Sr. Houston, North Carolina and Sr. Texas sports news

These aren't necessarily the top pro prospects, and they might not even be among the most talented players, but they're going to be the most
influential and most productive stars of the 2010 season. These will be the difference makers, the playmakers, and the award winners. In other words,
these are the players everyone will care about.

QB Case Keenum, Sr. Houston


After three prolific seasons as the rifleman for the high-powered Cougar offense, the 6-2, 210-pound Keenum is one healthy year away from smashing all kinds of NCAA passing marks. A reigning All-American, who joined Texas Tech’s Graham Harrell as the only players to have multiple 5,000-yard seasons, he completed 492-of-700 passes for 5,671 yards, 44 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. An ideal fit for this Houston attack, he has a quick trigger, excellent feet, and a great feel for the pocket and the system. He did, however, finish the year by throwing nine interceptions in back-to-back losses to East Carolina and Air Force, which could linger in the minds of some national award voters.
Marvin Austin

Marvin Austin
Streeter Lecka
DT Marvin Austin, Sr., North Carolina


Austin is to the interior what Quinn is to the ends, a returning all-star and a lineman who requires more than one blocker. A potential first round pick had he opted for the NFL in 2010, he combines an explosive first step with the upper body strength to shove linemen into reverse. Another All-ACC first teamer a year ago, his 42 tackles, six tackles for loss, and four sacks don’t even begin to shed light on his disruptive nature.
LG Rodney Hudson, Sr., Florida State

In 2008, the Seminoles had one of the nation’s youngest offensive lines. In 2010, they’ll boast a front wall that returns five starters, who have combined for 142 career starts. The leading man will once again be the 6-2, 282-pound Hudson, the star at left guard. A fourth-year starter, he’s been All-ACC over the last three seasons, earning the league’s Jacobs Blocking Award and a spot on the All-American team in 2009. Versatile, athletic, and technically flawless, he doesn’t make mistakes and graded out at a pristine 88% a year ago.

DE Von Miller, Sr. Texas A&M


Yeah, Miller led the nation in sacks with 17 and was fifth in tackles for loss with 21.5, to go along with 48 tackles with four forced fumbles and five broken up passes, but the All-America mostly lit up the weak and the sad while being kept under wraps by the teams with a pulse. He was shut out against Oklahoma and didn’t get a sack against Oklahoma State, but he came up with two sacks against Texas Tech and one against Texas. Teams started to scheme against him and then the sack production tailed off with the sack against the Longhorns the lone tally over the final four games of the year. But for the first nine he was a holy terror, and he should flourish even more in the hybrid Joker position which allows the 6-3, 240-pounder to work partly as a pass rushing defensive end and partly as an outside linebacker. He was used in the same sort of role last year, but now he really will be more of a 3-4 linebacker and he should be able to do even more in space. With improved size to go along with his speed and closing ability, he’ll get a long look from the next level types as a possible first rounder.