Five Most Important Players in 2011: Number 2

See who checks in at number two on this countdown. The offensive player selected may surprise you. (Picture: www.usfnation.com)

The short list of players that are key to the success of the 2011 football season continues on as we look at the players that are number two on the list. Remember, these are players that are good players, but because of their positions, have to be outstanding in order for the team to succeed.

Let's see who checks in at number two on this big time countdown. [keep reading]

Checking in at number two on the offensive list is quarterback B.J. Daniels. Now before the fans throw their computer out the window and blow up my comments stating he should be number one, just hear me out and remember, this is my own opinion, your opinion is your own, makes it all fair.

The 6-1 214-pound quarterback is the engine of the offense and where he goes, the team will most likely go. 2010 was a rough season for B.J. The scrambling quarterback was thrown into a new system that tried to mold him into a pocket-passer, something he struggled with and was simply not comfortable with.

Daniels threw 11 touchdowns last season, but threw 13 interceptions and had a hard time executing the offense. Todd Fitch and Holtz were very cautious about letting him run the ball as well, limiting his ability to get out of the pocket and escape.

However, he is in his second year in the offense, is healthy, has more weapons (including a running game) and healthy quarterbacks behind him, allowing the coaches to let him run a little more if he needs to (injury concern always there, but Eveld and Floyd can play if needed).

I have faith that this season will be a big one for Daniels. Call it crazy or call it smart, he is a vital member, but there is still one more player ahead of him on the offensive side of the ball.

On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Reshard Cliett steps into the countdown.

The 6-2 210-pound converted defensive back redshirted last season as he moved to linebacker and worked in the weight room and finally got his weight over 200-pounds.

Now this is a strange ranking to some for Cliett to appear on the countdown, but hear me out on this. Coming out of Spring, Cliett took over the roster position ahead of senior Curtis Weatherspoon, something that is not that common, especially when Weatherspoon didn't miss anytime and was competing side by side with him.

Listening to defensive coordinator Mark Snyder about Cliett, he has compared him to a young Jacquian Williams, which is very high praise. Coaches are excited about him because of his ability and frame size and his youth, giving them years to make him into a playmaking animal on defense.

Cliett has a lot of responsibility and a lot of work ahead of him, which makes his success so key to the linebacking position. The coaches wouldn't put a freshman into the starting lineup if they didn't feel he was ready (at least out of Spring). This means he will have to step up and play well in order to not only keep his job but also help sure up the defensive front.

So there are the number two players on the countdown. Remember these are players that are key to the success of the team, never said they are players that are bad and have to step up. They are players that take on a key role in their positions and have a lot of responsibility to live up to. What do you think USF family?