BYU:

Matt Reynolds, Offensive Tackle

Another solid game for Reynolds as he helped lead the way during a 514 yard offensive attack. His outstanding run blocking paved a path for the BYU runners to gain 219 yards on the ground. He showed good technique against the Miners’ defensive linemen, but that isn’t saying too much. Too often, Reynolds relies on his toughness and big body to help him slow down defenders. He will need to work on getting in better shape and improving his pass blocking, where speedy defenders tend to get the best of him. With great intangibles and a hard-nosed attitude, Reynolds has the foundation to be a decent NFL offensive lineman, but has much room for growth and improvement. In the NFL, he may work better as a right tackle or guard then as a left tackle, which was his main position during his time Keep Reading…

The Rimington Trophy is presented annually to the best center in the nation. This year, Jake Kirkpatrick of the TCU Horned Frogs earned this prestigious designation.

Kirkpatrick made his case while helping TCU come up with its second undefeated regular season in a row. Kirkpatrick and his offensive line gave quarterback Andy Dalton plenty of time to throw all season long, allowing Dalton to throw for 26 touchdowns and completing 66.2 percent of his passes while only getting him sacked eight times. He was part of the offense that was ranked ninth in the nation in yards-per-game (491.5) in large part to their eighth-ranked rushing attack that averaged 5.47 yards-per-carry. His services were a crucial part of allowing the Horned Frogs to earn a #3 BCS ranking at season’s end that got them an invitation to play in the Rose Bowl against the Wisconsin Badgers.

Kirkpatrick helped the Keep Reading…

The Bronko Nagurski Award is presented annually to the best defensive player in the nation, decided on by members of the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA). The Ted Hendricks Award is presented annually to the best defensive end in the nation. This year, defensive end Da’Quan Bowers of the Clemson Tigers earned both of these prestigious designations.

At the beginning of the 2010 season, there were questions about Bowers’ ability to rush the passer. His worth as a run-stopper was crystal clear, but there wasn’t enough production as a pass-rusher in 2009 for a player of his ability and potential. Well, he did more than enough to quiet any doubters. During 2010, his junior year, he had 16 sacks and a forced fumble to go along with his 61 total tackles. He displayed outstanding athleticism by beating opposing tackles in pass-rush on a consistent basis, while also showing Keep Reading…

The Chuck Bednarik Award is presented annually to the best defensive player in the nation, decided on by the Maxwell Football Club. The Jim Thorpe Award is presented annually to the best defensive back in the nation. This year, cornerback Patrick Peterson of the LSU Tigers earned both of these prestigious designations.

If there was ever a player that made NFL scouts drool, it’s Peterson. Peterson is an uber-talented athlete who flies around the field and makes plays on almost every down. Not only is he a sensational cornerback, but he also is a sparkplug on special teams. This season, he tallied 36 tackles, four interceptions and six broken up passes on defense. Some might say that his defensive stats aren’t stellar, but it’s hard for him to rack up stats when the opposing offense avoids throwing or running to his side. On special teams, he returned 26 punts Keep Reading…

The John Mackey Award is presented annually to the best tight end in the nation. This year, D.J. Williams of the Arkansas Razorbacks earned this prestigious designation.

During his senior year, Williams became one of the most reliable weapons for outstanding quarterback Ryan Mallett. His production declined from his sophomore to junior year, but then returned to form in his senior year, catching 49 balls for 589 yards and four touchdowns. He is also the active NCAA career leader in catches (147) and receiving yards (1,817). He became one of the most feared receivers as well as blockers on a Razorback offense that helped lift Arkansas to the Sugar Bowl to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes. In recognition of his abilities on the field as well as off of it, he was also honored with the Disney Spirit Award, given to the nation’s most inspiring player.

Williams’ Keep Reading…