Signing day has come and gone, but I am not done with my opinion about the entire spectacle of it all.  Quite honestly, I am not a fan of signing day and all the hype that it brings.

Yes, there should be hype and excitement about fans wanting their schools to get the top players.  However, it is getting a bit excessive.  These high school football players are already starting to be treated like superstars.

We have already seen what happens to a number of them once they get that big head and develop the big ego.

Here are a few examples:

Isiah Crowell, RB:
Attended the University of Georgia as a highly touted running back and was very effective his freshman year.  He announced he was going to UGA by bringing a bulldog puppy up and telling everyone he named it Uga, for obvious reasons.  Although very cute and creative, what was soon to follow Crowell was not.  It was just plain stupid. Crowell was arrested in June of 2012 on three weapons charges with two of them being felonies.  Crowell was dismissed from the team and now attends Alabama State University.

Asiantii Woulard, Dual Threat QB:
This is more recent, being this year.  Woulard is a high school standout as a dual threat quarterback and chose to attend UCLA, and for those of you who don’t know UCLA stands for the University of California, Los Angeles.  So when Woulard was speaking and decided on UCLA, he said he would be playing his college football at UCLA University.  Though this may not seem like much, as a fan or current member of the team, I would want the incoming recruit to at least say the name of the school correctly.  A similar situation occurred with the next player who also was the center of a certain tattoo scandal.

Terrelle Pryor, Dual Threat QB:
Pryor was one of the most highly rated players coming out of high school in recent history, and he certainly backed it up.  He had the ability to burn opposing teams with his feet and arms. However, during his announcement he said The University of Ohio State which clearly as we all know it is The Ohio State University.  Pryor made statements claiming it was a knock on Michigan and how he wanted to stir up the rivalry a little more, and as a Buckeye fan that is fine.  The real issue is the impression it left on other people which was just plain stupidity.  Many attribute that to him getting such a big ego because all of the attention was on him that he didn’t even care to say the name of the university correctly.  Pryor always had a big ego and it really came out when he decided he was able to get free tattoos in exchange for a number of items (we have all heard the story).  This clearly was a direct result of his cockiness and ego thinking he was better than others and bigger than the NCAA rules.

Wild Cards:

Alex Collins is a running back from Plantation Florida and on signing day his mother was not happy with his decision to choose Arkansas over near by University of Miami, so she simply took the papers and was on the run. Now, nobody knows what the fate of Collins will be as a running back in college, but he seemed to have made a decision for himself and left his mother out of it (by the sound of it, a good idea).  This story swept the country because it was signing day and created even more drama to the soap opera type of day.

Reuben Foster is a LB recruit heading to Alabama.  What is interesting is that he has a huge Auburn tattoo on his forearm.  He was committed to Auburn before de-committing, but not before getting inked up with the Auburn Tattoo.  This just adds to why signing day and this whole process is too much.

Let us also not forget the infamous OL Kevin Hart.  He called for a press conference and announced he was going to Cal without even having an offer!

Athletes transfer, things happen that are unforeseen, and there are a number of factors that go into choosing a school.  Signing day gives them these huge egos that in some cases will end up making a huge difference in their lives like Isiah Crowell and Terrelle Pryor, or just makes you look flat out stupid like Reuben Foster.

The signing day events should be toned down and the hype should be toned down in order to preserve the mindset of these athletes.

The end of May has arrived, and College Sports Feed’s Preseason Top 5 is finally here. The five teams listed here are 2012’s best of the best, the toughest and most talented, and the greatest in the game. They came a long way in 2011, but even more will be expected of them in the fall. Kicking off our final week:

5. Oregon

“Oh, Oregon. If you ask most people, they have no clue where Oregon even is on a map, but they can tell you that they have a damn good football team. Oregon has been working hard these past few years to get where they are today, and they won’t give that up. My prediction is that they are determined to prove that they are the best and are going after that number one spot. I don’t think that they will get it this year, but if they can continue to do better over the next few years, it could end up being theirs.”

Allie Balog, CSF Associate Editor

“The loss of LaMichael James will be difficult, but Oregon is persistent. They are strong recruiters and look for the best newcomers, and they promise wins and are pretty consistent in their claims. Plus, Oregon has the potential to have one of the best defenses in the Pac 12. Look for them to place in one of the top bowl games in January.”

Elizabeth Garabedian, CSF Writer/Contributor

4. Oklahoma

“The Sooners’ high-powered offense will dominate once again in 2012. Senior QB Landry Jones will have a shot at following in Sam Bradford’s footsteps as a Heisman winner. The loss of WR Ryan Broyles, Jones’ favorite target, will hurt, but four returning wideouts and a standout recruiting class will help fill the void. The defensive side of the ball will carry more question marks into the season, but solid play coupled with an explosive offense will carry Oklahoma to the Big 12 title in 2012.”

Anthony Manzella, CSF Writer/Contributor

“The Sooners will yet again dominate on offense as Landry Jones, and a solid receiving core is returning. The loss of playmaker Ryan Broyles will hurt, but they should be able to overcome his departure. The defense had a number of questions last year and they are hoping to be answered by the arrival of Mike Stoops, Bob Stoops’ brother, as the defensive coordinator. Okalahoma is the easy favorite in the Big 12 this season with Texas still trying to figure itself out and Oklahoma State losing its two biggest playmakers in Weeden and Blackmon.”

Garrett Mayers, CSF Writer/Contributor

3. LSU

“Les Miles’ squad had by far the toughest schedule in the nation. Their only loss came against a loaded Alabama team that had six full weeks to prepare. The Tigers lose some stars on defense, most notably Jim Thorpe award winner Morris Claiborne, but they are still absolutely loaded. Tyrann Mathieu could be the most dynamic playmaker in college football, and he returns with another LSU defense that will be one of the best in the country. The only knock on LSU last season was the lack of production on offense, but former Georgia QB Zach Mettenberger is a much better passer than Jordan Jefferson. Look for the Tigers to win their second straight SEC West title.”

Jeff Dunbar, CSF Senior Editor

“The LSU Tigers will try and rebound from getting blown out by Alabama in the BCS National Championship in January. It will not be an easy road for them with star receiver Rueben Randle and 6th overall pick Mo Claiborne going to the NFL.  With enough talent returning on offense and the returning stellar defense, the LSU Tigers should be near the top of the SEC and national ranks again this coming season.”

Garrett Mayers, CSF Writer/Contributor

2. Alabama

“Bama, Bama, Bama. There’s not much to really say about it. They have always been good and they probably always will be good. Look at their players – they’re huge. They’re the southern boys that have been playing football since they could walk and have always known that they would play in college. Bama is definitely not a team to think you can beat easily. They will make you fight for a victory over them – hard. They are a team to watch out for this season, they do have the potential to take the #1 spot.”

Allie Balog, CSF Associate Editor

“Coach Nick Saban has transformed Alabama into arguably to most consistently great team since his arrival in Tuscaloosa, with two BCS titles in five years. Expect the same this year, even with the high number of losses on both sides of the ball.  QB AJ McCarron will shoulder more of the offensive load, and RB Eddie Lacy should provide a more than acceptable replacement for Trent Richardson. The defensive will benefit greatly from the top recruiting class in the country, and will be tough enough for the Crimson Tide to compete for another National Championship in 2012.”

Anthony Manzella, CSF Writer/Contributor

1. USC

“Matt Barkley’s decision to return for his senior season took USC from a top 20 team to the team to beat in 2012.  Barkley’s favorite targets, Robert Woods and Marqise Lee combined for an astounding 2,435 yards receiving and hauled in 26 touchdowns.  Oregon and Stanford lost a lot of talent to the NFL, but the major playmakers (excluding LT Matt Kalil) all came back for the Trojans.  Expect Barkley to make a run at the Heisman, but more importantly, expect him finish what he started, by hoisting the crystal football at season’s end.”

Jeff Dunbar, CSF Senior Editor

“The Trojans may not have snagged Su’A Cravens yet, but they have multiple other factors that have contributed to their #1 spot in CSF’s Top 25. QB Matt Barkley is still there, and he has enough skill to lead the offense even with the loss of LT Matt Kalil. And with an experienced defensive line, USC is double the trouble. They could very easily snag a spot in the BCS title game, mainly because they have a handful of talented returnees while many other Pac 12 teams do not. This could very well be the year for the Trojans.”

Elizabeth Garabedian, CSF Writer/Contributor

The Preseason Top 25 is winding down, and we have finally reached the Top 10 in College Sports Feed’s countdown. Some teams will come as a surprise this week, but all of them have the ability to reach a bowl game and fight for that BCS title. Capping us off this week:

10. South Carolina

“The Gamecocks lost a hefty chunk of talent to the NFL this year, but they have a sufficient recovery plan. Victor Hampton will fulfill Stephon Gilmore, and Jadeveon Clowney will be a hearty defensive threat. South Carolina will come back swinging in 2012, and they will succeed in their march to the playoffs.”

Elizabeth Garabedian, CSF Writer/Contributor

“South Carolina’s season will depend a lot on Marcus Lattimore and his health after sustaining a bad knee injury last season. The Gamecocks lost a number of players to the NFL including Alshon Jeffery, Stephon Gilmore, and All-American Melvin Ingram, who will all be hard to replace. However, if the Gamecocks can overcome those losses they should be a force to be reckoned with in the SEC East this coming season.”

Garrett Mayers, CSF Writer/Contributor

9. West Virginia

“The Mountaineers have tons of momentum heading into their inaugural season in the Big 12 after hanging 70 points on Clemson in last year’s Orange Bowl. Geno Smith returns under center, after averaging just under 350 yards per game last season. Look for much of the same in the new conference. Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey will be two of the best receivers in the Big 12, and with second-year head coach Dana Holgerson, West Virginia will be primed and ready to make a run at traditional powers.”

Jeff Dunbar, CSF Senior Editor

“The Mountaineers will have one of the top offenses in 2012. Quarterback Geno Smith will have the choice of two 1,000-yard receivers (Stedman Bailey, Tavon Austin) to throw to, and sophomore RB Dustin Garrison is in line for a breakout year. The defense will suffer from the loss of pass-rushing LB Bruce Irvin, but has enough playmakers to compete with the high-powered Big 12 offenses.”

Anthony Manzella, CSF Writer/Contributor

8. Michigan

Michigan is a football school. While it’s known for other things, a lot of what it is known for football. A big factor in that though is the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry. While it’ not just a football rivalry, that’s what it’s best known for. It’s the biggest rivalry in all of sports, and even people that aren’t Ohio State or Michigan fans know about it and take sides. Michigan likes to prove how good they are, and with Denard Robinson returning this year as a senior, we all know that he is going to do everything in his power to make sure Michigan wins.”

Allie Balog, CSF Associate Editor

“The Wolverines look to continue the success they have had under Brady Hoke.  After an 11-2 season in 2011 and a big Sugar Bowl victory of Virginia Tech the Wolverines return the high powered offense that they have shown lately with Denard Robinson at quarterback.  However, the Michigan defense struggled last season and they will have to build if they plan on having success this season.  The schedule for the Wolverines does not make things easy for them as they play at Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame and Nebraska. Although this shows to be a tough task, the Michigan Wolverines have the offense to potentially carry them to a big ten title and a major bowl game.”

Anthony Manzella, CSF Writer/Contributor

7. Florida State

“Florida State is a good football team. They aren’t the best but they are still up there. I don’t think that this will be a team to be taken lightly this season. They know that they are good, but they also know that they could be better. I don’t think that they will go out of their way to prove that they are better but they will ensure that they stay as good as they are now and hopefully not drop in the rankings.”

Allie Balog, CSF Associate Editor

“The ‘Noles were a decent offensive line away from being a 10 or 11-win football team last season. The ACC will once again be down, and West Virginia backed out of their game this fall in Tallahassee, which sent FSU scrambling to find another non-conference game. With no strong teams left to choose from, the Seminoles will instead play host to Savannah State. Expect the ‘Noles to win 11 games and an ACC title in ’12.”

Jeff Dunbar, CSF Senior Editor

6. Georgia

“Georgia’s coaching staff will serve as a hefty advantage in 2012, including Mike Bobo’s offensive position. He knows Georgia football well and can be very convincing on the field, and he will make the Bulldogs’ offense stand as a match to its high-caliber and long-awaited defense in 2012. Look for a powerhouse in Georgia football.”

Elizabeth Garabedian, CSF Writer/Contributor

“The Bulldogs’ defense is stacked, and it should be even better than it was last year (ranked in the top 25 in the country.) Returning All-Americans Jarvis Jones and Bacarri Rambo will be joined by an exceptional recruiting class to create a menacing defense. On the offensive side, the majority of Georgia’s positional starters are returning and junior QB Aaron Murray will benefit from the addition of 5-star RB Keith Marshall to an already solid backfield.”

Anthony Manzella, CSF Writer/Contributor

Last month, SI.com reported that former St. Joe’s basketball player, Todd O’Brien had missed the first half of his final season of eligibility because his former coach, Phil Martelli and the administration at St. Joseph refused to grant the senior center a release, once he transferred to UAB this past summer.

Of course, the adminstration of St. Joe’s and Coach Martelli have hidden behind the scenes throughout the breaking of this story, declining to comment to any media outlets as to why they see it necessary to prevent O’Brien from finishing his college career.

O’Brien tried to utilize the same NCAA rule that allowed former NC State quarterback Russell Wilson to transfer from NC State to Wisconsin.  Without getting into too much legal jargon, it states that an athlete who has already graduated will not have to give up a year of eligibility if he/she goes to a different institution, provided that a masters program or course of study is offered at the new institution and is not offered at the original school.

That is…assuming that athlete can get a release.  When it became obvious that Martelli was not willing to allow O’Brien to play for UAB, the senior center made an appeal to the NCAA in the fall.

In typical fashion, the NCAA denied the request, citing St. Joe’s stance on the issue.  O’Brien made an appeal, citing his grades, course of study and his internship that he completed, proving to the NCAA that he is, indeed, studying an area not offered at St. Joseph’s.  That appeal was promtly denied.

The NCAA boasts that it is the governing body that is in place to protect the integrity of college student athletes.  Guess what, NCAA…you failed.  Again.

How is it right that a kid, who averaged a meager 1.0 point per game last year at St. Joe’s, can’t play out his college eligibility because of a hard-headed, vindictive former coach?  The NCAA had a perfect opportunity to protect a student athlete.  But instead, they turned their back on him.

Unfortunately, O’Brien’s case is just the latest in a trend that the NCAA has set.  Take a look at some other ridiculous decisions, in which the NCAA dropped the ball (no pun intended) and failed the student athlete.

2011:  Terrelle Pryor, Devier Posey, Dan Herron and others/Ohio State: The and selling of equipment by Ohio State football players to the owner of a tattoo parlor is well-documented and ultimately cost Jim Tressel his job.  Much criticism was given to Tressel and his players, most notably, star quarterback Pryor for the scandal.

The NCAA did their investigation and announced suspensions of four different players, including Pryor, but despite announcing the suspensions before last year’s Sugar Bowl, the NCAA determined that those suspensions would not begin until the following season.

It should be noted that the NCAA collects the majority of their revenue from college football.  The BCS bowls earn a significant chunk of that revenue.  And a Sugar Bowl without Pryor, Posey and star running back, Herron would mean a sharp decline in ratings and advertising dollars.  The NCAA rules with an iron fist….unless it could hurt their revenue.

2010:  AJ Green, WR/Georgia: The NCAA suspended Green four games after he admitted to selling a bowl jersey to a former North Carolina defensive back for $1000.  In the meantime, the NCAA raked in the money generated from the EA Sports NCAA Football game which featured Green’s digital character, wearing that same #8.

2009:  Dez Bryant, WR/Oklahoma State: After failing to fully disclose that he had a meal with former NFL defensive back Deion Sanders, the NCAA suspended the star wideout for the remainder of the season on October 7, 2009.  Bryant had been a Heisman front-runner and later told media outlets that he was scared when the NCAA questioned him about the interaction with Sanders, and out of fear of loss of eligibility, he did, in fact, mislead them.  Critics, however, question a suspension that cost the phenom his entire junior season.

2004:  Mike Williams/WR, USC: After a federal judge ruled in favor of former Ohio State running back, Maurice Clarrett that the NFL could not bar a player from entering the NFL Draft, instead of requiring that an athlete is at least three years removed from high school, Williams(then a sophomore) declared for the draft and hired an agent.

The Court of Appeals overturned that ruling, prompting Williams to seek reinstatement, so he didn’t have to sit out the entire 2004 season.  Williams applied for reinstatement with the NCAA, caught up on his classes to get in good academic standing and followed the plan laid out for him by the USC coaching staff and administration.  –photo courtesy of cbssports.com

Not only did the NCAA deny Williams his eligibility, but they waited to give the news of the rejection until USC was preparing for their flight out to their first game of the 2004 season.

There has been a ton of debate since the BCS top 10 was announced on Sunday. Regardless of the debate of who is more deserving to play undefeated LSU, the decision to allow a rematch between the Tigers and Alabama has a lot of college football fans in an uproar.  (photo courtesy of blogs.ajc.com)

Oklahoma State created the buzz when they not only won the Big 12 (which…has ten teams, but that’s not important right now), and they did so in convincing fashion, blowing out the preseason #1 Oklahoma Sooners 44-10.  Critics of the Alabama pick to play in the title match cite the fact that Alabama didn’t even win their own conference, and that the Crimson Tide lost their game at home versus the road loss the Oklahoma State Cowboys incurred at Iowa State.

As much as I cannot stand the BCS, here are three reasons they actually got it right:

1.  If you’re not in the SEC, you had better go undefeated: Like it or not, the SEC is the king of college football conferences…and it’s not even close.  Even the SEC was a bit watered down this year, mostly due to the underachieving SEC East Division, but here is something to chew on.  The last five (and soon to be six) BCS National Champions are SEC teams, so it’s not just love from ESPN and the media that makes it look like the SEC is the best conference–the SEC proves it and has proven it for the last 60 months.  Because of that kind of track record, the SEC is always going to have a leg up.

2.  The Big 12 was not nearly as good as it showed in the polls. While Baylor and Kansas State have been great stories for college football, other than Oklahoma State, the Big 12 was watered down, and that dilution began before the season even kicked off, when Nebraska bolted for the Big Ten (…which actually has twelve teams…but that’s not important right now).  Add to Nebraska’s departure, Oklahoma vastly underachieving, when you consider they were the preseason #1, a down year for Missouri, a Texas A&M team that was completely whipped in the second half of practically every game, and how in the world Texas was consistently ranked is beyond me–they finished with a very underwhelming 7-5 record and still have no offense.  Bottom line–the Big 12 was a far cry from a BCS heavyweight.

3.  Let’s compare losses: Bama lost at home in overtime against LSU, who is the #1 team in the country.  Oklahoma State lost on the road to Iowa State, who checks in as the #54 ranked team in the country, according to CBSSports.com.  Iowa State finished the season with a not-so-stout 8th place finish in the 10-team Big 12 Conference, just ahead of lowly Texas Tech and Kansas.  Conversely, Bama lost to LSU, who beat the Pac 12 Champ (Oregon), the Big East Champ (West Virginia), the SEC East Champion (Georgia), the #2 team in the nation (Bama at the time) and Arkansas, who ranked #3 at the time and finished the regular season rankings at #7.

Overall Conclusion: You don’t deserve a shot at a national championship if you lose to the 54th best team in the country.  We should expect much more than that from a national champ.  The SEC is going to be king until another conference can knock them off the top of the mountain.

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