Some are calling it the best quarterback class ever, and who are we to argue?
While we're not sold that this group of guys is any better than the class of 1998 --Donovan McNabb, Akili Smith, Cade McNown and Tim Couch -- it's impressive enough to dominate this week's list. No less than 10 signal-callers will be watched closely by voters. Sure, you know the big names, but what about the other guys? Those are the guys we love.
The Frontrunners
Rex Grossman, QB, Florida -- We have to do it. There's no way you can leave off a guy whose name means king. He's the best deep-ball thrower in college football. The Gators won't change their offense much, even after the departure of virtuoso Steve Spurrier, so Grossman should still be putting up Playstation-style numbers. The only obstacle: fresh meat at the wideout positions. But Florida rarely has trouble replacing skill players.
Ken Dorsey, QB, Miami -- You saw him pick apart Penn State (and everybody else) last season, and he's only a year better. The Hurricanes lost four offensive linemen and Dorsey might take a few shots this season. Also, he will be relying on talented but young running backs to fill Clinton Portis' spot and open up the passing game. Dorsey is still the smartest passer in the game and his field vision is unparalleled.
Byron Leftwich, QB, Marshall -- If we were writing this a month ago, he'd be down in the "Players you should know" category. No need for that anymore. The senior is getting more press than any Thundering Herd player ever has, including Randy Moss. After playing cupcake Appalachian State this weekend, Leftwich will face his toughest test of the season when Marshall heads to Blacksburg Sept. 12 to take on Virginia Tech. With pundits predicting an undefeated season for the Herd, Leftwich's biggest question might be whether enough voters keep paying attention.
Middle of the Pack
Charles Rogers, WR, Michigan State -- The obligatory Big Ten nomination, Rogers is considered the class of college football among wide receivers. With a 4.3 40 time, a 6-foot 4, 200-pound frame and a maturing Jeff Smoker tossing passes, there might not be a cornerback on the Spartans' schedule able to contain him.
Player you should know
E.J. Henderson, LB, Maryland -- Last year's ACC player of the year recorded 150 tackles, leading the Terps to an ACC title and an Orange Bowl berth. In order to prove last season was no fluke, Maryland will need Henderson to be fully recovered from the surgery to remove bone spurs from his back that caused him to miss spring practice. If he's healthy, Henderson can be scary good -- Heisman good.
