This All-American Team is comprised of players who were of little renown prior to the 2016 season and were relatively obscure in regard to their rankings on the draft boards of NFL teams, but who have become prospects through their play during the course of the season with some emerging onto the radar of scouts who were not there before and with a number of them having elevated their stock so as to be considered 1st Round Draft Choices. Only draft eligible players were included and if they do not declare for the 2017 draft they will have elevated their status for future drafts.
QUARTERBACKS:
MITCH TRUBISKY - 6-3 220 - JRr - NORTH CAROLINA - going from 0 starts in 2014 and 2015 and throwing less than 50 passes in 2015 to a top 5 QB prospect for the 2017 NFL draft with one analyst rating him as the top QB prospect if he decides to declare for the draft. While Trubisky could use another year of development before entering the NFL as he has only one year of starter experience under his belt; he is expected to graduate this December and he sees the Tar Heels losing arguably their top 3 offensive lineman, their 3 best WRs, backup RB T. J. Logan and possibly starting RB Elijah Hood leaving early, along with a weak defense returning. He is currently fourth in the country in completion percentage at 70.6%.
RYAN FINLEY - 6-3 200 - JRr - NORTH CAROLINA STATE - started 3 games for Boise State in 2015 and went down with a broken ankle and was able to transfer to N.C. State as a grad transfer following his Offensive Coordinator from Boise State. Following on the heels of Jacoby Brissett, who is now a New England Patriot, Finley too has displayed NFL potential.
JOSH ALLEN - 6-4 222 - SOr - WYOMING - took over a moribund Cowboy program and has placed them on the map with a victory over highly ranked Boise State and a 7 -3 record and first bowl game since a minor bowl appearance in 2011.
WILTON SPEIGHT - 6-5 243 - SOr - MICHIGAN - wasn't certain to become the starter, he took over and has emerged as a potential high draft choice when his draft day comes. Despite his performance in the Wolverines first loss of the season to Iowa, he has displayed the traits that NFL look for in the developmental process. He suffered a broken left collarbone vs. Iowa on Nov. 12, 2016.
NICK FITZGERALD - 6-5 225 - SOr - MISSISSIPPI STATE - backup to Dak Prescott in 2015 the Bulldogs got off to a slow start in 2015, but Fitzgerald has raised expectations in cowbell country after leading the team to an upset win over No. 4 ranked Texas A&M. He the size, speed and arm but will have to improve his accuracy in order to significantly rise up draft boards.
RUNNING BACKS:
D'ONTA FOREMAN - 6-1 249 - JR. - TEXAS - listed as a backup prior to the season to being second in the country in rushing and has shown surprising quickness to go along with his tackle breaking ability and power running. A lack of production in the passing game will be further looked into by NFL scouts.
JOE WILLIAMS - 5-11 205 - SR. - UTAH - only a 2* recruit out of JC in 2014 to being a backup to Devontae Booker in 2015 to retiring from football on 9/10/16 because of injuries. In the first two games of 2016 he ran for 49 yards and 26 yards after which he retired. He was out for 4 games when he was enticed to return because of a depleted RB corps, he then went on a rampage and in the 4 games since he returned has rushed for over 170 yards in each game with a record setting performance in the 52 - 45 win over UCLA by rushing for 332 yards on 29 attempts for a 11.4 yards per carry average and 4 TDs. His explosiveness through the hole and breakaway speed is electrifying.
KAMRYN PETTWAY - 6-0 240 - SOr - AUBURN - a FB in 2015 who had zero carries, he again was slated for a part time role as a FB but due to injuries was pressed into action as a RB and he has become the feature back in their attack. Only 2 receptions on the year will be a concern moving forward.
KALEN BALLAGE - 6-2 230 - JR. - ARIZONA - a backup to Demario Richard last year and heading into this year he reversed matters and became the starter and had some eye opening games including the Texas Tech game where he scored 8 TDs. Athletic for a big man, he has also shown to be a good pass receiver and in addition to being considered a RB, he may also be thought of as an H-Back much as Jalen Hurd who left Tennessee is being considered. He has also taken over the Kick Return duties at ASU.
TIGHT END:
COLE HIKUTINI - 6-5 248 - SRr - LOUISVILLE - a good athlete with nice size for the position, he has steadily improved. After 10 games this year he has already doubled his output in catches (38) and has scored 6 TDs. While he has suffered some drops this year, his size, athleticism and steady improvement will be intriguing to NFL teams.
WIDE RECEIVERS:
CHAD HANSEN - 6-1 190 - JRr - CALIFORNIA - no offers out of H.S. he went to Idaho State before transferring to California where he was a backup in 2015 to very likely being an All-American in 2016, except for being sidelined by an ankle injury. Because of his ankle injury he had limited reps against Washington and its highly rated CB Sidney Jones, but was still able to make a couple of catches against him including beating him deep where he displayed his athleticism.
AMBA ETTA-TAWO - 6-1 201 - SRr SYRACUSE - after having mediocre production at Maryland, he transferred to Syracuse for his final season, wasn't listed as a starter in pre-season magazines and went on to put his 10.53 100M track speed to good use as being one of the country's top receivers.
JOHN ROSS - 5-11 196 - JRr - WASHINGTON - sat out all of 2015 with a major knee injury and having been known mostly as a KR prior to that, he has emerged as a difference maker on the highly rated Huskies. Was thought to be the only Husky who had a good game in the loss to USC as he was able to beat Adoree Jackson and had 8 receptions for 154 yards and a 19.3 per catch average and 1 TD. He has risen to the point of being a Day 1 or Day 2 draft choice.
TACKLES:
RYAN RAMCZYK - 6-5 314 - JRr - WISCONSIN - sat out 2015 as a transfer from D-III Wisconsin-Stevens Point and took over the Left Tackle position and has become a certain All-Big Ten selection and one of the first Tackles drafted in the 2017 Draft.
GARRETT BOLLES - 6-5 300 - JR. - UTAH - unknown on the major college level as he played in JC in 2015, he took over the LT spot for the Utes and has emerged as a certain draftee when he declares for the draft.
MAX SCHARPING - 6-6 311 - SOr - NORTHERN ILLINOIS - a sleeper for future consideration who has used his length and quick feet in manning the RT position effectively for the Huskies.
GUARDS:
FRANK RAGNOW - 6-5 314 - JR. - ARKANSAS - a starter at Guard in 2015 where I thought that he had a good game against Robert Nkemdiche of Ole Miss (1st Round DC of Arizona Cardinals), he was moved to Center in 2016 and is a prospect at either position.
WILL CLAPP - 6-4 303 - SOr - LSU - a starter in 2015 although not nationally known, he has played well in 2015 blocking for record setting RBs Leonard Fournette and Derrius Guice.
DARIUS JAMES - 6-4 320 - JRr - AUBURN - highly rated out of H.S. he had little playing time at Texas and sat out 2015 as a transfer. And this year he has manned the LT spot at Auburn and shown well although Guard may be a better position for his skill-set in the NFL.
CENTERS:
NICO FALAH - 6-4 280 - JRr - USC - only had 1 start in 2015 subbing for an injured player and was slated for backup duty again in 2016, but got the starting nod because of an injury and has played so well that he should receive All-Pac 12 honors and has gone from a backup role to placing himself on the radar of NFL teams.
BRADLEY BOZEMAN - 6-5 312 - JRr - ALABAMA - two year backup to All American and 1st Round DC Ryan Kelly (Bengals) and while not Kelly he has performed admirably for the undefeated Crimson Tide and enhanced his draft status.
DEFENSIVE ENDS:
TAKKARIST McKINLEY - 6-2 265 - SR. - UCLA - a starter in 2015 with fair production, he has taken his game to another level in 2016 as he is one of the leading Sack artists in the nation and has become a force to be game planned for. While his size is less than ideal for DE, NFL teams will have to decide if OLB might be a better position for him.
DUKE EJIOFER - 6-3 270 - JRr - WAKE FOREST - with 6 starts in 2015 he did have 4.5 Sacks with an additional 3 Tackles For Loss and 2 QB Hurries which he has improved upon in 2016. After 10 games he has 9 Sacks with an additional 5 Tackles For Loss 3 Passes Broken Up 4 QB Hurries 2 Fumbles Recovered and 2 Forced Fumbles. More production in the run game would further enhance his draft value.
DEFENSIVE TACKLES:
LARRY OGUNJOBI - 6-2 297 - SRr - CHARLOTTE - while known within Conference USA, he was not a nationally recognized name and has been outstanding from his NT position. He puts up impressive statistics in Sacks, Tackles for Loss, QB Hurries and in Solo Tackles from his NT position where his quickness, athleticism and motor truly stand out. I think that he would be even better as a DT or DE where his skill-set would be more suited.
WOODY BARON - 6-1 280 - SRr - VIRGINIA TECH - has had limited playing time prior to 2016 and has been a penetrating menace to offensive plans. After 10 games he has 4.5 Sacks with an additional 11.5 Tackles For Loss and 4 QB Hurries. But what the stats do not reflect is the disruption he causes with his penetrating ability. He would be a good player in the Canadian Football League, but deserves a look as a DE in the NFL.
INTERIOR LINEBACKERS:
JACK CICHY - 6-1 233 - JRr - WISCONSIN - his season was cut short by a pectoral injury, but prior to the injury he was headed for All-American honors. While only playing in 7 games while his teammates have played in 10, Cichy still leads the team in Solo Tackles by a big margin, is 2nd in Tackles For Loss and leads the team in Forced Fumbles with 2. He seems to have a sixth sense in seeking out ball carriers.
LEON JACOBS - 6-2 238 - JRr - WISCONSIN - still not a full time starter in the Badgers loaded Linebacker corps, Jacobs has flashed good instincts while being a hard hitter. He started 3 games at ILB in 2015 before being moved to FB where he started this year, but due to injuries is now playing part time ILB and part time FB. Has been called "ultra athletic" and he won a slam dunk contest in high school. Not highly rated but a player who has athleticism and is a hard hitter and is a player to watch for continued development.
CLAUDE GEORGE - 6-1 240 - SR. - TEXAS A&M - only started 3 games in 2015 and still isn't a full time starter, but is one of the leaders on the team with 3.5 Sacks, an additional 8 Tackles For Loss, 3 QB Hurries and 1 Forced Fumble. He may not be a highly rated NFL prospect, but his performance so far this year was worthy of mention.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS:
T. J. WATT - 6-4 244 - JRr - WISCONSIN - younger brother of 3 time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J Watt, T.J. was considered a decent player on the college level but certainly wasn't to be compared to J.J. After switching from TE to OLB and overcoming knee surgeries on both knees and being a backup to Joe Schobert, T.J. is forcing the NFL scouting services and scouts to reconsider his ability. And while still not J.J., he could easily be a high round draft choice as he is a pass rusher to be reckoned with and is also making plays against the run.
OGBONNIA OKORONKWO - 6-1 238 - JRr - OKLAHOMA - has had 0 starts during his time with the Sooners, but received his opportunity in 2016 and made the most of it by becoming a pass rushing terror. After 9 games while his teammates have played 10, he is 3rd on the team in Solo Tackles, 1st with 7 Sacks and has 3 Passes Broken Up, 6 Quarterback Hurries and 1 Forced Fumble. He missed the Kansas game with an injury, which undoubtedly would have been an opportunity to greatly increase his stats. He has become a force from his hybrid DE/OLB "jack" position and has markedly increased his draft status.
KORON CRUMP - 6-3 218 - JR. - ARIZONA STATE - a JC player in 2015 who has taken over the Devil position at ASU, which is a combination OLB/DE position. After 10 games he leads the Sun Devils in Sacks with 9 and has an additional 1.5 Tackles For Loss, 2 Fumble Recoveries and 3 Forced Fumbles. His bio at ASU reads as follows: Natural pass rusher with supreme athleticism. Known for a quick first step and explosion off the edge and has a frame capable of adding weight and strength during the spring.
CORNERBAKCS:
QUINCY WILSON - 6-1 211 - JR. - FLORIDA - started in 9 of 14 games for the Gators in 2015 with decent production, he received no 2016 pre-season recognition to now being considered the 1st or 2nd best CB for the NFL draft and has outperformed his teammate Teez Tabor, who was the pre-season 1st or 2nd rated CB on NFL Draft Boards.
RASUL DOUGLAS - 6-1 203 - SRr - WEST VIRGINIA - JC AA in 2014 who had zero starts and scant production in 2015, he has become one of the top corners in the nation and is now, after 9 games, 3rd in Solo Tackles with 1 Sack but also has 6 Interceptions along with 6 Passes Broken Up. He has the size, speed and ball hawking skills that will make him a day two draft choice.
CORN ELDER - 5-10 180 - SR. - MIAMI - an elite athlete in H. S. as he was the football and basketball Player of the Year and the Tennessee State Tourney MVP for 3 years running in basketball, it took until 2016 for him to break out for the Hurricanes. His size may limit him to a Nickel Cornerback position, but he has gained the attention of the NFL teams.
NICK HARVEY - 5-10 185 - JR. TEXAS A & M - another 2 year backup who has made himself noticed this year as he is 2nd on the team in Solo Tackles and has 1 Interception along with 10 Passes Broken Up. Has played a lot of Nickel Back and his size would dictate that is where he will be tried in the NFL.
SAFETIES:
KYZIR WHITE - 6-3 221 - JR. - WEST VIRGINIA - came out of JC in 2015 where he was highly rated and worked his way into the starting lineup at WVU and plays a Spur position which is a combination LB/DS position. He has become a big hitter and playmaker who has the size, length, speed and playmaking ability that NFL teams covet.
KIERON WILLIAMS - 6-0 195 - JRr - NEBRASKA - 2 year backup who wasn't a certainty to start in 2016, he is after 10 games 3rd in Solo Tackles with 3 Tackles for Loss, has a team leading 5 Interceptions along with 2 Passes Broken Up.
JADAR JOHNSON - 6-0 210 - SR. - CLEMSON - another 2 year backup who became a starter in 2016 and after 10 games has a team leading 4 Interceptions and an additional 7 Passes Broken Up.
BRANDON SNYDER - 6-1 210 - SOr - IOWA - a high school star in football, basketball and track yet had to Walk On at Iowa. It should be noted that Iowa is famous for developing Walk Ons into prospects. Snyder established himself early this season with a 13 Tackle performance against Rutgers and has become a big hitter in the Hawkeyes back defense.
SPECIAL MENTION
SHAQUEM GRIFFIN - OLB - 6-1 213 - JRr - CENTRAL FLORIDA - redshirted in 2013 to being a backup in 2014 and 2015 to starter in 2016. After 10 games he leads the team in Solo Tackles, has 10.5 Sacks, an additional 4.5 Tackles For Loss, 1 Interception, 5 Passes Broken Up, 3 Quarterback Hurries, 2 Fumble Recoveries and 2 Forced Fumbles. His play will bring All Conference honors in the American Athletic Conference, but his performance is all the more impressive when you consider that he only has one hand.
