No Shortage of WAC starpower
Think the WAC is just about quarterbacks? Think again. Here are five exciting players to keep an eye out for in 2010.
WR Phillip Livas, Louisiana Tech: Perhaps the most electrifying athlete in the entire conference, the 5’8″ Livas displays exceptional quickness and vision whenever he touches the ball. He’s a dangerous return man who took both a punt return and kick return to the house last year, and figures to be the perfect fit in coach Sonny Dykes’ new spread offense.
DE Chris Carter, Fresno State: A first-team All-WAC player a year ago, Carter notched five sacks in 2010 despite playing with a broken hand. An exceptional athlete with a great first step, Carter is simply too quick for most tackles in the conference. His relentless pursuit and ability to tackle in space make him one of the most feared defenders in the WAC.
WR Greg Salas, Hawaii: The Warrior receiver is a statistical machine, and is coming off a junior year in which he averaged over 122 yards per game in receiving yards. At 6’2″ and 210 lbs., he has impressive size, but his 4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash and lateral quickness make him a nightmare to cover in the slot. He caught two TDs against USU last year, and is expected to be one of the best WRs in the country this season.
SS Jeron Johnson, Boise State: The unquestioned leader of the Bronco “D,” Johnson is a true enforcer in the secondary. He was second-team All-WAC after notching 91 stops a year ago, including 14 against Utah State. Johnson has already been named to the Thorpe Award watch list, which is given at the end of each season to the nation’s best defensive back.
DE Dontay Moch, Nevada: The reigning WAC defensive player of the year, Moch turned heads this off-season when he ran a reported 4.18 second 40-yard dash in practice. Last season he recorded 20 tackles for a loss, and according to his coaches is still far from the best player he can be. A former linebacker who has shown marked improvement in the technical aspects of playing DE, Moch needs just 7.5 sacks this season to set the new WAC career record.
LT Rob McGill, Lousiana Tech: A 6’6” behemoth with 32 career starts under his belt, McGill is the most dominant offensive lineman in the WAC and the player who’ll be called upon to protect the blind side of Bulldog quarterback Steve Ensminger. He plays with great leverage and has exceptional use of his hands, while he shows remarkable footwork despite his 310 lbs.
– adamnettina@gmail.com