This list may have you thinking it's April, but it's the other A-month.
Unlike my Top 25, I don't care who will have the best numbers at the end of the year. If I'm recruiting players, I guess we'll call this the "Big Board."
I'm going to unveil three a day and the final on Friday.
Let's start with 8-10.
10. DeSean Jackson
I thought for a while about choosing Limas Sweed over Jackson to round out this year's list of top players. However, Jackson's versatility and domination of the return game has to put him on this list. Jackson was good for 18 yards per catch last year and 13 touchdowns when you count his four punt return scores. At receiver, Jackson No. 1 weapon is his speed. As far as his return style goes, he's not going to Dante Hall you by making 600 moves. Tthe country's top returner beats you one of two ways: he picks a route and just outruns everyone or he reverses field as his blockers set up a wall to run behind. Either way, it's a treat to watch. If his quarterback, Nate Longshore, improves as expected, he could put up very dangerous numbers.
9. Calais Campbell
Much is made of that imaginary amusement park-like sign that exists for quarterbacks. "You must be at least 72 inches or else people will say you can't see over your own linemen." Well, that's not entirely true because quarterbacks under the height requirement often find ways and end up like the punk kids who cut the line and are in the front row. But, I really feel bad for those vertically challenged signal callers who have to bob and weave for a view around 6'8" Calais Campbell. While most guys his size are dunking on a hoops court, he's manhandling tackles and sacking quarterbacks at an alarming pace. Gaines Adams, last year's top defensive linemen selected in the draft, had numbers that hardly eclipsed the Hurricane bear (actually, Campbell had more tackles and tackles for loss). With his size and speed, you have to think Julius Peppers all over again.
8. James Laurinaitis
When you're an All-American linebacker as a sophomore, you're doing something right. I'd say it's highly unlikely that Laurinaitis regresses this season - or ever, for that matter - so this is a no-brainer. If he puts up a season like did last year, will he go pro? It's a tough call, but I might guess he would say. If he leaves this year, he could be the third or fourth linebacker taken, purely based on potential. However, if I'm a GM, I seriously think about taking him first. Why? Dad was a pro wrestler, mom was a power lifter. Bruiser family. I can't stress this enough: in his first year as a starter, he had 115 tackles, four sacks, five interceptions and All-American honors.