College centers to watch in 2012

Alabama's Barrett Jones

After Nick Hardwick was re-signed to a three-year deal this offseason, the San Diego Chargers don’t appear to be in great need of finding a starting center of the future. Still, anything can happen, which Hardwick learned after seeing left guard Kris Dielman retire prematurely this offseason due to a terrifying concussion sustained last October. Meanwhile, neither Colin Baxter nor David Molk, the two youngsters vying to back Hardwick up this year, is exactly a shoo-in to replace Hardwick when he does decide to retire. With all that in mind, Chargers general manager A.J. Smith may want to monitor the progress the following prospects make this fall.

1.      Alabama’s Barrett Jones: If versatility is what you like in an offensive lineman, then this 6-5, 302-pound is your man. In 2010 he was named an All-American as a guard. Then, last season, he made the All-America team as an offensive tackle. Now, in 2012, he’s attempting to complete the trifecta by being named an All-American as a center. He also won the Outland Trophy last season.

2.      USC’s Khaled Holmes: A 6-4, 305-pound senior, he has experience starting at both center and guard thus far in his college career. Considered to have a nice mixture of agility and power, he’s expected to be one of the top centers in the nation. He made All-PAC-12 second team last season.

3.      Clemson’s Dalton Freeman: At 6-5, 285 pounds he needs to put on some weight and bulk up, but he’s considered one of the top centers in the nation, as evidenced by the fact he was a finalist for the Rimington Award last year. Quite a challenge is on the horizon for him, however, as he heads into this campaign as the only senior on the Tigers’ starting offensive line. He has started 36 games during his college career.

4.      Oklahoma center/guard Gabe Ikard: A 6-4, 295-pound junior, he’s heading into his third season as a starter. After coming to Norman as a tight end, he was switched to guard, a position he played for the entire 2010 season and half of last year. He started at center for half of last season and will play there this fall. He was a first-team All-Big 12 choice in 2011.

5.      Illinois’ Graham Pocic: Entering his third season as the starting center, this 6-7, 310-pound senior was named the Illini’s Offensive MVP for this past spring’s practices. With his tremendous ability and size, it is believed he will be a success in the NFL.

6.      Louisville’s Mario Benavides:  This 6-4, 280-pound senior has started 34 games for the Cardinals. Although he’s definitely light for the position, experts believe he’ll be the top offensive lineman this season.

7.      Colorado State’s Weston Richburg: A quarterback in high school, this 6-4, 297-pound junior has made a surprisingly smooth transition to the offensive line, as evidenced with his 24 starts in two seasons at center. He made second-team All-Mountain West last season.

8.      Arkansas’ Travis Swanson: A 6-5, 305-pound junior, Swanson has started 26 games for the Razorbacks. He’s on the Rimington Watch List for a second consecutive season.

 

If something career-threatening should happen to Hardwick this season, Smith will have the option of selecting one of these talents next April. With other, more-pressing needs, however, let’s hope Hardwick will still be the Chargers’ center in 2013 and a few years beyond.

Bolts improve preseason record to 3-0



Chargers linebacker Larry English (52) sacks Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7)

 

The San Diego Chargers improved their preseason record to 3-0 after pounding out a 12-10 win on the road against the Minnesota Vikings last night, but one would be hard-pressed to state the Lightning Bolts left the game unscathed. Much like the previous two preseason contests, the Chargers showed alarming signs of weakness that could keep them out of the playoffs for the third straight year.

When discussing the biggest concerns Chargers fans have for the team heading into this season, it has to start with the offensive line. With three starting blockers (left tackle Jared Gaither, left guard Tyronne Green, and center Nick Hardwick) sitting out with injuries last night, the backups didn’t instill any confidence that they can step in and get the job done.

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers sat out so he couldn’t put himself in harm’s way. It’s a great thing San Diego head coach Norv Turner protected his starting quarterback, as the backup, Charlie Whitehurst, was sacked five times, and third-stringer Jarrett Lee was dropped once. Additionally, the running backs once again found it difficult to unearth holes to run through; collectively, they averaged just 2.5 yards per carry on 26 attempts.

To be fair to backup left tackle Michael Harris, he was tasked with blocking Vikings defensive end Jared Allen, arguably the best pass-rusher in the NFL. Harris gave up two sacks to Allen, but that was to be expected. Still, if the starting offensive line doesn’t come together soon, Turner very well could be looking for a new job at the conclusion of the season.

But while the offense looked miserable, the defense put together a promising performance, producing five sacks and four turnovers. Surprisingly, outside linebacker Larry English, who’s been labeled as a bust thus far in his career, led San Diego with two sacks, and undrafted free agent cornerback DeAndre Presley came through with six tackles and an interception. Hopefully English is finally ready to make a strong contribution, and perhaps Presley can make the team and add much-needed depth at cornerback.

Defensive end Corey Liuget, the Chargers 2011 first-round pick, showed great penetration into the backfield and held very strong while he was in there. Outside linebacker Jarret Johnson, one of San Diego’s top free agent acquisitions this offseason, notched a sack.

The Chargers are also seeing some nice early returns on their first three draft picks from last April. There was quite a scare when outside linebacker Melvin Ingram, the team’s first-round selection, went down with what was first reported as a left knee injury. (It turned out that he suffered a deep thigh bruise that isn’t serious.) Before going down, he had a sack and showed tremendous aggression.

The team’s second-round choice, defensive end Kendall Reyes, looks like he just may form an intimidating tandem with Liuget for many years to come. Reyes finished the game with a sack and a tackle. Third-round pick Brandon Taylor is battling veteran Atari Bigby for the staring strong safety spot. Showing the ability to hold his own in the box, Taylor finished the game with six tackles. It will be interesting to see who wins the job to start the regular-season opener, but both should see plenty of playing time.

Then there’s the kicking battle. Personally, I don’t care if Nate Kaeding makes five 80-yard field goals in a row in the final preseason game; he still shouldn’t win the job. His failures/chokejobs in the playoffs lead me to believe he’ll never come through in the clutch for the Chargers. He made both of his kicks last night, a 50-yarder and a 54-yarder, but his competition, Nick Novak booted the game-winner from 45 yards as time expired. Although it was just a preseason game, I’m not even sure Kaeding would have the cajones to come through in that situation. Novak also made a 34-yarder.

San Diego plays its final snoozefest of a preseason game Thursday, August 30, at San Francisco. Perhaps left tackle Jared Gaither and wide receiver Eddie Royal will play, but it wouldn’t be a shock if neither of them does.

College offensive guards to watch in 2012



North Carolina's Jonathan Cooper

After how poorly the San Diego Chargers’ offensive line played during the team’s six-game losing streak last season, it’s never been more obvious that the blockers up front are vital to an offense’s success. Quarterback Philip Rivers took quite a beating during that period, particularly at home against the hated Oakland Raiders last November, and that’s just something which can’t occur again.

While the hope is Tyronne Green and Louis Vasquez will be the long-term starters at the guard positions, both are set to become free agents after this season, so it’s not out of the question that one or both of them will be playing somewhere else in 2013. With that in mind, just to be safe, Chargers general manager A.J. Smith should take a look at each of the following prospects this fall:

1.      Alabama's Chance Warmack: A 6-3, 320-pound senior, he’s heading into his third year as a starting left guard. A mauler in the run game who also does quite well as a pass-blocker, he made second-team All-SEC and was voted All-America honorable mention by Pro Football Weekly in 2011.

2.      North Carolina's Jonathan Cooper: Heading into his fourth year as a starter, he was a freshman All-American in 2009 and made second-team All-ACC the last two seasons. At 6-3, 310 pounds, and with experience at both guard positions, he is a dominant run-blocker who excels at pulling on trap plays to take out linebackers and defensive backs. He very well could be a first-round pick next April.

3.      Wisconsin's Travis Frederick: A 6-4, 328-pound junior, he’s a road-grader who fits the mold as a classic interior blocker for Wisconsin’s offensive line. He made second-team All-Big Ten last season and is expected to improve even more this year. Primarily a left guard, he has also seen some time at center.

4.      Arkansas' Alvin Bailey: This 6-5, 312-pound right guard, a junior, made Pro Football Weekly’s All-America team last season and has started 26 games thus far in his college career. He also made second team All-SEC last season. Scouts say he has nice quickness for a man his size and fires off the snap with supreme intensity.

5.      Kentucky's Larry Warford: This 6-3, 336-pound senior is considered a mauler but also possesses the athleticism to pull on trap blocks and sweeps. A right guard, the 2012 season will be his third as a starter. He made second-team All-SEC last year.

6.      Michigan's Patrick Omameh: A 6-4, 305-pound right guard, he is a high-praised redshirt senior who has made 29 starts thus far in his college career. He made Academic All-Big Ten in both 2010 and 2011.

7.      Mississippi State's Gabe Jackson: This 6-4, 330-pound redshirt junior has made 26 starts at left guard thus far in his college career. He made the All-SEC second team and the Sophomore All-America team in 2011.

8.      Kansas's Duane Zlatnik: A former defensive lineman, this 6-4, 306-pound senior made 20 starts at right guard over the last two seasons. He was named All-Big 12 honorable mention by the Associated Press and the conference's coaches in 2011,

9.      Nevada's Chris Barker: A 6-4, 305-pound senior left guard, he has made 40 starts thus far in his college career. He earned first-team All-WAC honors in 2011 and is considered one of the top under-the-radar offensive linemen in the country.

The preview magazines and Web sites didn’t really do a good job of mentioning offensive guard prospects, so I didn’t have an opportunity to research that many. Hopefully more will receive recognition as the season goes along.

College offensive tackles to watch in 2012



Taylor Lewan

After how poorly the San Diego Chargers’ offensive line played during the team’s six-game losing streak last season, it’s never been more obvious that the blockers up front are vital to an offense’s success. Quarterback Philip Rivers took quite a beating during that period, particularly at home against the hated Oakland Raiders last November, and that’s just something which can’t occur again.

Although the hope is Jared Gaither will keep his act together as the Chargers’ left tackle for the next few years, it’s tough to be fully confident that will occur, given his history—and his recent issues with back spasms. Then there’s Jeromey Clary, perhaps the worst right tackle in the entire NFL.

So, since there’s a certain amount of doubt at each offensive tackle position, it would be wise for San Diego general manager A.J. Smith to take a serious look at each of these prospects this fall:

1.     Michigan left tackle Taylor Lewan: He’s a fourth-year junior many are projecting as a future first-round pick. Possessing quite a mean streak at 6-8, 302 pounds, he’s expected to become one of the greatest offensive linemen to wear a Wolverines uniform. He made second-team All-Big Ten last year.

2.    Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel: At 6-6, 310 pounds, and about to enter his third year as the Aggies’ starting blindside protector, most view him as the best offensive tackle in the nation. He made first-team All-Big 12 in 2011.

3.     Alabama right tackle D.J. Fluker: A 6-6, 335-pound junior, he’s heading into his third season as a starter and is one of the fiercest run-blockers in the nation. Precaution has to come into play with all Crimson Tide linemen, however, as former Alabama studs Andre Smith and Terrence Cody have been slapped with the lazy tag.

4.     Texas A&M right tackle Jake Matthews: A junior, he comes from a football family. Most notably, his father, Bruce, is an NFL Hall of Famer who had a 19-year career as an offensive guard. At 6-5, 305 pounds Jake may have a long NFL career himself, as he handles his own as a mauler in the run game and as a pass-protector. He’s heading into his third season as a starter for the Aggies

5.     LSU right tackle Alex Hurst: This 6-6, 340-pound senior is about to be a third-year starter on the Tigers’ offensive line. He earned first-team All-SEC honors last year.

6.     LSU left tackle Chris Faulk: A 6-6, 325-pound junior, he became a full-time starter at left tackle last season and is considered among the elite at his position heading into 2012. He moves around very nicely for a man size while also showing the ability to dominate as a run-blocker.

7.     Wisconsin left tackle Ricky Wagner: A tight end in high school, this 6-6, 322-pound senior is about to be a third-year starter. This will be his second year as the starting left tackle, after taking over for Gabe Carimi, a first-round pick in the 2011 draft. Like Carimi, Wagner is considered a road-grader. It will be interesting to see how he protects the quarterback’s blind side this fall.

8.      Central Michigan left tackle Eric Fisher: At 6-8, 305 pounds, he has experience at both tackle spots and right guard. He earned All-MAC third team honors while starting at left tackle last season. He’s considered a superior athlete for a man his size and moves around in the open field very smoothly. He missed the final two games of 2011 with a knee injury.

9.     Texas Tech left tackle LaAdrian Waddle: A 6-6, 330-pound senior, he’s entering his third season as a starter. He earned All-Big 12 second team honors in 2011.

10.  Miami right tackle Seantrel Henderson: This 6-8, 350-pound junior is considered to have a ton of promise, but he’s made just 11 starts thus far in his college career. The 2011 season was injury-marred while he recovered from offseason surgery, and he’s missed a lot of practices this summer after being involved in a car accident on August 1. As a result, he may not even be the starting right tackle when the season begins. In 2010 he was named Freshmen first-team All-American by both College Football News and Rivals.

11.  Colorado left tackle David Bahktiari: A 6-4, 295-pound redshirt junior, he made second-team All-PAC-12 in 2011. He has experience at both tackle spots but is ingrained on the left side after taking over for Nate Solder prior to last season.

12. Syracuse left tackle Justin Pugh: This 6-6, 292-pound senior made first-team All-Big East last season. He’s suffering from an undisclosed injury, however, so it’s unclear how much time he will miss this season.

13. Virginia left tackle Oday Aboushi: A 6-6, 310-pound senior captain, he has experience at both tackle spots but has started the majority of the last two seasons on the left side. He made second-team All-ACC in 2011.

Much like the offensive guards, there weren’t that many offensive tackles mentioned in the preview magazines and Web sites I read this summer. Unsurprisingly, the offensive linemen don’t receive the love or recognition they deserve. Regardless, this group I’ve compiled appears to be filled with first- and second-round picks, so Smith should have plenty of options to at least replace Clary next April.

College quarterbacks to watch in 2012

Georgia's Aaron Murray

With an elite passer in the 30-year-old Philip Rivers, the San Diego Chargers appear to be set at quarterback for the next few seasons, at least. Anything can happen, though, as evidenced with what occurred with the great Peyton Manning in Indianapolis over the last year-and-a-half.

After undergoing multiple neck surgeries and missing the entire 2011 season, Manning went from being irreplaceable to replaceable rather quickly. As outstanding as Rivers has been for the Chargers, he’s not indestructible, and if he struggles again in 2012 after throwing 20 interceptions last year, San Diego general manager A.J. Smith may want to consider finding a quarterback of the future in next April’s NFL draft. In that regard, he should check out the following prospects this fall:

  1.      USC quarterback Matt Barkley: He’s not just considered the top quarterback in the nation, but many believe this 6-2, 230-pound senior is the #1 player overall. In 2011 he completed 69.1% of his passes for 3,528 yards, 39 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Another season like that will probably guarantee him the privilege of being the #1 overall pick of next April’s draft.

2.      West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith: A 6-3, 214-pound senior, most experts believe he’ll be Barkley’s greatest competition to be the first quarterback selected next spring. Along with 31 touchdown passes and seven interceptions, Smith threw for a single-season school record of 4,385 yards in 2011.

3.      Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson: A 6-3, 220-pound senior, he probably would have been the third quarterback selected in last April’s draft if he had come out. In 2011 he completed 63.2% of his passes for 3,638 yards and 24 touchdowns. He also didn’t make a lot of mistakes, as he finished the year with just six interceptions, a huge reason why he was named first-team All-SEC.

4.      Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray: A 6-1, 210-pound junior, he threw for over 3,300 yards in each of his first two seasons as the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback. He also threw a single-season school record 35 touchdown passes, against 14 interceptions, last year. He should be watched as a possible franchise quarterback of the future.

5.      Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones: This 6-4, 218-pound senior has thrown for 12,379 yards (a Sooners record), 93 touchdowns, and 41 interceptions thus far in his college career. In 2011 he completed 63.2% of his passes for 4,463 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. He struggled mightily at the end of last season, however, as he threw six interceptions and just one touchdown pass in the final four games.

6.      Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas: At 6-6, 262 pounds, he was recruited to Blacksburg as a tight end but made the switch to full-time quarterback last season. With a cannon for an arm, he enticed NFL scouts by throwing for 3,019 yards and 19 touchdowns and running for 419 yards and another 11 scores in 2011. He should improve as he gets more experience as a junior this fall, during which he hopes to cut down on the 10 interceptions he threw last year.

7.      Clemson quarterback Tahj Boyd: This 6-1, 225-pound junior is the best passer the Tigers have had since Charlie Whitehurst, the current backup to Rivers. In 2011 Boyd completed 59.7% of his passes for 3,828 yards and 33 touchdowns against just 12 interceptions.

8.      Western Michigan quarterback Alex Carder: A 6-2, 215-pound senior, he threw for 3,873 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions last season. His efforts led to him becoming a candidate of the Davey O’Brien Award and Manning Award. He’s entering his third season as the Broncos’ starting quarterback.

9.      Washington quarterback Keith Price: At 6-1, 195 pounds, he’s a bit undersized, but he threw for 3,063 yards, 33 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions as a sophomore last season. He also completed 66.1% of his passes, a single-season school record, and threw for 438 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for another three scores during a 67-56 triumph over Baylor in the Alamo Bowl.

10.  Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray: He’s missed some valuable playing time over his first two seasons with the Vols, but when he’s been in, this 6-6, 213-pound junior has been effective, throwing for 3,832 yards and 35 touchdowns against just 16 interceptions. This fall will be a huge season for him to impress NFL scouts, as he’ll have two elite options to throw passes to in wide receivers Justin Hunter and Da’Rick Rogers.

11.  TCU quarterback Casey Pachall: In 2011, his first year as a starter, this 6-5, 225-pound signal caller threw for 2,921 yards, 25 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He’s looking to improve on those numbers as a junior this fall.

12.  Washington State quarterback Jeff Tuel: Due to suffering multiple injuries, this 6-3, 221-pounder appeared in just three games and completed 29 of 45 passes for 276 yards and a touchdown last season. A senior, he’s looking to show he’s one of the top quarterbacks in the nation this fall.

13.  Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr: The younger brother of former #1 overall pick David Carr, this 6-3, 210-pound redshirt junior was a second-team All-WAC selection last season after throwing for 3,544 yards, 26 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

With the way mediocre talents like Christian Ponder are getting selected in the top 15, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if six or seven of these passers are picked in the first round of next April’s draft. But let’s hope Rivers leads San Diego to its first Super Bowl title this season and there won’t be any need for Smith to take a quarterback early.

College safeties to watch in 2012

Georgia safety Bacarri Rambo

After selecting LSU strong safety Brandon Taylor in the third round of this past April’s NFL draft, and what with All-Pro free safety Eric Weddle in the prime of his career, one might assume that the San Diego Chargers will not be looking for help at the safety position next offseason. Anything can happen, though, and this year’s crop of college safeties appears to be very strong, so Chargers general manager A.J. Smith and his scouts should not close the door on the idea of selecting any of the following prospects:

1.      Georgia free safety Bacarri Rambo: A 6-0, 218-pound senior, he’s a big-time hitter who also has proven to be a playmaking ball-hawk. He has 13 interceptions thus far in his career, three of which he’s returned for touchdowns.  Making first-team All-America in 2011, he had 55 tackles, eight interceptions, and eight pass-breakups.

2.      USC free safety T.J. McDonald: The son of former NFL Pro Bowl safety Tim McDonald, T.J. is a 6-3, 205-pound phenom playing the same position. He’s heading into his third year as a starter, and in 2011 he had 67 tackles, 2.5 tackles for losses, three interceptions, a fumble recovery, and a blocked punt.

3.      Oklahoma free safety Tony Jefferson: A 5-11, 212-pound junior, he was mighty productive as a hybrid linebacker/safety in 2011, totaling 74 tackles, 7.5 tackles for losses, 4.5 sacks, four interceptions, three pass breakups, and a forced fumble. This fall he will switch to free safety, where he’ll be counted on to make even more plays.

4.      LSU free safety Eric Reid: At 6-2, 208 pounds he was a key player in the Tigers’ outstanding defense last season and will be relied on even more as a junior this fall. In his first season as a full-time starter, he had 76 tackles, three pass breakups, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles last year.

5.      Alabama free safety Robert Lester: A 6-2, 210-pound senior, he’s going into his third season as a starter in the Crimson Tide’s defense. After a stellar season in 2010, during which he had 52 tackles and an SEC-leading eight interceptions, he had a somewhat disappointing 2011 campaign, as his numbers dropped to 36 tackles and two picks.

6.      Ole Miss free safety Charles Sawyer: A 5-11, 175-pound junior, he’s seen time at cornerback, as well. In 2011 he had 70 tackles and four interceptions. Unfortunately, he’s currently injured with a torn quadriceps muscle and may miss the season-opener.

7.      Central Michigan strong safety Jahleel Addae: A 5-11, 195-pound senior, he had 107 tackles and four interceptions in 2011. He was also named the Chippewas’ Defensive Player of the Year.

8.      Mississippi State free safety Nickoe Whitley: This 6-1, 205-pound junior is entering his second year as the Bulldogs’ starting free safety. He’s coming off a ruptured Achilles tendon injury that he suffered in the ninth game of last year, against Alabama. Before that point he had 34 tackles, two tackles for losses, five passes defended, four interceptions, and a forced fumble.

9.      Louisville strong safety Hakeem Smith: This 6-1, 187-pound redshirt junior was second on the team in tackles last season, with 84. He also led the Cardinals in pass breakups, with nine, and finished the year with an interception, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.

"I always tell Hakeem that he's one of the most underrated players on our defense," Cardinals head coach Charlie Strong said in Blue Ribbon's preview. "He does more than anyone out there. He doesn't seek attention. He just lines up and plays."

10.   Oregon free/strong safety John Boyett: This 5-10, 202-pound senior is about to become a four-year starter and has been the Ducks’ leading tackler in two of the last three seasons. In 2011 he amassed 108 tackles, and he has nine interceptions and 29 pass breakups thus far in his college career.

11.  Washington strong safety Sean Parker: At 5-10, 200 pounds he will be the starting strong safety once again this fall, his junior year. He led the Huskies’ defense with four interceptions last season.

12.  Arkansas strong safety Eric Bennett: This 6-0, 206-pound junior had 74 tackles and three interceptions last year. A former quarterback, he possesses an advantage from the strong safety spot most players at his position don’t.

13.  Michigan strong safety Jordan Kovacs: A 6-0, 197-pound senior, this former walk-on had 75 tackles, eight tackles for losses, four sacks, an interception, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery last season.

"He's a leader in all aspects, from running the back end to getting guys lined up to how he prepares and how he works every day," Hoke said in the Blue Ribbon preview.

14.  North Carolina State strong safety Earl Wolff:  A 6-0, 207-pound senior, he had 105 tackles, three tackles for losses, three interceptions, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 2011.15.  Iowa State free safety Jacques Washington: This 6-1, 213-pound redshirt junior had 90 tackles, a tackle for loss, a sack, nine passes defended, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery last season.

15.   Michigan State strong safety Isaiah Lewis: Entering his second year as a starter, this 5-10, 205-pound junior is looking to improve on the season he had in 2011, during which he had 74 tackles, 2.5 tackles for losses, and four interceptions.

16.  Miami free safety Vaughn Telemaque: A 6-2, 202-pound redshirt senior, he’s heading into his third year as a starter. In 2011 he had 59 tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery. 

17.   Texas free safety Kenny Vaccaro: This 6-1, 218-pound senior is going into his third season as a starter. He was voted All-Big 12 by the coaches last year after producing 82 tackles, eight tackles for losses, two sacks, 10 passes defended, two interceptions, and seven quarterback hurries. 

18.  Kent State strong safety Luke Wollet: A 6-1, 193-pound junior, he had a very productive first season as a starter in 2011, as he finished the year with 65 tackles, four tackles for losses, four interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble. His efforts led to him making All-MAC third team.

19.  San Diego State strong safety Nat Berhe: At 5-10, 190 pounds, he plays the “Aztec” position, which is a hybrid linebacker/safety spot, in San Diego State’s defense. A junior, he had 67 tackles, 3.5 tackles for losses, two interceptions, and a forced fumble last season.

20.  Faulkner strong safety Ray-Ray Armstrong: This 6-4, 215-pound senior has the size to be an intimidating strong safety in the NFL. After recently being dismissed from the University of Miami for “discussing interaction with a booster on Twitter,” he hopes to tear it up with Faulkner at the NAIA level this fall. In 2011 he had 34 tackles, a half-a-tackle for loss, an interception, and a fumble recovery.

21.  South Alabama free safety B.J. Scott: This 5-11, 205-pound senior is entering his second year as a starter for the Jaguars after transferring over from Alabama following the 2010 season. In 2011 he started seven games before suffering a season-ending injury, and he finished the year with 48 tackles, four pass breakups, and a fumble recovery. If he can stay healthy, he should prove to be one of the top safeties in the Sun Belt Conference.

22.   Louisiana Tech strong safety Chad Boyd: At 5-11, 200 pounds, he’s entering his third season as a starter. He made second-team All-WAC last year after finishing with76 tackles, three tackles for losses, nine passes defended, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery he returned 33 yards for a touchdown.

The hope is Brandon Taylor will become a very good starting strong safety for many years to come, and many believe Eric Weddle turned the corner last year by capturing All-Pro honors. Still, if someone such as Bacarri Rambo or T.J. McDonald falls into San Diego’s lap, it will be difficult to resist the temptation of selecting a potential superstar safety.

College cornerbacks to watch in 2012

Kansas State's Nigel Malone

With veterans Quentin Jammer and Antoine Cason both in the final years of their contracts, and sophomores Marcus Gilchrist and Shareece Wright still huge question marks at this point in their careers, one could say the cornerback position may be the San Diego Chargers’ biggest need heading into next offseason. This year’s crop of college cornerbacks appears to be deep with talent, so San Diego general manager A.J. Smith should definitely keep both of his eyes on the following prospects:

1.      North Carolina State’s David Amerson: At 6-3, 194 pounds, there’s little doubt he’s going into this fall, his junior year, as the best cornerback prospect in the nation. He had a monster year in 2011, putting up the astounding number of 13 interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. Unsurprisingly, he was named a first-team All-American by both ESPN and Walter Camp and made first-team All-ACC. What was surprising was how he was wasn’t a Heisman Trophy candidate, although he did capture the Jack Tatum Award, which is given to the country’s top defensive back. If he produces another stellar season, he should be a top-five pick next April.

2.      Kansas State’s Nigel Malone: This 5-10, 185-pound senior was named a Walter Camp second-team All-American and voted first-team All-Big 12 by the coaches in 2011 after posting 58 tackles, 17 passes defended, seven interceptions, and a fumble recovery. That was outstanding work for a player who transferred to Kansas State from City College of San Francisco last year. It will be interesting to see if he pulls off a repeat performance or even improves in 2012.

3.      Former LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu: He was just kicked off the Tigers’ football team for violating team rules recently. Yet, given his athletic prowess, I assume he’ll be playing somewhere this fall, as any lower-level school would be lucky to have him transfer into its program.

Very much undersized at 5-9, 182 pounds, this dynamic talent was perhaps the best and most exciting player in all of college football last season. Nicknamed “The Honey Badger”, he had 76 tackles, 7.5 tackles for losses, a sack, six forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries (two of which he returned for touchdowns), and two interceptions. In addition, he returned two punts for scores. Although some will be turned off by his lack of ideal height, Mathieu, who was a Heisman candidate last season, is clearly among the top cornerbacks in the nation heading into his junior year.   

4.      Alabama’s DeMarcus Milliner: A 6-1, 199-pound junior, he had 27 tackles, 12 passes defended, and three interceptions last year. Some believe he has more natural talent than former teammate Dre Kirkpatrick, who was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of this past April’s draft. If Millner’s talent translates to the field this season, perhaps he’ll be yet another Crimson Tide defensive back to go in the first round.

5.      Mississippi State’s Jonathan Banks: At 6-2, 185 pounds, he’s considered a first-round talent with nice speed for his size. A senior, he’s about to enter his fourth year as a starter. He has 12 interceptions, three pick-sixes, and 19 pass breakups thus far in his college career. He’s also unafraid to take down ball-carriers, as evidenced with his 71 tackles in 2011.

6.      Michigan State’s Johnny Adams: About to be a third-year starter, this 5-11, 175-pound senior had 51 tackles, three sacks, three interceptions, and six pass breakups last season. He has eight interceptions thus far in his college career, turning those thefts into 219 return yards while showing the ability to make big plays.

7.      Texas’s Carrington Byndom: A physical corner at 6-0, 180 pounds, Byndom, a junior, had 58 tackles, eight tackles for losses, two interceptions, 15 pass breakups, and a forced fumble last season. His effort led to him making the All-Big 12 first team.

8.      Virginia Tech’s Kyle Fuller: A junior, he played a nickelback/linebacker position for the Hokies last season and produced 65 tackles, 14.5 tackles for losses, 4.5 sacks, two interceptions, seven pass breakups, and a forced fumble. He’s expected to play cornerback full time in 2012.

9.      Florida State’s Xavier Rhodes: At 6-2, 209 pounds, he has the ideal size to play cornerback in the NFL. In 2010 he had a dominant freshman season, collecting four interceptions and breaking up 12 passes. He fell back a bit last year, though, as he had just one interception and four pass breakups. He’ll look to bounce back this fall as a junior.

10.  San Diego State’s Leon McFadden: This 5-10, 190-pound senior was named first-team All-Mountain West in 2011 after posting an outstanding 17 passes defended. He also produced 46 tackles, three tackles for losses, a sack, and two interceptions. He’s one of the more underrated players in the nation.

11.  Miami’s Brandon McGee: At 6-0, 190 pounds, this senior is considered a very good cover man and strong tackler. In 2011 he had 38 tackles, 2.5 tackles for losses, a sack, and an interception.

"I'm excited about him," Miami head coach Al Golden said in Blue Ribbon's preview. "He started to develop a little more confidence and comfort level with the defense. He's being a more physical player, not just with his jams [at the line of scrimmage but with being a better tackler."

12.  Washington’s Desmond Trufant: This 6-0, 185-pound senior is going into his fourth year as a starter and led the Huskies’ defense with 16 passes defended in 2011. He also had 64 tackles, a tackle for loss, a sack, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. All that production led to him earning All-PAC-12 honorable mention.

13.  Iowa’s Micah Hyde: This 6-1, 190-pound senior has also seen time at free safety, and he has seven interceptions and 15 pass breakups in his college career. Going into this third year as a starter, he’s also shown he can take ball-carriers to the ground, as evidenced with his 154 tackles over the last two seasons.

14.  Mississippi State’s Corey Broomfield: At 5-10, 180 pounds this senior is going into his third year as a starter. He didn’t record an interception last season, but he has nine picks and 14 pass breakups thus far in his college career.

15.  Vanderbilt’s Trey Wilson: This 5-11, 195-pound senior had 30 tackles, 11 passes defended, and three interceptions last season. Two of those interceptions were pick-sixes.

16.  South Florida’s Kayvon Webster: Entering his fourth season as a starter, this 5-11, 198-pound senior had 49 tackles, seven pass breakups, and two interceptions in 2011.

17.  Oregon State’s Jordan Poyer: This 6-0, 190-pound senior is about to go into his third year as a starter and was named a team captain by head coach Mike Riley (remember him?). Poyer had 57 tackles, four interceptions, and 12 pass breakups last season.

18.  Purdue’s Ricardo Allen: A bit undersized at 5-9, 186 pounds, he was voted second-team All-Big Ten by the coaches last season after collecting 81 tackles, three tackles for losses, seven passes defended, three interceptions, a forced fumble, and a blocked kick. As a junior, he’s entering his third year as a starter.

19.  Connecticut’s Blidi Wreh-Wilson: A team captain, this 6-2, 190-pound redshirt senior had 37 tackles, two tackles for losses, a half-a-sack, nine passes defended, and two interceptions last season.

20.  Houston’s D.J. Hayden: A 6-0, 190-pound senior, he had 66 tackles, eight tackles for losses, a sack, 13 passes defended, two interceptions, five forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. His versatility led him to earning second-team All-Conference USA.

21.  Northern Illinois’ Jimmie Ward: A second-team All-MAC selection, this 5-11, 192-pound junior had 100 tackles, 2.5 tackles for losses, a sack, an interception, a forced fumble, and a blocked kick last year. He also blocked a school-record three punts as a freshman in 2010.

22.  UCLA’s Aaron Hester and Sheldon Price: The 6-1, 207-pound Hester, a senior, is a strong tackler, as he finished fourth on the team last season, with 57. He also had two tackles for losses, eight passes defended, an interception, and a forced fumble. At 6-2, 180 pounds, Price, also a senior, is heading into his fourth year a starter. In 2011 he had 47 tackles, a tackle for loss, eight passes defended, an interception, and two forced fumbles.

23.  Florida Atlantic’s Keith Reaser: A 6-0, 190-pound redshirt junior, he had 61 tackles, 2.5 tackles for losses, nine passes defended, and two interceptions in 2011. He also has experience returning kicks.

Since the Chargers appear to be very thin at cornerback right now, and considering Cason and Jammer may not return to San Diego next season, it’s not a stretch to state that Smith will have to either spend big money on a free agent when the signing period begins next spring or select a corner sometime in the first two rounds in April. It appears he’ll have plenty of talent to choose from at the position.