Who will be the PS3 NCAA Football 09 cover athlete?

by pastapadre
Posted April 17th, 2008 at 5:12 pm

On Tuesday I went over the top candidates for the Madden 09 cover. That, along with the PS3 cover of NCAA Football 09, are expected to be announced late next week. With the most obvious cover athlete candidate Darren McFadden already announced as exclusive to the 360 it opens up the opportunity for another high profile player to take the PS3 cover. EA Sports has stated that each cover will represent a different region so with McFadden the south is already taken. Lets look at the most likely candidates.

QBs: Matt Ryan (East), Brian Brohm (Central), Dennis Dixon & Colt Brennan (West)
RBs: Jonathan Stewart (West), Rashard Mendenhall (Central/North)
WRs: DeSean Jackson (West)
Defense: Chris Long (East), Glenn Dorsey (South)

In all likelihood EA will seek another highly recognizable name for the PS3 version. It, along with the 360 version, will by far get the most promotion. In contrast it wouldn’t surprise me if the PS2 cover went to a player from an FCS school. Dorsey can be eliminated due to his proximity to McFadden and EA’s statement that there will be different regions represented on each cover. DeSean Jackson has the best chance at wide receiver and provided excitement on the field but may not be a big enough name.

Look to Matt Ryan, Rashard Mendenhall, and Chris Long as the odds on favorites. They all come from different regions than McFadden and are expected to go in the top 15 of the draft. Mendenhall may be the least likely of the three given that they’ve already selected a running back for the 360 cover and they may want to differentiate between the two.

Generally it would be tough to justify putting a defensive player on the cover of NCAA Football. Only one has even made it and that was Charles Woodson in 1999. Most collegiate defensive players aren’t recognizable to the general public in the way that a QB or RB is. Chris Long has some more exposure though given his dad, Howie, is an NFL Hall of Famer and studio analyst on Fox.

If you go by the ghosted cover art that EA has on the game’s official website the player appears to be a QB. Now, the placeholder cover is usually not the silhouette of the eventual cover athlete. Interestingly though they do have a different one for each of the covers yet to be announced instead of just one generic silhouette. So for the sake of discussion I went through looking at different images of the QBs that may be considered for the cover. It looks as though the two that fit are Matt Ryan and Dennis Dixon, with strong leanings toward Ryan. I especially concentrated on the off-hand which is rather distinctive. Take a look at the two images of the players below. Others such as Brian Brohm and Colt Brennan don’t seem to match up.

So when it comes down to it the PS3 cover athlete will probably boil down to Matt Ryan vs Chris Long. Given the placeholder cover (which may be more than a coincidence here) and the prestige position he plays Ryan tops the list with Long the runner-up.

Tags:

Woody31992

Hart for north, come on, Hart for north
Woody31992

Hart for north, come on, Hart for north
Ryan

You really can’t go wrong with Matt Ryan or Chris Long. Both are stand up guys and great football players. If it does come down to these two I agree with you Pasta, give the edge to Ryan because of the position he plays.
Ryan

You really can’t go wrong with Matt Ryan or Chris Long. Both are stand up guys and great football players. If it does come down to these two I agree with you Pasta, give the edge to Ryan because of the position he plays.
Capital1BowlChamps08

Hart.
Capital1BowlChamps08

Hart.
Patrick

Michael Crabtree for sure. Crank dat Crabtree babyyy!!!
Patrick

Michael Crabtree for sure. Crank dat Crabtree babyyy!!!
Josh

They should just leave it blank being that the PS3 version is never up to par with 360. I mean I always had a PS2 before making the switch to next gen & I was really looking forward to getting a PS3 but after getting a 360 I don’t see the need to. This is coming from a guy who never played regular Xbox. The PS3 versions have not been as good as the 360′s yet. The framerate is finally at 60fps this year(So they say) & yet the PS3 is supposed to be more powerful with the Cell Processor? WTF? I know the PS3 is “more difficult to develop for” but so far I can’t see justifying purchasing a PS3 especially being that it cost more than 360 & 360′s online blows it out of the water.
Josh

They should just leave it blank being that the PS3 version is never up to par with 360. I mean I always had a PS2 before making the switch to next gen & I was really looking forward to getting a PS3 but after getting a 360 I don’t see the need to. This is coming from a guy who never played regular Xbox. The PS3 versions have not been as good as the 360′s yet. The framerate is finally at 60fps this year(So they say) & yet the PS3 is supposed to be more powerful with the Cell Processor? WTF? I know the PS3 is “more difficult to develop for” but so far I can’t see justifying purchasing a PS3 especially being that it cost more than 360 & 360′s online blows it out of the water.
OUDuckmaster

I hope its denis dixon. Go Oregon!
OUDuckmaster

I hope its denis dixon. Go Oregon!
pat

i would like to see long because they never put defenders on the cover ray lewis on madden was the only one
pat

i would like to see long because they never put defenders on the cover ray lewis on madden was the only one
http://pastapadre.com/ mj23

What About Tebow.Heisman Winner.Duh
http://pastapadre.com mj23

What About Tebow.Heisman Winner.Duh
GMSFootballa54

[quote comment="18018"]i would like to see long because they never put defenders on the cover ray lewis on madden was the only one[/quote]

Hey, Pat. Charles Woodson was on 99. Also, I think it would be sweet to see Leodis Mckelvin on there. Also this CapitalOneChamps, just signed up.
GMSFootballa54

[quote comment="18018"]i would like to see long because they never put defenders on the cover ray lewis on madden was the only one[/quote]

Hey, Pat. Charles Woodson was on 99. Also, I think it would be sweet to see Leodis Mckelvin on there. Also this CapitalOneChamps, just signed up.
GMSFootballa54

[quote comment="18022"]What About Tebow.Heisman Winner.Duh[/quote]

Can’t, still in College. Probably be on 2010 or 2011, which year he goes pro.
GMSFootballa54

[quote comment="18022"]What About Tebow.Heisman Winner.Duh[/quote]

Can’t, still in College. Probably be on 2010 or 2011, which year he goes pro.
Maurice N.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=IfiKBB_qYvg
Maurice N.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=IfiKBB_qYvg
http://pastapadre.com/ mj23

[quote comment="18024"][quote comment="18022"]What About Tebow.Heisman Winner.Duh[/quote]

Can’t, still in College. Probably be on 2010 or 2011, which year he goes pro.[/quote]
Then How Come they didn’t put Troy Smith on it Last year
http://pastapadre.com mj23

[quote comment="18024"][quote comment="18022"]What About Tebow.Heisman Winner.Duh[/quote]

Can’t, still in College. Probably be on 2010 or 2011, which year he goes pro.[/quote]
Then How Come they didn’t put Troy Smith on it Last year
Michael

Because he wasnt that good tard
jon

[quote comment="18028"][quote comment="18024"][quote comment="18022"]What About Tebow.Heisman Winner.Duh[/quote]

Can’t, still in College. Probably be on 2010 or 2011, which year he goes pro.[/quote]
Then How Come they didn’t put Troy Smith on it Last year[/quote]

Because he isnt a big enough name and he went in the 4th round of the draft.
Michael

Because he wasnt that good tard
jon

[quote comment="18028"][quote comment="18024"][quote comment="18022"]What About Tebow.Heisman Winner.Duh[/quote]

Can’t, still in College. Probably be on 2010 or 2011, which year he goes pro.[/quote]
Then How Come they didn’t put Troy Smith on it Last year[/quote]

Because he isnt a big enough name and he went in the 4th round of the draft.
Braden

they but Jared Zabransky on last years coverwho went undrafted and troy smith is better then him
Braden

they but Jared Zabransky on last years coverwho went undrafted and troy smith is better then him
Dre

I hope to god its not Ryan the guy is WAAAAAAAAAAY overrated. If it is a QB let it be Dixon who ws having the better season before he blew his knee out.
Dre

I hope to god its not Ryan the guy is WAAAAAAAAAAY overrated. If it is a QB let it be Dixon who ws having the better season before he blew his knee out.
Braden

they but Jared Zabransky on last years coverwho went undrafted and troy smith is better then him
Dre

I hope to god its not Ryan the guy is WAAAAAAAAAAY overrated. If it is a QB let it be Dixon who ws having the better season before he blew his knee out.
digable

[quote comment="18034"]they but Jared Zabransky on last years coverwho went undrafted and troy smith is better then him[/quote]

Zabransky was part of one of the most memorable bowl games in recent years that can (to the delight of the media) be summed up in just one exciting and almost improbable play that still has legs to this day (that No Cinderallas commercial).

It’s much easier to put a quarterback on the cover, the offensive leader known for that play, than Ian Johnson, a good running back in his own right, but with little flash, –unless you count the proposal to his girlfriend after the score–and charisma and notoriety outside of the Pacific Northwest.
digable

[quote comment="18034"]they but Jared Zabransky on last years coverwho went undrafted and troy smith is better then him[/quote]

Zabransky was part of one of the most memorable bowl games in recent years that can (to the delight of the media) be summed up in just one exciting and almost improbable play that still has legs to this day (that No Cinderallas commercial).

It’s much easier to put a quarterback on the cover, the offensive leader known for that play, than Ian Johnson, a good running back in his own right, but with little flash, –unless you count the proposal to his girlfriend after the score–and charisma and notoriety outside of the Pacific Northwest.
digable

[quote comment="18034"]they but Jared Zabransky on last years coverwho went undrafted and troy smith is better then him[/quote]

Zabransky was part of one of the most memorable bowl games in recent years that can (to the delight of the media) be summed up in just one exciting and almost improbable play that still has legs to this day (that No Cinderallas commercial).

It’s much easier to put a quarterback on the cover, the offensive leader known for that play, than Ian Johnson, a good running back in his own right, but with little flash, –unless you count the proposal to his girlfriend after the score–and charisma and notoriety outside of the Pacific Northwest.
Ryan

[quote comment="18034"]they but Jared Zabransky on last years coverwho went undrafted and troy smith is better then him[/quote]

They did that because he played in one of, if not the, greatest college football game of all time and made the greatest play in that game (statue of liberty). And why would EA sports put Troy Smith on the cover when he got his ass handed to him against Florida? Sure he won the Heisman but he sucked in his final college game.
Ryan

[quote comment="18034"]they but Jared Zabransky on last years coverwho went undrafted and troy smith is better then him[/quote]

They did that because he played in one of, if not the, greatest college football game of all time and made the greatest play in that game (statue of liberty). And why would EA sports put Troy Smith on the cover when he got his ass handed to him against Florida? Sure he won the Heisman but he sucked in his final college game.
Ryan

[quote comment="18034"]they but Jared Zabransky on last years coverwho went undrafted and troy smith is better then him[/quote]

They did that because he played in one of, if not the, greatest college football game of all time and made the greatest play in that game (statue of liberty). And why would EA sports put Troy Smith on the cover when he got his ass handed to him against Florida? Sure he won the Heisman but he sucked in his final college game.
Timothy Daley

Well Pasta that sillouette doesn’t mean a thing since it is a pretty standard take away for a QB. There are plenty of Colt Bennan Photos that have that look and I am sure there are some for every QB.

Colt Brennan holds just about every NCAA QB record and that is something that can’t be ignored. Now I am not saying that Colt will on the PS3 cover but certainly the PS2 cover at least.

Last year Jarad Zabransky got on the cover b/c of the bowl game victory, and he wasn’t even drafted by the NFL.

Colt led the Warriors to and undefeated season and a BCS bowl bid just like Zabransky. Colt was also a Heismann finalist as well. I have to say I like his chances over anyone else.
Timothy Daley

Well Pasta that sillouette doesn’t mean a thing since it is a pretty standard take away for a QB. There are plenty of Colt Bennan Photos that have that look and I am sure there are some for every QB.

Colt Brennan holds just about every NCAA QB record and that is something that can’t be ignored. Now I am not saying that Colt will on the PS3 cover but certainly the PS2 cover at least.

Last year Jarad Zabransky got on the cover b/c of the bowl game victory, and he wasn’t even drafted by the NFL.

Colt led the Warriors to and undefeated season and a BCS bowl bid just like Zabransky. Colt was also a Heismann finalist as well. I have to say I like his chances over anyone else.
Timothy Daley

Well Pasta that sillouette doesn’t mean a thing since it is a pretty standard take away for a QB. There are plenty of Colt Bennan Photos that have that look and I am sure there are some for every QB.

Colt Brennan holds just about every NCAA QB record and that is something that can’t be ignored. Now I am not saying that Colt will on the PS3 cover but certainly the PS2 cover at least.

Last year Jarad Zabransky got on the cover b/c of the bowl game victory, and he wasn’t even drafted by the NFL.

Colt led the Warriors to and undefeated season and a BCS bowl bid just like Zabransky. Colt was also a Heismann finalist as well. I have to say I like his chances over anyone else.
Timothy Daley

[quote comment="18035"]I hope to god its not Ryan the guy is WAAAAAAAAAAY overrated. If it is a QB let it be Dixon who ws having the better season before he blew his knee out.[/quote]

Dennis Dixon is the prototypical example of what not to draft as an NFL Quarterback. All legs no game. If he goes to the NFL it had better be as a WR b/c he will be just another Mike Vick no talent at QB.

QBing with your legs is just delaying the inevitible. If you got game and a brain between your ears, you don’t need to run for 100 yds a game as a QB. NFL teams will figure you out and pummel you. That is why Vick is sorry. He’s just a mediocre QB with speed.
Timothy Daley

[quote comment="18035"]I hope to god its not Ryan the guy is WAAAAAAAAAAY overrated. If it is a QB let it be Dixon who ws having the better season before he blew his knee out.[/quote]

Dennis Dixon is the prototypical example of what not to draft as an NFL Quarterback. All legs no game. If he goes to the NFL it had better be as a WR b/c he will be just another Mike Vick no talent at QB.

QBing with your legs is just delaying the inevitible. If you got game and a brain between your ears, you don’t need to run for 100 yds a game as a QB. NFL teams will figure you out and pummel you. That is why Vick is sorry. He’s just a mediocre QB with speed.
pat

o well i didnt know about woodson but we still need more defense on da cover
pat

o well i didnt know about woodson but we still need more defense on da cover
pat

o well i didnt know about woodson but we still need more defense on da cover
o’rly

[quote comment="18042"][quote comment="18035"]I hope to god its not Ryan the guy is WAAAAAAAAAAY overrated. If it is a QB let it be Dixon who ws having the better season before he blew his knee out.[/quote]

Dennis Dixon is the prototypical example of what not to draft as an NFL Quarterback. All legs no game. If he goes to the NFL it had better be as a WR b/c he will be just another Mike Vick no talent at QB.

QBing with your legs is just delaying the inevitible. If you got game and a brain between your ears, you don’t need to run for 100 yds a game as a QB. NFL teams will figure you out and pummel you. That is why Vick is sorry. He’s just a mediocre QB with speed.[/quote]
^^^^^^
This is the reason why there are quotes…because something truthful like this cant go without it.
o’rly

[quote comment="18042"][quote comment="18035"]I hope to god its not Ryan the guy is WAAAAAAAAAAY overrated. If it is a QB let it be Dixon who ws having the better season before he blew his knee out.[/quote]

Dennis Dixon is the prototypical example of what not to draft as an NFL Quarterback. All legs no game. If he goes to the NFL it had better be as a WR b/c he will be just another Mike Vick no talent at QB.

QBing with your legs is just delaying the inevitible. If you got game and a brain between your ears, you don’t need to run for 100 yds a game as a QB. NFL teams will figure you out and pummel you. That is why Vick is sorry. He’s just a mediocre QB with speed.[/quote]
^^^^^^
This is the reason why there are quotes…because something truthful like this cant go without it.