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Semifinalists for Maxwell Award

Maxwell Football Club President Ron Jaworski announced the 2009 Semifinalists for the 73rd Maxwell Award for the Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year The respective list includes a field of 16 candidates for the Bednarik Award

Photo – Noel Devine - W. Virginia

Frank Coyle
www.draftinsiders.com - Draft Insiders’ Digest –19th Season

Semifinalists for the Maxwell Award
All Semifinalists are listed in alphabetical order with the player's school, position and class designated.

Best, Jahvid, University of California Berkley, RB, JR
Clausen, Jimmy, Notre Dame, QB, JR
Devine, Noel, West Virginia University, RB, JR
Gerhart, Toby, Stanford University, RB, SR
Ingram, Mark, University of Alabama, RB, SOPH
Keenum, Case, University of Houston, QB, JR
LeFevour, Dan, Central Michigan University, QB, SR
Lewis, Dion, University of Pittsburgh, RB, FR
Matthews, Ryan, Fresno State University, RB, JR
McCoy, Colt, University of Texas, QB, SR
Moore, Kellen, Boise State University, QB, SOPH
Ponder, Christian, Florida State University, QB, JR
Rodgers, Jacquizz, Oregon State University, RB, SOPH
Shipley, Jordan, University of Texas, WR, SR
Tate Golden, Notre Dame, WR, JR
Tebow, Tim, University of Florida, QB, SR

The Maxwell Football Club will announce the winner of the 73rd Maxwell Award and the 15th Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced as part of the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show on Dec. 10,
2009. The formal presentation of these awards will be made at the Maxwell Football Club's Awards Dinner, to be held on Friday, March 5, 2010 at the Harrah's Entertainment Complex in Atlantic City, N.J.

Frank Coyle is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc.

Chuck Bednarik Award Semifinalists

Photo – LB Pat Angerer - Iowa

Maxwell Football Club President Ron Jaworski announced the 2009 Semifinalists for the 15th Chuck Bednarik Award for the Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year The respective list includes a field of 16 candidates for the Bednarik Award

Semifinalists for the 15th Bednarik Award
Angerer, Pat, University of Iowa, LB, SR
Berry, Eric, University of Tennessee, DB, JR
Bowman, Navorro, Penn St University, LB, JR
Cody, Terrence, Alabama, DL, SR
Curran, Rennie, University of Georgia, LB, JR
Hughes, Jerry, Texas Christian University, DL, SR
Jones, Greg, Michigan St University, LB, JR
Mays, Taylor, University of Southern California, DB, SR
McClain, Rolando, University of Alabama, LB, JR
McCoy, Gerald, University of Oklahoma, DL, SR
Miller, Von, Texas A&M, DL, JR
Norwood, Eric, University of South Carolina, LB, SR
Price, Brian, UCLA, DL, JR
Schofield, O'Brien, University of Wisconsin, DL, SR
Spikes, Brandon, University of Florida, LB, SR
Suh, Ndamukong, University of Nebraska, DL, SR
.
The announcement of the winner of the Bednarik Award will be made during the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show that will be broadcast on ESPN on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009. Three finalists for the award will be announced on Nov. 23, 2009 and a second round of voting will take place at that time.

Frank Coyle is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc. He is a voter for the Super 16 College Team Polls throughout the season that will present Grantland Rice award to the national champion in January 2010. He is also a voter for Players of the Week and for the FWAA All-American teams at the conclusion of each season.

Yankees Win 27th World Title

Photo – Yankee Hideki Matsui

The New York Yankees won their 27th world championship with a victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in game six of the 2009 World Series. Veteran Hideki Matsui tied a World Series record with six RBIs, Andy Pettitte won on short rest and the Yankees beat the Philadelphia Phillies 7-3 in Game 6 seizing that elusive title — the most in all of sports. It marked a title in their first season at the new Yankee Stadium just as they did in their inaugural campaign in the original Yankee Stadium in 1923. It was the Yankees first world title since 2000 and their first WS appearance since 2003.
Hideki Matsui’s 6 RBI’s on his first three at-bats pushed New York to 7-1 lead, they never surrendered. With a 2-run HR, a 2-run single and a 2-run double, slugger Matsui gave the Yankees all they needed to insure their 27th championship.
Matsui won the Series MVP award for his heroics that began when he powered a quick rout of old foe Pedro Martinez. When Yankee longtime bullpen stopper Mariano Rivera got the final outs, it was celebration time in the Bronx for sports greatest team of all-time.
One season, one World Series crown — the team’s first since winning three straight titles from 1998-2000.

DraftInsiders.com and ProFootballDraftNetwork.com
will be collaborating on a weekly article posted mid week during the college football regular season to review the prior weeks most notable performances from a NFL Draft 2010 perspective.

NFL Draft 2010 Prospects - Week 9
Frank Coyle - www.draftinsiders.com
Draft Insiders’ Digest –19th Season

Anthony Dixon - Fast Rising Prospect
Photo – Anthony Dixon – Miss St

RB Anthony Dixon – Senior – Miss St
Big physical senior running back had another strong performance in the Miss St win over South Carolina. He is a powerfully built back who has performed well in the SEC, displaying very strong inside running with the burst of speed to break big plays. Against USC, he carried over 30 times and 200 yards. He uses his powerful big frame as a battering ram to run over defenders, though he has the lateral quickness and speed that allows him to break into the second level. He has outstanding size and vision with good speed and quickness that will keep him from the top tier of backs. He is an honest runner with natural running skills that will earn him an invite to a major All-star game.

LB Brandon Spikes - Senior – Florida
Athletic senior linebacker has been instrumental in the success of the Gators defense over the past three seasons. In the Florida victory over Georgia on Saturday, he was detected of poking the eyes of a Georgia runner. Spikes is a savvy versatile athletic backer who flows to the ball well and finishes with strong sure tackling. He has been considered a highly regarded first round prospect and possible top ten selection at this point. The cheap shot in the Georgia has drawn attention and he will be watched closely by NFL scouts if it is a pattern on the field going forward. Thus far he has had no on or off the field issues, but the recent incident has no place in the game.

DE Jermaine Cunningham – Senior – Florida
Explosive edge rusher has displayed impact ability over his SEC career and had another strong effort vs Georgia. He has been a major difference maker for this undefeated club, relying on a very quick first step and good hand technique to separate from blockers with the upfield speed to sack the QB. He has the frame to fill out further to become an every down pro defender at end in a 4-3 front. He also has the mobility to also play up in the 3-4 scheme, though would face an adjustment period with no experience in that scheme. His ability to apply pressure off the edge will earn him invites to a major All-star game that could elevate his stock further.

DT Dan Williams – Senior - Tennessee
The Vols won another key game vs South Carolina and Williams was instrumental setting the pace for their defensive line. South Carolina struggled throughout the game rushing the ball with Williams wrecking havoc from the inside. He gets a powerful push in the middle that collapses the pocket and forces the QB to rush his throws. He also clogs the middle that keeps backers free to run to the ball and make tackles. He combines excellent size and strength with good mobility and quickness to be an every down pro defender.

WR Tim Brown - Senior - Rutgers
Fast senior receiver/ returner was instrumental in the Rutgers victory over UConn with a last minute 81 yard TD reception. Brown has been instrumental in the Rutgers passing offense this season. He is a big play specialist who is very dangerous after he gets his hands on the ball and capable of scoring from anywhere on the field. He flashes impact ability despite his smallish size of 5’8” 170 lbs. He combines very good speed, agility and hands along with natural running skills to be dangerous every time he touches the ball. He displays a well developed skill set for the position that has allowed him to average over 20 per reception this season. He could be one of the top situational playmakers in this draft class with a strong postseason.

Denis Krusos - Editor
Pro Football Draft Network
www.profootballdraftnetwork.com

WR Riley Cooper, Senior, Florida
Florida’s offense came alive against Georgia in an impressive 41-17 win. Cooper’s two touchdown catches (22 and 29 yards) in the 1st quarter put the Gators up 14-0 and they never looked back. He displayed outstanding concentration, hands and body control on one of his scoring grabs. Florida’s leading wide receiver (31 receptions, 474 yards (15.3 per), 5 touchdowns) is sneaky fast and has good size. Cooper is physical, smart and will block to support the running game. He could provide value in the middle rounds of the 2010 NFL Draft.

CB Kyle Wilson, Senior, Boise State
Boise State annihilated San Jose State 45-7 and remained undefeated. The Broncos’ confident cornerback, Kyle Wilson, picked off a pass and raced 27 yards for a touchdown in the 3rd quarter. He also contributed with 5 tackles (1 tackle for loss). Wilson is a dangerous kick returner and had a punt return for 17 yards and a kickoff return for 20 yards. Wilson is small (5’ 10”and 185 lbs), but he is physical for his size. He changes direction well and has quick feet. Kyle Wilson looks like a good fit to cover the slot receiver at the next level and his kick return ability is a plus.

WR Brandon Banks, Senior, Kansas State
The Wildcats’ tiny (5’7”and 154 lbs) receiver played a big role in Kansas State’s valiant effort to defeat Oklahoma. The Sooners prevailed 42-30, but Banks tied a school record (Darren Sproles is the other player) with 351 all-purpose yards. Banks returned a kick-off 98 yards for a touchdown (his 4th kick-off return for a score this year). He stood out as a receiver with 9 catches for 156 yards (17.3 per). His size will be a definite obstacle in the NFL. However, Banks is strong for his size and is fearless with the ball in his hands. He has the speed and quickness to be a dangerous kick returner. There have not been many successful receivers that weighed less than 170 pounds in the NFL. Kelvin Martin played 10 years in the NFL and was a skinny 163 pounds. Banks may not be drafted, but he will be in a camp to show that he can make something happen on special teams.

QB Zac Robinson, Senior, Oklahoma State
Zac Robinson entered the Texas game on a roll and was making better decisions in recent games. He crashed down to earth against a quality Longhorns’ defense, as Texas destroyed the Cowboys 41-14. Robinson completed 15 passes in 28 attempts (54%) for only 143 yards (5.1 yards per attempt). His 4 interceptions (2 returned for touchdowns) really hurt Oklahoma State. Robinson threw a garbage time touchdown pass in the 4th quarter. Robinson telegraphed his passes and allowed the Texas secondary to jump routes. The Longhorns’ defensive backs have too much speed to get away with this. This certainly will be the case in the NFL. Texas did not sack Robinson and his mistakes were not due to overwhelming pressure. The loss raises serious concerns as to Robinson’s potential to play quarterback professionally.

FS Taylor Mays, Senior, USC
USC’s defense was humiliated in Oregon’s 47-20 victory. The Ducks ran for a staggering 391 yards! Oregon averaged 8 yards per carry and scored 4 times on the ground. They also had success in the air and threw for 222 yards and a touchdown (no interceptions). The entire USC defense played terribly and with little emotion. Taylor Mays made 8 uneventful tackles that were mostly downfield. He was frequently blocked effectively in run support and did not get his hands on a ball in pass coverage. Mays likes to try to intimidate with his physical hits, but Oregon stood their ground. It will be interesting to see how Mays and his defensive teammates bounce back from this performance.

Frank Coyle - www.draftinsiders.com
Draft Insiders’ Digest –19th Season

Jim Thorpe Award 2009 Semi-Finalists

Photo - Taylor Mays - Southern Cal

The Jim Thorpe Award Screening Committee has announced 12 semi-finalists for the award given annually to the nation’s best college defensive back. This list will be narrowed again on November 23, to three finalists who will be invited to the nationally telecast Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show on December 10. The winner will be announced on the show and the official presentation will be at a formal banquet in Oklahoma City on February 9, 2010. The 2009 award marks the 24th presentation of the trophy, first won in 1986 by Baylor’s Thomas Everett.
Frank Coyle has been a Jim Thoroe award voter for the past 15 years

Last year’s winner was Ohio State University’s Malcolm Jenkins, now playing for the New Orleans Saints. Jim Thorpe Award winners are selected for performance on the field, athletic ability and character.

The 2009 Jim Thorpe Semi-Finalists:

Javier Arenas, Sr., Alabama
Eric Berry, Jr., Tennessee
Barry Church, Sr., Toledo
Perrish Cox, Sr., Oklahoma State
Joe Haden, Jr., Florida
Brandon Harris, So., Miami (FL)
Taylor Mays, Sr., USC
Tyler Sash, So., Iowa
Darrell Stuckey, Sr., Kansas
Earl Thomas, So., Texas
Alterraun Verner, Sr., UCLA
Kyle Wilson, Sr., Boise State

The Screening Committee was allowed only 12 candidates on the semi-finalist list, but determined five additional outstanding players deserved recognition and were given honorable mention status. They are Kam Chancellor, Sr., Virginia Tech; Ras-I Dowling, Jr., Virginia; Brian Jackson, Sr., Oklahoma; Rahim Moore, So., UCLA; and DeAndre McDaniel, Jr., Clemson

The Jim Thorpe Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA). The NCFAA was founded in 1997 as a coalition of the major collegiate football awards to protect, preserve and enhance the integrity, influence and prestige of the game’s predominant awards. The NCFAA encourages professionalism and the highest standards for the administration of its member awards and the selection of their candidates and recipients. For more information, visit the association’s official Web site, www.NCFAA.org.

Alabama & Texas Follow at #2 and #3

Team of the Week – Oregon
Player of the Week – Case Keenum - Houston

Photo – QB Case Keenum - Houston

Team / Ranking

1. Florida (8-0) – Gators gave Bulldogs a spanking at the Cocktail party game.

2. Alabama (8-0) – Tide is well rested for huge matchup with LSU this week.

3. Texas (8-0) – Longhorns is peaking entering final month of the eason.

4. Cincinnati (8-0) - Bearcats winning in all phases of the game.

5. LSU (7-1) – Tigers face huge matchup with Bama Saturday in SEC game of the year.

6. Texas Christian (8-0) – TCU continues to pound the ball on opponents.

7. Boise St (8-0) - Broncos keep taking care of business each week.

8. Oregon (7-1) – Ducks jumped all over Southern Cal in an impressive Pac 10 victory.

9. Iowa (9-0) – Hawkeyes continue to know to how to win the close games.

10. Georgia Tech (8-1) –Georgia Tech is quietly having an impressive season.

11. Penn St (8-1) – Nittany Lions face huge test at home vs Ohio St this week.

12. Pittsburgh (7-1)- Panthers rested after bye week and play out the schedule on their home turf.

13. Houston (7-1) - Cougars are lighting up defenses weekly behind a hot QB Case Keenum.

14. USC (6-2) – Trojans defense failed to show up vs Oregon last week.

15. Miami (6-2) - Canes pulled out late victory vs Wake Forest last week

16. Ohio St (7-2) – Buckeyes are pointing to this week’s Penn St game to gain national prominence.

17. Utah (7-1) - Utes have continued to win and they're ready for critical MWC games in November.

18. Oklahoma St (6-2) – Cowboys were over matched vs Texas and need a strong Big 12 finish to gain top bowl game invitation.

19. Notre Dame (6-2) – The Irish are focused and should challenge for a 10 win season with a strong November.

20. Oklahoma (5-3) – Sooners back in Top 25 and hope to run the table
with a demanding Big 12 schedule.

21. Arizona (5-2) - Wildcats face a critical final month of Pac 10 opponents.

22. Wisconsin (6-2) - Badgers could sweep the rest of the schedule and have a 10 win season.

23. California (6-2) – Bears are having a good season despite losing its two biggest games vs USC and Oregon.

24 Virginia Tech (5-3) – Tech coming off a Thursday night loss vs North Carolina.

25. BYU (6-2) – Cougars are rested for final month in pursuit of 10 win season.

Frank Coyle is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc. He is a voter for the Super 16 College Team Polls throughout the season that will present Grantland Rice award to the national champion in January 2010. He is also a voter for Players of the Week and for the FWAA All-American teams at the conclusion of each season.