Top 5 most exciting/dominant NCAA players

[kma0043]

I, like many of you, like to have discussions of best ever players/top 5s etc with my friends (at least I think most guys do). Anyways, I’d like to hear everyone’s top 5 most dominant, explosive, must watch NCAA players of their lifetimes. Don’t allow the player’s NFL experience to sway you. Here’s my list of players in no particular order:

Vince Young (unstoppable in ‘06)
Johnny Manziel (must see TV as a Frosh)
Charles Woodson (unbelievable in ‘97).
Reggie Bush (Superman on a superstar team).
And I know nobody will agree with me here . . . Tim Tebow (winner. Had to watch).

My memory only stretches to ‘88. Hope to hear everyone’s opinion.

 

[NCanton Panther]

I, like many of you, like to have discussions of best ever players/top 5s etc with my friends (at least I think most guys do). Anyways, I’d like to hear everyone’s top 5 most dominant, explosive, must watch NCAA players of their lifetimes. Don’t allow the player’s NFL experience to sway you. Here’s my list of players in no particular order:

Vince Young (unstoppable in ‘06)
Johnny Manziel (must see TV as a Frosh)
Charles Woodson (unbelievable in ‘97).
Reggie Bush (Superman on a superstar team).
And I know nobody will agree with me here . . . Tim Tebow (winner. Had to watch).

My memory only stretches to ‘88. Hope to hear everyone’s opinion.

Hugh Green

 

[kma0043]

Hugh Green

I hear the stories. Wish I could’ve seen him play.

 

[Ronnyp91]

Agree with all yours. I’ll add a few that quickly came to mind.

Aaron Donald
Mike Vick
RG3

 

[kma0043]

I tried not to be bias, but Fitz ‘03 season was dominant.

 

[Dr. von Yinzer]

I, like many of you, like to have discussions of best ever players/top 5s etc with my friends (at least I think most guys do). Anyways, I’d like to hear everyone’s top 5 most dominant, explosive, must watch NCAA players of their lifetimes. Don’t allow the player’s NFL experience to sway you. Here’s my list of players in no particular order:

Vince Young (unstoppable in ‘06)
Johnny Manziel (must see TV as a Frosh)
Charles Woodson (unbelievable in ‘97).
Reggie Bush (Superman on a superstar team).
And I know nobody will agree with me here . . . Tim Tebow (winner. Had to watch).

My memory only stretches to ‘88. Hope to hear everyone’s opinion.

Those were all great choices. All of those guys were great college football players.

I would add to them Tony Dorsett — who was definitely better than all of those guys in college. Hugh Green was also absolutely incredible. Honestly, in your memory, you don’t think Larry Fitzgerald belongs in that group? I don’t know if Fitz was quite on the level of Green or Dorsett, but he was pretty damn dominant.

As for non-Pitt players, you’d have to include Herschel Walker and Bo Jackson. They were each absolutely incredible collegians.

Deion Sanders also was something else. I remember watching him play as a freshman and thinking that I had not seen anyone quite like him before. He was just such a great cover corner and he was absolutely incredible with the football in his hands.

I would also add Tim Brown and Rocket Ismail from Notre Dame to that tier.

Another one that I would put on that list would definitely be Doug Flutie. He was a better college quarterback than Johnny Manziel, IMHO.

Also, if we’re just talking one year, Cam Newton was as good at Auburn as any of those guys listed above.

As for our rivals, Major Harris is the best player I ever saw at West Virginia, but Pat White was also really good. At Penn State, I would say Arrington was the best player I’ve seen there, but KiJana Carter was also really, really good.

Edit: Saquon Barkley also belongs on that list. My bad. He was an AWESOME college football player!

 

[kma0043]

Those were all great choices. All of those guys were great college football players.

I would add to them Tony Dorsett — who was definitely better than all of those guys in college. Hugh Green was also absolutely incredible. Honestly, in your memory, you don’t think Larry Fitzgerald belongs in that group? I don’t know if Fitz was quite on the level of Green or Dorsett, but he was pretty damn dominant.

As for non-Pitt players, you’d have to include Herschel Walker and Bo Jackson. They were each absolutely incredible collegians.

Deion Sanders also was something else. I remember watching him play as a freshman and thinking that I had not seen anyone quite like him before. He was just such a great cover corner and he was absolutely incredible with the football in his hands.

I would also add Tim Brown and Rocket Ismail from Notre Dame to that tier.

Another one that I would put on that list would definitely be Doug Flutie. He was a better college quarterback than Johnny Manziel, IMHO.

Also, if we’re just talking one year, Cam Newton was as good at Auburn as any of those guys listed above.

As for our rivals, Major Harris is the best player I ever saw at West Virginia, but Pat White was also really good. At Penn State, I would say Arrington was the best player I’ve seen there, but KiJana Carter was also really, really good.

Agree with the Fitz comment; I was trying to name non-Pitt guys, but Fitz was robbed of Heisman in 03 and was a dominant player. Totally forgot Cam Newton’s season. He was great.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

Wow.....Most dominant??

Tony Dorsett.
Doug Flutie (no list even is worth anything without including him on this list)
Hugh Green
Herschel Walker
Bill Fralic
Bo Jackson
Tim Tebow

 

[PittsburghPanther]

Barry Sanders was ridiculous in college.

 

[kma0043]

Wow.....Most dominant??

Tony Dorsett.
Doug Flutie (no list even is worth anything without including him on this list)
Hugh Green
Herschel Walker
Bill Fralic
Bo Jackson
Tim Tebow

I’ve seen the highlight reels and stats of Dorsett. Wish I could’ve seen him live. Hell, wish I could’ve witnessed pitt 1975-82!

 

[CougarClaws]

Barry Sanders was ridiculous in college.

If we are talking about a single dominant season - Barry Sanders is at the very top of my list. I missed 33's career, became a huge college football fan in 1980.

1 Sanders
2 Young
3 Walker
4 Fluite
5 Fitzgerald
6 Vick
7 Green
8 Woodson
9 Jackson
10 Jim McMahan 1980: 4550yds 64% 47td passes 18int's 10yds/attempt 177 QBR

 

[MajorMajors]

Troy Nunes against Pitt... ;-)

Go Pitt.

 

[kma0043]

Troy Nunes against Pitt... ;-)

Go Pitt.

If we are playing that game then Ryan Switzer UNC vs Pitt

 

[RaleighPittFan]

In addition to the others named, Charlie ward is one I'd add.

 

[Zeldas Open Roof]

Charlie ward was really fun to watch on those FSU teams. Speaking of FSU, they had a wr that was sick, got drafted by bungles I think and was a bust but he was awesome in college.

Tommy Frazier was fun to watch at Nebraska. Major Harris at wvu had speed and an arm at a time when a black qb was either a thrower or a runner and not both.

 

[kma0043]

Charlie ward was really fun to watch on those FSU teams. Speaking of FSU, they had a wr that was sick, got drafted by bungles I think and was a bust but he was awesome in college.

Tommy Frazier was fun to watch at Nebraska. Major Harris at wvu had speed and an arm at a time when a black qb was either a thrower or a runner and not both.

FSU WR Peter Warrick?

 

[pbrad]

The ones I saw.
Tony Dorsett
Hugh Green
OJ Simpson
Doug Flutie
There are others, but these stand out.

 

[Zeldas Open Roof]

FSU WR Peter Warrick?

Yes. He was a bad ass in college.

People have said it already but Reggie bush was insane to watch at usc.

One of my all time favs was Marshall Faulk. San Diego st games would be on at like 11pm and they’d play on that dumb ass field with half dirt from baseball. Dude would break 2 long ones every game. Think darnay Scott was a wr too for them at the same time. I think.

 

[Delpanther]

any list that doesn’t have Dorsett at the top is a farce...greatest college RB of all time....most explosive college RB of all time

 

[FordhamIII]

My 5 non Pitt players

* Greg Pruit Oklahoma
* Johnny Rodgers Nebraska
* Earl Campbell Texas
* Bo Jackson Auburn
* Herschel Walker Georgia

And if they played every game like they did against Pitt.

* Mason Rudolph and James Washington Oklahoma State.

 

[gourdt]

Orlando Pace for OSU. The dude just pancaked everybody.

 

[Dr. von Yinzer]

Barry Sanders was ridiculous in college.

Yeah, I would be remiss if I failed to mention Sanders as well. He was an incredible talent.

What’s most incredible is they also had Thurman Thomas there, but who was a year ahead of Sanders. For most of their time together, Thomas was considered the Cowboys’ star RB. Then, he graduated and Sanders just blew up.

What. A. Player!

 

[HOF Coach]

There were so many great players that I've watched in my lifetime that creating a subjective Top 5 list is impossible.

Instead, I'll just name some players off the top of my head and in random order who thrilled me the most. I'm sure that I forgot to mention some great players.

RB's:
Tony Dorsett
Barry Sanders
Marcus Allen
OJ Simpson
Bo Jackson
Earl Campbell
James Conner
Saquon Barkley
Herschel Walker
Adrian Peterson

QB's:
Roger Staubach
Tim Tebow
Matt Cavanaugh
Dan Marino
Doug Flutie
Archie Manning
Jameis Winston
Drew Brees
Vince Young

WR's:
Larry Fitzgerald
Rocket Ismail
Johnny Rodgers
Anthony Carter
Randy Moss
Calvin Johnson
James Washington
Tyler Boyd

TE's
Mike Ditka
Keith Jackson
Jim Mandarich
Ken MacAfee

OL
Bill Fralic
JImbo Covert
Mark May
John Hannah
Dave Rimington
Orlando Pace
John Hicks
Joe Thomas
Bryant McKinnie
Ron Yary
Chris Ward

DL
Hugh Green
Rickey Jackson
Aaron Donald
Randy Holloway
Bubba Smith
Lee Roy Selmon
Chris Long
Julius Peppers
Ed Oliver

LB's
Dick Butkus
Lawrence Taylor
Randy Gradishar
Paul Posluszny
LaVar Arrington
Jerry Robinson
AJ Hawk

DB's
Deion Sanders
Charles Woodson
Jack Tatum
Kenny Easley
Ronnie Lott
Rod Woodson
Sean Taylor
Patrick Peterson
Ed Reed

 

[9nationalchampionships]

All good choices! We have 2 that were unbelievable to watch in Dorsett and Green. AD & Fitz not far behind

I, like many of you, like to have discussions of best ever players/top 5s etc with my friends (at least I think most guys do). Anyways, I’d like to hear everyone’s top 5 most dominant, explosive, must watch NCAA players of their lifetimes. Don’t allow the player’s NFL experience to sway you. Here’s my list of players in no particular order:

Vince Young (unstoppable in ‘06)
Johnny Manziel (must see TV as a Frosh)
Charles Woodson (unbelievable in ‘97).
Reggie Bush (Superman on a superstar team).
And I know nobody will agree with me here . . . Tim Tebow (winner. Had to watch).

My memory only stretches to ‘88. Hope to hear everyone’s opinion.

 

[Delpanther]

There were so many great players that I've watched in my lifetime that creating a subjective Top 5 list is impossible.

Instead, I'll just name some players off the top of my head and in random order who thrilled me the most. I'm sure that I forgot to mention some great players.

RB's:
Tony Dorsett
Barry Sanders
Marcus Allen
OJ Simpson
Bo Jackson
Earl Campbell
James Conner
Saquon Barkley
Herschel Walker
Adrian Peterson

QB's:
Roger Staubach
Tim Tebow
Matt Cavanaugh
Dan Marino
Doug Flutie
Archie Manning
Jameis Winston
Drew Brees
Vince Young

WR's:
Larry Fitzgerald
Rocket Ismail
Johnny Rodgers
Anthony Carter
Randy Moss
Calvin Johnson
James Washington
Tyler Boyd

TE's
Mike Ditka
Keith Jackson
Jim Mandarich
Ken MacAfee

OL
Bill Fralic
JImbo Covert
Mark May
John Hannah
Dave Rimington
Orlando Pace
John Hicks
Joe Thomas
Bryant McKinnie
Ron Yary
Chris Ward

DL
Hugh Green
Rickey Jackson
Aaron Donald
Randy Holloway
Bubba Smith
Lee Roy Selmon
Chris Long
Julius Peppers
Ed Oliver

LB's
Dick Butkus
Lawrence Taylor
Randy Gradishar
Paul Posluszny
LaVar Arrington
Jerry Robinson
AJ Hawk

DB's
Deion Sanders
Charles Woodson
Jack Tatum
Kenny Easley
Ronnie Lott
Rod Woodson
Sean Taylor
Patrick Peterson
Ed Reed

Good lists .. the DL who played for VT and then was an all pro for Buffalo for years might warrant being on the list. Michael Vick given his college career also probably should be on the list. I elways though Archie Griffin was over rated but didn’t he win 2 Heismans. Maybe a couple more Golden Domers belong on the list..... Tim BrownHeisman- although undeserved). All in all though very good lists.

Funny that the 2 Positions where Pitt has seemed to have lagged a bit historically are DB and LB.

 

[9nationalchampionships]

Bruce Smith

Good lists .. the DL who played for VT and then was an all pro for Buffalo for years might warrant being on the list. Michael Vick given his college career also probably should be on the list. I elways though Archie Griffin was over rated but didn’t he win 2 Heismans. Maybe a couple more Golden Domers belong on the list..... Tim BrownHeisman- although undeserved). All in all though very good lists.

Funny that the 2 Positions where Pitt has seemed to have lagged a bit historically are DB and LB.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

John Ryan

 

[BuffetParrothead]

Jim Brown Syracuse
John Elway Stanford
Peyton Manning Tenn
Brian Bosworth Oklahoma
Tim Tebow Florida
Randy Moss Marshall
Earl Cambell Texas

I have to throw in OJ Simpson USC as he "knifed" through defenses that were so tight like a glove that doesn't fit.

 

[CougarClaws]

Yes. He was a bad ass in college.

People have said it already but Reggie bush was insane to watch at usc.

One of my all time favs was Marshall Faulk. San Diego st games would be on at like 11pm and they’d play on that dumb ass field with half dirt from baseball. Dude would break 2 long ones every game. Think darnay Scott was a wr too for them at the same time. I think.

I remember being late to work a couple times in 93 staying up too late watching Faulk play. But that field was the worst.

 

[DaveTrout]

I hear the stories. Wish I could’ve seen him play.

He and Rickey Jackson were men among boys.

 

[BFo8]

Was at a lower lever but Jerry Rice deserves to be on any of these type lists.

 

[HOF Coach]

Good lists .. the DL who played for VT and then was an all pro for Buffalo for years might warrant being on the list. Michael Vick given his college career also probably should be on the list. I elways though Archie Griffin was over rated but didn’t he win 2 Heismans. Maybe a couple more Golden Domers belong on the list..... Tim BrownHeisman- although undeserved). All in all though very good lists.

Funny that the 2 Positions where Pitt has seemed to have lagged a bit historically are DB and LB.

I also thought about Bruce Smith

Jim Brown Syracuse
John Elway Stanford
Peyton Manning Tenn
Brian Bosworth Oklahoma
Tim Tebow Florida
Randy Moss Marshall
Earl Cambell Texas

I have to throw in OJ Simpson USC as he "knifed" through defenses that were so tight like a glove that doesn't fit.

Would you consider OJ Simpson a slasher?

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

Tony Dorsett. It is like on one of those football games, his speed was not a 99, it was a 119. Look how fast he was.

 

[steelcurtain55.]

 

[pitt_fb_9x1]

I regret saying the first, but saw him live and on tv a ton as a kid
growing up in Ohio...

1Joe Montana- from fourth string to miracle endings at dormer U
2.Michael Irvin at the U......really changed the game with his height
and playmaking ability in college
3. Deion Sanders....what a punt returner and cover corner at FSU.
Really athletic and electric at FSU.
4. Gotta agree...Fitz 03........Texas A&M game should have hoisted the
Heisman.
5. Call me crazy......but Curtis Martin 1993......around1100 yards with John
Ryan at qb...stacked fronts....Curtis was a joy to watch, with a 3 win
team and minimal talent..

Jmho

 

[NTOP]

Wow.....Most dominant??

Tony Dorsett.
Doug Flutie (no list even is worth anything without including him on this list)
Hugh Green
Herschel Walker
Bill Fralic
Bo Jackson
Tim Tebow

Staubach
Sanders
Griffin

 

[NTOP]

View embedded media

TD was on cruise control, but Green was really fast. 9.1 fast.

 

[CJsE]

TD was on cruise control, but Green was really fast. 9.1 fast.

I'm confused by what you mean 9.1 fast? Are you talking 100 meter and mean 10.1?

 

[hoclaw]

Top 5 dominant college payers?
off the top of my head(in no particular order- Herschel Walker, bo Jackson, barry sanders, deon sanders, hugh green(maybe the single most
impactful defensive player I've ever seen in college

 

[NTOP]

I'm confused by what you mean 9.1 fast? Are you talking 100 meter and mean 10.1?

Nope...9.1 in the 100-YARD dash while at Texas A&I.