We’re just over halfway through football season (I’m already entering the postseason hangover) and the inaugural College Football Playoff rankings were just released. Before we know it, this year’s stars will be NFL rookies.
Here are the 5 programs who continually place their stars in the NFL:University of Southern California.
Sorry Gamecocks and Spurrier, USC is just a notch above. Maybe it’s the history or it could be LA’s attraction to future stars, but the Trojans continually churn out top NFL prospects. Second to Notre Dame in producing the most NFL players, the Trojans lead the NCAA in first round picks and are first in NFL Hall of Famers.
Notable Alumni in the NFL:
Reggie Bush (Lions); Troy Polamalu (Steelers); Matt Cassel (Vikings).
Louisiana State University.
After winning the National Title in 2007 and coming oh so close in 2011, LSU has certainly had their fair share of top players. The grass-eater Les Miles has pulled in numerous stars and a number one draft pick/biggest bust in the last decade, JaMarcus Russell. Although they’re down this year, watch for LSU to place a few more prospects in the NFL soon.
Notable Alumni in the NFL:
Morris Claiborne (Cowboys); LaRon Landry (Colts); Tyrann Mathieu (Cardinals).
Florida State University.
The defending National Champions sent 7 players to the NFL last year. A more impressive feat is that they sent 11 in the years prior. Based on current events, America’s least favorite athlete, Jameis Winston, will probably be joining former teammates in the NFL for the 2015 season.
Notable Alumni in the NFL:
Kelvin Benjamin (Panthers); Antonio Cromartie (Chargers); Sebastian Janikowski (Raiders).
University of Michigan.
The Wolverines have sent plenty of players to the NFL in recent years. Former Quarterback, Jim Harbaugh, is currently the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. 1997 Heisman winner, Charles Woodson is still in the league, closing out a tremendous career. Chad Henne, another former quarterback is now holding the worst job in the NFL as backup for the Jaguars. Oh, and don’t forget about Brady.
Notable Alumni in the NFL:
Tom Brady (Patriots); 1st Overall Pick, Jake Long (Rams); Denard Robinson (Jaguars).
University of Alabama.
Winning 3 of the last 5 National Championships and closing in on 4, the Tide have always produced NFL talent. From Broadway Joe Namath to Packers Quarterback Bart Starr, the Tide have been a powerhouse producer for the NFL. With Amari Cooper and TJ Yeldon likely being top prospects this year, Alabama should continue to make their impact in the NFL.
Notable Alumni in the NFL:
Mark Ingram (Saints); CJ Mosely (Ravens); Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (Packers).
If your school wasn’t mentioned, feel free to tell me every reason why I was wrong. There may or may not have been some SEC Bias but hey, we are the best.
Twitter: @TheAndrewJay
