A Whole New Ball Game
By Robert Davis

Every year there are guys who dominate the college game, but that's where their success ends. They fail to make a splash in the NFL, for many reasons. Maybe the offense they play in can play to their strengths, and minimize their weaknesses. Maybe they have some great players around them. For whatever the reason, they seem to be a constant. From Danny Wuerrfel to Rashaan Salaam, to Marcus Harris, one thing remains the same - they are college stars that didn't have the same impact in the NFL. Here is a look at a couple college stars of 2001 that could possibly suffer the same unfortunate fate:

LaDanian Tomlinson, RB, Texas Christian - Whenever a running back puts up numbers like LT has, you must ask this question: Is it him, or is he a product of the system? In this case, Tomlinson's production is a result of the offense he's in. The first thing you notice is that he plays in the WAC, which isn't exactly the strongest conference in college football, so he doesn't face the strictest of defenses. LaDanian also happens to be running behind one of the better offensive lines in the nation. As a result, he doesn't have to create much on his own, because the running lanes are there on a consistent basis. Also, TCU's offense emphasizes an option attack, and option backs always put up big numbers. Although it may sound like it, I am not trying to minimize Tomlinson's success at the college level. He has had a tremendous season, and it will go down as one of the best seasons ever for a college back. My criticism is based solely on his future in the NFL. Tomlinson is going to have to work hard and improve his running to have a future in pro football. Some people project him as a high 1st rounder because of his stats. But if they really took the time to analyze Tomlinson, they would realize that his real stock is lower, around the second or third round of the draft. You can believe that NFL scouts know this about Tomlinson.

Josh Heupel, QB, Oklahoma - Heupel is in a situation similar to Tomlinson. His offense is directed to take advantage of his strengths as Oklahoma runs a wide open, pass first attack. His overall passing numbers are going to be inflated because of the nature of his offense. When you look at his stats, you think big time prospect, however that is far from the case. Heupel's biggest attribute is the intangibles he brings to the QB position. He reads defenses very well, he is a good leader, and he is extremely accurate, all great qualities in a quarterback. But a key ingredient that Heupel lacks is arm strength. He has very little zip on the ball, and that is going to hinder his success at the next level severely. Whenever he throws the ball deeper than 20 yards, the ball just flutters out there. NFL defensive backs will be all over the ball. Heupel physically is also very weak. He has decent size, but he isn't very strong. Heupel might be able to stick in the right scheme in the NFL, but it is a long shot, and his success in the NFL will be nothing close to that of his college career.

Arnold Jackson, WR, Louisville - Not many people have noticed Jackson's college success. This year, Jackson quietly became the NCAA Division I career reception leader, with 299 receptions, breaking the record of 298 set last year by Nevada's Trevor Insley. The reason he likely won't have the same success is simple: He's too small. Jackson is generously listed at 5'8 160lbs. He has the speed (4.36) and skills that can carry over to the NFL, but his size will undoubtedly hamper him at the next level. NFL defensive backs are bigger and stronger than Jackson is, while still displaying the speed he possesses. He should become a nice role player in the NFL, but it won't be anywhere close to the success he's had during his college career.

Karon Riley, DE, Minnesota - Riley is the only defensive player that has an above average chance at making this list. He has been one of the most dominant defenders in the Big 10 over the past 2 seasons, after transferring over from SMU. He is constantly a force in the opponents' backfield, however he will run into trouble in the NFL, much like Jackson, because of his size. He weighs under 250lbs, which will not allow him to be an every down defensive lineman in the NFL. If he moves to linebacker, does he have the agility and instincts to make the move? Only time will tell, but at this point, Riley will have trouble in the NFL duplicating the success he has had in college.

There will always be bust draft picks that don't have the same success in the professional ranks as they do in college. The players listed above aren't considered busts, because they likely won't be drafted high enough to warrant that type of label. On the other hand, they could possibly prove a lot of people wrong, and develop into very good professionals. These college football players will soon realize that the NFL is a whole new ball game.