1. By Jeff Gusman-Contributing Writer-Radio Host-Football Reporters Online       1. Trent Richardson, Jr. Alabama. 5’11”, 225 # … 4.49-C

A two-time National Champion out of Alabama, Richardson is one of the most complete Backs to come into the Draft in recent years. He’s a big-game player with terrific vision and balance; and while his speed is not great, it is good enough. Richardson is hard to bring down, and protects the football well. Due to his lack of speed, he can sometimes be tracked down in the open field. His long term durability could be an issue, too, because of his punishing running style. The bottom line is Richardson is physically mature and NFL ready. Look for him to be the first Running Back taken in Round One.

2. Lamar Miller, R-So. Miami (FLA). 5’11”, 215 # … 4.40-C

Miller is one of the fastest players in the Draft, regardless of position. He has big play ability and can accelerate quickly once he gets through the hole.  He seems to get better and stronger as the game goes on. Still rough around the edges having only played two years at Miami, he possesses tremendous upside. Miller can also play on special teams as he returned kicks, including an 88 yarder for a touchdown his freshman year vs. Ohio State. The bottom line is he’s a big play waiting to happen, and of drafted by the right team could be a star in the league for a long time.

3. David Wilson, Jr. VA Tech. 5’10”, 205 # … 4.49-C

Wilson is strong and very athletic. The 2011 ACC offensive player of the year has elite speed and good balance. He runs through arm tackles with ease. He can also return kicks. Needs to work on his pass protection and catching. Bottom line is Wilson has the potential to play in this league for a long time. Depending on a team’s need, he could go late in the first round, but the second or third round is more likely.

4. Doug Martin, Sr. Boise St. 5’9”, 220 # … 4.55-C

A rare fifth year senior, Martin had a very successful career at Boise State. Running for over 2400 yards in his Junior and Senior seasons. Martin has good power and shows good instincts. He’s got a high football IQ and has good hands out of the backfield as well as being a high character individual. Bottom line is whoever drafts Martin is going to get a very good football player and even better person.

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The MAC announced the offensive, defensive and special teams Players of the Week for both the East and West Divisions following Week 8 action.

East Division

Offensive Player of the Week: Kent State WR Tyshon Goode

Sophomore wide receiver Tyshon Goode (Syracuse, N.Y.) hauled in a career-high 12 catches for a season-high 158 yards and two touchdowns in a 30-6 win at Bowling Green. Goode’s 38-yard grab in the first quarter set the Flashes up with first-and-goal at the two and led to the go-ahead TD two plays later. He then went on to catch a three-yard fade in the end zone and a 28-yard scoring strike in the second quarter as Kent State extended its advantage to 27-6 at halftime. The performance also extended his consecutive games with a catch streak to 15.

Defensive Player of the Week: Temple DT Muhammad Wilkerson

Junior defensive tackle Muhammad Wilkerson (Linden, N.J.) led the Owls with six tackles and a career-high 2.5 sacks in a 42-0 win at Buffalo. Wilkerson was part of a defensive effort that featured the programs first shutout since 1992 and first shutout of a BCS opponent since 1984. The 42-point win was the largest margin of victory for Temple in a MAC game. A starter in all eight games, Wilkerson is third with 51 tackles while posting a team-best 8.5 TFL, a team-best 7.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and two break-ups.

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