With the 2007 campaign coming to a close, I’ve decided to release my special edition name list.  Over the past seasons, I’ve compiled a list of who I thought has the best name in college football.  The best part about this list is these players not only have awkward names, but have succeeded and will continue to succeed in their sport.  There was only one criteria I targeted; an incredibly unique first AND last name.  Without further ado, my top 5 names in college football from 2007-2008: (click for ESPN player page)

1. Limas Sweed, WR, Texas-  This guy’s name was an instant classic for me.  The bonus is how incredibly talented he is.  He will enter the 2008 NFL Draft as the top WR in his class, and should go in the latter half of the first round.  The 6′5 senior, who missed 2007 to repair wrist ligament damage, caught 20 TDs in his four-year career at Texas, second in school history.  His best season was 2006, when he caught 46 passes for 801 yards and 12 TDs. 

2. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Ole Miss-  Another instant classic (just couldn’t top Limas), BenJarvus was another very productive player at Ole Miss and Indiana. In his freshman year for the Hoosiers, Green-Ellis rushed for over 700 yards and 5 TDs, but then sat out his sophomore season, after the NCAA transfer rule prohibited him from playing for Ole Miss.  Green-Ellis then took off in his final seasons for the Rebels, producing back-to-back 1,000 total yard seasons.  Green-Ellis does figured to be drafted, but unless he has an amazing combine, will probably go in the later rounds.

3. Hoost Marsh, WR/KR, Wyoming-  Wide-receivers must have a knack for having eye-popping names, and Hoost’s is no exception.  Between himself and Maryland WR Darrius Heyward-Bey it was a close call, but because Darrius is a fairly common first name and Hoost is absolutely not, Mr. Marsh got the nod.  After he was red-shirted his freshman season at Wyoming, Marsh found his niche rather unorthodoxly.  After an injury the starting returner went down to injury, Marsh stepped in and exploded, netting a 13.5 yard/return average, earning First Team All-Mountain West honors.  Although he didn’t catch a pass until last year, Marsh has made his mark as one of the greatest returners in Cowboy history.  He may be drafted, but probably strictly as a returner.

4. Jabu Lovelace, QB, Rutgers-  The lone underclassmen on this list, Lovelace gets special honors for having an exceptional name.  Although he didn’t played much because of quarterback Mike Teel’s play, he received some time in 2007 and produced with his legs.  Lovelace rushed 82 times, accumulating 332 yards and 4 TD’s, the team’s leading rusher behind only the Scarlet Knight’s star back Ray Rice.  He should continue to push Teel, a junior, for the starting job next year, while seeing action as a option quarterback, setting him up for a standout senior year, barring a transfer.

5. Neefy Moffett, DE, Florida State-  Got to get some defense in here! Watching a Florida State/Clemson game on ESPN earlier this year, I saw Moffett’s name appear on the screen after he had made a play, and I knew I had to submit his exceptional name on this list.  He and his teammate, safety Mister Alexander both received consideration for this final spot, but unfortunately for Mister, Alexander is too common a last name for this exclusive list.  Moffett, a junior speed rusher is one of the Seminoles more experienced defensive lineman, and should project well in next year’s NFL Draft, listed at 6-1, 254 pounds (a bit of a “tweener”).

The New England Patriots, no matter how much everyone may love to hate them, obviously don’t care what people think.  After a 38-35 drubbing of the Giants, the question is brought up, are they the greatest of all time? As I presently get some help from the NFL Sunday Fox Crew, my answer is yes, IF they can win the big one.  And how can anyone argue?  They’ve had to overcome a more balanced league then the 1972 Dolphins, and have not just beat teams, but blown them out.  A season that continues to be overshadowed by spy scandals, many continue to question, me included, how valid have the Patroits’ accomplishments been the past decade? But after personally witnessing this team play, it just awes me.  Tom Brady carves teams up as if they were high-schoolers, and when he tries, Randy Moss is easily the most talented player in the league.  What added to the mystique was Brady and Moss hooked up for two more TD connections, placing Moss on top of legendary Jerry Rice as the NFL single season touchdown record holder.  Consequently, that same pass was Tom Brady’s 50th, launching him ahead of Peyton’s unprecedented  04′ campaign.  I still question if anyone can challenge them, and even as a die-hard Packer fan, all I can say is good luck.

After the hollidays provoded me time to think over the 35-7 blowout the Bears handed the Packers last Sunday, let me share some thoughts.  First of all, Brett, if you don’t want to play, go home.  Nobody wants a baby playing because there’s a blizzard.  You’re supposed to be a former 3-time MVP, right?  Well by the looks of Sunday, those voting years were rigged, because you got outplayed by Kyle Orton.  Not Rex Grossman, who’s inconsistent, not Brian Griese, who can’t run, no, Kyle Orton.  Secondly, special teams. Can you guys block?  I feel sorry for Jon Ryan, because you guys did a pitiful job.  Thirdly, to the team.  You had a chance to tie the Cowboys with a chance to overtake them for home-field advantage next week if they lost.  Does that mean anything to you?  Isn’t getting in the playoff the whole point of football?  I mean everyone on the Packers just folded to a 5-9 (now 6-9) team.  Pathetic.  Let me tell you something Packer fans, if two of the three losses this team has are to the lowly Chicago Bears, and after that performance last week, this team doesn’t have much less deserve a chance to compete.  I’d rather see a Pop-Warner team playing their hearts out then what I saw last week.  The good news still is the Packers are still better than alot of teams in the NFC, but the intensity and the “want-to” was not there on Sunday, and that’s a great cause for concern.  Let’s pray McCarthy can get them back on track for this week’s game versus Detroit.

Thank goodness Doug Melvin is smart with his money–the majority of the time.  Don’t get me wrong, paying Jeff Suppan $10 million for what he did last season was a mistake for a small-market team such as the Brewers.  But at least Melvin has kept his team in heathly cap status.  This off-season, the price of even an average pitcher has gone from ridiculous to insane.  I’m sure a number of Royals’ fans were livid last off-season after their team’s big signing, Gil Meche at 5 years, $55 million. He posted a 9-13 record with a 3.67 ERA.  Nice job Royals, you got yourselves a real quality signing there.  While that was quite a disappointment for many I’m sure, after today’s signing, the meaning of ridiculous has been raised to whole new level.  The Seattle Mariners, who’ve had a habit of dishing out serious cash to average players, did it again.  Two years after signing southpaw Jarrod Washburn to a 4-year, $37.5 million dollar deal, they will fork over another 4-year deal worth $48 million to injury-plagued Carlos Silva, who went 13-14 last year with a 4.19 ERA.  I can just envision Angels’ GM Tony Reagins saying to himself, “Alright, another overpaid pitcher to throw batting practice to [Vladimir] Guerrero!” Once again Doug Melvin, thanks for being a little bit more sensible with your money.  I mean at least Suppan did something to deserve his contract, but this? What a joke.  If I was a Mariners fan, I would be sick to my stomach. 

Phillies equally guilty spendthrifts: Apparently, Phillies’ GM Pat Gillick didn’t get the memo either.  I’m officially deeming him the second ”spend-a-holic” today after in my opinion, overpaying for yes, that Geoff Jenkins.  Two-years, $13 million, with incentives that could push the deal to $20 million.  Wow, for a 31-year old defensive specialist that only plays hard in contract years, congrats Geoff, at least you can still fool one team with your antics.  The point I’m trying to make is contracts now days are getting out of hand.  The astounding part is, only a select few live up to their contracts.  Talk is cheap, which makes me seriously question players’ integrity and passion for the game.  Unfortunately, it’s just the sad reality fans are forced to live with.

After the NFL Pro-Bowl selections were released Tuesday, Packer fans might be seeing a lot of green and gold in uniform on February 10th.  Mike McCarthy’s team will send four starters to the game, with a number of possible alternates.  The starting four were gimmes, and could have almost been penciled in based on their performance.  On offense, Brett Favre, who’s on pace to have his greatest statistical season ever, will attend his ninth Pro-Bowl along with Donald Driver, who has been the main beneficiary and favorite target of #4’s special season.  On defense, Aaron Kampman, whose never-ending motor has reeked havoc on opposing offenses all year long (12 sacks), will be headed to Hawaii for the second straight year, and Al Harris, who has continued to be a lock-down corner in the NFC, will be off to his first ever intra-squad game.  Some of the alternatives on the team, however, certainly raised my eyebrows.  First, the deserved reserves are linebacker Nick Barnett, corner Charles Wooson (who arguably has had a better year than Harris), and tackle Chad Clifton, who has help opened holes for Ryan Grant and protect Brett all year.  Other reserves that were granted well-deserved honor include AJ Hawk, Greg Jennings, Donald Lee, Ryan Grant, and Scott Wells.  The other two though, Bubba Franks and Nick Collins, got lucky and should not have had even an outside shot at making the team. 

Other notes from the Pro-Bowl selections:  I thought it was a class act by the NFL to allow Redskins safety Sean Taylor on the roster, just weeks after he passed away from a severed femoral artery.  Great to see Chargers’ corner Antonio Cromartie make the AFC squad as a reserve.  I love this guy’s athleticism, and he seems to always be around the ball.  He has made a lasting impact for that defense and in my opinion should be a definite starter on San Diego.  Cleveland’s Derek Anderson would have been nice to see on the AFC, I think he has definitely outplayed Ben Roethilsberger, who has the better overall team.  Vikings will have “Purple Jesus” Adrian Peterson starting at RB, with the Williams brothers stuffing the run on the opposite side.  Another exciting matchup to see will be Joshua Cribbs (AFC) squaring off against Devin Hester (NFC) on special teams, as both are electric return men.  For the most part I thought the fans and NFL did a good job with voting and choosing replacements, with a few exceptions.  It should make for a competitive game this season compared to years past.

View complete NFC and AFC rosters

Saturday marked an unprecedented legacy in a long line of talented UW-Whitewater football teams.  Entering the week as 20-point underdogs to the Mount Vernon Purple Raiders, the Warhawks were hungry to right the ship after falling in back-to-back championship bouts to that very squad.  However, one Whitewater senior that was not about to concede a third straight to the D-III goliath was running back Justin Beaver.  The Gagliardi trophy award winner, which recognizes the most understanding D-III player, totaled 253 rushing yards and one touchdown in the game, leading the Warhawks to their stunning 31-21 over the Purple Raiders in Salem, Virginia.  Mount Vernon, who came in winners of 37 straight games, turned the rock over three times, ultimately scripting their unfamiliar fate.  While Mount Vernon sustained a blow to their illustrious program, perhaps the most heart-warming story laid within Whitewater’s head coaching department.  After legendary coach Bob Berezowitz, who racked up a 124-67-4 record over his 19-year coaching tenure, left after his team’s second consecutive loss to end the year (35-16), Lance Leipold, a former Warhawk himself, took the reigns looking to take the team back to the title game–and win.  And now, one year after his quest began for that very accomplishment, his team brought it home–with Berezowitz looking on from the sidelines.  Congratulations Warhawks!

The Diamondback front office must not have been satisfied with last year’s NLCS appearance.  The D-Backs were wheelin’ and dealin’ today, first acquiring ace Dan Haren from the Oakland A’s.  Haren, who had been rumored in numerous deals throughout the Winter Meetings, was highly coveted by GM Billy Beane due to the length of his current contract, which would have kept his in an A’s uniform through the 2009 season, with a 2010 option.  Beane was rumored to be asking for more in return for Haren than the Twins were for Johan Santana, mainly because of his age and contract status.  Haren, who went 15-9 with a 3.07 ERA last year with little run support, will form arguably the best 1-2 punch in the league for the D-Backs, along with NL Cy Young runner-up Brandon Webb.  In return for Haren, the A’s were able to pick up six prospects, four of which were listed on Arizona’s 2008 Top Ten List, according to Baseball America: outfielders Carlos Gonzalez (#1) and Aaron Cunningham (#7), southpaw Brett Anderson (#3), and 1st baseman Chris Carter (#8).  Carter, who was acquired by the D-Backs from the White Sox on December 3rd for outfielder Carlos Quentin, will be packing his bags for the second time in less than three weeks. 

And Arizona wasn’t done either.  Shortly before the Haren swap, another fairly significant deal was completed, as the D-Backs sent their stud closer, Jose Valverde, east to Houston for reliever Chad Qualls, infielder Chris Burke, and highly-touted pitching prospect Juan Gutierrez.   Burke will most likely be slotted into the starting lineup at second for the D-Backs, after the departure of 2B Alberto Callaspo to Kansas City earlier this afternoon.  As for Houston, who traded for Miguel Tejada Wednesday, they were able to fill another need, closer, after dealing struggling Brad Lidge to the Phillies in early November.  Valverde, 28, who converted 47 of 54 save opportunities (87%) last season in Arizona, shouldn’t have too much trouble adjusting to NL Central hitting.   

With the offseason in full swing, the Milwaukee Brewers have certainly had their fair share of ups and downs. One week, they lose both Francisco Cordero and Scott Linebrink, then find themselves with a surplus of quality bullpen arms the next. One area the Brewers haven’t been forced to focus on during the Hot Stove months has been the offense, with the exception of Jason Kendall. The Cubs and the Astros, however, who had comparable offensive units to the Brewers in 2007, have had different thought-processes. They’ve swayed there attention to adding another big name slugger, perhaps feeling they must out-hit there opposition rather than out-pitch them to be successful in 2008. And this week they certainly added some of that desired batting moxy, not cheaply of course, with Kosuke Fukudome (Cubs) and Miguel Tejada (Astros).

The Cubs, who have been searching for a replacement for slugging-outfielder Jacque Jones ever since he was traded by the team Nov. 12, must not have felt satisfied with what the MLB free agent crop had to offer, and decided to pursue talent on the international stage. Outfielder Kosuke Fukudome, left, a member of the Chunichi Dragons, was their #1 target, drawing interest from many others teams as well. Now, after accepting the Cubs reported 4 year, $48 million dollar deal, the Japanese star’s name will not only be penciled into the starting lineup (in rightfield), but will be a magnet for media-attention and endorsement deals in the Windy City, as he is the only foreign player on the Cubs roster. The 30-year old played nine years in the NBP, Japan’s highest level baseball league, averaging better than 21 homers per campaign. With Alfonso Soriano, Derrick Lee, and Aramis Ramirez already in the fold, the Chicago Cubs look to have as potent a lineup as any in 2008.

The Astros, another growing threat in the NL Central, made a rather suprising counter move Wednesday, acquiring shortstop Miguel Tejada in a 6-player deal with the Baltimore Orioles. Houston will essentially give up their future rotation, dealing pitchers Matt Albers, Troy Patton, and Dennis Sarfate to the Orioles, along with outfielder Luke Scott and minor leaguer Mike Costanzo. Tejada, 31, who hit 34 homers and drove in 150 in his best season with the Orioles (2004), will join Carlos Lee, Lance Berkman, and Hunter Pence to create another frightening lineup within the division.

One thing is clear: the Cubs and ‘Stros clearly want to win now and will both undoubtedly field pennet contenders in 2008. Brewers’ GM Doug Melvin should be thanking his lucky stars he shored up his pen before watching them groove fastballs to each respective teams’ studs.

It’s the start of the 2007 NFL season, and you’re on the practice squad. If only that one team could give you a chance to show off your skills…and then you get the call. Due to your current team’s surplus of running backs, you have been traded to a team in dire need of one, and the opportunity to flourish has arrived with the blink of an eye.  

That mini-narrative may have been something similar to the roller-coaster experience Ryan Grant has gone through this past season. Yes, don’t get me wrong, I never expected this out of him either, but 12 games, 833 yards, and 5 TDs later, he has the Packers staring at the chance to clinch a 1st round bye and possibly home-field advantage throughout the ‘07 playoffs. Not bad for a castoff, huh? The Packers have needed a consistent running game all season, and who would’ve thought they would have found this diamond in the rough off the Giants practice squad? Turns out, all Ryan Grant needed was a chance, and he’s clearly taken advantage of it. I sure hope he can continue to improve his skills and boost the Pack to may more wins throughout his career.

Now, for the big question (not to overlook the playoffs or anything, the draft just brings out the best in me): where will Pack decide to go in the upcoming draft with the RB position seemingly shored up. To me, I think they almost have to go secondary because with Woodson and Harris getting older, they won’t be able to take the pounding in a few years, and while Atari Bigby, Will Blackmon, and Tramon Williams have been capable (with their fair share of lapses), they need a new body in there. Antoine Cason, a veteran corner out of Arizona, should be available when the Packers pick should they decide to go secondary in the April draft. However, if GM Ted Thompson does not see the 6′1, 225 pound Grant as an adequate long-term replacement, West Virginia’s sparkplug RB Steve Slaton may be headed into the waiting arms of the Packer faithful, as the best player on the board.

Brewers beat writer Tom Haudricourt has reported that closer Eric Gagne (left) passed his physical today officially making him a Brewer. He added that Gagne looked in excellent shape, alot slimmer that his listed 240-pound frame. Another piece of great news for Brewers fans is that Salomon Torres (right), who the Brewers received last week for a couple of minor league prospects, informed GM Doug Melvin he would report to camp. Torres was a bit flustered after being traded away from Pittsburgh and was pondering retirement. So what does all this mean? Well, two more solid arms have been added to Doug Melvin’s arsenal, along with the additional two relievers, David Riske and Guillermo Mota, already in the fold for 2008. I feel the Brewers have definitely upgraded their pen, for a price less than what they would have had to pay Cordero for four years (44 million) and Scott Linebrink for another four (19 million). And you know the bullpen is improved when Gagne comments on the Brewers having “the deepest bullpen he’s ever seen.” Let’s just hope Melvin’s spending binge pays off.

Rumor Mill:  Another rumbling out of Brew City is that the Crew is actively trying to acquire either a LF or 3B. Names such as Andy LaRoche and of course Scott Rolen have come up, but another name who has jumped into that mix is Ranger 3B Hank Blalock. The Brewers probably wouldn’t have to give up a ton to get Hank, possibly Dave Bush or Chris Capuano and a minor leaguer, and he would allow ROY Ryan Braun to move to a position where Ned Yost and all of Brewers management can feel comfortable. It also would make sense to add a big bat, particularly a lefty, to the lineup, with veteran Geoff Jenkins leaving the club.