It is finally here; the first week of the college football season. The headlining game of opening week is that of #8 Michigan against #2 Alabama, the defending national champions. We are going to take a look at some of the top prospects for both of these teams. These are the guys who could be playing on Sundays this time next year.
# 8 Michigan:
Taylor Lewan, LT, Redshirt-Junior:
Lewan is a massive offensive tackle prospect who is expected to compete for the top tackle spot in the 2013 draft. Lewan is expected to measure in at around 6’7” and 310 lbs with long arms and a wide base. Lewan worked his way into the starting rotation in 2010 as a redshirt-Freshman and has been cemented at left tackle ever since.
Craig Roh, DE, Senior:
Roh has been a jack-of-all-trades for Michigan ever since he came in as freshman and started all 12 games at outside linebacker. He earned All-Big Ten freshman honors and, after adding weight, was moved to defensive end for his sophomore year. He has experience at linebacker, defensive end, and even has slid inside on some downs. He is not an all-world athlete, but he is good at getting leverage and driving with his legs.
Roy Roundtree, WR, Redshirt-Senior:
Roundtree is a guy that impressed me early on in his Michigan career. His size, speed and quickness won’t impress anyone, but he is a gutsy receiver that has strong hands and is aggressive when the ball is in the air. He has bailed out Denard Robinson a few times with his sticky hands, and he had the game winning grab last year in the thriller against Notre Dame.
Honorable Mention: Denard Robinson, QB/WR, Senior
# 2 Alabama:
The whole offensive line:
You can watch just about any player on this Alabama team and the odds are good they will be a serious NFL prospect. The offensive line may be their most talented group of players. Barrett Jones, DJ Fluker, and Chance Warmack all are looked at as top lineman for the 2013 draft.
Jesse Williams, DT, Senior:
Jesse Williams’ road to football has been an interesting one. He hails from Brisbane, Australia and was a rugby player until he took up American football when he was 15. He certainly has the frame for the sport at 6’4” and 320 lbs. He earned a starting job as a defensive end in Alabama’s 3-4 last year, his first year in D-1 ball coming out of junior college. His athleticism is off the charts for a man his size and he can be used just about anywhere in a 3-4 or 4-3 front.
Robert Lester, FS, Senior:
There were a few rumblings last year that Mark Barron may not have been the best safety on the Alabama defense. Barron would go on to be a top 10 pick in the NFL draft to the Buccaneers. While I don’t necessarily think that Lester is top 10 pick material, he certainly has the physical ability to cement a top 50 selection this year.
Honorable Mention: Eddie Lacy, RB, Junior