Offense
QB Dak Prescott, Mississippi State
In this age of dual-threat quarterback, Prescott isn’t so much a dynamic athlete as he is a destructive force. His improvement as a thrower has been remarkable over the last four games of 2013, and the first six of this fall. Has accounted for 22 TDs (8 rush) and 2,054 yards (576 rush).
RB Todd Gurley, Georgia
Still indefinitely suspended while Georgia is investigating potential NCAA violations, but even that can’t overshadow what he has accomplished. Has rushed for 773 yards and 8 TDs, and only two things have stopped him this season — and neither on the field (UGA OC Mike Bobo, and NCAA rules).
RB Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
Has 1,046 yards and 13 TDs, and is averaging 7.9 yards per carry — all with zero presence of a passing game. A speed back option in the Wisconsin backfield early in his career, he’s now a tough, between-the-tackles runner with game-breaking speed.
WR Amari Cooper, Alabama
The perfect storm combination: he’s finally healthy again after nagging injuries in 2013, and he’s playing for NFL money. It’s not surprising that he’s putting up a Julio Jones-type season.
WR Sterling Shepard, Oklahoma
Imagine the numbers Shepard would have if OU quarterbacks of the past (Sam Bradford, Jason White) were throwing the ball. He still has impressive numbers (21.0 ypc, 714 yards receiving) despite the Sooners’ limitations at the position.
TE Nick O’Leary, Florida State
An old school talent. Tough, smart grinder who is more athletically gifted than he gets credit for. He’s good for at least one “how do they not get him the ball more?” play a game.
OL Spencer Drango, Baylor
The Bears have had some impressive athletes on the line under coach Art Briles, but none more complete than Drango.
OL Reese Dismukes, Auburn
A tough guy center and far and away the leader of Auburn’s run game the last two seasons.
OL Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss
The prototype left tackle, he has already joined the elite of the game as a pass blocker.
OL Brandon Scherff, Iowa
Another in a long line of massive maulers on the Iowa offensive line.
OL Andrus Peat, Stanford
The best pass blocker in the game, and he still hasn’t completely filled out his huge frame or potential.
K Roberto Aguayo, Florida State
A money kicker if there ever was one. Consistently good, consistently reliable inside the 50.
KR Tyreek Hill, Oklahoma State
If he’s not the fastest player in the game, imagine seeing whoever is faster (or as fast) try and run him down on a kick return.
Defense
DT Danny Shelton, Washington
Had a huge, overlooked season in 2013 — and can be overlooked no more. An interior lineman with seven sacks (and 9.5 tackles for loss) is unthinkable, much less seven halfway into the season.
DT Leonard Williams, USC
He plays all over the line of scrimmage, but we’ll place on the interior — where he causes the most problems for offenses. A quick and disruptive force who has four sacks.
DE Vic Beasley, Clemson
Few players have dominated as a pass rusher over the last two seasons like Beasley. It’s more than just sacks numbers (he has eight this season), it’s the quarterback hurries and the knockdowns and the way offenses must adjust to his side of the ball.
DE Randy Gregory, Nebraska
The most complete end in the game; a player who excels as a pass rusher and an anchor end in run defense.
LB Hau’oli Kikaha, Washington
The nation’s leader in sacks, and a guy who has thrived in the Huskies’ 3-4 scheme. The object is simple: get the quarterback. No one has done it better this season.
LB Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State
The classic middle linebacker: 6-5, 250 pounds of hard-hitting fury. The center of it all in Mississippi State’s Psycho Defense.
LB Eric Striker, Oklahoma
A dynamic athlete coming off the edge, or in run support or pass drops. He can do it all, despite his safety size (6-0, 220). Has 4.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss.
CB Senquez Golson, Ole Miss
From nearly getting kicked off the team when Rebels coach Hugh Freeze arrived three years ago, to developing into the best cover corner in the best conference in the game. Has five interceptions while constantly matching up with the opponents best receiver.
CB Zack Sanchez, Oklahoma
Not the biggest guy on the outside (5-11, 179), but he’s strong in man coverage and has surprising power in run support. Has five interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown against Texas.
S Gerod Holliman, Louisville
Leads the nation in interceptions (7), and has developed into an elite safety under new DC Todd Grantham. While coach Bobby Petrino’s offense has sputtered, the defense — especially in the back end — has been stellar.
S Landon Collins, Alabama
The best combination of big hitter and strong coverage skills in the game. A rare athlete at an increasingly difficult position to play in the era of spread offenses.
P Austin Rehkow, Idaho
Leads the nation in punting with a 48.5 yards per average.
PR Kaelin Clay, Utah
Averaging 23.1 yards per return, and already has three returns for touchdowns.
