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Nik · 11-11-2004, 08:54 PM

From NFLDraftCountdown.com

This is just the intro

Quote:

Head 2 Head

If you enjoy a good debate then this feature is for you! Here you will find discussion of some of the hottest topics in both pro and college football with two parties each making a case for their point of view. This edition asks the question "Who is Top Young Star in College Football?" Check it out, give it a read and see who you agree with.

Read the rest here: URL=http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/features/head2head.html]http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/features/head2head.html[/url]

Nik · 11-11-2004, 08:56 PM

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Devin Hester

By Scott Wright

The Miami Hurricanes recent history when it comes to defensive backs and college football stardom has been astounding. Actually, come to think of it, the 'Canes have a pretty amazing recent history when it comes to college football stardom at all positions. Anyways, as I was saying, with recent alumni such as Ed Reed, Philip Buchanon, Sean Taylor and now Antrel Rolle, the Miami program has produced some of the best young defensive backs in the NFL today. If you are wondering who the next star from this lineage will be you need not look any further than Devin Hester.

Coming out of the prep ranks Hester was widely regarded as one of the top cornerback prospects and pure athletes in the country. He made an impact early on as a true freshman for the Hurricanes, beginning his career at wide receiver while also establishing himself as a premier return man. Hester made the move to cornerback as a sophomore this season and while he has yet to make his mark as a positional player he has certainly become one of the most electrifying players in the college game in 2004. Through the beginning end of October he has averaged 31.7 yards per kick return with 1 touchdown and has been even more impressive returning punts, averaging 26.2 yards per with 3 touchdowns! It has already gotten to the point where opposing teams would rather kick the ball out of bounds and give up field position rather than giving Hester a chance to take one to the house. It is not a stretch to say he has already developed a "Dante Hall-esque" reputation, and he is only a true sophomore.

Another indication of what a truly special athlete Hester is can be seen in the fact that the Hurricanes are doing whatever they can to get his playmaking ability on the field, whether it be on defense, at wide receiver, running back or as a return man.And did I mention Hester won a Big East title as a Track and Field star? Now that is what I call an athlete.

Even though he was spectacular on the defensive side of the ball, what enabled Charles Woodson to contend for and eventually win the Heisman Trophy was the action he saw on the offensive side of the ball and Hester has already shown the ability and been given the opportunity to make a run for the award himself in the coming years. In terms of his pro potential, we haven't seen much of him as a cornerback yet but he certainly has the type of size (5-11, 185), speed (4.33) and athleticism to rank as a top pro prospect whenever he decides to go pro and word has it that none other than Deion Sanders himself has taken a special interest in Hester. Not a bad endorsement.

We won't really begin to see Hester's full impact until next season when he will play an expanded role in the secondary with Antrel Rolle's graduation, but this early preview of his potential has to leave you wondering just how good this guy is going to be. It may be cliché to say that the sky is the limit in terms of his upside, but in the case of Devin Hester that is far from an exaggeration.

- Scott Wright of NFL Draft Countdown

Nik · 11-11-2004, 08:57 PM

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Adrian Peterson

By Rob McCartney

You know you're a star when your former High School is now being dubbed, "Adrian Peterson's alma mater."

You know you're a star when you hit the cover of Sports Illustrated.

You know you're a star when you're the top Heisman candidate.

You know you're a star when you only graduated from High School one year ago, when you had only played four games before Sports Illustrated called, and the last time a Freshman finished in the top three of the Heisman was, well never.

Oklahoma Running Back Adrian Peterson is the top young star in college football, hands down. The #1 rated prep recruit coming out of Palestine, Texas hasn't disappointed as Peterson is the 4th leading rusher in college football. He has rushed for over 100 yards in each of his nine college games and is the driving force behind what some consider the #1 team in college football, the Oklahoma Sooners.

Peterson made the first big impression against the Texas Longhorns in the Red River Shootout carrying the ball 32 times for 225 yards, an average of 7 yards per carry. Two weeks later against another top team in Oklahoma State, the true freshman ran for 249 yards and a touchdown on 33 carries. More importantly though, the Sooners are winning games and currently stand at 9-0. This isn't the same Oklahoma team as last year despite the return of Jason White and it's top wide receivers, the focus is on Peterson. Kejuan Jones, the teams leading rusher last season with 225 carries for 961 yards is riding the bench while Peterson has totaled 1,459 yards on 239 carries with four games to play. He has taken the pressure off of the defending Heisman winner Jason White who said himself, "I'd vote for him(for the Hesiman trophy)." Many voters will shy away from putting Peterson in the #1 spot for the simple fact that he is a freshman. Since 1935 no freshman has won the Heisman trophy let alone finished as one of the top three vote getters.

If Maurice Clarett would've waited for Adrian Peterson to challenge the rule, he might have just gotten in. Peterson is the player that scouts will write the following about when his time comes, "Possesses surprising speed and quicks for his size. Shows speed to outrun the defensive back with the angle and the strength to run over a linebacker." Not many running backs in the NFL can claim they've had that said about them. I know I can't wait to grade Peterson for the draft, but let's hope it will be in three or four years. Sure Peterson has a veteran, Heisman winning quarterback handing him the ball and a punishing offensive line but the kid just makes things happen.

Peterson joined Marshall Faulk and Emmitt Smith, two likely Hall of Famers, as the only freshman to rush for 1,000 yards in their first seven games. Next on the list is 5,466 yards to go until he passes Ron Dayne and at this pace, he shouldn't have a problem with that.

- Rob McCartney of Rob's Scouting

dbo78912 · 11-11-2004, 11:29 PM

The first time I saw Devin Hester, I thought he was a linebacker. That guy is HUGE for a DB.

And as for Peterson, he's just a beast and he's only going to get better. Remember all that Clarett hype? At this point in the season, Peterson has more yards to his name, and I don't think he started every single game so far. Then again, Clarett missed some due to injury. Peterson is 9 TDs short of Clarett's 17, but then again, Oklahoma utilizes more backs than OSU did back in 2001. Don't get me wrong, i'm not trying to say Clarett was better than Peterson. I'm just saying that Peterson has surpassed him as the best freshman at the position in recent years.

Adrian Peterson >>> Maurice Clarett

85ers · 11-13-2004, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dbo78912@Nov 11 2004, 10:29 PM
The first time I saw Devin Hester, I thought he was a linebacker. That guy is HUGE for a DB.

How big is he?

TitanFan · 11-13-2004, 03:11 PM

I actually prefer Hart to Peterson ATM. Hart has carried Michigan with a rookie QB in a tougher conference while Peterson has slotted into an already awesome team. Hart is 100% stud.

sportsden13 · 11-13-2004, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TitanFan@Nov 13 2004, 03:11 PM
I actually prefer Hart to Peterson ATM. Hart has carried Michigan with a rookie QB in a tougher conference while Peterson has slotted into an already awesome team. Hart is 100% stud.

and plus hart has been a receiving threat and peterson hasnt.

Untouchable Legend · 11-14-2004, 09:14 AM

You say it like Peterson isn't doing what he has done on his own. Look at the Oklahoma Sooners last year with Kejaun Jones. Adrian Peterson is a stud. I'm not saying that Peterson is better then Hart because at this point they're both freshman. I think it'll be interesting watching these two for a few years.

bizell · 11-14-2004, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dbo78912@Nov 11 2004, 11:29 PM
The first time I saw Devin Hester, I thought he was a linebacker. That guy is HUGE for a DB.

Class:
Sophomore
Hometown:
Riviera Beach, Florida
High School:
Suncoast HS

Height / Weight:
5-11 / 185
Position:
Wide Receiver
Major:
Undeclared

Huge?

PERSONAL: Born 11/4/82... full name is Devin Devorris Hester... nicknamed "Debo"... son of Juanita Brown and Derrick Brown... cousin of former UM linebacker Michael Smith (1996-99).

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