Top 10 Big East Players

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Aug 19, 2009

Top 10 Big East Players

OL Anthony Davis, Jr.

The star tackle and Outland Trophy candidate got a rude awakening in camp when coach Greg Schiano bumped him to second string for failing to make weight. Schiano better hope Davis got the message, as Rutgers won't go far without the key component on its veteran line.

RB Victor Anderson, Soph.

Anderson was a rare bright spot for the beleaguered Cardinals in 2008, rushing for 1,047 yards and eight TDs on his way to Big East Rookie of the Year honors. He figures to see plenty of touches this season as coach Steve Kragthorpe takes over play-calling duties in what could be his make-or-break year.

LB Scott Lutrus, Jr.

UConn had long viewed the lightly-recruited Lutrus as a steal, but he emerged as a force in 2008, notching 106 tackles while showing the versatility to shine at all three linebacker positions. He's earned praise this offseason for packing on more weight and taking on a larger leadership role.

LB Reed Williams, Sr.

After a huge 2007 season in which he led WVU in tackles and earned 2008 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl defensive MVP honors, Williams lost 2008 to shoulder problems. The Mountaineers' defensive leader and interior force returns to a unit that should be one of the best in the Big East.

RB Noel Devine, Jr.

YouTube highlight reels made Devine a legend before he even arrived in Morgantown, and he's lived up to expectations since. In his first two seasons, he averaged just shy of seven yards per carry, and amassed 1,298 yards as the featured back his sophomore year. An increase in touchdowns now that QB Pat White's in the NFL should make Devine the Big East's strongest Heisman contender.

NT Arthur Jones, Sr.

After an offseason pectoral tear threatened his senior season, Jones returns with a renewed appreciation and hunger. The Outland Trophy candidate has never been a sack machine, but he's a reliable tackler and slippery off the line. For the third year in a row, he'll be Syracuse's best player.

QB Matt Grothe, Sr.

Grothe needs just 288 yards to pass West Virginia's Pat White as the Big East's career leader in total offense. As a junior, Grothe completed 62 percent of his passes (though he threw 14 picks and just 18 TDs) and led the team in rushing. He'll carry the offensive load again this season and should shine as a veteran QB in a league light on experienced signal callers.

DE Greg Romeus, Jr.

In his first year as a starter, Romeus managed 7.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss. And that was with back pain plaguing him throughout the year. Now returned to full health, the athletic junior pairs with Jabaal Sheard to form an enviable pass-rushing duo for the Panthers.

WR Mardy Gilyard, Sr.

Gilyard may lack national fanfare, but he's one of the most potent players in the country. He played a big role in Cincinnati's 2008 Big East title, catching 81 balls for 1,276 yards and 11 scores and notching four straight 100-yard games down the stretch. He also excelled on special teams, averaging 27.5 yards per return.

DE George Selvie, Sr.

The two-time All-America saw a drop-off in his stats as a junior, as constant double teams limited him to 13.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks (compared to the obscene 31.5 and 14.5, respectively, he notched as a sophomore. Still, he remains one of the nation's most ferocious ends and gives the Bulls an NFL-ready talent on a deep defensive line.