Career Recap: Calhoun had a bit of a slow start to his collegiate career. After redshirting in 2011, he barely played in 2012. Calhoun was a backup who picked up 2.5 tackles for a loss on the season. Last year was a different story though; the Spartans had one of the best defenses in college…

Career Recap: Mannion has become one of the best quarterbacks in the Pac-12 over the course of the past three years. After two quality seasons to start out his career, Mannion had a massive 2013 year with wide receiver Brandin Cooks. In 2012, Mannion completed 65 percent of his passes for 2,446 yards with 15…

Career Recap: Coming out of high school, Diggs was one of the top recruits in the nation. He almost became a Florida Gator, but decided to play close to home by becoming a Terrapin. Diggs said he wanted to win a championship while playing at home. Obviously, choosing Maryland won’t lead to him winning any…

Strengths: Strong run-blocker Gets movement in the ground game Can battle heavy nose tackles Tough drive-blocker Flashes heavy hands Ability to sustain blocks Physical Improved technique with hand placement Reliable in short-yardage situations Can get to the second level Scheme flexibility; ability to work in a man or zone Ability to stay on his feet…

Strengths: Explosive Home-run hitter Big threat to rip off long touchdown runs Acceleration Serious burst to the second level Elusive Built well North-South runner Takes away angles Capable of controlling games Receiving potential Upside Weaknesses: Health question marks Runs upright Needs more patience as a runner Not a big tackle breaker May not get lots…

Strengths: Fabulous edge pass-rusher Great get-off; first player off the snap Ability to transition speed to power Great hands for shedding blocks Speed around the edge Ability to turn the corner Skilled at shedding blocks in pass rush Consistent source of pass pressure Good tackler Scheme versatility Disruptive Causes havoc behind the line of scrimmage…

Strengths: Athletic Quickness Splash plays Quality run-defender Solid tackler Agile Pass-coverage skills Covers ground in zone Breaks on the ball Ball skills Could develop some man-coverage ability vs tight ends Flashes instincts Good pursuit defender Assignment sound Awareness Scheme flexibility Upside Weaknesses: Underwhelming tackle total Not very physical in the ground game Lacked production Inconsistent…

Strengths: Explosive Very fast; can break off long touchdown runs Threat to score on any carry Rare acceleration Tough, physical runner Power back who runs over defenders Excellent vision Great feet Cutting ability Can return kicks Ideal build and size Burst to the hole Has great straight-line speed to pull away from defenders Shiftiness; will…

Strengths: Very smooth runner Weaves his way through a defense Ideal size Quickness Excellent vision Fast feet Moves in the open field; can make you miss Burst to the second level Receiving ability Improved blitz protection Breaks tackles and gets yards after contact Can wear down a defense Ready to contribute Scheme versatile Experienced 3-year…

Strengths: Very athletic Natural power Can blast open holes as a run-blocker Good leverage in the ground game Flashes heavy hands Agility Sustains blocks Physical Can display a mean streak Has quickness to the second level Scheme flexibility; able to work in a man or zone scheme Ability to stay on his feet Anchors well…