DRAFT TRACKER 2008

A well-traveled prep standout, Phillip Merling returned home several years ago, enrolling at Clemson, where he spent the last three years being coached by his uncle, Chris Rumpf. Rumpf was the Tigers' defensive line coach. Merling had great success playing for his uncle earlier in his football career, as both were together at Calhoun County High School, before Merling entered the collegiate ranks. Merling developed into one of the elite rush ends in the college ranks. That made it surprising when he opted to bypass his senior year to play in the National Football League in 2008, as the staff tried valiantly to convince him that another year of college would only enhance his draft stock. Merling began his prep career playing football for three seasons under head coach Chris Rumpf at Calhoun County High School in Saint Matthews, South Carolina. He earned Defensive MVP honors as a junior. He also excelled in basketball, receiving All-Conference, All-Region, and All-Area in hoops as a sophomore and junior. He averaged 20 points and 12 rebounds on the hardwood as a senior and averaged 15 points and 13 rebounds as a junior. For his senior prep campaign, Merling transferred to Cordova High School in Memphis, Tennessee. The tight end/defensive end had 20 catches for 430 yards and four scores that season, adding 34 tackles and four sacks. He played in the Tennessee/Kentucky All-Star game, earning first-team All-State and All-Region accolades. He was also an All-Dixie team pick by Super Prep and an All-Atlantic Region choice by Prep Star. To improve his academic standing, Merling enrolled at Fork Union Military Academy in 2004. He earned team MVP honors after catching 38 passes for 647 yards and five touch-downs, adding five sacks, 51 tackles, and eight pass break-ups. He was rated the 18th-best tight end in the nation according to Super Prep and No. 20 tight end by Scout.com. He was ranked as the No. 25 prep player in the nation by Rivals.com. Merling enrolled at Clemson in 2005, spurning scholarship offers from Arkansas, South Carolina, Kentucky and Memphis. He played behind All-American defensive end Gaines Adams, appearing in 271 plays over 12 games. He made 22 tackles (17 solo) with two sacks, four stops for losses and four quarterback pressures, earning Rivals.com Freshman All-American second-team honors. Merling moved into the starting lineup at left defensive end in 2006. He generated 20 QB pressures to go along with 46 tackles (31 solo) while taking 515 snaps for a team that ranked 13th in the nation in total defense (280.77 yards per game). He got to the quarterback on three sacks and tallied 10 stops for losses while causing a fumble and deflecting four passes. Merling earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference honorable mention in 2007, as he ranked tied for fifth in the league with 17 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He produced 78 tackles (51 solo) with 21 pressures and seven sacks while starting all 13 games. He caused two fumbles and recovered another, helping the Tigers rank ninth in the nation in total defense (306.77 yards per game) and 10th in scoring defense (18.69 points per game).

Blessed with incredible speed, Donnie Avery is difficult for cornerbacks to catch once he reaches a clearing. Avery, clocked at 4.2 seconds in the 40-yard dash, put his quickness to good use during a breakout performance in 2007. He led Conference USA and ranked fourth in the nation with an average of 112 receiving yards per game, while his averaged of seven catches per contest also led the league and ranked 14th nationally. In addition, he shattered school and conference records during his final campaign with 346 yards receiving in the Rice contest, becoming the first player in C-USA annals to gain over 300 yards receiving in a game. His 427 all-purpose yards in that game also set new league and Houston records, topping his own record set two weeks earlier with 350 yards vs. East Carolina. At Hastings High School, Avery was a unanimous first-team All-District selection as both a wide receiver and return specialist during his final season. He helped lead the team to the district championship and an 11-3 record, hauling in 36 passes for 502 yards and two touchdowns to lead the District 19-5A receivers in 2002. He also returned 13 punts for 399 yards and three scores, as well as seven kickoffs for 345 yards and one touchdown, in addition to rushing 16 times for 175 yards and two scores. Avery turned down scholarship offers from Kansas State, Tennessee, Texas Christian, New Mexico and Kansas when he decided to enroll at Houston in 2003. He competed on the scout team that year, moving into the starting lineup for all 11 games in 2004. He finished fourth on the team with 18 receptions for 293 yards (16.3-yard average) and two scores, adding 343 yards on 18 kickoff returns (19.1 avg). He also returned three punts for 28 yards (9.3 avg) and registered seven tackles (four solo) with a stop for a two-yard loss. For his efforts, he was selected to the Freshman All-Conference USA squad. As a sophomore, Avery started eight of 12 contests. He ranked third on the team with 44 receptions and second with 688 yards (15.6-yard average), including five touchdowns. He also produced five solo tackles. Eight of his catches were for 20 yards or longer. In 2006, Avery appeared in 14 contests, earning 12 starts. He ranked second on the Cougars with 57 catches for 852 yards (14.9-yard average) and five touchdowns, as 12 of those grabs were for gains of at least 20 yards. He totaled 113 yards on six kickoff returns (18.8 avg) and amassed 965 all-purpose yards. Avery earned All-American second-team honors as an all-purpose back from The NFL Draft Report. He was a consensus All-Conference USA first-team choice as a receiver and second-team pick on special teams. He paced the Cougars with a career-high 91 catches for 1,456 yards (16.0 avg) and seven touchdowns. Seventeen of his catches were for at least 20 yards, as he also returned 15 kickoffs for 424 yards (28.3 avg) and a score. He recorded two solo tackles and generated 1,880 all-purpose yards. Avery started 42 of 50 games at Houston. He became the third player in school history to gain over 3,000 yards receiving, as he caught 210 passes for 3,289 yards (15.7-yard average) and 19 touchdowns. He had 41 catches for 20 yards or longer and returned 40 kickoffs for 896 yards (22.4-yard average), including one score. He added 28 yards on three punt returns (9.3 avg) and recorded 14 tackles (11 solo) with a stop for a two-yard loss. He amassed 4,213 all-purpose yards, an average of 84.26 yards per game.

Thomas went from a disappointing former top 20 junior college prospect to a second-team All-Big 10 receiver when given the chance this season. Prototypical West Coast offense receiver with size and speed that will move the chains by getting yards after the catch. His college situation and play-style are reminiscent of former second round Green Bay Packer pick and current Minnesota Viking receiver Robert Ferguson.

Flowers may lack the height that is so en vogue with NFL scouts looking at safeties, but he possesses all of the other characteristics teams desire. Blessed with good quickness, physicality and pure speed, Flowers elected to leave Virginia Tech after his junior season and second consecutive All-American campaign.

Nelson signed with Kansas State as a safety before making the transition to wide receiver as a sophomore. His initial season at receiver was impressive, with Nelson earning Honorable Mention Big 12 honors with 45 catches for 669 yards and eight TDs. Hampered by a knee injury that caused him to miss three games, Nelson saw his numbers drop to 39 catches for 547 yards and only one score in 2006 before exploding into a First Team All-American in 2007. Nelson finished second only to Biletnikoff winner Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech) in both catches (122) and receiving yards (1,606). As the focus on the Kansas State passing game, Nelson's numbers are clearly inflated. To attribute his success strictly to this offense, however, is a mistake. His combination of size, route-running and hands make him at least a quality possession receiver prospect. Ultimately, Nelson's stock will be determined by his 40-yard dash time. The 4.62 he clocked for scouts last spring is not indicative of Nelson's true speed. This timing came with Nelson still rehabilitating his left knee injury and thus, may not be indicative of his true speed. He was an all-state track star during high school and has been timed at a 10.62 in the 100-meter dash. Nelson's strong senior campaign assures him of being drafted. A strong postseason performance in the Senior Bowl and at the Combine could result in his stock skyrocketing.

With many professional teams begging for speed at linebacker, Curtis Lofton entered the 2008 NFL Draft pool as junior knowing he has a chance to make a big splash. A strong-side linebacker for most of his career, Lofton is just starting to tap his vast potential and may have found his calling at middle linebacker. He shifted inside for his final four games with the Sooners and finished his junior campaign with one of the most productive seasons by a defender, as his 157 total tackles are the most by an Oklahoma player since George Cumby amassed 160 hits in 1979. At Kingfisher High School, Lofton was a standout inside linebacker who also competed at fullback. He was rated the eight-best middle linebacker in the nation by ESPN.com and the second-best overall player in the Midlands region by Super Prep and Scout.com, who also had him listed as the state of Oklahoma's second-ranked player. Rivals.com rated Lofton the fourth-best inside linebacker and 62nd-best prospect in the prep ranks. A Parade first-team All-American as a senior, Lofton added Daily Oklahoman All-State and Oklahoma High School Coaches Association All-State first-team accolades. He lettered three times, leading the team in tackles with 168, adding eight sacks as a senior. In 2003, he collected 187 tackles and had 150 stops as a sophomore. For his career, Lofton registered 505 tackles, leading the team to the Class 3A State Championship in 2003 and helped the squad advance to the semifinals in 2004, when he also rushed for 12 touchdowns. Nominated for the March of Dimes Oklahoma Headliners Banquet as one of the top scholar-athletes in the state of Oklahoma, he was a three-time Honor Roll student. He also competed for the basketball and track teams. Lofton enrolled at Oklahoma in 2005, but was relegated mostly to special teams while seeing just a few snaps at middle linebacker. He had a two-yard kickoff return and had three solo tackles, including one behind the line of scrimmage. In 2006, Lofton appeared in all 14 games, starting at strong-side linebacker in five games. He ranked ninth on the squad with 37 tackles (20 solo), including 4.5 stops for losses. He caused and recovered a fumble, adding a 14-yard kickoff return in the Fiesta Bowl vs. Boise State. Lofton wrested a full-time starting job in 2007. He lined up at strong-side linebacker for the first 10 contests before shifting to the middle for the final five games. His career-high 157 tackles (94 solo) rank seventh on the school's single-season list and were the third-highest total in the NCAA ranks (his average of 11.21 tackles per game ranked seventh nationally). Lofton also had a sack, 10.5 stops for losses and four forced fumbles. He recovered a fumble for a touchdown, scored once on three interceptions and deflected two passes. That performance earned him consensus All-American and All-Big Twelve Conference honors, in addition to being selected Big Twelve Defensive Player of the year by the Associated Press. After the season, Lofton declared that he was entering the 2008 NFL Draft. Lofton said the atmosphere at Oklahoma readied him for the next step. In 39 games at Oklahoma, Lofton started 19 times, including four starts at middle linebacker. He recorded 197 tackles (117 solo) with a two-yard sack and 16 stops for losses of 33 yards. He caused five fumbles and recovered two others, returning one 12 yards for a score. He gained 71 yards on three interceptions, returning one for a touchdown and batted down two other throws. He also gained 16 yards on a pair of onside kickoff returns.

Productive but not flashy in an NFL-style offense at Notre Dame. He can make the tough catch and gives top effort, assets that could see him come off the board in the first two rounds.

A veteran of 22 career starts despite leaving after his junior season, Rachal's rare size, explosive hands and nastiness as a drive blocker make him an intriguing prospect for a power running offense. Rachal lacks prototype quickness and struggles with balance at times as a pass blocker. Despite being voted by conference coaches first team All-Pac-10 in 2007, Rachal could have used another year of development before turning pro, especially considering questions about his durability. In leaving early, Rachal is hoping the financial gain of an NFL contract can help ease the burden of family medical issues.

One of the nation's top playmaking defensive backs, Tracy Porter became the first player in school history to return a punt, interception and fumble for touchdowns in his career. The team captain has always been known for his ball-hawking skills, but after years of reluctance to perform vs. the run, Porter showed good determination in stopping the run his final season. As a senior, Porter became the first Hoosier since Mark Sutor in 1982 to record six or more interceptions in a season. He would close out his career with 16 interceptions, three short of the school record of 19 by Tim Wilbur (1978-82). Ever the opportunist, he amassed 413 yards on those interception returns, breaking the previous Indiana record of 360 yards by Wilbur. He also became just the third player in Big Ten Conference history to gain over 400 yards on interception returns, joining Jamar Fletcher of Wisconsin (459, 1998-2000) and Tom Curtis of Michigan (431, 1967-69). It took a few years for Porter to warm up to playing football. At Port Allen High School, he was more noted for his basketball talent than for his football prowess. He played only two seasons of football during his prep days, but earned first-team All-District 3A honors as a senior and second-team laurels as a junior. Porter played quarterback, running back and wide receiver on offense and made 93 tackles, 11 interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) and 14 pass breakups as a cornerback during his senior year. He also returned two punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns, averaging 47.0 yards per kick return and 28.0 per punt return. He also started at point guard for the basketball team and clocked a personal best 10.4 in the 100 meters for the track team. Porter joined Leslie Majors as the only true freshmen to letter at Indiana in 2004. He was named to The Sporting News' Big Ten Conference All-Freshman Team. He started the first seven games at right cornerback before he was sidelined for the final four contests with a left shoulder injury (clavicle fracture). He posted 22 tackles (19 solo) with six pass breakups and also intercepted three passes, returning one for a touchdown. As a sophomore, Porter started all 11 games, 10 at right cornerback, and in the season finale vs. Purdue, he shifted to strong safety. He delivered 48 tackles (42 solo) with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He picked off three more passes and also batted away six other throws. Porter added punt return duties to his resume in 2006. He was a second-team All-Big Ten Conference pick, starting all 12 games at right cornerback. He was in on 59 tackles (51 solos), as he recovered a fumble, caused another and knocked down eight balls. He had four interceptions and a 27-yard kickoff return while also blocking one kick. In 2007 preseason camps, Porter excelled and the coaching staff felt that he had the ability to be the Big Ten's elite cornerback. Coach Bill Lynch was impressed by Porter's play and maturity and predicted a big year. In 2007, Porter became the first Indiana cornerback since Mike Dumas in 1989 to earn All-Big Ten Conference first-team accolades. He shifted to left cornerback, ranking second in the league and tied for 18th nationally with six interceptions. He ranked tied for third in the Big Ten with an 11.0-yard average on 23 punt returns. He totaled 83 tackles (63 solo), with a sack and 5.5 stops for losses. He recovered two fumbles, returning one for a score and had four pass breakups. Porter started all 43 games in which he played at Indiana, lining up at right cornerback for 29 contests, at left cornerback for 13 games and once at strong safety. He ranks second in school history with 16 interceptions for a Hoosiers all-time record 413 yards in returns (25.8-yard average) and a touchdown. He recovered four fumbles for 147 yards in returns, including a score. He added 477 yards and a touchdown on 35 punt returns (13.6 avg) and had a 27-yard kickoff return. He finished wi

James Hardy was a coveted basketball prospect. A 185-pound Elmhurst High School product arrived in Bloomington intent on taking part in IU's hoops legacy in 2004. After one season with that team, the lanky athlete decided to commit to the gridiron. By the time he decided to leave for the National Football League three years later, he had shattered the school's season and career receiving records. Hardy is the only wide receiver in Indiana history to surpass 2,500 yards, 175 receptions and 35 touchdowns. He finished his career with 36 scores on 191 catches, good for 2,740 yards. He also made a significant contribution on the basketball team as a freshman. During the 2004-05 campaign, he played in 23 games, starting three times, as he averaged 1.7 points, 1.8 rebounds and 10.7 minutes per contest. Hardy was a two-sport standout at Fort Wayne Elmhurst High School, where he was named All-SAC as a wide receiver after making 34 catches for 731 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior. Following his final campaign, he was a Class 4A All-State selection by the Indiana Football Coaches Association. Hardy is the all-time leading scorer in Fort Wayne high school history. He was a two-time recipient of the Tiffany Gooden Award, given to the most out-standing male or female player in The Summit Athletic Conference, as chosen by The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette. Hardy led the team to a Class AAA state runner-up finish in 2002-03 after averaging 23 points, nine rebounds and four assists. As a senior, Hardy averaged 27.3 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists, as the team finished with a 16-8 record. He was rated the 78th-best prep basketball player in the nation on the Insiders.com Top 100 squad. After spending the 2004 football season with the scout team and the 2004-05 campaign with the basketball squad, Hardy concentrated strictly on football in 2005. He earned second-team All-Big Ten Conference honors, in addition to being a member of Rivals.com's Freshman All-American team. Hardy started five of 10 games he appeared in at split end, missing the Michigan clash with a strained Achilles tendon. He led the Big Ten with an average of 89.3 yards per game receiving in 2005. His 61 catches rank third on the school's single-season record list, as he totaled 893 yards with 10 touchdowns. On the field, Hardy had an equally impressive performance in 2006 as he did during his redshirt freshman season. But off the field, trouble followed. He was arrested on May 19 on charges of domestic battery and interfering with the reporting of a crime, after his girlfriend accused him of hitting her and the couple's infant child. Hardy pleaded not guilty to the charges and later accepted a court's offer in Fort Wayne to settle his case through a pretrial diversion agreement. By accepting the program, he had to comply with the conditions of the agreement and pay court costs. He also apologized to his teammates and IU in his statement. There were problems with Hardy and Indiana's late head coach Terry Hoeppner. After the second game of the 2006 season, the two met privately, resulting in the coach suspending Hardy for two games (vs. Southern Illinois and Connecticut). When Hardy returned to the lineup, he was rusty from his layoff and was flagged for critical offensive pass interference on the Hoosiers' opening drive of the Wisconsin clash, finishing with an eight-yard catch for the day. He soon got back into his rhythm, catching at least five passes in six of his last seven games, finishing with 51 receptions for 722 yards (14.2-yard average) and 10 touchdowns. As a junior, Hardy received several All-American first-team honors, in addition earned All-Big Ten Conference accolades. He led the team and ranked second in the league, as he set school season-records with 79 catches for 1,125 yards (14.2-yard average) and 16 touchdowns. In 36 games at Indiana, Hardy started 26 contests. He finished his career by hauling in 191 passes for

Royal is at his best with the ball in his hands in the open field. He struggles a bit with physical corners and hasn't yet developed into a consistent receiver. Generated considerable buzz after a strong showing during the practice sessions of the Senior Bowl, catching the ball cleanly and showcasing the natural playmaking ability that wasn't often taken advantage of at Virginia Tech due to inconsistent play at quarterback.

Johnson's first name is Marcellous, but he goes by his middle name, Tyrell. Opponents worry less about what to call him and more about keeping him out of the running and passing names. A four-time All-Sun Belt selection (first team the past three seasons), Johnson won the 2007 Defensive Player of the Year award in the conference with his all-around game (94 tackles - 58 solo, 4.5 for loss, six interceptions).

The Green Wave boasts one of the elite tailbacks in college football. Much like his predecessor, Mewelde Moore (2000-03), Forte' is a multi-talented athlete who must be accounted for by the opposition, as he can break free for a long run, take the ball up the middle for tough yardage, catch the ball coming out of the backfield, deliver the big tackle on the special teams coverage unit or utilize his strong arm to complete the option pass. A creative open-field runner, Forte' has drawn comparisons to Arizona Cardinals standout Edgerrin James, as he shows the same balance, body control and burst to gain valid yardage after the initial hit. He ranks second on the school's career-record lists with 808 rushing attempts for 4,145 yards on the ground, while his 38 scoring runs established the Tulane all-time record. Forte' also became the 11th player in NCAA Subdivision (1-A) history to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season during his senior year. After leading the nation in rushing for a good part of 2007, Forte eventually finished second with 177.3 yards per game. He was also second in scoring with 11.67 points per game and fourth with 201.7 all-purpose yards per game. His five 200-yard games tied the single-season NCAA record held by three players (Marcus Allen of Southern California in 1981, Barry Sanders of Oklahoma State in 1988 and Jamario Thomas of North Texas State in 2004). In 2007, Forte' gained 620 yards in a two-game span (vs. Southern Methodist and Memphis), the most by a Division 1-A runner since Ricky Williams of Texas gained 668 yards in 1998 (318 vs. Rice and 350 vs. Iowa State). His 2007 three-game span of 829 yards (vs. Southern Methodist, Memphis and Alabama-Birmingham) are the most gained by a Division 1-A runner in three consecutive contests since Sanders totaled 937 yards in 1988. His four-game streak of 1,031 yards (vs. Southern Methodist, Memphis, Alabama-Birmingham and Army) is the most in Division 1-A history since Sanders piled up 1,152 yards in 1988. An Honor Roll student at Slidell High School, Forte' earned The St. Tammany Parish Player of the Year Award and was named District 5-5A Offensive Most Valuable Player as a senior. The All-Metro selection added second-team All-State honors his final year and was a two-time All-District and All-Parish choice. He also served as team captain and garnered squad MVP honors his senior season. Forte' amassed 2,432 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns in his career while also catching 48 passes for 618 yards and five scores. He gained 1,375 yards as a senior while averaging 6.7 yards per carry, scoring 23 touchdowns on the ground. He also made 18 catches for 253 yards and a pair of scores. He totaled 1,057 rushing yards with eight touchdowns and caught 30 passes for 365 yards and three scores as a junior. He also lettered in track. Forte' became the third member of his family to play college football and the second to suit up for Tulane. His father, Gene Forte' played for the team from 1975-77, serving as team captain as a senior. His brother, Bryan Forte', played football at McNeese State in 2004, where he competed as a reserve linebacker, recording 20 tackles (12 solos) with 3.5 stops for losses, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble. The talented youngster made an immediate impact during his first season at Tulane, earning Conference USA All-Freshman Team honors. He shared tailback duties with Jovon Jackson, starting the team's final three games. He finished second on the team with 624 yards and four touchdowns on 140 carries (4.5 avg). He added 180 yards and a pair of scores on 20 receptions (9.0 avg) and gained 804 all-purpose yards. He also registered three solo tackles on the punt coverage unit. Forte' and Jackson would again share the brunt of the rushing load in 2005. Forte' would go on to lead the team with 169 attempts for 655 yards (3.9 avg) and four touchdowns, as he started the first four and final two contests. He ranked fi

One of the most productive collegiate linebackers in recent memory, this four-year starter will get his chance despite a lack of great triangle numbers. The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year put up 114 solo and 162 total tackles in 2007, with 11 going for losses. At the very least, Dizon should be a solid special teamer, but his lack of measurables will cause him to drop into the middle rounds. The team drafting him will hope that with a year in a professional strength program, and the right defensive linemen playing in front of him, he could eventually become a yeoman's version of Zach Thomas.

Unquestionably the face of the Chanticleers' program, Simpson brought the young program into the national spotlight with a sensational junior campaign. The school record-holder for game, season and career marks in receptions, yardage and touchdowns, he produced 11 multiple-touchdown performances in 41 games. Simpson holds the Big South Conference career-record with 2,430 yards receiving, including a Big South season-record 1,077 yards in 2006, a year he also set the league mark with 16 touchdown catches. At Reidsville High School, Simpson earned Class AA All-State honors and was a runner-up for Class 2-AA Mr. NCHSAA Football honors as a senior. He added All-State accolades during his junior season. He led the team to back-to-back Class AA state titles, setting a championship game-record with 13 catches for 133 yards, while also throwing a 62-yard scoring strike to earn Most Valuable Player honors in his final year. He would go on to play in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas and also competed in the East-West game. In his final campaign, Simpson hauled in 96 passes for 1,324 yards (13.8-yard average) and 14 touchdowns, despite missing three games with an injury. The school's all-time leading receiver amassed almost 3,000 receiving yards during his last two seasons. He also lettered in basketball and track. He led the hoops squad to its first state title as a senior, scoring 19 points in the championship game to garner MVP honors. He also ran on the school's 4x400-meter relay team that captured the state title (3:21). As a true freshman at Coastal Carolina in 2004, Simpson earned Big South Conference Freshman of the Year honors and was named Big South Freshman of the Week three times during the season (vs. Morehead State, Davidson and Charleston), where he posted his first career 100-yard receiving game. He started all 11 games, coming up with 26 receptions for 419 yards (16.1-yard average) and eight touchdowns at split end, adding an assisted tackle and a stop for a loss on limited defensive play. Simpson was a second-team All-Big South Conference selection as a sophomore, as he started six of 11 games in 2005. He also earned South Carolina All-Star recognition from the Orangeburg Touchdown Club. He led the team with 33 catches for 527 yards (16.9 avg) and nine touchdowns, but lost 29 yards on a pair of reverses. He recorded one solo tackle and scored 54 points for the season. In 2006, Simpson became the first player in school history to gain over 1,000 yards in a season. The All-American second-team choice by the Associated Press and Football Gazette added All-Big South Conference first-team accolades to his resume. He led the league and ranked eighth nationally in receiving yards (89.75 yards per game), ranked third in the Big South in receptions (5.08 per game) and set the school and conference record for touchdown catches (16). He scored 96 points while grabbing 61 passes for 1,077 yards (17.7 avg) and ran once for an eight-yard loss. With Tyler Thigpen graduated, Simpson had to develop chemistry with the team's young quarterbacks in 2007, as the aerial game struggled to gain momentum. Through the team's first 10 games, he ranked fifth in the Big South in receptions (3.7 rpg) and receiving yards (61.3 ypg). He led the team with 37 receptions for 613 yards (16.6-yard average) and 10 touchdowns. He returned a kickoff 15 yards and also gained 10 yards on a reverse. He recovered a fumble and recorded one solo tackle. Simpson also lettered twice on the school's track team. He was a member of the 2006 Big South Conference Men's Outdoor Track and Field Championship squad, earning All-Big South honors after finishing third in both the high jump and long jump. He also set a new school record in the high jump with a leap of 2.05m (6' 8.75"). He finished third at the NCAA East Regionals in the long jump and qualified for the 2007 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.. He was also on the school record

With all of the attention heaped upon LSU's Glenn Dorsey and Southern California's Sedrick Ellis, some might be surprised to note Laws is by far and away the most productive defensive tackle eligible for the draft. Utilizing a quick burst, impressive hand technique and a non-stop motor, Laws' team-leading 112 tackles ranks only one behind Steve Niehaus as the most in Irish history from a defensive lineman. A strong performance at the Senior Bowl proved Laws wasn't a product of a leaky Notre Dame defense, but a standout despite it.

When the former high school running back enrolled at Southern California, few expected him to finish his career as the team's record holder for receptions by a tight end. With his natural hands and excellent quickness, Fred Davis often created mismatches, especially for opposing linebackers trying to cover him on deep routes. He would be used as a wideout in multiple-WR formations, adding another dimension to the Trojans' passing attack. With his athletic ability and emergence as a receiver, it was not surprising that he was recognized as the best tight end in college football. The 2007 recipient of the John Mackey Award, Davis averaged 14.2 yards per reception in 2007, second among the nation's tight ends. He was the first tight end since 1985 to lead Southern California in receptions (62). At Rogers High School, Davis earned Super Prep, Prep Star and Insiders.com All-American first-team honors. He was a second-team USA Today All-USA choice and named to the Super Prep Elite 50, Prep Star Top 100 Dream Team and Tom Lemming Top 100 squads. The Super Prep All-Midwest Offensive MVP, Prep Star All-Midwest and All-Ohio selection had over 500 receiving yards, 600 rushing yards, 100 tackles and four interceptions while scoring 12 touchdowns as a wide receiver, running back, quarterback and strong safety in 2003. As a junior, he made the Student Sports Junior All-American and All-Ohio squads while running for 1,100 yards and catching 50 passes for over 700 yards, with 26 scores on offense. He also registered 80 tackles and two interceptions on defense. On the basketball team, Davis averaged 15 points per game and also participated as a hurdler on the track team. Davis graduated a semester early from high school and enrolled at USC in the spring of 2004, where he was a reserve wide receiver and tight end as a first-year freshman. He saw action in nine games, finishing that first season with 30 yards on four catches. While playing mostly in reserve in all 13 games in 2005, Davis earned three starting assignments -- vs. Stanford, California and Fresno State. He finished with 13 caches for 145 yards (11.2-yard average) and two touchdowns, showing the coaching staff that he was ready to replace departed Dominique Byrd as the Trojans' starting tight end in 2006. As a junior, Davis started 10 of 13 contests. He collected 352 yards with three touchdowns on 38 receptions (9.3-yard average). That performance earned him second-team All-Pac-10 Conference honors from The NFL Draft Report and Scout.com. In 2007, Davis finally earned national attention. In addition to winning the Mackey Award as college's top tight end, he was USC's first All-American first-team tight end since Jim Obradovich in 1974. He is the first tight end to lead USC in receptions in a season since Joe Cormier in 1985, in receiving yardage since Hoby Brenner in 1980 and in touchdown receptions since Antoine Harris in 2000. He went on to catch a career-high 62 passes for 881 yards (14.2-yard average) and eight touchdowns while also recording a pair of tackles. In 48 games at Southern California, Davis started 28 contests. He holds all of the school career and single-season records for tight ends, finishing with 117 receptions for 1,408 yards (12-yard average) and 13 touchdowns. He recorded a pair of solo tackles and also recovered an onside kickoff.

DeSean Jackson declared for the 2008 NFL Draft on January 15, and it's safe to assume the only team in the Pac-10 Conference disappointed to see him go is Cal. In three seasons at the university, the talented athlete terrorized his opponent every time he touched the ball -- as a receiver, punt returner and even on the occasional running play -- finding the end zone 29 times in 36 games. Jackson almost didn't make it to California. He seriously considered enrolling at Southern California instead, but a late face-to-face meeting between the former Long Beach Poly High star and Bears head coach Jeff Tedford sealed the deal. Their extremely close relationship would later make Jackson's most difficult decision -- to leave school for the NFL, even harder to make, but the coach is convinced that his star pupil is ready to star at the next level. At Long Beach Poly High School, Jackson was considered one the premier wide receivers in the nation. The Parade Magazine All-American was named the 2004 Glenn Davis Award winner by the Los Angeles Times as Southern California's Player of the Year and was a two-time member of the famed Long Beach Press-Telegram "Best in the West" first team. ESPN.com's Tom Lemming rated Jackson as the fourth-best wide receiver in the country, Prep Star selected him an All-American and a member of its Dream Team Top 100 players, and Calhisports.com voted him the 2004 Mr. Football State Player of the Year. Super Prep ranked him 21st in its Elite 50 players in the nation and the fourth-best player in the state of California. Rivals.com rated him the third-best player in the Golden State area. Jackson was Most Valuable Player of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, as he had seven receptions for 141 yards and passed for a 45-yard touchdown in leading the West squad to a 35-3 victory in a game that featured 80 of the nation's top players. He also sparkled in the Cali-Florida Bowl game, posting five catches for 145 yards and one score. At Long Beach Poly, Jackson flagged down 60 passes for 1,075 yards for the CIF Southern Section championship team. He scored 15 touchdowns, eight of which covered at least 60 yards, including two on punt returns. In the CIF title game, he was a last-minute replacement on defense and responded with two interceptions, one of which he returned 68 yards for a touchdown to help fuel Long Beach Poly's 21-6 victory over Los Alamitos High. As a junior, he hunted down 43 passes for 821 yards and 11 touchdowns in earning first-team All-State accolades. Involved in a heavy recruit war among California, Southern California, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Arizona State, Jackson enrolled at California, Berkeley in 2005, but there was concern he'd never play. In high school, Jackson hit .380 and stole 20 bases his senior year and he was considered the third-best all-around athlete in the Major League Baseball draft prospect pool in 2005 by Baseball America. Teams knew it would take a huge signing bonus to keep Jackson away from football, so they passed. As late as his 2006 season at California, Jackson was still having thoughts of playing baseball. In 2005, Jackson became the first incoming Cal player to win the Glenn Davis Award since running back Russell White captured the award for Crespi High School in 1987. Jackson took over flanker duties for the Bears, starting 10 contests, as he sat out the Washington State clash with a shoulder injury. He had a decent freshman campaign, totaling 698 all-purpose yards. He caught 38 passes for 601 yards (15.8-yard average) and seven touchdowns, adding 48 yards on eight carries (6.0-yard average). As a preview of things to come in 2006, Jackson's only punt return produced a 49-yard touchdown vs. Sacramento State in his collegiate debut. As a sophomore, Jackson was a consensus All-American and unanimous All-Pac 10 Conference first-team choice. He captured the inaugural Randy Moss Award as the to

The tallest defensive lineman to suit up for the Hurricanes, Campbell was regarded as the premier defensive end in college football entering the 2007 season. The Hurricanes' defense struggled, as did Campbell, and the team lost six of their final seven games. Campbell produced pedestrian numbers rather than dominating the action in the trenches as expected. Originally recruited as a tight end because of his athletic ability, Campbell took over starting duties on the right side of the defensive line as a sophomore. He put together a streak of seven consecutive games with at least one quarterback sack as a junior, the second-longest streak in school history. His 10 1/2 sacks in 2006 were the most by a Hurricane since Derrick Ham posted 12 sacks in 1998 and it ranks tied for eighth on the school's season-record list. Campbell comes from a family with deep roots in football. His younger brother, Jared, is a 2007 recruit at Miami and his older brother, Ciare was a defensive back at Colorado State (2004-05). Another brother (Raj) played football at Butte and Orange County Junior Colleges and is presently a receiver at Adams State. At Denver's South High School, Campbell was a standout rush end and tight end. He was rated the 11th-best football player in the country by Super Prep, earning All-American and Elite 50 honors from that recruiting service. Super Prep also rated him the second-best prospect in the state of Colorado, awarding him Midlands Defensive Player of the Year accolades in 2003. Campbell was listed on Tom Lemming's Prep Football Report National Top 100 and ranked as the nation's 11th-best defensive end. The two-time All-State pick as a junior and senior, he also played offensive tackle as a sophomore and tight end his final two years. He set a state career-record with 58 sacks during his four-year career, including 38 over his final two seasons. As a senior, Campbell registered 19 sacks 118 total tackles, three knockdowns and two interceptions. On offense, he had 38 receptions for 412 yards with four touchdowns, including 68- and 72-yarders on tight end screens. As a junior, he posted 19 sacks, 109 tackles and five touchdowns off blocked kicks and fumble returns, in addition to blocking three punts, adding three receptions for 56 yards. Campbell was an accomplished all-around athlete who was an All-State basketball choice as a junior (the only non-senior chosen) in 2002-03. He averaged 22.7 points (fourth-best in Colorado) and led the state in rebounding (16.0 per game) and blocked shots (3.3 per game) as a junior. He also competed in track and field, qualifying for the state meet in the discus and shot put in 2003. His track and field personal bests included 21 feet in the long jump, 48-feet-1 in the shot put, 135-0 in the discus, and 44-2 in the triple-jump. Campbell enrolled at Miami in 2004, declining offers from Colorado State, Nebraska, Louisiana State, Michigan and Oklahoma. He spent his first season on the scout team and was a reserve right defensive end in 2005, playing in 11 games. He started vs. Louisiana State in the Peach Bowl, finishing the campaign with 24 tackles (15 solo), 2 1/2 sacks, six stops for losses and eight quarterback pressures. As a sophomore, Campbell earned team MVP honors, in addition to picking up first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference recognition. He took over right defensive end duties, leading the team and ranking seventh nationally with 20 1/2 stops behind the line of scrimmage, as he finished 15th in the nation with 10 1/2 sacks. He posted 55 tackles (38 solo) with 17 pressures and caused three fumbles while deflecting four passes. A preseason All-American and favorite to win the Ted Hendricks Award (nation's top defensive end), Campbell fared no better than the Hurricanes. Miami got off to a 4-1 start under new head coach Randy Shannon, as the right defensive end registered 25 tackles (16 solos) with 4 1/2 sacks, seven stops for losses, three pressures, two forced fum

In a program known for its running game, Malcolm Kelly might not have gotten as many opportunities as other lead receivers. He made the most of the chances he did have, making the passing game another weapon in the Sooners' arsenal over the last three years from the split end position. Despite playing only three seasons at Oklahoma, he finished his career as the school's fifth-leading receiver with 144 catches. He also ranks second on the Sooners' all-time record list for receiving yardage (2,285), touchdown catches (21) and games with at least 100 yards receiving (nine). His 21 scoring receptions also rank tied for seventh in Big Twelve Conference history. At Longview High School, Kelly was a three-time All-District first-team wide receiver, adding All-State accolades as a junior and senior. He was named first-team All-East Texas by the Texas Sports Writers Association. He received a five-star prospect rating from Scout.com and four stars from Rivals.com. Rivals.com also rated him sixth on their Texas Top 100 List. He was rated the best receiver in Texas by Scout.com and 13th in the nation by ESPN.com. Kelly hauled in 29 passes for 638 yards (22-yard average) and nine touchdowns during his senior campaign. During his junior year, he was credited with 27 receptions for 826 yards (30.6 avg), including six scores. Oklahoma won a recruiting war vs. LSU, Nebraska, Texas and Tennessee for Kelly's services in 2005. He was named to The Sporting News' Freshman All-American team as an honorable mention and All-Big Twelve Conference first-team. He started seven of 11 games, lining up for five contests at flanker before shifting to split end for the final two contests. The true freshman paced the Sooners with 471 yards on 33 catches (14.3-yard average), coming up with a pair of touchdowns. Firmly entrenched at split end, Kelly received second-team All-Big Twelve Conference honors in 2006. He led the team in receiving for the second straight year, coming up with a career-high 62 receptions for 993 yards (16.0-yard average) and 10 touchdowns. He also posted one solo tackle. He averaged 70.93 yards receiving per game, the fifth-best total in the league that year, but he had a concussion early in the year vs. Texas A&M and suffered knee cartilage damage vs. Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl and was limited in 2007 spring drills. Kelly helped break in a new quarterback in Sam Bradford in 2007, as the receiver earned All-Big Twelve second-team recognition. He ranked second on the team, grabbing 49 passes for 821 yards (16.8-yard average) and nine touchdowns. He missed most of the Oklahoma State clash with a hip pointer suffered on the game's first play and for the second straight year, he made an early exit from the Fiesta Bowl with a leg contusion. In 39 games at Oklahoma, Kelly started 34 times, including 29 at split end and five more at flanker. He finished with 144 receptions for 2,285 yards (15.9-yard average) and 21 touchdowns. He also recorded a pair of solo tackles.

An athlete blessed with incredible quickness coming off the edge, dislocated toes did what no other offensive lineman could do in 2007 - stop Quentin Groves. Those who witnessed his performance in the South Florida game last year realize that this is a player that needs to be unleashed on the football field to get maximum production from his tremendous athletic ability. Drawing comparisons to Dallas' DeMarcus Ware, Groves will probably shift to outside linebacker in the professional ranks. He received a crash course at that position late in his senior campaign and even earned a start at left outside linebacker in the Tennessee Tech game. With his tall, muscular physique, excellent speed, outstanding change of direction agility and superb body control as a pass rusher, NFL quarterbacks will soon have to contend with one of the most disruptive backfield penetrators in the 2008 NFL Draft. Groves is an affable sort, frequently smiling and cracking jokes. But the Auburn defensive end does have one group of guys he just doesn't care for: quarterbacks. "I just really don't have a liking for them," Groves said. "You can't hit them in practice. You have to stay off them. They don't do too much running. "I don't like quarterbacks, period. I don't know why." Luckily for him, his primary job for the Tigers the past four seasons has been to harass and hit opposing quarterbacks. And that's something he has done well enough to earn All-American and All-Southeastern Conference honors as he went on to tie Auburn's 22-year-old career record of 26 sacks held by Gerald Robinson. At Greenville-Weston High School, Groves earned USA Today All-USA second-team, Prep Star and Super Prep All-Region, Orlando Sentinel Super Southern 100, Clarion Ledger Dandy Dozen and that newspaper's All-State honors as a senior. He was also rated the third-best defensive end in the country by Prep Football Report and ESPN.com. Groves started all four seasons with the varsity and finished his senior season with 86 tackles, 22 sacks and three fumble recoveries. He also played tight end and caught three passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns. As a junior, he posted 89 tackles, 15 sacks, one interception and forced seven fumbles. He also lettered in basketball, competed in the discus and long jump in track and was a member of the power lifting team. Groves enrolled at Auburn in 2003, seeing brief action in the season opener vs. Southern California and vs. Western Kentucky before he was redshirted. He finished that year with three tackles (2 assists). The following season, Groves earned Freshman All-American honors from The Sporting News, Rivals.com and the Football Writers Association. Despite sharing left defensive end duties with Doug Langenfeld and Stanley McClover, Groves led the team with 7.5 sacks and 10 stops for losses as a reserve left defensive end. He posted 23 tackles (19 solos) in 13 games, adding four quarterback pressures and two forced fumbles. What made those figures even more impressive was the fact that he was nursing a right high ankle sprain that he suffered in fall camp. His performance earned him team Most Improved Defensive Lineman honors. In 2005, Groves started three of 12 games at right defensive end, picking up third-team All-Southeastern Conference accolades. He registered 21 tackles (8 solos), ranking third on the team with six sacks and fourth with eight stops behind the line of scrimmage. He also caused a fumble, deflected a pass and returned a kickoff 13 yards. The 2006 off-season was one that Groves would just as soon forget. He was placed on probation after he was in a car accident with no auto insurance and a suspended license. He was also arrested after police responded to a domestic dispute call. Back on the football field, he started all 13 games at right defensive end, picking up All-American third-team and All-SEC first-team honors. As a junior, Groves led the Tigers with 9.5 sacks and ranked second

Entering his final season, Sweed was rated the best receiver in college football and one of the nation's top 25 draft prospects by ESPN. However, a left wrist injury that started to bother him in spring camp carried over into fall drills. The injury would force Sweed to the sidelines for stretches throughout the first six games of his final season. His year would finally come to a close after he underwent surgery in mid-October to repair ligament damage. Before his career would come to a close, Sweed etched his name into the Longhorns' record books. The two-time All-Big 12 selection ranks second in school history with 20 touchdown catches. While starting 39 consecutive games, he totaled 1,915 yards receiving, the fifth-best season total in Texas history. He also hauled in 124 passes, good for sixth place on UT's all-time record list. Sweed formed an instant bond with quarterback Colt McCoy, who threw 15 touchdowns to the receiver. "I think he gets overlooked a lot because he's a great receiver -- he has such great hands," McCoy said. "When we have running plays, anytime we make a big play, it's because Limas is down there making a block." Sweed lettered three times as a wide receiver and free safety at Brenham High School. He was a Class 4A second-team All-State and first-team All-Greater Houston selection on offense and an All-District honoree on both sides of the ball as a senior, playing in the 2003 U.S. Army All-American game. He also earned 4A honorable mention All-State and All-District honors as a junior, and while primarily playing defense he was tabbed the District's Sophomore of the Year in 2000. Nearly half of his 72 catches (31) in his final three seasons went for touchdowns. Sweed also averaged 23.4 yards per reception (72 for 1,684 yards), as he helped lead the team to a 14-2 record and a berth in the Texas 4A Division II Championship game in 2002. He caught 38 passes for 796 yards and 12 touchdowns, adding 44 tackles and five interceptions on defense that year. Sweed had 22 receptions for 656 yards and 13 scores and added a pair of interceptions as the team posted an 11-2 record during his junior season. As a sophomore, he recorded 89 tackles and three interceptions, adding 12 catches for 232 yards and six touchdowns that season. He also lettered four times in track, performing mostly in the hurdles. Sweed placed fourth in the 110-meter hurdles (14.10 seconds) at the 2003 Texas 4A track-and-field meet and finished sixth as a junior (14.34). He lettered four times in basketball as a forward, earning All-District honors as a junior after averaging 12 points and eight rebounds per game. After redshirting at Texas in 2003, Sweed took over split end duties for the final seven contests of the 2004 campaign. He went on to catch 23 passes for 263 yards (11.4 avg) and also made a solo tackle in 11 contests. Sweed earned All-Big 12 Conference honorable mention as a sophomore. Starting 13 games for the national championship squad, he came up with 36 receptions for 545 yards (15.1 avg) and five touchdowns while also making a pair of solo tackles. With the team opening up its passing attack in 2006, Sweed paced the Longhorns with 46 catches for 801 yards (17.4 avg) and 12 touchdowns, setting a school record with at least one scoring grab in seven consecutive games. The All-Big 12 Conference first-team pick also gained 5 yards on a rushing attempt and scored 72 points. After his junior campaign, reports filtered to the media that Sweed was going to file early for the 2007 NFL Draft. The receiver quickly shot down those rumors. "I feel like I'm a leader on this team, and I want to be a positive influence on the younger guys," said Sweed. "That's why I think it's important for me to come back, develop as a player and get my degree. My intention is to help this team win as many games as we can." Injuries sidetracked Sweed in 2007, ending his season after six games. In and out of the lineup d

Jones often dominates against lesser competition in the Mid-American Conference. He has been versatile enough to play inside and outside for the Eagles, but projects outside at power end in the NFL. Scouts have certainly taken notice as he has put up 50 tackles for loss the past three seasons. Getting over a knee sprain and moving outside may put him into the top 100. Not bad for a guy who failed as a tight end his freshman year due to poor hands.

At only 5-feet-9, 195 pounds, Rice lacks the size scouts are looking for in a franchise back. His lack of prototypical size, however, is the only characteristic in which Rice is lacking. With Brian Leonard moving on to the St. Louis Rams in 2007, defenses knew Rice was the key to stopping Rutgers -- and he still finished a school single-season record 2,012 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns. Quick, fast and surprisingly powerful, Rice is built in much the same mold as Jacksonville Jaguars star Maurice Jones-Drew, making him one of the more versatile and talented backs in a 2008 draft.

The Brohm family has a long, storied history at Louisville, dating to the 1968 and '69 seasons, when Oscar Brohm lettered for the Cardinals. Years later, his son, Greg (1989-92) put on a Louisville uniform and start for three seasons at wide receiver, catching 45 passes for 722 yards and three scores for former head coach Howard Schnellenberger. Greg Brohm returned to the university in 2006, taking over as the team's Director of Football Operations. His brother Jeff (1990, 92-93), who would go on to start at quarterback for the Cardinals in his three seasons as a letterman, ranks among U of L's all-time leaders for passing yards (seventh, 5,451), touchdown passes (fifth, 38), completions (eighth, 402), total offense (sixth, 6,430) and completion percentage (sixth, .562). Voted the Cards' MVP in 1992 and '93, Jeff Brohm will always be remembered for a gritty performance in leading U of L to an 18-7 victory over Michigan State in the 1993 Liberty Bowl, when he played with pins in his hand. He enjoyed a seven-year career in the NFL, starting in 1994 with the San Diego Chargers. He also played for the San Francisco 49ers from 1995-1997 and was the backup quarterback to Steve Young in 1997. From 1998-2000, he played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos, and Cleveland Browns. In 2001, he played in the XFL for the Orlando Rage and was named first-team All-XFL as he owned the league's highest QB rating at 99.9. Jeff Brohm served as an assistant coach the last four seasons at UL. In addition to coaching quarterbacks, he was elevated to assistant head coach and passing game coordinator in 2007. In his four years with the Cardinals, he tutored two-time first-team All-Conference USA and Co-Offensive Player of the Year Stefan LeFors and the Big East Conference Offensive Player of the Year, Brian Brohm, the youngest brother of the fourth-year coach. Brian Brohm started 33 games at Louisville. He closed out his career as the Big East Conference's all-time leader in passing yardage, becoming the first player in league history to throw for over 10,000 yards (10,775) He finished second on the UL career list with 780 pass completions and 1,185 pass attempts, as his completion percentage (.658) is the fifth-best mark among NCAA quarterbacks active last season. He compiled a 24-9 record as a starter for the Cardinals. Brian Brohm was a standout quarterback at Trinity High School, where he was named USA Today Offensive Player of the Year as a senior. He threw for 10,579 yards and 119 touchdowns (both rank second in state prep history) during his 44-game career and was the recipient of the National Quarterback Club's award for the National High School Quarterback of the Year in 2003. Brohm was voted one of the 2003 National Top 150 Adidas Playmakers and named the Gatorade Player of the Year, in addition to earning Kentucky Mr. Football accolades. He was also selected to the Parade Magazine High School All-American teams and ranked as the best quarterback and second-ranked overall prospect in the country by ESPN's Tom Lemming's Prep Football Report. Brohm led the Shamrocks to three state titles, was awarded the Roy Kidd Award and was a three-time state finalist for Most Valuable Player honors. He guided the team to a 15-0 record in the state playoffs and started for the East squad in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He set a state record for career completion percentage. As a senior, Brohm threw for 3,720 yards and 33 touchdowns, completing 298-of-463 passes. He passed for 3,777 yards and 47 touchdowns on 226-of-335 passes with just one interception as a junior. In the 2002 state championship game, he completed 19-of-25 passes for 552 yards and seven touchdowns. As a sophomore, Brohm completed 174-of-273 passes for 3,082 yards and 39 scores with only five interceptions. He was also a starter on the Trinity High basketball team that went to the State Tournament for the first time ever and was named player of the

Chad Henne served as the engineer for a team that relied heavily on its ground game over the years, but he's a classic pocket passer with a big arm. With his quick setup and arm strength, he gave the Wolverines an added weapon in their offensive arsenal. In 47 games -- all starts -- at Michigan, Henne set the Wolverines' career marks with 828 completions of 1,387 pass attempts for 9,715 yards, 87 touchdowns and 37 interceptions, in addition to setting records with 1,567 plays participated in for 9,400 yards in total offense. Henne also produced 26 200-yard passing performances, the second-best total in UM history. Henne was a highly-decorated passer at Wilson High School. He was rated the seventh-best player in the country and third-ranked quarterback by Tom Lemming's Prep Football Report (also rated third in the nation at QB by Prep Star). Rivals.com rated him the third-best quarterback in the nation and the state of Pennsylvania's second-ranked prep player, receiving a five-star rating. He was also ranked third nationally at quarterback by Super Prep and second by Collegefootballnews.com and MaxEmfingerRecruiting.com (also received a five-star rating from Max Emfinger). Henne was named one of the Adidas Fab 50 National Playmakers in 2003 and rated the best quarterback in the nation by The G&W Recruiting Report. He earned All-American honors from that recruiting service, receiving the same accolades from Parade. He played in the 2004 U.S. Army All-American Game and competed in the Big 33 All-Star Classic. He was named Gatorade Player of the Year award for the state of Pennsylvania and was the recipient of the Wilson Most Valuable Offensive Player Award as a senior. In addition, Henne added first-team All-State honors from the Associated Press and was a three-time first-team All-Berks County selection, adding All-Berks/Lancaster Lebanon Offensive Back of the Year honors as a junior and senior. He earned second-team All-State honors as a junior and first-team All-Berks County and all-league honorable mention as a freshman. Henne set the Pennsylvania District III all-time passing and touchdown records (7,071 yards and 74 touchdowns), as he completed 147-of-249 passes for 1,743 yards and 19 scores his senior season, when he also rushed for 450 yards and five scores. He threw for more than 4,000 yards in his sophomore and junior seasons alone, completing 64.4% of his passes for 2,088 yards, 23 touchdowns and three interceptions (two came on deflections) while rushing for over 600 yards and six touchdowns as a junior. As a sophomore, Henne passed for 1,405 yards and 16 touchdowns and completed 53.4% of his throws for 1,835 yards and 16 touchdowns as a freshman. He also competed in track and was timed in 100-meters at 11.2. He threw the javelin a career-best 195.5 feet. He was a two-year starter on the basketball team, averaging eight points and eight rebounds per game as a senior. Henne enrolled at Michigan in 2004 and quickly took over quarterback duties, starting all 12 games. He received the U-M Athletic Academic Achievement Award and was an All-Big Ten Conference honorable mention by the league's coaches and media. He added Freshman All-American accolades from Scripps/Football Writers Association, Rivals.com and The Sporting News Freshman All-America first team. He finished the year as the top true freshman quarterback statistically in Michigan and Big Ten history, connecting on 240-of-399 passes (60.2%) for 2,743 yards and 25 touchdowns, ranking third on the school's single-season list for attempts, completions and yards. He also tied the school record for most touchdown passes in a season (25 shared by Elvis Grbac in 1991) and ran for two more scores. In 2005, Henne again started all 12 games. He completed 223-of-382 passes (58.4%) for 2,526 yards with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He ranks fourth in Michigan history in touchdown passes in a season, fourth in completions, fifth in attempts

Undersized and hailing from small school Appalachian State, some teams will fail to do their homework on this explosive slot receiver and return prospect and pay the price later. The Michigan Wolverines certainly did when they underestimated Jackson's speed, and he burned them for three catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns. Invited to the East-West Shrine Game and later the Senior Bowl, Jackson's quick feet, blazing speed and secure hands stood out among prospects initially rated higher.

Perhaps the strongest and toughest blocker in the Pac-10 Conference, the Sun Devils relied on the leader of their line to stabilize the offense up front. Despite having five starters return to the offensive line in 2007, the unit struggled, with Pollak being the lone bright spot while ASU quarterbacks were sacked 55 times. One of the top centers in the nation, Pollak improved significantly in each of his four seasons on the field at ASU. He follows a lineage of accomplished athletes at the center position in recent years for the Sun Devils, including All-Pac-10 Conference honorees Grayling Love, Drew Hodgdon and Scott Peters. The versatile and powerful interior lineman performed extremely well and was named to the 2007 Rimington Trophy Watch List, an award annually presented to the nation's top center. He was awarded the Tim Landers Iron Man Award, given to the Sun Devil with exemplary work ethic in the weight room, on the field or in the community. Pollak also won the Cecil Bono Team Captain Award and the Pat Tillman Award at the end of his collegiate career. He excelled in the classroom, where he was one of eight Sun Devils on the 2007 roster and one of five ASU offensive linemen to have earned his undergraduate degree prior to his final season. Pollak attended Corona del Sol High School, where he earned two votes in The Long Beach Press-Telegram's "Best In The West" rating. He was a member of The Tacoma News Tribune's "Western 100" and rated as the eighth-best prospect in the state of Arizona by Super Prep. He added All-Region honors from Prep Star and ranked as the sixth-best offensive lineman in the West by PacWestFootball.com. Pollak was named first-team All-Arizona by The Arizona Republic, as he also collected first-team All-City and All-Conference recognition as a senior. That year, he graded 92% for pass blocking, 86% for run blocking and generated 67 knockdowns, picking up Super All-State first-team honors on offense from the Phoenix Metro Football Magazine. The versatile lineman played offensive guard and defensive tackle, but had not played football before coming to Corona. He was also a standout baseball pitcher, earning first-team All-Region, All-East Valley, All-Conference and honorable mention All-State accolades as a junior, playing three seasons on the baseball diamond. He also served as the captain of his baseball and football teams. Pollak enrolled at Arizona State in 2003, spending the season competing on the scout team as an offensive guard and center. When All-Pac-10 center Drew Hodgdon was injured in fall camp, Pollak stepped in and started the team's first four games at center. He contributed to a passing offense that led the Pac-10 and ranked fifth in the nation with an average of 317.3 yards per game. As a sophomore, Pollak played in all 12 games, starting the team's final five contests (started six total) for All-Pac-10 honoree Grayling Love, who was sidelined due to an injury. In the games in which he started, ASU averaged 510.7 yards per game in total offense and scored an average of 36.0 points per game. In 2006, Pollak was named All-Pac-10 Conference second-team. He was chosen the team's Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman and earned Hard Hat Player honors for his efforts in the team's offseason strength and conditioning program for the third-straight season. With him in the pivot, ASU averaged 367.3 yards per game in total offense. The Sun Devils won their first eight games under new head coach Dennis Erickson, as Pollak garnered first-team All-Pac-10 Conference honors. He allowed four of the team's 55 quarterback sacks, but generally did a steady job of protecting QB Rudy Carpenter in the pocket. ASU would go on to average 399.6 yards per game. The center would post 80 knockdowns, coming up with an impressive 15 touchdown-resulting blocks.

Finally got his chance to be a full-time starter in 2007 after David Irons left for the NFL. Lee took advantage of the situation with four interceptions. He was a part-time starter for two years and a good special teams player his freshman year, and he'll need to perform on those coverage units to ensure his roster spot.

This former Texas high school basketball star does not play like one on the football field. Bennett's not the fastest tight end in this draft, but the combination of his receiving and blocking skills are what make him coveted by NFL teams. There are probably few college tight ends in recent history who have averaged four catches (49 for 587 yards and four touchdowns) and more than five knockdown blocks (67) per game.

One of the more unheralded players in college football, Wheatley made professional scouts take notice of his ability as a shutdown cornerback. After sitting out the 2005 season following surgery to repair a broken wrist, Wheatley more than made up for lost time, establishing himself as the premier man-coverage cornerback in an extremely talented conference. One of the fastest players in college football, Wheatley's sudden burst and running stride has also brought him success as a kickoff returner. His 937 yards on kickoff returns rank fifth on the school's all-time record list and his 506 yards on those returns in 2007 marked the eighth time in Colorado annals that a player amassed more than 500 yards on kickoff returns in a season, and he still has six games in his final campaign to improve those totals. One defense, he ranks tied for sixth in Colorado history with eleven interceptions. He returned two of those pass thefts for touchdowns, one short of the school career-record of three by Victor Scott (1980-83). He has also batted away 27 other passes thrown in his area, giving him 38 passes defended over 37 games. "When the pro scouts come by, I just jump on the table for Terrence Wheatley," said Colorado head coach Dan Hawkins. "I think he is a very solid individual, he is a hard worker, he is a smart guy, he is dependable, he is very, very consistent and he is a special talent. I could see that guy, if he continues, being an All-American type player. It is awesome to have him in the return game, too, because we know how fast he is and now that his wrist is healed up and it's not as big a problem as it was last year, he can do some great things there. But he is a great kid, he really is." At Plano East High School, Wheatley earned All-State honorable mention, Dallas Morning News All-Area first-team honors as a cornerback and receiver and was named to the All-District 9-5A first-team. He was rated the 56th-best cornerback in the nation by Rivals.com and also garnered the Plano Star Collin County Most Valuable Player accolades as a senior. As a junior, he received All-District second-team recognition as a receiver and first-team accolades as a kickoff returner. During his final campaign, Wheatley recorded 82 tackles (three for loss), along with five interceptions, nine pass deflections, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. On offense, he caught 25 passes for 410 yards and three touchdowns; he averaged 35 yards per kickoff return and 15 yards per punt return. The team finished 8-4 that season, winning the district title, but lost in the second round of the playoffs. As a junior, he totaled 70 tackles (four for loss), with six interceptions, 18 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and three recovered fumbles. He played running back sparingly, rushing 23 times for 200 yards, and added 11 catches for 161 yards and two touchdowns. He also averaged 25 yards per kickoff return and eight yards on punt returns. That year, he guided the squad to an 8-3 record, winning the district championship before losing in the first round of the playoffs. Wheatley added three letters in track, setting school records in the triple-jump (50-8), long jump (24-61/2) and 100 meters (10.15). He was the Texas Relay champion in the triple jump (48-5) his junior year, and he won district championships in the 100, long jump and triple-jump. He also was the district champion in the triple-jump as a sophomore. Wheatley enrolled at Colorado in 2003, seeing action in 12 games on special teams and in six contests on defense. He started vs. Baylor and Kansas State at right cornerback, coming up with 30 tacklers (22 solo) and five pass deflections. He also gained 57 yards (29.5-yard average) on a pair of kickoff returns. His first start against Baylor was historical, as he joined Sammy Joseph at cornerback, marking the first time in CU history that a pair of freshmen started at the same position in the same game. On special teams, he

One of the premier lock-down cornerbacks in college football, Thomas' hard-hitting tackling ability and penchant for making big tackles inside the box could see him shift to free safety at the next level. When healthy, he has more than lived up to the challenge of covering the opposition's main receiving target and has allowed just two touchdown catches over the last two seasons. Injuries have been the only thing to keep Thomas off the field for the Trojans. Because of his ability to dominate vs. the run, he has also seen some action with the linebacker unit. He shows little regard for his own safety, willingly hurling himself into the pile to make the play. He does this despite undergoing surgery on both shoulders during his career, in addition to surgery on his right knee to repair torn ligaments. The grueling rehabilitation he underwent each time saw him return to perform even better than before he was hurt. At Ranch Cucamonga High School, Thomas earned 2002 Super Prep All-America, Super Prep All-Farwest, Prep Star All-West, Tom Lemming All-West, Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West first-team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, All-CIF Division II first- team and Los Angeles Times All-Inland Empire first-team accolades. A standout tailback and cornerback, Thomas rushed for 1,250 yards on 134 carries (9.3 avg) with 14 touchdowns and caught 30 passes with five scores as a senior. On defense, he recorded 115 tackles, had seven interceptions and forced four fumbles while averaging 44.5 yards on kickoff returns in 2002. As a junior, Thomas collected 78 tackles and five interceptions, as he also had 15 catches for 250 yards (16.7 avg) with six touchdowns. He also was on the school's track team, compiling career-bests of 10.5 seconds in the 100-meters and 21.4 in the 200-meters. Thomas enrolled at Southern California in 2003. He was listed second on the depth chart at free safety, but suffered a right shoulder dislocation in fall camp. He underwent surgery, receiving a medical hardship. In 2004, Thomas appeared in 11 games as a reserve cornerback, shifting to that position from free safety during '04 spring drills. Seeing most of his action in the dime packages and on special teams, he made only nine tackles (7 solos), but also batted away a pair of passes and intercepted two others. Thomas took over strong-side (right) cornerback for the first two games of the 2005 season, but he suffered torn ligaments in his right knee vs. Arkansas, underwent surgery and was lost for the rest of the year. He finished with five solo tackles and a pass break-up. Thomas reclaimed his right cornerback job in 2006, earning All-Pac 10 Conference second-team honors. He ranked seventh on the team with 50 tackles (35 solos), having a strong presence on the blitz, as he totaled three sacks for losses of 32 yards and recovered two fumbles, returning one for a touchdown. He also intercepted two passes and deflected 12 others. Prior to the start of 2007 spring drills, Thomas underwent surgery to repair a left shoulder dislocation. He returned to start all 13 games, again receiving All-Pac 10 Conference second-team recognition. He ranked ninth on the squad with 45 tackles (31 solos) and had a sack with 4.5 stops for losses. He caused three fumbles, recovered another and batted away seven passes. He also gained 44 yards on four interception returns.