The 25 Best College Football Players for 2009-2010

The 25 Best College Football Players for 2009-2010

1. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida. I said it last year and everyone thought I was an idiot (some still do): When his career is complete, Tebow will be the greatest amateur player ever in a team sport. No one affects the game like he can.

2. Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma. Performs off the charts in three crucial areas for a quarterback: mental toughness, accuracy/arm strength, leadership.

3. Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State. Deep speed for big plays, physical frame for tough catches — an absolute nightmare in man coverage. One more thing: Don't punt to him.

4. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas. Sees plays develop before they do and throws on the run better than anyone in a long, long time.

5. Taylor Mays, S, USC. An enforcer who can change passing games with one big hit; and plays like a fourth linebacker in run support.

6. George Selvie, DE, South Florida. Forget about his injury-marred 2008. When healthy, he's a disruptive, unblockable force.

7. Jahvid Best, RB, California. The fastest player in the game blossomed as a runner last fall. Now he has added muscle mass.

8. Eric Berry, S, Tennessee. At some point, the new Tennessee staff must find a way to get Berry 10 plays per game on offense.

9. Jeremiah Masoli, QB, Oregon. More of a run threat last season, watch how he develops in the passing game in Year 2 under new coach Chip Kelly.

10. Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State. Best pure tailback in the game; could reach 2,000 yards with the most balanced offense in the nation.

11. Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama. When McClain was a freshman, one AFC scout told me he was the best linebacker in the SEC. That was two years ago.

12. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska. Suh isn't your typical, beefy noseguard: athletic and powerful, he's also a dangerous pass rusher.

13. Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech. Think about this: Dwyer said that by the end of an impressive 2008 season, he still didn't completely comprehend Tech's triple option offense.

14. Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma. A matchup problem for any defense, he will dominate with more physical play after the catch.

15. Julio Jones, WR, Alabama. Had a brilliant freshman season despite average quarterback play. What happens if/when the Tide gets an athletic quarterback with a strong arm?

16. Jerry Hughes, DE, TCU. Former high school tailback continues to add rush moves to his game and no longer is just a speed guy off the edge.

17. Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida. Fiery, emotional, big-hitting run stuffer with invaluable leadership skills.

18. Terrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio State. You better believe this raw project is among the best in the nation. Or as former USC linebacker Rey Maualuga said last September: "He's going to be unreal."

19. Ciron Black, OT, LSU. The best pass blocker in the game; he's a wall to get around.

20. Jevan Snead, QB, Ole Miss. First season as a starter was remarkable, especially considering he sat out 2007 after transferring from Texas.

21. Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame. Explosive, tough athlete is a breakaway threat in any route on the field — and with kick returns. Slideshow

22. Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma. Prototypical interior run-stuffer finally put it all together last year — and smartly stayed in school for one more run at a national title and to improve his draft stock.

23. Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State. Diminutive 'Quizz would've been the first freshman to lead the Pac-10 in rushing had a shoulder injury not limited him the last three games of the season.

24. Joe Haden, CB, Florida. The best cover corner in the game. Former high school quarterback gets terrific breaks on the ball because of his passing-game knowledge.

25. Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois. Illini quarterback Juice Williams regressed last year, but the dynamic Benn continued to put up big numbers.

Ten on the outside: Robert Griffin, QB, Baylor; Jason Worilds, DE, Virginia Tech; Syd'Quan Thompson, CB, California; Zac Robinson, QB, Oklahoma State; Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida; Sergio Kindle, DE/LB, Texas; Damian Williams, WR, USC; Navorro Bowman, LB, Penn State; Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama; Stevenson Sylvester, LB, Utah.