Rick Figurin
pigskinpress.com

Ben Tate-RB-Auburn- The Auburn senior nearly broke the 1,000 yard mark as a sophomore, but fell off in 2008, posting only 664 yards. With the addition of Gus Malzahn as OC, the offense will open up more and Tate will finally top 1,000 yards. This will be a big boost for the Auburn offense.

Tony Moeaki-TE-Iowa- Moeaki is one of the best, when he’s healthy. After a disappointing 2008 due to injuries and inconsistent QB play, Moeaki will shine this season with a more experienced Ricky Stanzi throwing the ball. The Senior is right on the brink of being an NFL draft pick, but will need to show NFL scouts some durability.

Cody Hawkins-QB-Colorado- Hawkins had a terrific freshman campaign, throwing for 3,000+ yards. Last season was a different story, as the sophomore struggled to get to 1,700 yards. Hawkins has an issue with making bad interceptions at the wrong time. This season, he’ll have something to prove, and should show some improvement despite the transfer of #1 receiver Josh Smith; If not, his quarterbacking days at C.U. will end on the bench. We don't expect that to happen.

C.J. Spiller-RB-Clemson- It’s hard to say a guy who put up over 1,700 all-purpose yards is set for a comeback, but the fact is Spiller’s rushing numbers will explode in 2009. Spiller suffered from a too-many-cooks-in-the kitchen scenario, splitting time with James Davis in 2008. Expect Spiller to be in the Heisman conversation, at least for a while.

Kyle Bosworth-LB-UCLA- We all know what brother Korey can do, but don’t forget that 2008 was supposed to be Kyle’s coming of age party as well. After injuries sidelined him halfway through the BYU game, Bosworth was shelved for the remainder of the season. All preliminary reports are that he is 100% and is primed for a huge comeback as part of a much improved Bruins defense. We’ll go with 85 tackles and 4 sacks for the senior.

Mike Williams-WR-Syracuse- After missing 2008 with academic issues, Williams is ready to put his name back on the college football radar. The loss of Williams was a huge blow for a struggling Syracuse offense. Like Iowa’s Moeaki, Williams is very draftable with a big season; more importantly for ‘Cuse fans, he is the biggest key in trying to reach bowl eligibility. We’ll call for 65 catches, 1,000 yards and 13 td’s.

Donovan Porterie-QB-New Mexico- We know Porterie was banged up last season, but when he was on the field early he showed none of the brilliance that Lobo fans had come to expect after his great end to 2006 and beginning of 2007. Porterie has the skills to make a big comeback in 2009; he has great vision, and a new spread-out offense will put his numbers through the roof. Because the Lobos could be behind in a few games, don’t be surprised if he throws for 3,800 yards.

Jeremy Williams-WR-Tulane After putting up 1,100 yards in two seasons, Williams was set to break 1,000 in 2008. Unfortunately, due to injuries, he missed his final seven and Tulane won only two games. The biggest question mark will be who will be delivering the ball in William’s direction this season. Regardless, Williams should finally break the 1,000 yard mark and maybe steal first team C-USA honors.

Wilson Ramos-DE-Fresno State- Fresno’s defense was unimpressive in 2008, in part due to injuries. Ramos missed seven games and will need to return to form if the Bulldogs have any chance to compete in the offense-heavy WAC. If healthy, look for Ramos to put up 35 tackles, 6 for a loss, and Fresno's defense to be much, much more competitive.

Eugene Jarvis-RB-Kent State- Despite 800+ yards rushing, 2008 was not a good season for the Kent State running back. Jarvis posted over 1,600 in 2007; last season, however, injuries and an all-around ineffective offense took a toll. Jarvis returns injury free, and while not an NFL draft prospect, should return to first team rushing honors in the MAC.

Jason Harmon-TE-FAU- Harmon will be Smith’s go-to guy as the Owls look for a third straight bowl game. Harmon’s injuries threw the Owl’s passing game into an uneven balance last season, but Harmon will haul in 60 passes this season and open up the deep game for the Owls.