Over the course of the week, culminating with No. 1 on July 19, we will
reveal (Trading Spaces-style) the top 50 Most Relevant Persons
this year in college football.
This isn't necessarily about who is most popular or most powerful. It's
the 50 people that will have the biggest impact on the 2004 season.
At least one player and a coach on our list might never see the field
this year. (No hints. We'll let you figure it out.)
There are also the usual suspects. Consider the list a little something
you can take to the pool to pass the time. Sun blockers meets pass
blockers. We welcome your feedback along the way. Not that you'll need
any prodding. Please, send us your lists.
Nos. 30-21
30. Mike Williams, Wide Receiver
The former/current/future USC wideout took advantage of Maurice Clarett's legal challenge to declare for the draft.
When Clarett lost his legal battle, both players were left in limbo. Williams has enrolled in USC summer school and is attempting to be reinstated. With him, USC might have the best player in college football. Without him, Pete Carroll struggles at the position with a largely inexperienced crew.
Williams' size (6-4, 225) dispels the belief that underclassmen shouldn't play in the NFL. He is a dominant presence already, whether it be pros or college. Here's hoping Williams is able to make it back at USC. College football, and the Trojans, need him for one more year.
29. Reggie Bush, USC Running Back
If Mike Williams doesn't return, count on the Trojans to run a more ground-based offense with short passing mixed in. That means that the versatile Bush (521 yards rushing, 314 receiving), who also returns kicks, could touch the ball on almost every play.
28. Mike Stoops, Arizona coach
After working in his brother Bob's shadow for years, Mike has finally struck out on his own with a downtrodden program.
Along with Bob, Mike helped develop the "press" defense, which turned into the go-to scheme of the second half of the '90s for top programs. The Stoopses did it better than anyone else. As opponents adjusted, they showed an uncanny ability to outcoach their rivals.
Arizona should be honored that Mike has chosen it among the possibilities he has entertained over the years. At first glance, he doesn't have a lot to work with, but Mike will build with defense first like he did at Kansas State and Oklahoma. Just a guess, but the only program in the Big Ten and Pac-10 not to play in the Rose Bowl will be in Pasadena within five years.
27. Kevin O'Malley, TV Consultant
The Florida-based former CBS and Turner Sports executive is a silent partner in the BCS.
His expertise has helped the Big East retain its BCS bid. He also helped assemble the new BCS formula that kicks in this year. It's clear after talking to O'Malley that the BCS is most valued if it goes to the "plus-one" model. O'Malley apparently pushed hard but couldn't get it past the presidents.
26. Chris Leak, Florida Quarterback
The best quarterback in the state, Leak had an impressive freshman season, going 6-3 as a starter. This year, he will allowed to be more. That automatically makes the Gators an SEC dark horse.
Chris Rix and Brock Berlin have better teams around them, but Leak has the best upside. He showed remarkable poise as a freshman. If he sticks around long enough Leak could win a Heisman. For now we'll have to wait for the Sept. 18 meeting at Tennessee, when Chris could be facing his brother C.J.
25. Gordon Gee, Vanderbilt President
Gee's grand experiment turns 1 this fall.
In September, Gee folded the Vandy athletic department into the university. That eliminated the need for an athletic director (Todd Turner) and, hopefully, financial excess. The age of the self-sufficient athletic department at times has spawned corruption and certainly lots of red ink.
Vanderbilt, one of the most respected schools in the country, is one of the few places where this could work. Coaches now answer to a director of student wellness. A good man, Turner, was out of work before taking the Washington job recently.
24. George O'Leary, Central Florida Coach
"Don't put him on that bus."
That's what a source close to O'Leary said when the coach's name was lumped in with recent rogues Mike Price, Larry Eustachy and Jim Harrick. All O'Leary did was fudge on his resume. That transgression seems minor compared to alcoholism or a wild visit to a strip club.
After a couple of years with the Vikings, O'Leary has rehabilitated his image. Central Florida came along at the right time in December. Tired of mediocre football and about to jump to Conference USA, the school needed to make a splash.
O'Leary brought a solid coaching resume, if not a healthy heart. He suffered a heart attack shortly after being hired but looks the picture of health after changing his diet and exercise habits.
Central Florida has the look of Florida State in the mid-1970s, when it was about to explode into a college football dynasty. Several players were kicked off the squad because of academic failings, so it might be a while before the explosion. Still, O'Leary is telling friends to give him two to three years to get his players in there, and the Golden Knights will win.
The other stuff is in place. O'Leary got a new athletic complex, indoor facility and increased budget. The school is a sleeping giant with huge enrollment and now a solid coaching staff. O'Leary will succeed, but maybe not just right away. The Golden Knights start with Wisconsin, West Virginia and Penn State.
23. Bobby Ross, Army Coach
Ross inherits the remnants of the worst season in Army history (0-13) and the longest active losing streak (17).
Army is lucky to have him. In a decade, Ross has gone from a Super Bowl team to a winless one -- by his choosing.
Ross, 67, got the itch after a few years of retirement. He could have picked a better program but feels committed to the Corps, having graduated from VMI. The whole nation will be watching, because we should all want Army to succeed in these turbulent times.
22. Bobby Bowden, Florida State Coach
Papa Bowden is back on top. He passed Joe Paterno and now has 342 career victories. This year's Seminoles are favored by some to win the new, expanded ACC.
Meanwhile, son Terry has been relegated to ABC's "B" broadcast team. Tommy has settled in at Clemson. All Bobby has is another top five team that is a dark horse to win it all this year.
21. Bill Callahan, Nebraska coach
On Jan. 9, Callahan went from being out of work to inheriting one of the most treasured traditions in college football.
Not bad for a guy who had just been fired.
Ever since that day, Callahan has been a whirlwind, recruiting, glad-handing, installing the West Coast offense. The last task is definitely the hardest. The former Raiders coach is trying to fit a lot of squares into round holes. It might take two or three seasons, but you get the feeling he will succeed.
Even though it ran an option-based offense, Nebraska couldn't recruit difference-making I-backs anymore. The quarterback pipeline was drying up, too. The figures to change under Callahan. He has already attracted a blue-chip recruit for 2005 (Harrison Beck) and held the first Nebraska Elite Quarterback Camp last month in Lincoln.
Callahan has a young, energetic staff and, most important, Al Davis off his back. Nebraskans seem to be willing to give him a chance, which might be all of half a season. The transition, though, will be fun to watch.
