Run, Reggie, Run

Bush (above) pictured with the Heisman Trophy in 2005.

Well, it's official. The 2005 Heisman Trophy no longer belongs to one of the most electrifying players in college football history, Reggie Bush. The NCAA and Heisman Trust made quite clear to the national media, USC, and Bush himself, that he hopped a clearly marked boundary in the world of prep and collegiate athletes: accepting extra benefits from agents and "handlers".

An eight month official NCAA investigation concluded this past week, with the final statement that Bush's award for being the best player in the country will be nullified in the record books. Though he will be able to keep his own trophy, USC will give back their's and also remove all mementos and images pertaining to Bush on campus. Over his tenure in Southern California, Bush and his family allegedly accepted up to $100,000 dollars worth of limousine rides, high price vacations, and paid rent from handlers; all under the table and all violations as well. These efforts were in attempt to woo the San Diego product to sign with their agencies before he left for the NFL. Once Bush took the money, he gave up his status as an amateur, and became a paid professional.

In the end, though, Reggie has "outrun" the NCAA, just as he did to hapless defenders back in college. He and his family still did not have to pay a cent for most expenses throughout his collegiate career, and now he is making millions in the NFL. The folks who will really take the hit from the situation's fallout are the USC athletic program, and all others across the country who might have, at one time or another, paid an athlete. USC had to vacate all wins from their 2004 and 2005 (Years Bush was playing), including their 04 BCS Championship. All of a sudden now, the issue with professional agents from the NFL in the college football landscape has been thrust to the forefront of the sports world. It seems like every day we hear of a new player or school under official investigation for rule infractions, almost always concerning agents and handlers.

This past Monday, former Florida standout offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey was accused that he accepted around $100,000 from an agent before the Gators' appearance in the Sugar Bowl. Though Pouncey ferverently denied ever being in contact with an agent, photo evidence from a nightclub proved otherwise. Maurkice and his brother Mike, another Florida lineman and NFL talent, were shot hanging with an agent's alleged "runner" (a person who gets close to an athlete while in high school/college and tries to coax them to their employer's company through gifts and other expendables). Florida is now in danger of losing their Sugar Bowl victory from last year. Does that sound familiar USC? It is illegal if a college athlete performs in a sporting event after being paid or given extravagant gifts from an agent. Whether or not the school knows this happened, it must suffer the consequences the ineligible athlete created.

Continuing the recent string of NCAA probes, a group of players was questioned about their attendance of a lavish South Beach party earlier in the summer hosted by a NFL player agent. North Carolina defensive tackle Marvin Austin and wide receiver Greg Little both were in attendance, as well as South Carolina tight end Weslye Saunders and Alabama defensive end Marcel Dareus. The NCAA was eager to know about who paid for the players' transportation to Miami, as well as who picked up the check for their hotel and food. Unless something unprecedented happens, we could see all four of these players begin next year suspended.

Agents and runners in the college game are an infection. Plain and simple. Alabama coach Nick Saban put it best when questioned about the situation his own player, Dareus, is in, saying how these handlers bring about an "entrapment of young people at a very difficult time in their lives." It will be almost impossible for the NCAA by themselves to stop agents in the college ranks. As long as there is money, and players willing to take it, this corruption will continue. If the NFL got involved with controlling their own envoys more rigorously we might not hear as many stories related to illegal player benefits anymore. Former NFL executive Joe Mendes is a counselor employed by SEC schools who works with players and their families on how to avoid falling into trouble with agents and runners. Even if more programs like Mendes's were held throughout the country, you couldn't ensure that players will make the right decision. Its tough to do that when money is offered to you after you've seen so little for so long.

-John Stoller

College Football Countdown Team Spotlight: LSU Tigers

LSU Tigers

2009 Record: 9-4

Highest/Final Ranking: 4/17

Bowl: Capital One Bowl, Lost 17-19

They're getting restless in Baton Rouge. After winning the 2007 National Championship, Coach Les Miles and LSU have yet to get another 10 win season or bowl victory. The Fighting Tigers and their fan base are yearning for another try at a National Championship after two relatively "down" years. This year in a weakened SEC they should first concentrate on winning the conference. With a strong recruiting class coming in, and returning talent on both sides of the ball, the Bayoux Bengals should absolutely be in the conversation with Alabama for the SEC West.

The Tigers have possibly more unearthed potential on offense than any other team in the country. Sophomore converted wide receivers Russell Shepard and Rueben Randle were Rivals.com top ten blue chips coming out of high school, and the gems of LSU's 2009 recruiting class. Both are former quarterbacks who have size (Shepard is 6'1", Randle is 6'3") and explosive playmaking ability. Shepard, in particular, can also kick return and play tailback as well. NFL scouts are already projecting Randle and Shepard as future high first round picks. The cornerstone of this very talented receiving corps is veteran Terrance Toliver. The 6'5" senior was LSU's second leading receiver last year, catching 53 passes for 3 touchdowns and 735 yards. Look for Toliver to be one of the SEC's leading pass catchers by years end thanks to his crisp route running and physical stature. The Bayoux Bengals' ground game will be headed up by the former prep Parade All-American Michael Ford. Ford will be a redshirt freshman this year, and is fast and exciting to watch. Keep an eye on five star recruit and true freshman Spencer Ware though. A 5'11", 225 pound power back, Ware might be used in goal line situations and on third downs.

The talent of the Tigers' offense will shine through only if junior quarterback Jordan Jefferson (right) is able to step up his game this upcoming season. Last year, the 6'5" Jefferson was brought along slowly but was efficient, throwing for 2166 yards, 17 touchdowns, and only 7 interceptions. New wide receiver coach Billy Gonzalez will not only be counted on to manage the high pedigree pass catchers LSU has, but also add life to a Tigers' passing game that finished 97th in the FBS last year. The offensive line protecting Jefferson has been shifted around by coordinator Gary Crowton to compensate for player departures. This unit is anchored by senior Joseph Barksdale, while talented sophomore Alex Hurst has used a strong showing in the spring game to be the leading candidate at right tackle.

The Bayoux Bengals defense doesn't lack star power, but might not be as effective as it should be this year. Leading the squad is one of the best players in the nation, cornerback Patrick Peterson (above). Standing at 6'1" and weighing 220 pounds, Peterson can play physical on a wide receiver at the line of scrimmage or tackle a running back in the open field. His 4.2 hand timed 40 yard dash proves that he has blazing speed to accompany his strength. Also, Peterson has ball skills and soft hands, as his 2 interceptions and 15 passes defended from last year show. NFL Scouts stoutly believe he is the best defensive back in all of college football, and a future top 5 draft selection. The rest of the LSU secondary are speed merchants, too. The junior cornerback opposite of Peterson, Ron Brooks ran a 4.23 40. The safeties Jai Eugene and Brandon Tyler are both veterans who will assure that nobody will be passing over the top of the LSU defense. The Tigers' front seven isn't nearly as deep or skilled as the secondary. Middle linebacker and All-America candidate Kelvin Sheppard might be the only bright spot in a depleted linebacking corps and defensive line. Three of the four starters on the defensive line have departed, as well as two of Sheppard's partners at middle linebacker. The 6'3", 239 pound Sheppard will have to be the vocal leader of an inexperienced group, and try to keep them organized.

Les Miles in his first five years as the head man in Baton Rouge has already placed himself third on LSU's all time wins list with 51. Now, with an offense littered with young stars ready to break out and a defense that has talent but little experience, to get this group to working as a unit could be his most challenging job yet. If Miles is able to get LSU out of a difficult month of September undefeated, with games against North Carolina, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, and West Virginia, the Tigers could very well find themselves in the nation's top ten once again and ready for another run at college football glory.


-John Stoller

College Football Countdown Team Spotlight: UNC Tar Heels

UNC Tar Heels

2009 Record: 8-5

Highest/Final Ranking: 18/unranked

Bowl: Meineke Car Care Bowl, lost 19-17

Ever since Butch Davis was hired to coach the North Carolina football team, the program's recruiting and overall record have made very noticeable progressions. The team has strung together back to back 8 win seasons, the first time that has happened since 1997-98. Known more for its basketball than football, UNC looks this year to crack the top 10 in the AP Rankings and conquer the ACC. At NextGen Sports we see the Tar Heels winning the ACC Coastal division in 2010, a bold prediction considering they will have to compete with the likes of Georgia Tech, Miami, and Virginia Tech to do just that.

The Tar Heel's defense is it's greatest strength, and will most likely rank among the best in the nation. Their defensive line is arguably the prize piece, consisting of two future NFL first rounders in end Robert Quinn and tackle Marvin Austin (both pictured above). Quinn, standing at 6'5" and weighing 260 pounds, is built like an elite pass rusher and plays the part as well. The junior, who posted 11 sacks and 6 forced fumbles, proved to be as disruptive to opposing offenses as any other player in the country. NFL scouts are already looking at Quinn as a potential top five selection in next year's draft. The 300 pound Marvin Austin is a hulking presence in the middle of the defensive line. He is unusually quick for a big guy, and can get off blocks with great speed to either sack the quarterback or stuff the run. If Austin can build off his successful junior campaign he should be without a doubt one of the premier interior lineman in all of college football.

The future NFL talents for the Tar Heels' defense don't just end on its front line. Senior linebackers Bruce Carter (below) and Quan Sturdivant are both seen as preseason All-Americans, and with very good reason. They are explosive, fast, and physical athletes who also have innate abilities to get to the football. Sturdivant, specifically, is the vocal leader of the defense and one of the country's most versatile outside linebackers; being able to pressure the quarterback, stop the run, and drop back in coverage. The Heels' secondary is loaded with experience and talent, featuring All-ACC selections safety Deunta Williams and corner back Kendric Burney (right). Williams and Burney, paired with their fellow seniors, cornerback Charles Brown and strong safety Da'Norris Searcy, form one of the best secondaries in the college ranks.


The Tar Heels' success this upcoming fall will rely on their offense, returning 10 starters. If veteran quarterback TJ Yates is able to limit his turnovers, unlike in 2009 where he threw 15 picks, UNC should find the end zone much more often. Redshirt freshman Bryan Renner is ready to step into the starting role if Yates continues to struggle. The running game should be in fine shape, with Shaun Draughn coming back from injury and Ryan Houston now with experience under his belt. The two backs should form a potent 1-2 punch, combining Draughn's speed with Houston's power. Yates should have plenty of targets to throw to, with senior Greg Little as the offense's primary receiver. Sophomores Jhernie Boyd and Erik Highsmith are both expected to develop and build off the experience they gained as freshman. The offensive line, marred by injuries last season, will be headed up by talented guards Alan Pelc and Jonathan Cooper. UNC's offense might not be the strongest unit in the ACC, but should be able to produce solid numbers if injuries are avoided and Yates keeps his cool under center.


Linebacker Bruce Carter last spring, addressing him and his teammates decisions to return to school: "We had a goal in mind, to win a national championship. We basically came back for that reason. To go out on top is the ultimate goal." The Tar Heels are driven this year, and for that precise reason. Butch Davis was able to convince players like Carter, Robert Quinn, Marvin Austin, Quan Sturdivant, and Deunta Williams to pass up opportunities to become early round NFL draft picks and return to school for another run at college football glory. Key match ups that could make or break 2010 for the Tar Heels are a trip to Atlanta to play LSU September 4th, a home game against Georgia Tech September 18th, and a late November clash against Virginia Tech in Chapel Hill.

-John Stoller

College Football Countdown Team Spotlight: Pittsburgh Panthers

With the 2010 college football season fast approaching, here at NextGen Sports we will do a weekly series: College Football Countdown. This family of articles will eclipse anything from possible breakout players, predictions, and previews for up and coming teams.

Pittsburgh Panthers

2009 Record: 10-3

Highest Ranking/Final Ranking: 8/15

Bowl: Meineke Car Care Bowl, won 19-17

The Panthers finished second in the Big East last year, surprising much of the college football world considering they flied fairly under the radar in 2008. Coach Dave Wannstedt's team might have made an appearance in a BCS Bowl Game if not for a heartbreaking regular season finale loss versus Cincinnati. This season, even in a strengthened Big East, we see the Panthers coming first in the conference and finishing 2010 with a top ten ranking.

It all starts with Pitt's explosive offense. Lead by two of the highest pedigree and most explosive players in the NCAA, tailback Dion Lewis (left) and wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin, the Panthers should have no trouble scoring. Lewis is just coming off one of the most productive freshman seasons in Big East history, and should be in contention to win the Heisman trophy this upcoming year. Baldwin is seen by many to be a future top 15 NFL draft pick, and with good reason. Standing at 6'6", with a 4.4 forty yard dash time, he is a physical freak. Look for Baldwin to be utilized in the offense as much as possible this year, and carry on a strong tradition of Pittsburgh wide receivers (Antonio Bryant, Larry Fitzgerald). Though not a huge part of the offense last year, sophomore quarterback Tino Sunseri is ready to take the reigns of this high powered Panthers attack. Sunseri is a talented dual threat signal caller, that won't have to do all that much considering the incredible talent surrounding him. Protecting Sunseri is 2009 All-Big East left tackle Jason Pinkston, a powerful senior who neutralized some of the conference's top pass rushers last year.

The Panther's defense has one of the best 1-2 pass rush duos in college football. Jabaal Sheard (right) and Greg Romeus terrorized quarterbacks last year, combining for 13.5 sacks and 85 tackles. Romeus was the Big East's co-defensive player of the year in 2009, and is projected as a future first round draft pick. At 6'6" and 270 pounds, he is almost impossible to contain, and this season should be an All-American. Though Romeus gets most of the attention, it would be a danger to not count for Jabaal Sheard. Though not as big as his pass rushing mate, Sheard relies more on his speed to reach the quarterback. Both of the defensive unit's top tacklers return in linebacker Max Gruder and safety Dom DiCicco. The Panthers did lose both of their starting cornerbacks from last season, but the pass rush should be able to make up for a fairly susceptible secondary.

Coach Dave Wannstedt this year has the most talented squad of players yet in his 5 year regime. Barring bad luck from injury to key players, this Pitt team should be a force. With three of the very best players in the nation at their positions (Lewis, Baldwin, Romeus), and most of the offense returning from last year, this should be a fun team to watch. Key match ups for the upcoming year include a home game versus Miami September 23rd, and a trip to South Bend to face Notre Dame October 9th.

-John Stoller

Who's Next? ... AJ Green

AJ Green

Height/Weight: 6'4"/205 lbs.

Wide Receiver

Hometown: Summerville, South Carolina

School: University of Georgia

Year: Junior

When scouts see Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver AJ Green play a game, they all come away with the same impression: "Randy Moss 2.0." Those are big words to describe a kid who is only 21, but they are very reasonable. The rising junior, born in South Carolina, has been on the radars of NFL scouts since his times as a skinny prep sophomore at Summerville High. Blessed with the physical stature of a basketball player and raw speed of a track star, Green has been embarrassing defensive backs on every level of competition ever since.

Green was first truly noticed by the nation his freshman campaign. After being one of the most sought after players in the country during his college recruitment process, people expected him to produce at a high level. The one thing no one could foresee would be how soon he would do just that. Green took the conference by storm, winning SEC Freshman of the Year, and landing on 1st team All SEC. His statistics to accompany the accolades were eye popping as well: 56 catches (9 touchdowns) for 963 yards. The youngster set Georgia freshman records in almost every major receiving category, and posted the third highest yard total in school history (in front of guys like Hines Ward and Mohammed Massaquoi...not bad company). At Georgia this past season, despite missing three games due to injury, Green still ended up with 47 catches (6 touchdowns) for 751 yards. Those were scary numbers considering the strength of the SEC and overall ineptitude of Georgia's offense in the post-Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno era.

Most scouts see Green leaving school after next year to take advantage of his high NFL draft stock. He is listed as a top 5 pick on predominantly all online mock drafts, ahead of fellow college receiver standouts Michael Floyd of Notre Dame and Julio Jones of Alabama. Undoubtably, Green is the best receiver prospect since Calvin Johnson, and draws many comparisons to All-Everything wideout Randy Moss. The similarities in their games cannot be ignored. Like Moss, Green uses his height and excellent ability to control his body in midair to snatch high passes and jump balls. The Georgia product also has tantalizing speed, as shown by his 4.5 forty yard dash. This deadly combination of height and speed makes Green a nightmare for any cornerback to match up on. His hands are like glue, rarely dropping passes and always pulling down impossibly placed balls with ease. A huge plus for Green, especially in the eyes of NFL coaches, is his experience in Georgia's pro style attack. With so many players in college football these days coming out of school only knowing how to play in the spread offense, it is a breathe of fresh air to have such a refined player with such high pedigree come along. It is very difficult to pinpoint any weakness in AJ Green's game, but if one had to be made his bulk would be brought up. To make it in the NFL, he's going to have to show a commitment to getting stronger in the weight room.

Here at NextGen Sports, Green currently is number one overall on our big board of potential first round prospects for the 2011 NFL Draft. He will absolutely help any struggling team that is lucky enough to be in a position to draft him.

-John Stoller