Football is finally here. It's the most exciting time of the year. Each season
brings a new beginning. A new beginning brings championship aspirations, and all
teams in college football believe they have a shot at the National Championship.
A new year brings fresh faces into the spotlight as top prospects. Some of
these players made a name for themselves last season and look to continue their
impressive play in 2007.
Here is a preview of the five Head 2 Head matchups I will cover this weekend:
#15 Tennessee at #12 California
Game Details: Saturday, September 1st at 8:00 p.m. on ABC
The Prospects: Tennessee, FS - Jonathan Hefney (Sr.) vs.
California, WR - DeSean Jackson (Jr.)
The Matchup: Jonathan Hefney is one of the top defensive backs
in the country and is going up against one of the best playmakers in college
football, Cal's DeSean Jackson. Jackson, a junior for the Golden Bears, is still
developing his game as a receiver, but is very explosive on offense and
possesses a tough matchup for the Tennessee defense. Hefney, a senior, is as
talented as they come in any collegiate secondary. He's a sure tackler and he's
excellent in coverage. Hefney and Jackson are two of the more dynamic players on
special teams as well, and any time they touch the ball there's a chance for a
quick six. This promises to be an interesting matchup between two of college
football's elite prospects and teams.
2006 Statistics
#33 Jonathan Hefney: 13 games, 96 tackles (68 solo), 3.0 TFL (-6
yds), 5 INT (75 yds)
#1 DeSean Jackson: 13 games, 59-1060 receiving (62 Lng),
18.0 yds/catch, 9 TDs
#19 Florida State at Clemson
Game Details: Monday, September 3rd at 8:00 p.m. on ESPN
The Prospects: Florida State, DT - Andre Fluellen (Sr.) vs.
Clemson, RB - James Davis (Jr.)
The Matchup: Andre Fluellen is an elite defensive tackle in
college football. He displays great penetration skills and is able to get into
the backfield and disrupt an offense. Fluellen isn't much of a pass rusher, but
he's solid against the run. Last season, Fluellen posted 28 total tackles, eight
for a loss. Clemson's James Davis is a touchdown machine. Davis has accumulated
26 touchdowns in two years. Last season, Davis split time with freshman phenom
C.J. Spiller and still recorded 1,187 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. Fluellen
has a tough task of keeping the explosive Davis in check.
2006 Statistics
#96 Andre Fluellen: 13 games, 28 tackles (16 solo), 8.0 TLF (-25 yds),
0.5 sacks (-3 yards)
#1 James Davis: 13 games, 203-1187 rushing (64 Lng), 5.8 yds/att.,
17 TDs
Georgia Tech at Notre Dame
Game Details: Saturday, September 1st at 3:30 p.m. on NBC
The Prospects: Georgia Tech, MLB - Philip Wheeler (Sr.) vs.
Notre Dame, TE - John Carlson (Sr.)
The Matchup: Philip Wheeler is one of the best linebackers in
the country. He's an instinctive playmaker who possesses outstanding athleticism
and coverage skills. He has good size and great speed and can cover
sideline-to-sideline. Wheeler had four interceptions in 2005, but didn't record
one in 2006. However, his sack and tackle totals went up in 2006 from his
numbers in 2005, and he's ready for another standout season. John Carlson is a
fifth year senior and one of the best tight ends in the country. An outstanding
blocker, Carlson emerged as a playmaker last season for the Irish. He displayed
good hands and excellent awareness after the catch. Carlson will have his hands
full against Georgia Tech as Wheeler will keep a close eye on him over the
middle.
2006 Statistics
#41 Philip Wheeler: 14 games, 89 tackles (52 solo), 14.5 TFL
(-80 yds.), 9 sacks (-68 yds)
#89 John Carlson: 13 games, 47-634 receiving (62 Lng), 13.5 yds/catch, 4
TDs
Oklahoma State at #13 Georgia
Game Details: Saturday, September 1st at 6:45 p.m. on ESPN2
The Prospects: Oklahoma State, WR - Adarius Bowman (Sr.) vs.
Georgia, FS - Kelin Johnson (Sr.)
The Matchup: One of the most exciting players in college
football is wide receiver Adarius Bowman. At 6-foot-4, 220-pounds, Bowman
presents a tough matchup for any defensive secondary. He combines speed,
strength, athleticism, and great hands into one package. Georgia's top defensive
back, safety Kelin Johnson, will be asked to keep an eye on Bowman and in many
situations, will double team Bowman in coverage. Johnson is a physical safety
and playing against Bowman should be an interesting matchup to watch.
2006 Statistics
#30 Kelin Johnson: 13 games, 60 tackles (48 solo), 5.5 sacks
(-32 yds), 2.5 sacks (-23 yards), 2 INT (75 yds.)
#12 Adarius Bowman: 13 games, 60-1181 receiving (75 Lng), 19.7 avg/catch,
12 TDs
Missouri at Illinois
Game Details: Saturday, September 1st at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN2
The Prospects: Missouri, TE - Chase Coffman (Jr.) vs. Illinois,
MLB - J. Leman (Sr.)
The Matchup: Coffman is the best tight end in the country and he
is only a junior still learning the game. Coffman combines size, speed,
strength, and soft hands that make him a vital part of the Missouri offensive
attack. He's a threat to make a big play on any given down and puts a lot of
pressure on the opposing linebackers. However, Illinois star linebacker J Leman
matches up well against Coffman. Leman is a physical linebacker who is good in
coverage and is an excellent tackler. This may be the best top prospect matchup
of the weekend.
2006 Statistics
# 47 J Leman: 12 games, 152 tackles (75 solo), 19.0 TFL (-65 yds.),
4 sacks (-27 yds.)
# 45 Chase Coffman: 13 games, 58-638 receiving (37 Lng), 11.0 yds/catch,
9 TDs