cowboyjoe
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WAC players to watch
STARS
QB Colin Kaepernick, Nevada
What else is there to say about the dynamic playmaker? Kaepernick became the 10th QB in NCAA history to rush for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons. He is the second player to throw for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 in consecutive years. The 6-foot-6, 215-pounder makes the Wolf Pack offense go. His passing remains an area that needs improvement. Good teams have been able to contain his running game - and that's when Nevada struggles. Still, he's one of the most dynamic players in the country.
LT Rob McGill, Louisiana Tech
A two-time All-WAC first-team selection, the 6-foot-6, 310-pounder has started every game the last two seasons. With his size and resume, McGill could be a coveted prospect for NFL scouts. He'll get to showcase his pass-blocking skills this year in the Bulldogs' new offensive scheme.
UNSUNG HEROES
RG Andrew Jackson, Fresno State
We saw last season how much a veteran offensive line can impact a team, when Idaho's front line - led by NFL first-round pick Mike Iupati - carried the Vandals to the postseason. Fresno State is the group to watch this year. Led by Jackson, a first-team All-WAC pick last year, the Bulldogs have four seniors and a junior on the line. Senior center Joe Bernardi is another strong player. The group paved the way for Ryan Mathews to lead the NCAA in rushing last year. Look for the line to be a dominant force again in 2010.
K Kevin Goessling, Fresno State & K Matt Nelson, Louisiana Tech
Yeah, we know kickers aren't always considered real football players. But they often have the game on their foot. Goessling has been money for the Bulldogs in his two years as the starter. He made a 35-yarder as time expired to beat Louisiana Tech last year. Goessling made all 51 extra-point attempts and 15-of-16 field goals in '09. He has a career-long of 58 yards. Nelson, a sophomore, made 12-of-13 attempts from inside 50 yards last season for Louisiana Tech. Boise State and Idaho have solid kickers as well in Kyle Brotzman and Trey Farquhar, respectively.
TE Virgil Green, Nevada
Green gets lost in the shuffle with the Wolf Pack because of the attention that QB Kaepernick and RB Vai Taua receive. But the 6-foot-5, 240-pound senior is a key cog in the Nevada offense and fast emerging as a red-zone target for Kaepernick. He had 23 catches for 260 yards last year. Five, however, were for TDs. Green is also a good blocker, a must for Nevada.
BREAKOUT CANDIDATES
RB Seth Smith, New Mexico State
Smith, a former walk-on, rushed for 1,016 yards last year. He had five consecutive 100-yard games. Smith earned his 1,000-yard season, averaging 4.1 yards per carry. He also had just one touchdown in 246 carries. If he can spring a few more long runs (and scores), Smith should become more well-known around WAC.
Read more: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/08/29/1316775/wacplayerstowatch.html#ixzz0yI6RrLQn
STARS
QB Colin Kaepernick, Nevada
What else is there to say about the dynamic playmaker? Kaepernick became the 10th QB in NCAA history to rush for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons. He is the second player to throw for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 in consecutive years. The 6-foot-6, 215-pounder makes the Wolf Pack offense go. His passing remains an area that needs improvement. Good teams have been able to contain his running game - and that's when Nevada struggles. Still, he's one of the most dynamic players in the country.
LT Rob McGill, Louisiana Tech
A two-time All-WAC first-team selection, the 6-foot-6, 310-pounder has started every game the last two seasons. With his size and resume, McGill could be a coveted prospect for NFL scouts. He'll get to showcase his pass-blocking skills this year in the Bulldogs' new offensive scheme.
UNSUNG HEROES
RG Andrew Jackson, Fresno State
We saw last season how much a veteran offensive line can impact a team, when Idaho's front line - led by NFL first-round pick Mike Iupati - carried the Vandals to the postseason. Fresno State is the group to watch this year. Led by Jackson, a first-team All-WAC pick last year, the Bulldogs have four seniors and a junior on the line. Senior center Joe Bernardi is another strong player. The group paved the way for Ryan Mathews to lead the NCAA in rushing last year. Look for the line to be a dominant force again in 2010.
K Kevin Goessling, Fresno State & K Matt Nelson, Louisiana Tech
Yeah, we know kickers aren't always considered real football players. But they often have the game on their foot. Goessling has been money for the Bulldogs in his two years as the starter. He made a 35-yarder as time expired to beat Louisiana Tech last year. Goessling made all 51 extra-point attempts and 15-of-16 field goals in '09. He has a career-long of 58 yards. Nelson, a sophomore, made 12-of-13 attempts from inside 50 yards last season for Louisiana Tech. Boise State and Idaho have solid kickers as well in Kyle Brotzman and Trey Farquhar, respectively.
TE Virgil Green, Nevada
Green gets lost in the shuffle with the Wolf Pack because of the attention that QB Kaepernick and RB Vai Taua receive. But the 6-foot-5, 240-pound senior is a key cog in the Nevada offense and fast emerging as a red-zone target for Kaepernick. He had 23 catches for 260 yards last year. Five, however, were for TDs. Green is also a good blocker, a must for Nevada.
BREAKOUT CANDIDATES
RB Seth Smith, New Mexico State
Smith, a former walk-on, rushed for 1,016 yards last year. He had five consecutive 100-yard games. Smith earned his 1,000-yard season, averaging 4.1 yards per carry. He also had just one touchdown in 246 carries. If he can spring a few more long runs (and scores), Smith should become more well-known around WAC.
Read more: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/08/29/1316775/wacplayerstowatch.html#ixzz0yI6RrLQn
DAL @ GB
