Top NCAA Football 09 cover candidates

by pastapadre
Posted December 27th, 2007 at 8:58 am

With EA already teasing the cover announcement, it is time to look over the top candidates to grace the cover of NCAA Football 09.

Historically EA has gone for the most popular and dynamic player entering the draft. The are a couple exceptions though such as when they went retro with Desmond Howard in 06 and chose Jared Zabransky for 08 based less off the success of him as an individual and more on the overall excitement around the Boise State team. The cover also generally goes to an offensive player as the only defensive player to ever get it was Charles Woodson in 1999. The breakdown for the series has been six QBs, three RBs, one WR, and one CB.

This year there are two good defensive candidates, with one in particular having the name recognition that could make a difference. There is the obvious player who everyone would expect to get the cover. There are some sleepers that could be in the running if they declare for the draft. And there are also a handful of QBs and those would have to be considered since the NCAA Football series has slanted towards them in the past.

Top Contenders

Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas: It would come as no surprise to anyone if McFadden was announced as the cover athlete. He is a natural fit. The most recognizable name in the draft even though he didn’t win the Heisman. Great potential to have a big impact in the mold of Adrian Peterson in his rookie season in the NFL. Almost seems too perfect for the cover.

Chris Long, DE, Virginia: As stated earlier defensive players don’t get much consideration when it comes to the cover. However the difference here is in the name. Chris Long is the son of former Raiders great and current Fox studio analyst Howie Long. He is expected to go at the top of the draft and could potentially even be the first pick.

QBs

Matt Ryan, Boston College: With the success of the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and Boston College would it really be a surprise to see Ryan on the cover? He led BC to some great late-game comebacks and started to get his name mentioned throughout the country when they were in the national title hunt.

Dennis Dixon, Oregon: An exciting dynamic player that may have won the Heisman and led his team to a National Championship had he not gotten injured late in the season. He was riding a wave of momentum prior to that and his name is known on a national stage because of that.

Brian Brohm, Louisville: Went into the year expecting to be the top pick or at least top QB taken going into the draft but may not end up even being that. Louisville had a bad season though mostly based on their atrocious defense.

Colt Brennan, Hawaii: Last year it was Zabransky after helping underdog Boise State to an undefeated season and amazing Fiesta Bowl win that got him the cover. This year Colt Brennan is in the same situation heading into the Sugar Bowl only he has far better numbers and is a better pro prospect.

Andre Woodson, Kentucky: Another top quality QB that is expected to go early in the draft possibly in the top 10.

RBs

Jonathan Stewart, Oregon: An underclassman that if he declares (which most seem to expect he will) almost certainly will be the next back taken after McFadden. If they don’t go McFadden they probably won’t go RB and Stewart isn’t as recognizable as teammate Dixon.

Mike Hart, Michigan: After the disappointing season they had Hart probably won’t get much consideration. But he is the top senior RB so his name should be out there.

Felix Jones, Arkansas: A fantastic back that was overshadowed by McFadden. For that reason alone he has no shot of getting the cover as everyone would assume that it was McFadden anyway. Unless that was what EA had in mind. Clever idea actually.

WRs

DeSean Jackson, California: The receiver group for this year doesn’t really provide much hope for grabbing the cover. Of them Jackson appears to be the best fit due to the excitement he brings to the field.

Defense

Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU: At this point Dorsey seems to be the name mentioned the most as going first in the draft. For that reason alone his name deserves to be out there when talking about the cover, but the chances of him being put on are minimal. Outside of hardcore football fans no one would recognize him.

Tags:

http://thedomeishaunted.blogspot.com/ In a Nutsack

” Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU: At this point Dorsey seems to be the name mentioned the most as going first in the draft. For that reason alone his name deserves to be out there when talking about the cover, but the chances of him being put on are minimal. Outside of hardcore football fans no one would recognize him.”

Uh, I would. Only because he’s awesome. And could probably make Chuck Norris his bitch.
http://thedomeishaunted.blogspot.com In a Nutsack

” Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU: At this point Dorsey seems to be the name mentioned the most as going first in the draft. For that reason alone his name deserves to be out there when talking about the cover, but the chances of him being put on are minimal. Outside of hardcore football fans no one would recognize him.”

Uh, I would. Only because he’s awesome. And could probably make Chuck Norris his bitch.
Jose Canseco

The lack of Antoine Cason in this topic is heartbreaking.
Jose Canseco

The lack of Antoine Cason in this topic is heartbreaking.
DLane

I will be surprised if anybody but McFadden gets the nod for the cover. Easily he is the most recognizable name out of those that you listed above for the casual sports fan.
DLane

I will be surprised if anybody but McFadden gets the nod for the cover. Easily he is the most recognizable name out of those that you listed above for the casual sports fan.
RICO

McFadden book it.
RICO

McFadden book it.
kpf48

Every year it has always been a senior.
I am going with the quarterback of Missouri Chase Daniel or it could be USC’s quarterback John David Booty

We’ll see
http://none kpf48

Every year it has always been a senior.
I am going with the quarterback of Missouri Chase Daniel or it could be USC’s quarterback John David Booty

We’ll see
AB

What about Kevin Smith?
AB

What about Kevin Smith?
kpf48

It also could be Louisville’s quarterback Brian Brohm or Marcus Griffin safety of Texas

We’ll see
http://none kpf48

It also could be Louisville’s quarterback Brian Brohm or Marcus Griffin safety of Texas

We’ll see
http://ncaaStrategies.com/ cdj

Daniel & Smith are juniors and expected to return to school.

I think it’s practically a lock to be McFadden (and deservedly so), but Appalachian State QB Armanti Edwards would be my personal pick – however, that is based on the condition FCS (I-AA) schools are added in 09.
http://ncaaStrategies.com cdj

Daniel & Smith are juniors and expected to return to school.

I think it’s practically a lock to be McFadden (and deservedly so), but Appalachian State QB Armanti Edwards would be my personal pick – however, that is based on the condition FCS (I-AA) schools are added in 09.
alex

no doubt pat white. the pic fits him perfectly
alex

no doubt pat white. the pic fits him perfectly
TribeWarpath

[quote comment="8279"]Every year it has always been a senior.[/quote]

What about Reggie Bush?
TribeWarpath

[quote comment="8279"]Every year it has always been a senior.[/quote]

What about Reggie Bush?
chiahatesyou

McFadden or Dorsey I would suspect… if Dorsey has a bad ass game in the BCS I would pretty much put money on him being the cover athlete.
Eski

What about Chris Weinke? Kidding.

My top five:

1) Darren McFadden (Top pick in next year’s draft unless he does the unthinkable)
2) Colt Brennan (Hawaii needs some props)
3) Dennis Dixon (Why not? He has proven to be the most valuable player to his team…Most deserving)
4) OSU Coach Mike Gundy (He’s a man!!! — Put him on the cover)
5) Darren Woodson (Kentucky — Guy can throw the rock)

I wouldn’t mind seeing EA implement a classic player on the cover again. Bring in classic teams and wallah!!

Top five classic players:
1) Red Grange (That would be sweet)
2) Bo Jackson (the best video game back in the history of virtual football)
3) Archie Griffin (the lone two-time Heisman winner)
4) Joe Montana
5) Woody Hayes / Bo Schembechler / Joe Pa / Bobby Bowden / Barry Switzer / Ara Parsegian / etc. / etc. / Classic coaches
chiahatesyou

McFadden or Dorsey I would suspect… if Dorsey has a bad ass game in the BCS I would pretty much put money on him being the cover athlete.
Eski

What about Chris Weinke? Kidding.

My top five:

1) Darren McFadden (Top pick in next year’s draft unless he does the unthinkable)
2) Colt Brennan (Hawaii needs some props)
3) Dennis Dixon (Why not? He has proven to be the most valuable player to his team…Most deserving)
4) OSU Coach Mike Gundy (He’s a man!!! — Put him on the cover)
5) Darren Woodson (Kentucky — Guy can throw the rock)

I wouldn’t mind seeing EA implement a classic player on the cover again. Bring in classic teams and wallah!!

Top five classic players:
1) Red Grange (That would be sweet)
2) Bo Jackson (the best video game back in the history of virtual football)
3) Archie Griffin (the lone two-time Heisman winner)
4) Joe Montana
5) Woody Hayes / Bo Schembechler / Joe Pa / Bobby Bowden / Barry Switzer / Ara Parsegian / etc. / etc. / Classic coaches
DLane

Eski- good call on Gundy. I really hope dynasty mode lets you do something like that lol.
DLane

Eski- good call on Gundy. I really hope dynasty mode lets you do something like that lol.
http://www.pastapadre.com/ pastapadre

Just had a thought. Wouldn’t putting Dixon or Stewart represent alternate uniforms (which they’ve guaranteed for next year)? Oregon has like 40 combinations. Imagine if they had all those in 09 that would be something lol. Course they wouldn’t choose someone just based on that, but I got a chuckle out of the idea.
http://www.pastapadre.com pastapadre

Just had a thought. Wouldn’t putting Dixon or Stewart represent alternate uniforms (which they’ve guaranteed for next year)? Oregon has like 40 combinations. Imagine if they had all those in 09 that would be something lol. Course they wouldn’t choose someone just based on that, but I got a chuckle out of the idea.
shoeprint

Bo Jackson all day…

Prob will be Mcfadden
shoeprint

Bo Jackson all day…

Prob will be Mcfadden
blackngoldfan

Classic player – Marshall Faulk. Dude was a beast at SDSU and the NFL

Today’s player – Glenn Dorsey. He’ll be the first on the cover that has a big gut.
blackngoldfan

Classic player – Marshall Faulk. Dude was a beast at SDSU and the NFL

Today’s player – Glenn Dorsey. He’ll be the first on the cover that has a big gut.
Jonathan

does it matter last some didnt much about
Jonathan

does it matter last some didnt much about
dracula

I think it should be Darren McFadden if not probably John David Booty
dracula

I think it should be Darren McFadden if not probably John David Booty
RICO

[quote comment="8279"]Every year it has always been a senior.
I am going with the quarterback of Missouri Chase Daniel or it could be USC’s quarterback John David Booty

We’ll see[/quote]

Wow every year a senior huh? Bush= Jr, and with your theory Chase Daniel is a Jr also.. Very funny dude.
RICO

[quote comment="8279"]Every year it has always been a senior.
I am going with the quarterback of Missouri Chase Daniel or it could be USC’s quarterback John David Booty

We’ll see[/quote]

Wow every year a senior huh? Bush= Jr, and with your theory Chase Daniel is a Jr also.. Very funny dude.
Joe

If Hawaii beats Georgia, then it will definately be Brennan. If UGA wins, then it will most likely be McFadden.
Joe

If Hawaii beats Georgia, then it will definately be Brennan. If UGA wins, then it will most likely be McFadden.
Eski

Additional classic players I failed to mention:

1) Barry Sanders (B E S T RB E V E R!!)
2) Dan Marino
3) Eric Dickerson (Smooth as SMU)
4) Tommy Frazier (career shortened with clots)
5) Earl Campbell (bring on the tear away jerseys)
Eski

Additional classic players I failed to mention:

1) Barry Sanders (B E S T RB E V E R!!)
2) Dan Marino
3) Eric Dickerson (Smooth as SMU)
4) Tommy Frazier (career shortened with clots)
5) Earl Campbell (bring on the tear away jerseys)
blackngoldfan

Oh, I forgot; Neon Deion would’ve been perfect for the cover.
blackngoldfan

Oh, I forgot; Neon Deion would’ve been perfect for the cover.
russell

You guys are all dumb Ray Rice baby
russell

You guys are all dumb Ray Rice baby
http://www.billingsgazette.net/h/blogs/catgriz Phil

With EA getting more ballsy with their covers, I wouldn’t be shocked if they pick App State’s Corey Lynch who blocked the FG against Michigan. He’s an NFL prospect and that was a very memorable moment in 2007. One would suspect FCS teams to be included en masse in 09 after the major upset.
http://www.billingsgazette.net/h/blogs/catgriz Phil

With EA getting more ballsy with their covers, I wouldn’t be shocked if they pick App State’s Corey Lynch who blocked the FG against Michigan. He’s an NFL prospect and that was a very memorable moment in 2007. One would suspect FCS teams to be included en masse in 09 after the major upset.
Whsbraves10

[quote comment="8281"]It also could be Louisville’s quarterback Brian Brohm or Marcus Griffin safety of Texas

We’ll see[/quote]

MARCUS GRIFFIN?!?! WHO?!?! you honestly think any1 knows him? HOW BOUT JAMES LAURENITIS
Whsbraves10

[quote comment="8281"]It also could be Louisville’s quarterback Brian Brohm or Marcus Griffin safety of Texas

We’ll see[/quote]

MARCUS GRIFFIN?!?! WHO?!?! you honestly think any1 knows him? HOW BOUT JAMES LAURENITIS