Stanford's Jim Harbaugh looks for more improvement out of his club in 2009. (Getty Images)
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When it comes to college football, teams want to stay as close to home as possible to start the year. Yet some programs will make the plunge and travel cross country for some exposure. Judd Hall looks at some of those squads.
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Alexander Robinson RB, Iowa State Cyclones 07/02/09, Time: 12:48 am
News:
Keep your eye on Iowa State RB Alexander Robinson this season as he develops into a potent weapon in the team's new spread offense. Robinson, coming off a 700 yard rushing season, could flourish in the new offense.
Analysis:
Despite using a spread offense, the Cyclones don't have all the passing parts to make it flourish...yet. Given that, expect Robinson to be heavily involved in the offense and could catch 35 to 50 balls this season and approach 1,000 yards rushing. He is a nice little sleeper to keep your eyes one. (sportsbuff.com)
Player:
Darius Willis RB, Indiana Hoosiers 07/02/09, Time: 12:37 am
News:
Indiana is desperate for playmakers and RB Darius Willis could be a guy who takes a big chunk of this offense. It's been eight years since the Hoosiers had a back go over 1,000 yards, so this would be a good year to have that streak snapped.
Analysis:
Willis came into the program amidst much fanfare and the Hoosiers would jump for joy if he lived up to his billing. If he holds the job and gets enough touches, he could generate some numbers. (sportsbuff.com)
Player:
Jason Ford RB, Illinois Fighting Illini 07/02/09, Time: 12:33 am
News:
Illinois RB Jason Ford could be a key cog in the Illini offense. Ford had eight touchdown last season and seemed to grab the job by the throat in the spring and will be counted on to take some of the pressure off QB Juice Williams.
Analysis:
Consider Ford a sleeper type who could produce big dividends with a late round pickup in Big Ten formats. He won't be a guy people look to early and could emerge as the guy this season. (sportsbuff.com)
