Jimmy Chitwood
Hall of Famer
My mid-season All-American team
This team was picked on performance. Not potential. Not hype. On-field performance. That's the reason why many of these players might be guys you've never heard of.
Defense
Defensive line:
Nick Reed, Oregon: An undersized speed rusher that is said to be too slow and too small to make any plays, Reed currently leads the PAC-10 in sacks with 8 and has 11.5 tackles for loss. His critics don't know what to say about that.
Paul Kruger, Utah: Just a sophomore, Kruger got people's attention last year earning Freshman All-American honors. He's done nothing to dissuade the opinion that he's one of the best all around defensive ends in the country again this year. He's currently among national leaders in tackles for loss (13.5), forced fumbles (2), and sacks (5.5). Kruger leads the team with 5 passes defended, and is also tied for the Utah lead in solo tackles (19).
Mitch King, Iowa: An undersized defensive tackle with oversized production, King has possibly been the best defensive tackle in the Big Ten since his freshman year. He was a Freshman All-American, and as a sophomore and a junior was first-team All-Big Ten. This year should be no different, as once again he is a dominant force in the middle. Despite facing double teams on every snap, King is incredibly productive and leads Iowa in tackles for loss (9), sacks (3), and quarterback hurries. He's also among team leaders in tackles.
Cody Moore, TCU: A 6-1, 292-pound defensive tackle, Moore was an award-winning running back in high school. Since arriving at TCU, Moore has battled injuries but has emerged this year as the foundation for the nation's #1 rush defense (and #2 defense overall). Like King, Moore faces double teams on virtually every snap but still finds a way to get penetration in the backfield. He's among conference leaders in sacks (5) and tackles for loss (9).
Linebackers:
Scott McKillop, Pitt: A prototype middle linebacker, the senior is a literal bright spot on Pitt's defense. His combination of athleticism, intelligence, and toughness makes you wonder why almost no one talked about him before this season. McKillop leads the Big East in solo tackles (48), total tackles (67), tackles for loss (10.5), tackles per game (9.6), and just for giggles has 4 sacks and 3 passes defended.
Brit Miller, Illinois: A 4-year starter for the Illini, Miller wouldn't even be playing for Illinois if he hadn't accepted a scholarship before head coach Ron Zook was hired, because Zook has stated Miller's not the type of player he looks for. That's weird, because Miller is not only the best defender on Illinois' team, he's also the leading tackler in the Big Ten, averaging 10.5 tackles-per-game and is 3rd in the conference with 14 tackles for loss. A tremendous running back and sprinter in high school in addition to being a tackling machine, one wonders what qualities Zook looks for in a prospect if the nation's elite isn't good enough to get a scholarship from him.
Patrick Benoist, Vanderbilt: Helping lead Vanderbilt to its highest ever ranking likely isn't a big deal for Benoist, since he was a captain on the #1 team in the nation as a senior in high school. Possibly the most underrated linebacker in the nation, the junior leads the SEC in tackles (70) despite playing all season with one arm in a cast. He's also chipped in 5.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and 3 pass break-ups. Just imagine if he could use both arms.
Defensive backs:
Greg Laybourn, Oregon State: At 5-10, 208-pounds, Laybourn's size gives lie to the headhunting monster within. The senior strong safety leads the PAC-10 in tackles with 62. Not just a tackling machine, Laybourn also has a knack for the big play (his interception sealed the upset win over then #1 USC) with 2 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries so far this season.
Brian Lainhart, Kent State: Just a sophomore, Lainhart has already caught the attention of opposing quarterbacks. Why? Because the free safety has already caught 5 interceptions this year, which ranks him tied for 2nd in the nation. He's not just great against the pass, he also hits like a ton of bricks. He has 3 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery to go along with his 75 total tackles.
Daniel Charbonnet, Texas Tech: The 5-11, 203-pound senior "safety" is playing out of position for the Red Raiders, but he is still among the nation's elite ball hawks with 4 interceptions. On my team, Charbonnet and his 4.3 speed plays at his natural cornerback position, where his physical play (44 tackles is 3rd on Tech's team) and nose for the ball (5 forced turnovers already this season) are much in style.
Nick Oppenneer, Colorado State: A first-year starter for the Rams, this junior emerged in his first game of the season as the rarest of players: a shutdown corner. Few teams bother to test Oppenneer any longer, so his stats aren't impressive, but throwing his way rarely results in a completion. And on the rare occasions he's beaten it's a highlight-caliber catch, as seen in the photo below.
Offense
In a day and age where the spread offense has taken college football by storm and almost no white tailbacks are allowed to touch the football, I put together a team for a pass-happy system. And to make the best use of my innovative roster, I'm picking an innovative offensive coach to make it work: Gus Malzahn, Tulsa.
In his first season of coaching college football at Arkansas two years ago, he set the college world on fire with his "Wildcat" formation. At Tulsa last year, the Golden Hurricane turned into the nation's top offense en route to Malzahn being named Offensive Coordinator of the Year. This year, with a different quarterback, Tulsa once again sits atop the nation in total offense. They lead the nation in scoring, as well. I think he'd come up with a fun scheme. Don't you?
Quarterback:
Colt McCoy, Texas: The most accurate quarterback in college football today (completing over 80 percent of his attempts), McCoy has calmly led Texas to the Number 1 spot in the national rankings. A tremendously poised passer, McCoy is also a tremendous athlete. He leads the Longhorns in rushing with his 4.5 speed, just to keep the defense on its toes.
Offensive line:
Rylan Reed, Texas Tech: The starting left tackle for the nation's most explosive passing team. In a pass-happy offense that almost never runs the ball, Reed hasn't allowed a sack all season. A converted tight end, the agile Reed is an imposing physical specimen at 6-7, 305-pounds. Oh yeah, he bench presses 625 pounds and used to be a pitcher in the Chicago White Sox organization.
Dallas Reynolds, BYU: Arguably the best offensive lineman in the nation. A natural tackle, Reynolds is athletic enough to play any of the five o-line spots and is currently starting at center for the Cougars.
Max Unger, Oregon: Like Reynolds, Unger is in the conversation for best o-lineman in the nation. Also like Reynolds, Unger is athletic enough to play any of the five positions but is naturally a guard. Paves the way for the best rushing attack in the PAC-10, and often is seen leading the way downfield with his 4.41 20-yard shuttle speed.
Brad Bustle, Louisiana-Lafayette: A 6-4, 295-pound junior, Bustle, a former defensive lineman, is proof that strength and agility are far more important than simply being huge. The athletic guard is the most important cog in the o-line that powers the nation's leading rushing offense.
Jonathan Luigs, Arkansas: Last season's Rimington Award winner and consensus All-American as the nation's best center, Luigs hasn't done anything but get better with age. As the leader for an otherwise very young offensive line, Luigs has managed to forge the unit into opening holes for the SEC's leading rusher. He also dominated in his match-up against the highly touted defensive tackle "Mount" Cody from Alabama, in what was the only bright spot for an over-matched Arkansas team.
H-back:
James Casey, Rice: Possibly the most versatile player in all of college football, the sophomore was a pitcher for the White Sox before he began his collegiate career at defensive end. Casey then moved to quarterback, then wide receiver, and now splits his time between tight end, slot receiver, and running back. Nicknamed "Thor," Casey is currently second in the nation with 67 receptions and averages over 100 yards-per-game through the air. He's also more than capable as a runner, averaging 5.0 yards-per-carry. He's ran for four touchdowns, as well.
Tight end:
Chase Coffman, Missouri: The consensus pick as the best tight end in college football. The 6-6, 245-pound Coffman began the season already holding Mizzou's touchdown catches record, and he's added 5 more to that total so far this year. He's also moved into the #1 spot in catches and yards by a tight end in Tiger history. Coffman is not only a tremendous threat in the passing game (currently averaging 93 yards-per-game) with impressive athleticism for a man his size, he's also a superb blocker and a stand-out on special teams.
Wide receiver:
Austin Collie, BYU: The 6-2, 206-pound junior currently leads the nation in receiving yards-per-game (112.8). Despite being the team's only threat at wide receiver and facing double-teams every week, Collie still manages to put up huge numbers.
What more can you say? He has everything you could want in a receiver.
Eric Decker, Minnesota: A 6-2, 215-pound junior, Decker is #2 in the nation in receiving yards-per-game (111.7). Everything I said about Collie applies to Decker. Take your pick, one of these two guys should win the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's best receiver.
Jordan Shipley, Texas: One of the few white receivers who actually gets credit for being fast, Shipley is the best receiver on the best team in the country. Equally adept at picking up first downs on underneath routes, going across the middle, or stretching the field, Shipley is a highlight waiting to happen on every play. He's also an explosive kick returner, having returned 1 kickoff for a touchdown on just 5 attempts this season.
Kicker:
Josh Arauco, Arkansas State: You want your kicker to be accurate and consistent. This guy is. He hasn't missed a field goal or an extra point all season, and his 15 field goals are the second most in the nation. He has a long this year of 44 yards.
Punter:
Zoltan Mesko, Michigan: A good punter is a huge weapon, and this team has one. And while booming a long punt is nice, the important thing is to not let the other team get a big return. Fortunately Mesko fills the bill in both categories. His average of just under 45 yards-per-punt is 10th in the nation, but his net average of 42.5 leads the country.
Kick returner:
Jordan Shipley, Texas
Punt returner:
Andy Brodell, Iowa
This team was picked on performance. Not potential. Not hype. On-field performance. That's the reason why many of these players might be guys you've never heard of.
Defense
Defensive line:
Nick Reed, Oregon: An undersized speed rusher that is said to be too slow and too small to make any plays, Reed currently leads the PAC-10 in sacks with 8 and has 11.5 tackles for loss. His critics don't know what to say about that.
Paul Kruger, Utah: Just a sophomore, Kruger got people's attention last year earning Freshman All-American honors. He's done nothing to dissuade the opinion that he's one of the best all around defensive ends in the country again this year. He's currently among national leaders in tackles for loss (13.5), forced fumbles (2), and sacks (5.5). Kruger leads the team with 5 passes defended, and is also tied for the Utah lead in solo tackles (19).
Mitch King, Iowa: An undersized defensive tackle with oversized production, King has possibly been the best defensive tackle in the Big Ten since his freshman year. He was a Freshman All-American, and as a sophomore and a junior was first-team All-Big Ten. This year should be no different, as once again he is a dominant force in the middle. Despite facing double teams on every snap, King is incredibly productive and leads Iowa in tackles for loss (9), sacks (3), and quarterback hurries. He's also among team leaders in tackles.
Cody Moore, TCU: A 6-1, 292-pound defensive tackle, Moore was an award-winning running back in high school. Since arriving at TCU, Moore has battled injuries but has emerged this year as the foundation for the nation's #1 rush defense (and #2 defense overall). Like King, Moore faces double teams on virtually every snap but still finds a way to get penetration in the backfield. He's among conference leaders in sacks (5) and tackles for loss (9).
Linebackers:
Scott McKillop, Pitt: A prototype middle linebacker, the senior is a literal bright spot on Pitt's defense. His combination of athleticism, intelligence, and toughness makes you wonder why almost no one talked about him before this season. McKillop leads the Big East in solo tackles (48), total tackles (67), tackles for loss (10.5), tackles per game (9.6), and just for giggles has 4 sacks and 3 passes defended.
Brit Miller, Illinois: A 4-year starter for the Illini, Miller wouldn't even be playing for Illinois if he hadn't accepted a scholarship before head coach Ron Zook was hired, because Zook has stated Miller's not the type of player he looks for. That's weird, because Miller is not only the best defender on Illinois' team, he's also the leading tackler in the Big Ten, averaging 10.5 tackles-per-game and is 3rd in the conference with 14 tackles for loss. A tremendous running back and sprinter in high school in addition to being a tackling machine, one wonders what qualities Zook looks for in a prospect if the nation's elite isn't good enough to get a scholarship from him.
Patrick Benoist, Vanderbilt: Helping lead Vanderbilt to its highest ever ranking likely isn't a big deal for Benoist, since he was a captain on the #1 team in the nation as a senior in high school. Possibly the most underrated linebacker in the nation, the junior leads the SEC in tackles (70) despite playing all season with one arm in a cast. He's also chipped in 5.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and 3 pass break-ups. Just imagine if he could use both arms.
Defensive backs:
Greg Laybourn, Oregon State: At 5-10, 208-pounds, Laybourn's size gives lie to the headhunting monster within. The senior strong safety leads the PAC-10 in tackles with 62. Not just a tackling machine, Laybourn also has a knack for the big play (his interception sealed the upset win over then #1 USC) with 2 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries so far this season.
Brian Lainhart, Kent State: Just a sophomore, Lainhart has already caught the attention of opposing quarterbacks. Why? Because the free safety has already caught 5 interceptions this year, which ranks him tied for 2nd in the nation. He's not just great against the pass, he also hits like a ton of bricks. He has 3 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery to go along with his 75 total tackles.
Daniel Charbonnet, Texas Tech: The 5-11, 203-pound senior "safety" is playing out of position for the Red Raiders, but he is still among the nation's elite ball hawks with 4 interceptions. On my team, Charbonnet and his 4.3 speed plays at his natural cornerback position, where his physical play (44 tackles is 3rd on Tech's team) and nose for the ball (5 forced turnovers already this season) are much in style.
Nick Oppenneer, Colorado State: A first-year starter for the Rams, this junior emerged in his first game of the season as the rarest of players: a shutdown corner. Few teams bother to test Oppenneer any longer, so his stats aren't impressive, but throwing his way rarely results in a completion. And on the rare occasions he's beaten it's a highlight-caliber catch, as seen in the photo below.
Offense
In a day and age where the spread offense has taken college football by storm and almost no white tailbacks are allowed to touch the football, I put together a team for a pass-happy system. And to make the best use of my innovative roster, I'm picking an innovative offensive coach to make it work: Gus Malzahn, Tulsa.
In his first season of coaching college football at Arkansas two years ago, he set the college world on fire with his "Wildcat" formation. At Tulsa last year, the Golden Hurricane turned into the nation's top offense en route to Malzahn being named Offensive Coordinator of the Year. This year, with a different quarterback, Tulsa once again sits atop the nation in total offense. They lead the nation in scoring, as well. I think he'd come up with a fun scheme. Don't you?
Quarterback:
Colt McCoy, Texas: The most accurate quarterback in college football today (completing over 80 percent of his attempts), McCoy has calmly led Texas to the Number 1 spot in the national rankings. A tremendously poised passer, McCoy is also a tremendous athlete. He leads the Longhorns in rushing with his 4.5 speed, just to keep the defense on its toes.
Offensive line:
Rylan Reed, Texas Tech: The starting left tackle for the nation's most explosive passing team. In a pass-happy offense that almost never runs the ball, Reed hasn't allowed a sack all season. A converted tight end, the agile Reed is an imposing physical specimen at 6-7, 305-pounds. Oh yeah, he bench presses 625 pounds and used to be a pitcher in the Chicago White Sox organization.
Dallas Reynolds, BYU: Arguably the best offensive lineman in the nation. A natural tackle, Reynolds is athletic enough to play any of the five o-line spots and is currently starting at center for the Cougars.
Max Unger, Oregon: Like Reynolds, Unger is in the conversation for best o-lineman in the nation. Also like Reynolds, Unger is athletic enough to play any of the five positions but is naturally a guard. Paves the way for the best rushing attack in the PAC-10, and often is seen leading the way downfield with his 4.41 20-yard shuttle speed.
Brad Bustle, Louisiana-Lafayette: A 6-4, 295-pound junior, Bustle, a former defensive lineman, is proof that strength and agility are far more important than simply being huge. The athletic guard is the most important cog in the o-line that powers the nation's leading rushing offense.
Jonathan Luigs, Arkansas: Last season's Rimington Award winner and consensus All-American as the nation's best center, Luigs hasn't done anything but get better with age. As the leader for an otherwise very young offensive line, Luigs has managed to forge the unit into opening holes for the SEC's leading rusher. He also dominated in his match-up against the highly touted defensive tackle "Mount" Cody from Alabama, in what was the only bright spot for an over-matched Arkansas team.
H-back:
James Casey, Rice: Possibly the most versatile player in all of college football, the sophomore was a pitcher for the White Sox before he began his collegiate career at defensive end. Casey then moved to quarterback, then wide receiver, and now splits his time between tight end, slot receiver, and running back. Nicknamed "Thor," Casey is currently second in the nation with 67 receptions and averages over 100 yards-per-game through the air. He's also more than capable as a runner, averaging 5.0 yards-per-carry. He's ran for four touchdowns, as well.
Tight end:
Chase Coffman, Missouri: The consensus pick as the best tight end in college football. The 6-6, 245-pound Coffman began the season already holding Mizzou's touchdown catches record, and he's added 5 more to that total so far this year. He's also moved into the #1 spot in catches and yards by a tight end in Tiger history. Coffman is not only a tremendous threat in the passing game (currently averaging 93 yards-per-game) with impressive athleticism for a man his size, he's also a superb blocker and a stand-out on special teams.
Wide receiver:
Austin Collie, BYU: The 6-2, 206-pound junior currently leads the nation in receiving yards-per-game (112.8). Despite being the team's only threat at wide receiver and facing double-teams every week, Collie still manages to put up huge numbers.
What more can you say? He has everything you could want in a receiver.
Eric Decker, Minnesota: A 6-2, 215-pound junior, Decker is #2 in the nation in receiving yards-per-game (111.7). Everything I said about Collie applies to Decker. Take your pick, one of these two guys should win the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's best receiver.
Jordan Shipley, Texas: One of the few white receivers who actually gets credit for being fast, Shipley is the best receiver on the best team in the country. Equally adept at picking up first downs on underneath routes, going across the middle, or stretching the field, Shipley is a highlight waiting to happen on every play. He's also an explosive kick returner, having returned 1 kickoff for a touchdown on just 5 attempts this season.
Kicker:
Josh Arauco, Arkansas State: You want your kicker to be accurate and consistent. This guy is. He hasn't missed a field goal or an extra point all season, and his 15 field goals are the second most in the nation. He has a long this year of 44 yards.
Punter:
Zoltan Mesko, Michigan: A good punter is a huge weapon, and this team has one. And while booming a long punt is nice, the important thing is to not let the other team get a big return. Fortunately Mesko fills the bill in both categories. His average of just under 45 yards-per-punt is 10th in the nation, but his net average of 42.5 leads the country.
Kick returner:
Jordan Shipley, Texas
Punt returner:
Andy Brodell, Iowa
