Dec 1, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA Florida State Seminoles defensive back Xavier Rhodes (27) lines up during the second half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the 2012 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. FSU defeated Georgia Tech 21-15. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

After showing dramatic improvement at the Combine, Denard showed NFL teams that he has continued working very hard at making the transition from quarterback to receiver. He not only went through receiver drills, but also was put through running back drills as many teams believe that while his long term future is as a slot receiver, the fastest way for him to get on the field as a rookie will be as a third down back. During the workout, Denard displayed the explosive, game breaking athleticism that has NFL teams excited. After looking like a quarterback trying to play receiver at the Senior Bowl and Combine, Denard looked like a receiver at the workout and showed the confidence catching the ball that he had not before. He not only caught every pass thrown his way during the workout, but did so with hands and did not allow the ball to get into his body where he had to battle the ball.

Dec 01, 2012; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Tony Jefferson (1) reacts during the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Oklahoma won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The Bengals are in need of help at the safety position with the impending free agency of Chris Crocker and Nate Clements, and the draft could provide an answer, but there may be one prospect they’ll need to consider carefully .

Anonymous NFL scouts have been claiming Oklahoma coaches have been trashing their former safety, Tony Jefferson, who will be in this year’s NFL Draft, and is expected to fairly high:

Another safety prospect that is trending in the opposite direction is Oklahoma safety Tony Jefferson. Scouts are saying that Jefferson has been getting trashed by some of his former coaches for horrible practice habits and a lack of work ethic in the weight room. Jefferson has a lot of physical talent, but it is really going to hurt his draft stock to have former coaches telling NFL teams to pass on him. A couple sources said they wouldn’t be surprised if Jefferson has a free fall in the draft from a second-day pick to the third day. It will be really important for Jefferson to test well and interview well at the Combine.

Jefferson later appeared on a Tulsa radio show, and claimed his coaches called him to say the reports was false. Some would argue that the Bengals have moved past the “bad-boy” days of having players arrested on a regular basis (Andre Smith hurts that case), and the character and leader ship on this team now is strong enough to handle one head-case like Jefferson apparently is.

Still, would you want the Bengals to take a chance on a player like Jefferson?

Sep 1, 2012; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Geno Smith (12) reacts after a touchdown in the first quarter against the Marshall Thundering Herd at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-US PRESSWIRE

The Heisman Trophy has a long history of tradition in recognizing the best player in all of college football.

In the last several years there have been many surprises at the Heisman podium.

In 72 years of existence no sophomore had ever won the illustrious award until 2007 when University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow took home the award. The next year another sophomore won, Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford. Then another a year later in 2009, Alabama running back Mark Ingram.

In 2012 University of Southern California running back Reggie Bush returned his forfeited  Heisman Trophy from 2005 due to a scandal in which Bush was found to have received improper benefits during his collegiate career.

10 out of the last 12 (11 if you exclude Bush’s vacated win) Hesiman winners have been quarterbacks. It would be safe to predict that this years winner will be a signal caller again.

Here’s my top 5:

5. West Virginia QB Geno Smith – Smith had 6 total touchdowns in WVU’s win over Clemson in the Orange Bowl last season. West Virginia moves to the Big-12 this season which shouldn’t effect Smith’s production too much as the Big-12 hasn’t exactly been the defensively dominant conference it used to be as of late.

4. Oregon RB De’Anthony Thomas – Thomas was a huge play-maker in relief of starting RB Lamichael James. He made the most of every play as a runner, receiver and returner. In short, Thomas scored a touchdown every 8 times he touched the ball.

3. Michigan QB Denard Robinson – Robinson is the fastest quarterback in college football. Faster than Cam Newton was, maybe as fast as Michael Vick. He has flourished in head coach Brady Hoke‘s offense posting 4,743 through the air in his first two years starting. In the last two years Robinson has totaled 7,621 yards of offense and 68 touchdowns. Much of his Heisman success hinges on Michigan’s season opener against reigning NCAA champ Alabama on Saturday.

2. Wisconsin RB Montee Ball – In 2011 Montee Ball totaled 2,229 yards of offense and 39 touchdowns. For those of you who don’t understand, 39 touchdowns by a running back is ridiculous. Wisconsin has lost a few offensive lineman but they will probably not miss a step and Ball will continue to produce.