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Old 07-28-2006, 10:29 AM   #22
That Guy
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Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: VA
Age: 43
Posts: 17,620
Re: College Football

1. Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech, 6-4, 228, JR:

Already considered by many to be the top wide receiver in the country, Johnson is only entering his junior season. Despite being double-teamed on most snaps, Johnson is still responsible for more than 40 percent of Tech's passing production over the past two seasons. His rare combination of size, strength, hand-eye coordination and acrobatics has drawn comparisons to Larry Fitzgerald and even Cris Carter.

An All-ACC selection each of the past two seasons, Johnson's exploits earned him All-American honors in 2005. Because so many players are relative products of collegiate offenses, it is important to point out that Georgia Tech is hardly a passing powerhouse. In fact, before Johnson arrived, the Yellow Jackets had not produced a wide receiver with any type of All-American honors since Billy Martin was recognized -- in 1963. After just 24 games, Johnson has 102 receptions for 1,725 yards and 13 touchdowns; ranking him seventh in Tech history in career receiving yards, 10th in receptions and tied for sixth in touchdown receptions.

Johnson's opportunities became limited once teams began to increasingly role coverage toward him in 2005. He was held to only four catches over the final two games, losses to Georgia and Utah. Johnson will likely be entering his final collegiate season, as a chance at NFL riches could be too much to pass up.



2. Jeff Samardzija, WR, Notre Dame, 6-5, 216, SR:

Entering last season, Samardzija was known more for his pitching exploits than for his production on the football field. In fact, before the 2005 season, Samardzija had only 24 career receptions and no touchdowns. Of course, with former New England Patriot offensive coordinator Charlie Weis becoming Notre Dame's head coach and future first-round pick quarterback Brady Quinn coming into his own, the table was set for Samardzija to enjoy a breakout season. Still, no one could have predicted his record-breaking performance -- breaking school records for most receiving yards (1,249) and touchdowns (15) and tying a 35-year-old record for most receptions in a single season (77) previously set by Tom Gatewood.

NFL scouts are intrigued by Samardzija due to his rare combination of size and agility. Though he lacks spectacular speed, Samardzija is deceptively smooth and is at his best with the ball in the air. Like Johnson, Samardzija has rare hand-eye coordination and has shown a knack for making the spectacular reception in tight coverage. The game comes naturally to Samardzija even though his spring practice time is limited due to his commitments as a pitcher for the Irish baseball team. Professional football and baseball scouts are left imagining what this kid could do if he focused on one sport.

3. Ted Ginn, Jr., WR, Ohio State, 6-0, 180, JR:
4. Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC, 6-5, 210, JR:
5. Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina, 6-4, 192, SO:
6. Todd Blythe, WR, Iowa State, 6-5, 210, JR:
7. Jason Hill, WR, Washington State, 6-1, 210, SR:
8. Jarrett Hicks, WR, Texas Tech, 6-3, 210, SR:
9. Greg Olsen, TE, Miami, 6-5, 252, JR:
10. Zach Miller, TE, Arizona State, 6-4, 254, JR:
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