surprise me to see his name in the Heisman mix in 2009 or 2010.

So there it is, the top 5 running backs of 2008. What is most impressive about all 5 running backs is that not one of them had a single fumble! Moreno will be heading to the NFL draft in 2009, but I am sure you will hear a lot about Wells, Murray, Spiller, and McCoy in the upcoming 2009 college season.

Tomorrow, I will list The Top 5 Players of 2008: Wide Receivers.

The Top 5 Players of 2008: Quarterbacks

Today I am starting a new series called The Top 5 Players of 2008. This series will be broken up according to position. There will be quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive linemen, defensive ends, defensive linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs. Obviously by the title, I am starting with quarterbacks. 2008 presented some great quarterbacks and some quarterbacks that didn't quite live up to the hype. So grab your favorite beverage and enjoy the list!

Oklahoma quarterback and 2008 Heisman winner Sam Bradford

1. Tim Tebow (Florida) - You can't really have a list of great quarterbacks without starting it with Tebow. Tim Tebow had 192 completions out of 298 attempts for a 64.4% completion ratio. He was good for 30 passing TDs, 4 INTs, and 15 sacks. He ended the season with a 172.40 passer rating and let's not forget....his second National Championship. I'm not even bringing up Tebow's rushing stats, which are just as impressive.
2. Sam Bradford (Oklahoma) - Sam Bradford had a great season as the offensive front man for the Sooners. Bradford went 328 for 483 with a 67.9% completion ratio. He had 4,721 yards passing, 50 TDs, 8 INTs, and 11 sacks. He completed the 2008 season with a 180.86 passer rating. Bradford also led the Sooners offense to a NCAA-record for most points scored in a season - 702 points.
3. Colt McCoy (Texas) - Colt McCoy was a big surprise, in my opinion, this past season. The Longhorn's junior quarterback showed great poise and some fancy footwork in 2008. McCoy finished the 2008 season completing 332 passes out of 434 attempts for 3,859 yards. He had a 76.5% completion ratio, with 34 TDs, 8 INTs, and 23 sacks. His passer rating was a much improved 173.36. What was most impressive about McCoy's 2008 season was that he developed into a pretty decent rusher as well, totaling 9 rushing touchdowns.
4. Graham Harrell (Texas Tech) - Graham Harrell was a shoe-in for the Heisman after beating Texas on November 1st. Losing to Oklahoma and then Ole Miss in the bowl game, put a sour taste on an otherwise great season. The Red Raider's quarterback finished 2008 with 442 completions out of 626 attempts and 5, 111 yards. He had a 70.6 % completion ratio, 45 TDs, 9 INTs, and 14 sacks. Harrell's passer rating was 160.04.
5. Pat White (West Virginia) - This pick will probably shock some people. I shocked myself because of Pat White being a Mountaineer and I am a Hokie fan. West Virginia has long been my arch rival. But I think Pat White had a very solid 2008; perhaps he didn't have the mind-boggling stats like the other four, but White accomplished a lot after losing a coach and a stellar running back. White had 180 completions out of 274 attempts and 1,844 yards for a completion ratio of 65.7%. He had 21 TDS, 7 INTs, and 16 sacks. White's passer rating was 142.41. Before you decide to cut Pat White off the list as one of the best quarterbacks of 2008, please remember he is the ONLY starting quarterback to ever win a bowl game four years straight....ever!!

I am sure we could argue all day about who the top quarterbacks were in 2008, but I think this is a darn good list of the best. Tomorrow I will present The Top 5 Players of 2008: Running Backs!!