Five Most Important Players in 2011: Number one

Time to find out who checks in at number one on this small countdown.

The mini-countdown continues as we finally come to the number one player that has to step up for the 2011 football team to help them reach the elusive Big East title.

Last time, B.J. Daniels and Reshard Cliett found themselves on this list, putting a lot of pressure on their shoulders to succeed this season. Many were wondering what I was thinking putting Daniels at number two and not number one. While he is a big time player and a lot is riding on him, I feel there is another player on the list who steps in ahead of him for this season. Let's see who I picked. [keep reading]

Checking in at number one on the offensive side of the football is center Kevin McCaskill.

Now before we all begin yelling and scratching our heads, think about his position and the pressure on him entering this season. The 6-foot 315-pound senior has to take over for Sampson Genus, the 2nd All Big East performer, was the anchor on the offensive line. He was a leader both on and off the field. He had to deal with the new offensive play calling, pick up new blocking schemes and lead an offense that was not that productive, not the easiest job.

McCaskill is taking over the job, but is not the most experienced player to take the job. He has played in just 7 games in his 5 years with the team, but the most seasoned person to throw on the line and try to anchor a team that has such high expectations.

There isn't much depth behind McCaskill, putting even more pressure on him to step up and become the center anchor. Redshirt freshman Austin Reiter is on the roster, spending last season on the sideline and incoming freshman Thor Jozwiak, who has been working extremely hard on the offensive line, taking plenty of snaps as he prepares for the season, behind McCaskill. These are not exactly veteran players that can step in. Other players could move over if needed, but the natural fit at center is McCaskill.

To me, personally, center is a little bit more important this year than quarterback in terms of having to step up their play. Daniels is going to be fine and there are players behind him that can step up. Daniels can play and make things happen, but he will be in trouble if they can't snap the ball to him. This is why I personally think McCaskill is the most important player this season to step up their play.

On the defensive side of the ball, the number one player that has to step up is sophomore defensive end Ryne Giddins. The 6--3 259-pound stud defensive end is taking over the job this season and a lot of expectations are on his shoulders.

Giddins has some experience this season. He played in all 12 games last season, starting two of them. He finished with 14 tackles, 6 for loss, 3.5 sacks, and even an interception. The former 4-star recruit is one of the highest recruited players in program history and a lot of pressure is riding on his shoulders.

With senior defensive ends Craig Marshall and David Bedford leaving, the job now falls into the hands of Patrick Hampton and Giddins.

Now everyone in the world is expecting Giddins to step in and put up big numbers and anchor down one of the defensive end spots which he has to do in order for this defense to succeed. With questions on the defensive tackle positions (look at the roster, no Terrell McClain there anymore), the ends have to lock down the rushing game, contain the quarterback and get pressure to free up the linebackers and help the secondary.

If Giddins fails to live up to the hype, the Bulls will struggle to fill in for him. Julius Forte and Claude Davis could step in and will get playing time, but they are not as highly regarded as Giddins.

So there you have it, these are the number one players on my list that need to step up in 2011. I am sure some of the USF family doesn't agree with my selections and thinks that Daniels or someone else deserves to be in the top spot and feel more pressure and production should come from him or someone else, but this is where the fun begins. Let the debate and talk start!