Ultimate Players

Sporting News, The, August 23, 1999

You know Penn State's LaVar Arrington is TSN's choice as the ultimate linebacker. Here are our picks for the premier players at the other positions.

Quarterback

JOE HAMILTON, Georgia Tech, Sr.

Sure, he's small, but Hamilton has a multitude of skills that make him a threat to beat foes in a variety of ways.

Vision: When you're this small (5-10), you'd better see the entire field. He does.

Arms: His right one isn't a Howitzer, but Hamilton can deliver any pass necessary.

Hands: They aren't huge, but his grip is secure enough to toss a tight spiral.

Legs: They are crazy, as he has rushed for more than 1,000 career yards.

Feet: Now you see them, now you don't.

Intelligence: Three years as a starter have provided moxie, savvy and know-how.

Fab Five

Name, Ht./Wt., Class, School

1. Joe Hamilton, 5-10/189, Sr., Georgia Tech

2. Chris Redman, 6-3/215, Sr., Louisville

3. Chad Pennington, 6-2/220, Sr., Marshall

4. Quincy Carter, 6-2/220, So., Georgia

5. Drew Brees, 6-1/212, Jr., Purdue

Running back

JAMAL LEWIS, Tennessee, Jr.

Lewis was built by the football gods to run. However, he must overcome a knee injury that limited him to four games last season.

Vision: Spots would-be tacklers and makes proper adjustments.

Arms: Whether protecting the ball or delivering a blow, they are impressive.

Hands: When asked to catch passes, he has displayed soft hands.

Legs: Modeled after the pistons on a Cutlass 442.

Feet: They're built for Army boots but are suited for track spikes.

Intelligence: He knows how to find a hole and hit it.

Fab Five

1. Jamal Lewis, 6-0/225, Jr., Tennessee

2. Ron Dayne, 5-10/253, Sr., Wisconsin

3. Michael Wiley, 6-0/195, Sr., Ohio State

4. Trung Canidate, 5-11/199, Sr., Arizona

5. Travis Prentice, 6-2/228, Sr., Miami (Ohio)

Wide receiver

PETER WARRICK, Florida State, Sr.

Not only does he have size, speed and savvy, but Warrick can beat foes catching, running reverses, returning kicks and throwing, too.

Vision: Few read defenses better.

Arms: Cotton-soft hands cradle passes and heave them.

Hands: From the spectacular to the mundane, he makes the grab.

Legs: No one goes from zero to zippy quicker.

Feet: The most feared in the nation.

Intelligence: He was smart enough to return for his senior year.

Fab Five

1. Peter Warrick, 6-0/190, Sr., Florida State

2. R. Jay Soward, 5-11/175, Sr., USC

3. Travis Taylor, 6-1/188, Jr., Florida

4. Plaxico Burress, 6-6/229, Jr., Michigan State

5. Dez White, 6-1/214, Jr., Georgia Tech

Tight end

IBN GREEN, Louisville, Sr.

The Cardinals' offense is built to produce passing numbers, which Green capably takes advantage of.

Vision: Finds the seams behind the linebackers.

Arms: Battles effectively to get off the line.

Hands: No tight end has caught more passes over the last two years.

Legs: He's no monster run-blocker, but he's mobile.

Feet: Has balance and agility wideouts would envy.

Intelligence: Former prep teammate of Redman's has intimate knowledge of passing attacks.

Fab Five

1. Ibn Green, 6-2/225, Sr., Louisville

2. Daniel Franks, 6-6/245, Jr., Miami (Fla.)

3. Anthony Becht, 6-6/265, Sr., West Virginia

4. Todd Heap, 6-5/230, So., Arizona State

5. Jabari Holloway, 6-4/258, Jr., Notre Dame

Offensive lineman

CHRIS McINTOSH, Wisconsin, Sr.

McIntosh is built like the prototypical tackle. While teammate Aaron Gibson got most of the hype last year, many thought McIntosh was better.

Vision: Adept at spotting rushers on the periphery.

Arms: Long and strong enough to keep defenders from his body.

Hands: Big paws and a firm grip to control linemen.

Legs: Built to drive block in Wisconsin's ground attack.

Feet: Nimble, but not nifty.

Intelligence: With 38 consecutive starts, he has seen it all-and it shows.

Fab Five

1. Chris McIntosh (T), 6-7/307, Sr., Wisconsin

2. Richard Mercier (G), 6-3/290, Sr., Miami (Fla.)

3. Cosey Coleman (G), 6-5/315, Jr., Tennessee

4. Chad Clifton (T), 6-6/320, Sr., Tennessee

5. Marvel Smith (T), 6-6/300, Jr., Arizona State

Defensive lineman

COREY SIMON, Florida State, Sr. Simon is the Seminoles' strongest man, but injuries have been a problem. Still, he's the man.

Vision: He keeps his head up to navigate traffic in the middle.

Arms: If he gets his massive limbs on a blocker, he has control.

Hands: Excels at hand-to-hand combat in the trenches.

Legs: When he roots his thick stumps, forget about moving him.

Feet: Fancy footwork is the envy of all defensive linemen.

Intelligence: Forget those nose tackle stereotypes. He has brains and brawn.

Fab Five

1. Corey Simon (NT), 6-4/275, Sr., Florida State

2. Corey Moore (DE), 6-0/218, Sr., Virginia Tech

3. Courtney Brown (DE), 6-5/265, Sr., Penn St.

4. Roland Seymour (DE), 6-4/264, Jr., Florida St.

5. Chris Hovan (DT), 6-3/285, Sr., Boston Coll.

Defensive back

DEON GRANT, Tennessee, Jr. His combination of size and athletic ability makes him a future All-Pro.

Vision: From sideline to sideline, nothing escapes his view from his perch.

Arms: Expansive wingspan comes in handy when defending passes.

Hands: Five picks in '98 show he has sticky fingers.

Legs: They're strong enough to streak to the ball or plant and deliver a hit.