A record 57 underclassmen have declared for the NFL draft this year, including a pair of juniors who leave the BCS champion Auburn Tigers to become potential first-round picks.
Cam Newton, the Heisman Trophy winner, and Nick Fairley, Auburn's all-American defensive tackle, will be two of the toughest players to replace among the teams that finished in the final top 10 in the BCS rankings. The Tigers have a verbal commitment from MaxPreps All-American candidate Kiehl Frazier, but no similar commitments from defensive linemen have materialized to replace Fairley.
The Tigers aren't the only BCS team looking to replace seniors, and declared juniors, headed to the NFL draft, however. Here's a look at who each of the final Top 10 teams in the BCS rankings must replace and who will take their place.
Auburn (14-0, No. 1)
Who Leaves: Lee Ziemba, OL, All-SEC, projected fifth round pick; Cam Newton, QB, 6-6, 250, Jr., All-SEC, Heisman Trophy Winner, All-American, projected first round pick; Nick Fairley, DL, 6-5, 298, Jr., All-SEC, All-American, projected first round pick; Josh Byrnes, ILB, projected fifth round pick; Darvin Adams, WR, projected fifth round pick.
Who Comes In: Christian Westerman,
Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.), T, 6-4, 290;
Quan Bray,
Troup County (LaGrange, Ga.), Ath, 511, 180;
Kiehl Frazier,
Shiloh Christian (Springdale, Ark.), QB, 6-3, 215;
Reese Dismukes,
Spanish Fort (Ala.), C, 6-3, 275;
Brent Calloway,
Russellville (Ala.), Ath, 6-2, 215.
Notes: The two biggest holes for the BCS champion Tigers come at quarterback on offense and defensive tackle on defense. Both junior quarterback Cam Newton and junior defensive tackle Nick Fairley have declared early for the 2011 draft and both are considered first round picks, with Fairley possibly going as the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. The Tigers have an eventual replacement for Newton in MaxPreps All-American Kiehl Frazier, who led Shiloh Christian to three state championships in Arkansas. No similar replacement looms just yet for Fairley among the current commits. The offensive line loses All-SEC pick Lee Ziemba, but gets some fine replacements in recent commit Christian Westerman and homegrown Reese Dismukes of Spanish Fort. Auburn may also be able to replace linebacker Josh Byrnes with Russellville standout Brett Calloway.
TCU (13-0, No. 2)
Who Leaves: Marcus Cannon, T, projected second round pick; Andy Dalton, QB, projected fourth round pick; Wayne Daniels, LB, projected fifth round pick; Jeremy Kerley, WR, projected fifth round pick; Jake Kirkpatrick, C, projected fifth round pick; Jason Teague, CB, projected sixth round pick.
Who Comes In: Ladarius Brown,
Waxahachie (Texas), WR, 6-2, 190;
Deryck Gildon,
Martin (Arlington, Texas), LB, 6-2, 210;
Brandon Carter,
Trinity (Euless, Texas), WR, 5-11, 160;
Jamelle Naff,
Del City (Okla.), T, 6-4, 310;
Dominic Merka,
Crosby (Texas), QB, 6-3, 190.
Notes: The Horned Frogs will be hit hard on the offensive line with the losses of Marcus Cannon and Jake Kirkpatrick; however, TCU has commitments from Jamelle Naff of Del City and Carter Wall of Travis (Texas) that could help ease that loss. TCU must also replace Wayne Daniels at linebacker and Deryck Gildon could be just the recruit to do just that. The Horned Frogs have concentrated on wide receiver in this year's recruiting class with LaDarius Brown of Waxahachie, Brandon Carter of Trinity and Cameron White of DeSoto all ranking among the top receivers in Texas. Quarterback Andy Dalton is gone, but Dominic Merka of Crosby and Chazten Gonzales of Del City figure to eventually battle for his spot.
Oregon (12-1, No. 3)
Who Leaves: Jeff Maehl, WR, All-Pac 10, projected seventh round pick; Jordan Holmes, OL, All-Pac 10; Casey Matthews, LB, All-Pac 10, projected fifth round pick; Talmadge Jackson, DB, All-Pac 10; Bo Thran, OL, All-Pac 10 second team; Brandon Blair, DL, All-Pac 10 second team, projected seventh round pick; Kenny Rowe, All-Pac 10 second team.
Who Comes In: Devon Blackmon,
Summit (Fontana, Calif.), Ath, 6-0, 180;
Tacoi Sumler,
Columbus (Miami), WR, 5-8, 157;
Andre Yruretagoyena,
Chaparral (Scottsdale, Ariz.), T, 6-5, 260;
Jerrard Randall,
Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood, Fla.), Qb, 6-1, 190;
Anthony Wallace,
Skyline (Dallas), LB, 6-1, 220;
Colt Lyerla,
Hillsboro (Ore.), LB, 6-4, 220.
Notes: The Ducks have to replace All-Pac 10 receiver Jeff Maehl and linebacker Casey Matthews and coach Chip Kelley has several recruits who could fit the bill. Devon Blackmon of Summit and Tacoi Sumler of Columbus could eventually find a starting spot at receiver while Anthony Wallace of Skyline, Tyson Coleman of Lake Oswego and Colt Lyerla of Hillsboro are all possible contenders at linebacker. The Ducks also lose several all-conference players on the line in Jordan Holmes and Bo Thran, but all-state tackle Andre Yruretagoyena of Chaparral will help fill those holes.
Stanford (12-1, No. 4)
Who Leaves: Owen Marecic, FB, All-Pac 10, projected third round pick; Chase Beeler, OL, All-Pac 10, All-American; Nate Whitaker, K, All-Pac 10; Doug Baldwin, WR, All-Pac 10 second team; Sione Fua, DL, All-Pac 10 second team, projected third round pick; Ryan Whalen, WR, projected fifth round pick; Derek Hall, T, projected fifth round pick; Thomas Keiser, LB, projected third round pick.
Who Comes In: James Vaughters,
Tucker (Ga.), LB, 6-2, 230;
Wayne Lyons,
Dillard (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), S, 5-11, 190;
Jordan Richards,
Folsom (Calif.), Ath, 5-11, 185;
Ty Montgomery,
St. Mark's (Dallas), WR, 6-0, 201;
Brendon Austin,
Chaparral (Parker, Colo.), T, 6-6, 265;
Evan Crower,
St. Augustine (San Diego), QB, 6-3, 185;
Kelsey Young,
Norco (Calif.), RB, 5-10, 190.
Notes: The Cardinal got the No. 1 recruit in the country when All-American quarterback Andrew Luck decided to forgo the NFL draft and stay in school. The Cardinal recruit list has focused on defense where linebacker James Vaughters of Tucker, linebacker Patrick Skov of Lawrenceville, safety Wayne Lyons of Dillard and defensive end Kevin Anderson of nearby Palo Alto figure to help ease the pain of losses like Sione Fua and Thomas Keiser. Luck loses a number of receivers, including Doug Baldwin and Ryan Whalen, but the Cardinal have Jordan Richards of Folsom and Ty Montgomery of St. Mark's who could take their place.
Ohio State (12-1, No. 5)
Who Leaves: Dane Sanzenbacher, WR, All-Big Ten, projected seventh round pick; Cameron Heyward, DL, All-Big Ten, projected first round pick; Ross Homan, LB, All-Big Ten, projected fourth round pick; Brian Rolle, LB, All-Big Ten, projected sixth round pick; Chimdi Chekwa, DB, All-Big Ten, projected third round pick; Jermale Hines, DB, All-Big Ten, projected fifth round pick; Bryant Browning, G, projected sixth round pick; Devon Torrence, CB, projected sixth round pick; Justin Boren, G, All-Big Ten second team, projected seventh round pick.
Who Comes In: Steve Miller,
McKinley (Canton, Ohio), DE, 6-3, 226;
Doran Grant,
St. Vincent-St. Mary (Akron, Ohio), CB, 5-11, 177;
Braxton Miller,
Wayne (Huber Heights, Ohio), QB, 6-2, 190;
Ryan Shazier,
Plantation (Fla.), LB, 6-2, 205;
Evan Spencer,
Vernon Hills (Ill.), WR, 6-0, 178.
Notes: The Ohio State defense takes some big hits with the loss of linebackers Ross Homan and Brian Rolle, defensive lineman Cameron Heyward and defensive backs Jermale Hines and Chimdi Chekwa. Three of the Buckeyes' top four recruits help address those needs as defensive end Steve Miller of McKinley, cornerback Doran Grant of St. Vincent-St. Mary and linebacker Ryan Shazier of Plantation will help ease those losses. With quarterback Terrelle Pryor missing the first part of the season due to suspension, the Buckeyes may have to rely on highly regarded quarterback recruit Braxton Miller of Wayne.
Oklahoma (12-2, No. 6)
Who Leaves: Quinton Carter, S, projected second round pick; Jeremy Beal, LB, projected second round pick; DeMarco Murray, RB, projected second round pick; Eric Mensik, OL, seventh round pick.
Who Comes In: Brandon Williams,
Royal (Brookshire, Texas), RB, 6-0, 190;
Trey Metoyer,
Whitehouse (Texas), WR, 6-2, 194;
Danzel Williams,
Martin (Arlington, Texas), Ath., 5-8, 185;
Nathan Hughes,
Klein Oak (Spring, Texas), DE, 6-6, 265;
Jordan Wade,
Stony Point (Round Rock, Texas), DT, 6-4, 290;
Dylan Dismuke,
Duncan (Okla.), T, 6-5, 290;
P.L. Lindley,
Stony Point (Round Rock, Texas), 6-2, 205.
Notes: Unlike last year's NFL draft when the Sooners had three of the top four selections in the draft, none of the Sooner players eligible for the draft figure to go in the first round. The Sooners still need to replace all-time Sooner great DeMarco Murray at running back and Jeremy Beal at linebacker. Brandon Williams of Brookshire Royal could take over where Murray left off while P.L. Lindley of Stony Point is the top linebacker recruit for the Sooners. Four of Oklahoma's top seven recruits are defensive linemen, headed by defensive end Nathan Hughes of Klein Oak.
Wisconsin (11-2, No. 7)
Who Leaves: John Moffitt, G, All-Big Ten, All-American, projected fourth round pick; Gabe Carimi, T, All-Big Ten, All-American, projected first round pick; Lance Kendricks, TE, All-Big Ten, projected third round pick; J.J. Watt, DL, All-Big Ten, projected first round pick; Scott Tolzien, QB, All-Big Ten second team, projected seventh round pick; John Clay, RB, All-Big Ten second team, projected fifth round pick.
Who Comes In: A.J. Jordan,
Trotwood-Madison (Trotwood, Ohio), WR, 6-1, 175;
Melvin Gordon,
Bradford (Kenosha, Wis.), Ath., 6-0, 182;
Jesse Hayes,
Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati), DE, 6-3, 235;
Austin Traylor,
Walnut Ridge (Columbus, Ohio), Ath., 6-3, 210;
Jake Keefer,
Baldwin-Woodville (Baldwin, Wis.), LB, 6-3, 210.
Notes: The offensive line is a concern for the Badgers after losing All-Americans John Moffitt and Gabe Carimi. However, only two of Wisconsin's 20 commits so far are offensive linemen. The Badgers have focused on athletic receivers so far, going with Ohio's A.J. Jordan of Trotwood-Madison and Austin Traylor of Walnut Ridge, along with local athlete Melvin Gordon of Bradford.
LSU (11-2, No. 8)
Who Leaves: Joseph Barksdale, OL, All-SEC second team, projected third round pick; Drake Nevis, DL, All-SEC, projected second round pick; Kelvin Sheppard, LB, All-SEC, projected fourth round pick; Patrick Peterson, CB, All-SEC, projected first round pick; Terrence Toliver, WR, projected third round pick; Stevan Ridley, RB, projected fourth round pick; Lazarius Levingston, DE, projected seventh round pick.
Who Comes In: Anthony Johnson,
O. Perry Walker (New Orleans), DT, 6-3, 300;
La'el Collins,
Redemptorist (Baton Rouge, La.), T, 6-5,281;
Jarvis Landry,
Lutcher (La.), WR, 5-11, 190;
Kenny Hilliard,
Patterson (La.), RB, 6-0, 220;
Jeremy Hill,
Redemptorist (Baton Rouge, La.), RB, 6-1, 224;
Terrance Magee,
Franklinton (Franklinton, La.), Ath, 5-9, 195.
Notes: The Tigers kept nearly every big-name recruit instate and appear well positioned to battle for a national title under Les Miles, who eschewed enticements from Michigan to stay at LSU. While potential draft pick Joseph Barkdale is gone on the offensive line and Drake Nevis is gone on the defensive line, Miles replaces them with all-Americans La'El Collins of Redemptorist and Anthony Johnson of OP Walker. Terrence Toliver's likely replacement at wide receiver could be Jarvis Landry while Stevan Ridley's replacement at running back could be Louisiana's all-time leading prep rusher Kenny Hilliard of Patterson. The Tigers will have a tough time replacing Patrick Peterson at cornerback. The all-American projects as one of the top picks in the 2011 draft. The Tigers have several corners on their commit list, but none among the nation's top 20 at that position.
Boise State (12-1, No. 9)
Who Leaves: Titus Young, WR, projected third round pick; Jeron Johnson, SS, projected fourth round pick; Austin Pettis, WR, projected fourth round pick; Ryan Winterswyk, DE, projected sixth round pick; Kyle Brotzman, K.
Who Comes In: Blake Renaud,
De La Salle (Concord, Calif.), LB, 6-2, 235;
Samuel Ukwuachu,
Pearland (Texas), DE, 6-4, 200;
Jeff Worthy,
Whittier Christian (La Habra, Calif.), DT, 6-3, 272;
Marcus Henry,
Bellevue (Wash.), G, 6-3, 275;
Jimmy Laughrea,
Rocklin (Calif.), QB, 6-1, 172;
Jacob Van Ginkel,
Upland (Calif.), K, 6-0, 180.
Notes: The Boise State defense gets immediate upgrades with recruits Blake Renaud of De La Salle, Sam Ukwuachu of Pearland and Jeff Worthy of Whittier Christian. The kicking game should also be strong with All-American kicker Jake Van Ginkel of Upland. Replacing Titus Young and Austin Pettis at receiver will be a concern.
Alabama (10-3, No. 10)
Who Leaves: James Carpenter, T, All-SEC, projected fourth round pick; Julio Jones, WR, Jr., All-SEC, projected first round pick; Mark Ingram, RB, Jr., All-SEC second team, 2009 Heisman Trophy winner, projected first round pick; Marcell Dareus, DT, projected first round pick; Greg McElroy, QB, projected fifth round pick.
Who Comes In: Ha'sean Clinton-dix,
Dr. Phillips (Orlando, Fla.), S, 6-2, 194;
Xzavier Dickson,
Griffin (Ga.), DE, 6-4, 242;
Trey DePriest,
Springfield (Ohio), LB, 6-1, 225;
Marvin Shinn,
Vigor (Prichard, Ala.), WR, 6-3, 180;
Demetrius Hart,
Dr. Phillips (Orlando, Fla.), RB, 5-8, 190;
Danny Woodson,
LeFlore (Mobile, Ala.), Wr, 6-1, 209;
Jabriel Washington,
Trinity Christian Academy (Jackson, Tenn.), Ath, 5-10, 165;
Vinnie Sunseri,
Northridge (Tuscaloosa, Ala.), LB, 5-11, 202.
Notes: The Crimson Tide has a number of big names to replace, including running back Mark Ingram and receiver Julio Jones. While All-SEC athlete Trent Richardson will take over Ingram's carries, Dr. Phillips recruit Demetrius Hart could assume Richardson's role on the team. Alabama has done a good job of finding a replacement for Jones as instate standouts Marvin Shinn of Vigor and Danny Woodson of LeFlore could end up with the job. Finding a replacement for All-SEC tackle James Carpenter may be a tougher task, unless uncommitted DeMatha tackle Cyrus Kouandjio chooses the Crimson Tide.
