Saturday Spotlight: Need to Know Basis
by Eric Loomis
This week in the spotlight Eric Loomis takes a look at players who may be flying under the radar that you will need to know for this upcoming season.
As the season comes upon us everyone knows the big name stars, Tim Tebow, Chase Daniel, Beanie Wells, Taylor Mays, etc. on a wide scale level, but what about those guys who make noise that few really hear? This week the spotlight will shine on those individuals who are will be star players, even if they don’t get the headlines.
QB Dan LeFevour, Jr. Central Michigan
Lefevour returns in 2008 as the reigning MAC offensive player of the year. While certainly Heisman hype may never find its way to the MAC, LeFevour has the potential and ability to put Heisman caliber numbers. Look for his name to start appearing on the national scene in a big way on 2008
LB Joe Mortensen, Sr. Kanasas
Mortensen played a huge role in 2007 for the upstart Jayhawks leading the team with 106 tackles. This season he will have to play an even bigger role for Kansas’ defense to be a force. Look for him to be a first team all Big 12 player once again and perhaps make some noise for conference defensive player of the year.
CB Joe Burnett, Sr. UCF
Many scouts and NFL personel are well aware of Joe Burnett, but to many casual fans he is a kid from a directional school without much national hype. That is all about to change. Burnett hauled in 6 INT’s a year ago and should be able to replicate that mark with his fantastic ball skills in 2008. Look for Burnett to shoot up draft boards and find himself firmly in the 1st round for the 2009 draft.
LB Tom Brandstater, Sr. Fresno St.
Brandstater heads into 2008 as far and away the cream of the QB crop in he WAC. A field general with a huge arm, Brandstater should continue to improve his numbers which included over 2600 yards and a 3 to 1 touchdown to interception ratio. A big season and Brandstater could find him self in the mix of the top 5-10 QB’s for the 2009 draft.
FS David Bruton, Sr. Notre Dame
Bruton comes into the season as not only Notre Dame’s best defender, but their best player. Capable of playing well on every special teams unit as well as acceling at the FS spot Bruton is simply a football player. A 2008 season including an improvement in his interception total and big workout numbers like the 4.39 40 yard dash he put up in camp will certainly turn some heads and have Bruton flying up the ladder in the rankings.
TE Darius Hill, Sr. Ball St.
Coming from a smaller school, Hill obviously flies a bit under the radar, but that won’t be the case for long. Scouts are already begining to sing his praises and another big season which could see him set some all time records at Ball St. and Hill my find himself surrounded by some conference player of the year buzz and 1st whispers.