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College Conference Playoff Seed # 1: ACC

Aaron Resnick, Playmaker Intern

Offense

Quarterback: Philip Rivers, Chargers (NC State)

Running back: Frank Gore, 49ers (Miami FL)

Running back: Thomas Jones, Chiefs (Virginia)

Wide Receiver: Andre Johnson, Texans (Miami FL)

Wide Receiver: Calvin Johnson, Lions (Georgia Tech)

Tight End: Vernon Davis, 49ers (Maryland)

Tackle: D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Jets (Virginia)

Guard: Chris Snee, Giants (Boston College)

Center: Jeff Saturday, Colts (North Carolina)

Guard: Branden Albert, Chiefs (Virginia)

Tackle: Bryant McKinnie, Vikings (Miami FL)

Defense

Defensive end: Julius Peppers, Bears (North Carolina)

Defensive tackle: Vince Wilfork, Patriots (Miami FL)

Defensive tackle: Brodrick Bunkley, Eagles (Florida State)

Defensive end: Mario Williams, Texans (NC State)

Linebacker: Jon Beason, Panthers (Miami FL)

Linebacker: Ray Lewis, Ravens (Miami FL)

Linebacker: Jonathan Vilma, Saints (Miami FL)

Cornerback: Brandon Flowers, Chiefs (Virginia Tech)

Cornerback: DeAngelo Hall, Redskins (Virginia Tech)

Safety: Ed Reed, Ravens (Miami FL)

Safety: Adrian Wilson, Cardinals (NC State)

Special Teams

Kicker: Sebastian Janikowski, Raiders (Florida State)

Punter: Adam Podlesh, Jaguars (Maryland)

Return man: Devin Hester, Bears (Miami FL)

Coach: Ken Whisenhunt, Cardinals (Georgia Tech)

Pros: Wow is all you can say when you look at this team. With both Andre and Calvin Johnson, they have arguably the two best receivers in the league and are even deeper at the position. The offensive line is also very strong as Branden Albert at guard even had experience playing tackle. Julius Peppers and Mario WIlliams are two more physical specimen who rate among the league's best pass rushers. That doesn't even include the great Miami linebackers and the safety tandem of Ed Reed and Adrian Wilson. By the way, they also have Devin Hester returning kicks.

Cons: Compared to some other teams they aren't that strong at running back but should be fine. With his tendency to gamble at times, DeAngelo Hall could make a play that would prove to be costly.

College Conference Playoff Seed # 2: Big 12

Aaron Resnick, Playmaker Intern

Offense

Quarterback: Sam Bradford, Rams (Oklahoma)

Running back: Adrian Peterson, Vikings (Oklahoma)

Running back: Jamaal Charles, Chiefs (Texas)

Wide Receiver: Dez Bryant, Cowboys (Oklahoma State)

Wide Receiver: Jeremy Maclin, Eagles (Missouri)

Tight End: Jermichael Finley, Packers (Texas)

Tackle: Trent Williams, Redskins (Oklahoma)

Guard: Davin Joseph, Buccaneers (Oklahoma)

Center: Andre Gurode, Cowboys (Colorado)

Guard: Justin Blaylock, Falcons (Texas)

Tackle:  Carl Nicks, Saints (Nebraska)

Defense

Defensive end: Brian Orakpo, Redskins (Texas)

Defensive tackle: Ndamukong Suh, Lions (Nebraska)

Defensive tackle: Kevin Williams, Vikings (Oklahoma State)

Defensive end: Justin Smith, 49ers (Missouri)

Linebacker: Derrick Johnson, Chiefs (Texas)       

Linebacker: Curtis Lofton, Falcons (Oklahoma)

Linebacker: Barrett Ruud, Buccaneers (Nebraska)

Cornerback: Aqib Talib, Buccaneers (Kansas)

Cornerback: Quentin Jammer, Chargers (Texas)

Safety: Earl Thomas, Seahawks (Texas)

Safety: Michael Griffin, Titans (Texas)

Special Teams

Kicker: Matt Bryant, Falcons (Baylor)

Punter: Shane Lechler, Raiders (Texas A&M)

Return man: Danny Amendola, Rams (Texas Tech)

Coach: Gary Kubiak, Texans (Texas A&M)

Pros: With Peterson and Charles in the backfield, this team has a great combination of power and speed at the running back position. Bryant, Maclin and Finley are also proven young talents that can score anytime they touch the ball. With Suh and Kevin Williams in the middle, good luck running on this team.

Cons: In the NFL, the coach and quarterback are often tied at the hip and that is the case here. Bradford has a very bright future but doesn't have the big game experience of the others in the playoff. Kubiak's teams also always seem to find a way to lose which makes an early round upset possible.

College Conference Playoff Seed #3: SEC

Aaron Resnick, Playmaker Intern

Offense

Quarterback: Peyton Manning, Colts (Tennessee)

Running back: Darren McFadden, Raiders (Arkansas)

Running back: Arian Foster, Texans (Tennessee)

Wide Receiver: Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs (LSU)

Wide Receiver: Mike Wallace, Steelers (Mississippi)

Tight End: Jason Witten, Cowboys (Tennessee)

Tackle: Marcus McNeill, Chargers (Auburn)

Guard: Ben Grubbs, Ravens (Auburn)

Center: Maurkice Pouncey, Steelers (Florida)

Guard: Shawn Andrews, Giants (Arkansas)

Tackle: Michael Oher, Ravens (Mississippi)

Defense

Defensive end: John Abraham, Falcons (South Carolina)

Defensive tackle: Richard Seymour, Raiders (Georgia)

Defensive tackle: Jay Ratliff, Cowboys (Auburn)

Defensive end: Charles Johnson, Panthers (Georgia)

Linebacker: DeMeco Ryans, Texans (Alabama)

Linebacker: Patrick Willis, 49ers (Mississippi)

Linebacker: Jerod Mayo, Patriots (Tennessee)

Cornerback: Champ Bailey, Broncos (Georgia)

Cornerback: Johnathan Joseph, Bengals (South Carolina)

Safety: LaRon Landry, Redskins (LSU)

Safety: Roman Harper, Saints (Alabama)

Special Teams

Kicker: Ryan Succop, Chiefs (South Carolina)

Punter: Dustin Colquitt, Chiefs (Tennessee)

Return man: Percy Harvin, Vikings (Florida)

Coach: Chan Gailey, Bills (Florida)

Pros: This team has playmakers and speed on both sides of the ball.

Cons: Their head coach doesn't stack up to the other teams in the playoff, but it will be hard to beat their talent.

College Conference Playoff Seed # 4: Big Ten

Aaron Resnick, Playmaker Intern

Offense

Quarterback: Tom Brady, Patriots (Michigan)

Running back: Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers (Illinois)

Running back: Pierre Thomas, Saints (Illinois)

Wide Receiver: Santonio Holmes, Jets (Ohio State)

Wide Receiver: Brandon Lloyd, Broncos (Illinois)

Tight End: Dallas Clark, Colts (Iowa)

Tackle: Joe Thomas, Browns (Wisconsin)

Guard: Eric Steinbach, Browns (Iowa)

Center: Nick Mangold, Jets (Ohio State)               

Guard: Chris Dielman, Chargers (Indiana)

Tackle: Jake Long, Dolphins (Michigan)

Defense

Defensive end: Will Smith, Saints (Ohio State)

Defensive tackle: Domata Peko, Bengals (Michigan State)

Defensive tackle:  Barry Cofield, Giants (Northwestern)

Defensive end: Tamba Hali, Chiefs (Penn State)

Linebacker:  LaMarr Woodley, Steelers (Michigan)

Linebacker: Paul Posluszny, Bills (Penn State)

Linebacker: Cameron Wake, Dolphins (Penn State)

Cornerback: Leon Hall, Bengals (Michigan)

Cornerback: Charles Woodson, Packers (Michigan)

Safety: Bob Sanders, Colts (Iowa)

Safety: Donte Whitner, Bills (Ohio State)

Special Teams

Kicker: Nate Kaeding, Chargers (Iowa)

Punter: Zoltan Mesko, Patriots (Michigan)

Return man: Ted Ginn Jr, 49ers (Ohio State)

Coach: Jim Caldwell, Colts (Iowa)

Pros: The Big Ten has the best quarterback in the game right now along with a very stong offensive line. With a front seven that includes pass rushers such as Tamba Hali, LaMarr Woodley and Cameron Wake, they should have no problems rushing the passer either.

Cons: While Tom Brady has shown it doesn't matter who he is throwing the ball to, his receiving corps isn't very strong here. The Safety position could be hit or miss as well due to the injury history of Bob Sanders.

College Conference Tournament Seed #5: At Large 1

Aaron Resnick, Playmaker Intern

This team is composed of players from Conference USA, the MAC and the Sun Belt Conference.

Offense

Quarterback: Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers (Miami Ohio)

Running back: Chris Johnson, Titans (East Carolina)

Running back: Michael Turner, Falcons (Northern Illinois)

Wide Receiver: Roddy White, Falcons (UAB)

Wide Receiver: Brandon Marshall, Dolphins (UCF)

Tight End: Antonio Gates, Chargers (Kent State)

Tackle: Sebastian Vollmer, Patriots (Houston)

Guard: Brian Waters, Chiefs (North Texas)

Center: Eric Ghiaciuc, Dolphins (Central Michigan)

Guard: Josh Sitton, Packers (UCF)

Tackle:  Ryan Diem, Colts (Northern Illinois)

Defense

Defensive end: Osi Umenyiora, Giants (Troy)

Defensive tackle: Terrance Knighton, Jaguars (Temple)

Defensive tackle:  Corey Williams, Lions (Arkansas State)

Defensive end: Jason Babin, Titans (Western Michigan)

Linebacker:  James Harrison, Steelers (Kent State)

Linebacker: DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys (Troy)

Linebacker: Thomas Howard, Raiders (UTEP)

Cornerback: Asante Samuel, Eagles (UCF)

Cornerback: Charles Tillman, Bears (Louisiana Lafayette)

Safety: Louis Delmas, Lions (Western Michigan)

Safety: Atari Bigby, Packers (UCF)

Special Teams

Kicker: Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots (Memphis)

Punter: Thomas Morstead, Saints (Southern Methodist)

Return man:  Josh Cribbs, Browns (Kent State)

Coach: Bill Belichick, Patriots (Wesleyan)

Pros: This team would be a big hit as far as fantasy football goes with the running back tandem of Johnson and Turner along with Roethlisberger throwing to Roddy White, Brandon Marshall and Antonio Gates. The team also will have an excellent pass rush with Umenyiora, James Harrison and DeMarcus Ware.

Cons: There is some inexperience on the offensive line which could hurt this team along with a secondary that doesn't grade out very high even when compared to lower seeds.

College Conference Playoff Seed #6: Pac 10

Aaron Resnick, Playmaker Intern

Offense

Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers, Packers (California)

Running back: Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars (UCLA)

Running back: Steven Jackson, Rams (Oregon State)

Wide Receiver: DeSean Jackson, Eagles (California)

Wide Receiver: Steve Smith, Giants (USC)

Tight End: Tony Gonzalez, Falcons (California)

Tackle: Sam Baker, Falcons (USC)

Guard: Deuce Lutui, Cardinals (USC)

Center: Alex Mack, Browns (California)

Guard: Chilo Rachal, 49ers (USC)

Tackle: Eben Britton, Jaguars (Arizona)

Defense

Defensive end: Igor Olshansky, Cowboys (Oregon)

Defensive tackle: Haloti Ngata, Ravens (Oregon)

Defensive tackle: Tyson Alualu, Jaguars (California)

Defensive end: Terrell Suggs, Ravens (Arizona State)

Linebacker:  Lance Briggs, Bears (Arizona)

Linebacker: Brian Cushing, Texans (USC)

Linebacker: Clay Matthews, Packers (USC)

Cornerback: Nnamdi Asomugha, Raiders (California)

Cornerback: Terrell Thomas, Giants (USC)

Safety: Troy Polamalu, Steelers (USC)

Safety: OJ Atogwe, Rams (Stanford)

Special Teams

Kicker: Rian Lindell, Bills (Washington State)

Punter: Chris Kluwe, Vikings (UCLA)

Return man: DeSean Jackson, Eagles (California)

Coach: Norv Turner, Chargers (Oregon)

Pros: This team has two running backs that are very good out of the backfield and the DeSean Jackson/Steve Smith tandem at receiver is a very good one. Teams will have a hard time passing on the Pac 10 with Nnamdi Asomugha, Terrell Thomas at corner and the ballhawking Troy Polamalu at safety.

Cons: The main thing that really knocked this team down in the rankings was the offensive line. It is a very young unit and with Aaron Rodgers' concussion history will have a huge outcome in how far the Pac 10 can go.

College Conference Playoff Seed #7: At Large 2

Aaron Resnick, Playmaker Intern

(This team is made up of players from Mountain West, MAC and other schools not in division one).

Offense

Quarterback: Joe Flacco, Ravens (Delaware)

Running back: LaDainian Tomlinson, Jets (TCU)

Running back: Fred Jackson, Bills (Coe)

Wide Receiver: Marques Colston, Saints (Hofstra)

Wide Receiver: Miles Austin, Cowboys (Monmouth)

Tight End: Chris Cooley, Redskins (Utah State)

Tackle: Jordan Gross, Panthers (Utah)

Guard: Logan Mankins, Patriots (Fresno State)

Center: Jeff Faine, Buccaneers (Notre Dame)

Guard: Jahari Evans, Saints (Bloomsburg)

Tackle: Ryan Clady, Broncos (Boise State)

Defense

Defensive end: Justin Tuck, Giants (Notre Dame)

Defensive tackle: Trevor Laws, Eagles (Notre Dame)

Defensive tackle: Sione Pouha, Jets (Utah)

Defensive end: Robert Mathis, Colts (Alabama A&M)

Linebacker: Kirk Morrison, Jaguars (San Diego State)

Linebacker: Brian Urlacher, Bears (New Mexico)

Linebacker: London Fletcher, Redskins (John Carroll)

Cornerback: Brent Grimes, Falcons (Shippensburg)

Cornerback: Tramon Williams, Packers (Louisiana Tech)

Safety: Quentin Mikell, Eagles (Boise State)

Safety: Nick Collins, Packers (Bethune Cookman)

Special Teams

Kicker: Josh Scobee, Jaguars (Louisiana Tech)

Punter: Mat McBriar, Cowboys (Hawaii)

Return man: Johnny Knox, Bears (Abilene Christian)

Coach: Sean Payton, Saints (Eastern Illinois)

Pros: The offensive line is filled with Pro Bowlers and should compete against any conference. Should have very good production off the edge with Mathis and Tuck bringing constant pressure. This team also has two very underrated corners in Williams and Grimes.

Cons: They aren't very strong at defensive tackle and could have some big issues against the running game. While Flacco has played in big games, he is far from being the best quarterback in the tournament.

College Football Conference Tournament Seed #8: Big East

Aaron Resnick, Playmaker Intern

Offense

Quarterback: Donovan McNabb, Redskins (Syracuse)

Running back: LeSean McCoy, Eagles (Pittsburgh)

Running back: Ray Rice, Ravens (Rutgers)

Wide receiver: Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals (Pittsburgh)

Wide receiver: Mike Williams, Buccaneers (Syracuse)

Tight end: Brent Celek, Eagles (Cincinnati)

Tackle: Jeff Otah, Panthers (Pittsburgh)

Guard: Jeremy Zuttah, Buccaneers (Rutgers)

Center: Shaun O’Hara, Giants (Rutgers)

Guard: Eric Wood, Bills (Louisville)

Tackle: Anthony Davis, 49ers (Rutgers)

Defense

Defensive end: Trent Cole, Eagles (Cincinnati)

Defensive tackle: Amobi Okoye, Texans (Louisville)

Defensive tackle: Mike Wright, Patriots (Cincinnati)

Defensive end: Dwight Freeney, Colts (Syracuse)

Linebacker: Clint Session, Colts (Pittsburgh)

Linebacker: Gary Brackett, Colts (Rutgers)

Linebacker: Elvis Dumervil, Broncos (Louisville)

Cornerback: Darrelle Revis, Jets (Pittsburgh)

Cornerback: Devin McCourty, Patriots (Rutgers)

Safety: Tyvon Branch, Raiders (Connecticut)

Safety: Kerry Rhodes, Cardinals (Louisville)

Special teams

Kicker: David Akers, Eagles (Louisville)

Punter: Andy Lee, 49ers (Pittsburgh)

Return man: LaRod Stephens-Howling, Cardinals (Pittsburgh)

Coach: Tom Coughlin, Giants (Syracuse)

Pros: Have two very good receiving backs along with two receivers that can go over the middle or deep. The team also has a strong pass rush in Cole, Freeney and Dumervil at linebacker along with a strong secondary.

Cons: Neither the offensive or defensive lines or that strong for this team. They could have trouble stopping the run as Okoye is inconsistent and Wright is normally an end which is huge when nearly every team has at least one star running back.

College Football Playoff: Conference Style

Aaron Resnick, Playmaker Intern

Aside from one game, the bowl season is all about money and bragging rights. However, as a pro football fan my main interest is who has the best pro-level talent. That got me wondering which conferences have had the most success at the pro level. With that in mind, I have created all-conference teams and a mock playoff bracket to determine ultimate bragging rights.  

There are eight teams in the tournament. The six major BCS conferences (ACC, Big East, Big 10, Big 12, SEC, Pac 10) and two at large teams composed of players from smaller conference schools. The rosters will be made up of current NFL players who attended the schools and conferences will be determined based on current alignment. This is important considering that Miami is currently in the ACC while many of their players were on the team during their tenure in the Big East. Tomorrow I will start counting down the seeds and when that is complete, let the games begin!

Sweet 16: Best College Football Defensive Coordinators

Dave Razzano is a former NFL scout and Playmaker Mobile correspondent with more than 22 years of professional scouting experience with the San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals under NFL coaches including Bill Walsh, George Seifert,  Chuck Knox and Dick Vermeil. He's been a part of five Super Bowls with three Super Bowl wins (49ers, 1989, 1990; Rams, 2000).

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Who will be the next Nick Saban, or Urban Meyer?  Not long ago these top-flight coaches were roaming the sidelines as highly  respected coordinators. As with any coach who rises through the ranks, when given an opportunity to be in charge you must succeed. Recruiting is key. All winning coaches have one thing in common: people and organizational skills, discipline, and the ability to hire a motivated and competent staff. Below is a list of Division 1 defensive coaches who could very well become stars in their own right if given the opportunity. My list is based on first-hand knowledge and exposure after 22 years as an NFL Scout.

1) Tyrone Nix, Ole Miss – Will be highly successful when given an opportunity. Too many players absolutely rave about his defensive acumen.  Strong communicator as well.

2) Justin Wilcox, Tennessee – Son of Hall of Fame linebacker Dave Wilcox, worked his magic the last few years turning Boise State’s defense in to a tough and attacking group. Watch what he does at Tennessee!

3) Kirby Smart, Alabama – Another star in the making. Turned down head coaching gigs to stay with the Crimson Tide and a $750,000 pay day.

4) Manny Diaz, Mississippi State – Interesting pedigree. Son of mayor of Miami, Florida. Smart as a whip and possibly the best defensive strategist in the college ranks. Mark it down. Will be a BIG success!

5) Todd Orlando, Connecticut – Highly organized and intense, this guy deserves a lot of credit for Uconn’s recent success on the field. Knows how to handle players.

6) Jamie Bryant, Vanderbilt – Does an outstanding job of competing with the big boys of the SEC without the talent level of most opponents. This guy is an excellent communicator who likes to have fun.

7) Will Muschamp, Texas – There is a reason why this guy is the “coach in waiting” at Texas. He is outstanding with people and knows how to utilize the skills of players as well as anyone.

8) Pat Narduzzi, Michigan State – Has all the ingredients to be a very successful head coach. Intense competitor who knows how to motivate young people.

9) Jeff Casteel, West Virginia – Bright and energetic, this defensive specialist can attack an offense with the best of them. 

10) Scott Shafer, Syracuse – His reputation as a defensive guru continues to grow. Knows how to put players in position to achieve maximum results.

11) Dan Disch, Illinois – Highly decorated high school coach in the talent rich state of Florida prior to taking the leap to the college ranks. Outstanding leader with people skills to match. Will succeed in big way when given opportunity.

12) Nick Holt, Washington – Might be the most intense coach in the college game. This former linebacker has a passion for defensive football that is difficult to find.

13) Tim DeRuyter, Texas A@M – Expect the Aggie defense to start playing at a championship level under this defensive whiz.  

14) Steve Brown, Kentucky – This ex NFL DB knows X’s and O’s as well as anyone and is a big reason why the Wildcats have been very competitive the last several years with the big boys of the SEC.  Outstanding communicator.

15) Mark D’Onofrio, Temple – Another former linebacker who found his niche in the coaching ranks.  Known for his football intelligence as a player, he is helping restore order for the resurgent Owls.

16) Buddy Green, Navy – Has worked wonders at the Naval Academy over the last several years now. His squads always come prepared and are as hardnosed as any you will find.