Photo: EASports.com
- Troy BallardYes, it is very early to start chatting next year's edition of NCAA football, but here at Beard and Stache, we just couldn't resist.
NCAA 12 featured the bruising Alabama rusher Mark Ingram, who dominated the college game like it was his job to embarrass opposing defenses. Ingram was drafted to the New Orleans Saints, but missed a big chunk of his rookie season with a series of small injuries.
Last season, EA Sports allowed fans of the franchise to vote for the cover athlete, and although nothing has been announced officially, it would be a safe bet to assume it will be the same this year.
With an amazing class of graduating college players, EA will have their hands full narrowing down the choices down to just a select few. With the vote likely to start sometime in the near future, here are our picks for the NCAA 13 cover athlete:
Kellen Moore, Quarterback, Boise State
Even though Boise State was never able to make it to the big game, (despite many thinking they deserved to go on several occasions), Kellen Moore still had a fantastic college career. With the help of a solid supporting cast, Moore was able to power his way to a 50-3 all-time record as a starter, making him the most winning quarterback in college football history.
The kid can do it all. He has amazing intelligence, an excellent arm, great composure, and has even shown flashes of great mobility. Moore is going to be overshadowed by bigger names in the voting, just like his school was in college, but he will definitely be in consideration.
Trent Richardson, Running Back, Alabama
Much like Ingram, Trent Richardson was a total monster during his college career. There's something about those Bama running backs that is so appealing on the cover of NCAA, and Richardson will find himself right in the thick of the voting.
Richardson's Crimson Tide steam-rolled through the season, with a huge help from him in the running department. It seemed that every time a defense would think Richardson was tackled, he could bust out and pick up huge gains. He may not have won the Heisman, but he may be able to keep Alabama's running back's rolling for two-straight years as cover athlete.
Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State
There shouldn't even be a shred of doubt -- Justin Blackmon is the best wide receiver in the country. He utilizes flashy speed with the physical play of Terrell Owens, making him virtually impossible to contain.
Oklahoma State had the best offense in the country, and a huge part of it was Blackmon's down field contributions. Whether it be a tough catch in traffic over the middle, or an amazing one-handed leap in the back of the endzone, Blackmon was there making plays.
The way we see it, if Michael Crabtree made a cover, Blackmon should be on the next 10.
Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford
What is there to say about Andrew Luck that hasn't already been said? He is the best quarterback prospect in college since Peyton Manning, the same one he may be replacing next year in the NFL. Much like Moore and Blackmon, Luck never won that elusive National Championship, but his career at Stanford was still indescribable.
I don't want to over-step, but Luck essentially turned Stanford from a passer-by team into a national contender during every year that he started. It doesn't matter what team he played against, it was going to be Luck-time for four quarters.
He'll be helped greatly by being the hottest player coming into the NFL as the likely first overall pick.
Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Baylor
Unlike Luck, Moore, Richardson, and Blackmon, Robert Griffin III is totally unique. He wasn't playing for a national contender, a big market, or even an NFL career at the beginning of this season. RG3 was playing for Baylor, dishing the ball around the yard, scrambling like a running back, and winning Heisman trophies.
Aside from being an absolutely amazing athlete, Griffin III is a stand-up guy. He plays for the love of the game, and is a joy to watch on the field. There isn't even a slight hesitation -- RG3 was our favorite athlete in college sports.
That love of the game and smiling attitude will reel him in the votes, like it did with the Heisman voters, and we wouldn't be one bit surprised to see Griffin III gracing our NCAA 13 cover.
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