The Squirrel Speaks
  • 09:59 PM ET  02.09
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OK, so this blog is probably just a little, ok, this blog is about a month late...but whatever...I had this idea, who were those freshman phenom football stars last year and how did they do in 2007-08? So who hit their Sophomore Stride? And who hit that Sophomore Slump?

 

Quarterbacks 

Moving Up

Tim Tebow: University of Florida- Tebow hit a Sophomore Stride, for incredibly obvious reasons. Does Heisman say anything about that? Bottom line is Tebow matured incredibly from his freshman year, revealing to us that he was more than just a runner, showing us he can throw against teams other than Western Carolina...He also showed how he is a natural leader out there on the football field, who is one of those rare talents who can make a defense bite on a play-action to himself...

Moving Down

Colt McCoy: University of Texas- Colt just didn't show up this year, at least to the level he did in 2006. He posted good, but not great passing stats, but last year, McCoy always showed up for those big games and played well. (except vs. Texas A&M) This year, Colt couldn't even muster more than two touchdowns against Arkansas State, throwing two picks in the game as well. . . . Yes, the Longhorns did go 10-3, winning the Holiday Bowl, but colt did not live up to the hype created after that amazing freshman year. . . . 

 

Running Backs

Moving Up 

Damion Fletcher: University of Southen Mississippi- Yes, he played a C-USA schedule, but Fletcher improved his game from his freshman year, in which he had the 12th most rushing yards in the country, whereas his sophomore year, Fletcher was 11th, against a much tougher field of competetion . . .Fletcher is another one of those C-USA guys who will always put up good games, but will be overlooked due to the conference strength.

Moving Down

C.J. Spiller: Clemson University- Spiller just was not impressive this year, after going for 900+ yards and 10 TDs last year, only getting 768 and 3, while getting -1 yard on 9 carries against FURMAN is definitely showing Spiller dropped his production significantly after his freshman year. (I know what Detroitfan would say about the Furman stat, but still, it's Furman, they're a D-1AA school, at least get positive yardage.) His production this year was there, but it was too spotty. . . .

Wide Receivers

(I could not find a good and bad, so...)

Moving Up 

Eric Decker: University of Minnesota- Decker's freshman year wasn't spectacular, making this a semi-stretch, but his sophomore year, Eric caught fire, going for 900 yards and 9 TDs. . . . Those may not look like spectacular numbers, but before you disregard him, remember who he plays for . . .Yeah, they went 1-11 . . . but Decker was their offensive leader, and caught everything that got thrown his way, something that was not present in his freshman year. . . . 

Percy Harvin: University of Florida- Percy definitely improved over his freshman year, where everyone got a taste of his speed, but his sophomore year, he turned that into a 59 reception, 858 yard, 83 carry, 764 yard season. He had six games with over 100 yards rushing or receiving, moreover showing just how good he really is, and showing that he has added a set of good hands to that blazing speed.
 

Who will next year's subjects be? 

Michael Crabtree: Texas Tech University- Face it, even in that Mike Leach offense, Crabtree still put up incredible numbers. What kind of freshman puts up 1962 yards and 22 TDs? The question is, can he do it next year? 

Sam Bradford: University of Oklahoma- To me, Bradford is 2007-08's version of Colt McCoy. He put up ridonculous (Mike & Mike style) numbers this year, but will he fall like McCoy did? Or will he lead Oklahoma back to the BCS title hunt? 

Jeremy Maclin: University of Missouri- Maclin was another one of those freshman guys who just stepped in and filled a need for an already good team. Maclin had over 2500 All-Purpose yards, setting an NCAA Freshman record, but will he continue that next year? Or be the Devin Hester of College Football? (Everyone knows you're dangerous so they don't kick near you. . . .)

Knowshon Moreno: University of Georgia- Moreno is an electrifying playmaker, who can also plunge in from short-yardage, who played a key role in several of the Bulldog games this year, and brought a spark out of the backfield for UGA, but will he hit a wall his sophomore year? 

 

If you believe I forgot anybody, don't hesitate to tell me... 

February 9, 2008  10:04 PM ET

Yes Just a little late but ggod info anyway,and SS night owls is in business.

February 9, 2008  10:09 PM ET

Evan Royster? Showed great abilty, even starting the year as the number three back. This kid has the potential to be the next Larry Johnson.

February 9, 2008  10:10 PM ET

Good blog. Good information.

February 9, 2008  10:11 PM ET

I love the song, 100 Years on your description.

February 10, 2008  09:12 AM ET

finally ! someone who likes Tebow !

February 12, 2008  11:07 AM ET

I think Tebow is a helluva athlete and good qb, i just dont like that di.ck cheese look on his face all the time....

 
February 12, 2008  04:52 PM ET

I like Tebow too. I think he's a great college QB. I don't see much of an NFL future but he has time still to get to that point.

I think all four of those guys are going to slump as sophomores because defenses will be out to shut them down.

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