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College Football Countdown: The Heisman

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Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

To kick off our preview of the 2011-2012 college football season, John and Daniel take their picks for  which player will bring home the nation’s most prestigious award: the Heisman Trophy. Along with picking the outright winner [1], the guys from NextGen will choose a player who may be under the radar as of right now, but could very well end up in New York City for the Heisman ceremony next January.

John’s Heisman Winner: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
The rising junior from Pensacola, Florida may be the most physically gifted as well as the most NFL-ready running back in the country. With the departure of 2009 Heisman winner, Mark Ingram, to the pros, Richardson looks primed to take over the starting tailback job at Alabama. Also, because of the losses of starting quarterback Greg McElroy and star wideout Julio Jones, coach Nick Saban will look to the run game now more than ever. Richardson, at 5′10″/225 lbs, has a relatively low center of gravity which allows him to run with great power, but he still possesses sprinter speed and excellent explosiveness. Alabama should start next season as a top 3 team, and as history has shown, the Heisman usually goes to the best performer on one of the nation’s premier teams. Richardson was a blue chip recruit coming out of high school, and though he has shown flashes of greatness in limited playing time his first two seasons, 2011 will be the year when he fulfills all expectations. Read More→

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The Russell Wilson Conundrum?

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Friday, July 1st, 2011
RW

SI's Staples says the rule that let Wilson transfer is college sports' best

Russell Wilson is smart. I get that. He graduated from a major American university in three years, where most take four. Moreover, Wilson received a degree in communications, a legitimate major. Sorry other big-time football programs, but Wilson didn’t graduate with a certificate that read ‘Football 101.’

Unfortunately, our society has come to the point where we ask the following question in response to successful people: What is his reward? Or, what does he get now? My answer, in regard to Wilson, is that your education is your reward. A college degree from NC State will help the former Wolfpack quarterback for the rest of his life. Let’s also remember that Wilson’s education was free, so he didn’t pay any tuition for four years.

Sports Illustrated’s Andy Staples sees it a bit differently. One of the magazine’s featured college football writers, he argues (in this piece) that Wilson’s excellence in the classroom justifies his move to Wisconsin to play out his remaining year eligibility.

Read More→

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Instant Impact NFL Rookies

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Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

Believe it or not, football may be coming back sooner than you think. In the middle of this seemingly eternal lockout, a glimmer of hope presented itself in the meetings that have been occurring the past few days between the NFL Players Union and the Owners. Both sides have stated progress has been made to reach a new bargaining agreement, and will meet all next week to try to end the lockout. This effort from both sides shows an urgency to get a deal done, and maybe a sign that the NFL offseason could be starting sometime in July.

With football (hopefully!) right around the corner, we at NextGen look at the fresh crop of players who may make instant impacts on the league in their first year. These guys might not have been first round picks, but could produce as much as the “Cam Newtons” and “Von Millers” of the rookie class because of their potential skill and possible immediate playing time.

Torrey Smith, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Smith, the second rounder from Maryland, satisfies the dire need the Ravens have for a speedy receiver that can stretch the field. Timed at a 4.37 40 yard dash and measuring in at 6′1″, this receiver has all the natural assets needed to succeed in the league. Smith excels at tracking down deep balls and hauling them in for monster gains, which should suit big armed quarterback Joe Flacco just fine. Also, he is adept at running most routes, and is a danger after the catch with his excellent quickness and acceleration. Right now, Smith sits at third on the Ravens depth chart behind veteran possession receivers Anquan Boldin and Derrick Mason, but could see plenty of playing time in the slot, on the outside, or returning kicks or punts. One of the knocks on Smith are his small hands and tendency to drop easy passes, but with his tough work ethic he should contribute right away. Read More→

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Big Board 1.0, Top Ten

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Wednesday, November 24th, 2010

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford – Considered the most intelligent college quarterback since Peyton Manning, Luck possesses all the tools to become an NFL superstar. He is the main reason Stanford could play in a BCS Bowl come January, and the Texas native appears ready to start in the NFL from day one. Remember, Luck is quite athletic for the quarterback position, as evidenced by his 56 yard run last week against California.

2. A.J. Green, WR, Georgia – The consensus selection at number two, Green is clearly the best wide receiver in the 2011 class. In fact, he could have been a first round pick in his freshman year, after dominating SEC play alongside current Lions’ QB Matthew Stafford. Green’s only blemish came before the 2010 season, in which the Summerville, South Carolina native sold his game-worn Independence Bowl jersey to an agent for $1,000. The NCAA later suspended the junior wide receiver for four games, yet otherwise, Green isn’t considered an issue off the field.

3. Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU – At 6 feet 1 inches and 211 pounds, Peterson has ideal size for the NFL. Coupled with elite speed and dynamic explosiveness, he projects to be a multi-faceted threat on Sundays. After single-handedly beating Ole Miss on Saturday, NFL teams should not hesitate if Peterson is still on the board.

4. Da’Quan Bowers, OLB/DE, Clemson – Following two disappointing seasons in Death Valley after being one of the most sought after players in the country, Bowers has rebounded in 2010. He currently leads the nation with 16 sacks, including a dominating three sack performance against Maryland. The junior defensive end often appears unblockable against the run and gets to the quarterback constantly. Moreover, Bowers has played both from a two-point stance and a three-point stance at Clemson, so adapting to NFL defensive schemes shouldn’t be an issue. Read More→

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Back to Buffalo…Bills Training Camp

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Thursday, August 12th, 2010

Jairus Byrd returns a pick.

We transition here, at NextGen Sports, from two potential Super Bowl contenders in both the Ravens and Steelers to a once proud yet currently dormant franchise, the Buffalo Bills. Without further a due, here is your preview from St. John Fisher College in Pittsford, NY…

PLAYER WATCH:

Jairus Byrd - A second round draft pick out of the University of Oregon, he took hold of the starting free safety job just two games into the 2009 season. Quickly, Byrd established himself as a budding superstar on the NFL scene, recording a league-best nine interceptions. A groin injury, however, ended Byrd’s incredible rookie season prematurely, and resulting surgery caused the San Diego native to miss the Pro Bowl. This season, expect Byrd to be completely healthy and just as dynamic in the secondary. New head coach Chan Gailey looks to start Donte Whitner at strong safety, opposite Byrd to begin the upcoming campaign, and clearly, if he produces at the same rate as last year, the Bills should at least compete in a pass heavy AFC East.

Marcus Easley – Easley began his college career as a walk-on at the University of Connecticut, and after three seasons toiling on the bench, he finally excelled in his senior year.  The 6 foot 3 inch 210 pound wide receiver scored eight touchdowns in the final ten games of 2009, leading the Huskies to a victory in the PapaJohns.com Bowl. Drafted in the 4th round, the Bills organization hopes Easley can give quarterback Trent Edwards a more viable red zone threat. Remember, Buffalo comes into 2010 thin at the wide receiver position, following the departures of both Terrell Owens and Josh Reed. Read More→

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