Boston College's Mark Herzlich has recovered from a rare cancer that cost him the 2009 season, and could vault into first-round consideration with a great senior year. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller led the nation last season with 17 sacks, including this one of Colorado quarterback Tyler Hansen. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

North Carolina's Bruce Carter, taking down Pittsburgh's Henry Hynoski here, already has 33 starts under his belt, and is one of the nation's fastest linebackers. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Connecticut's Lawrence Wilson shows off his pass rushing ability by taking down former West Virginia and current Dolphins quarterback Pat White. (AP Photo/Bob Child)

Miissippi State linebacker displays his impressive speed as he chases down Tennessee running back Phillip Tanner from behind. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Miami's Colin McCarthy, right, demonstrates his playmaking ability as he streaks past Florida State's Charlie Graham on his way to the end zone after a fumble recovery. (AP Photo/Phil Coale)

While Michigan State's Greg Jones may have had trouble bringing down Northwestern quarterback C.J. Bacher in this instance, he is usually a very sure tackler, having finished third in the nation last year with 154. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)

Ohio State's Ross Homan, right, is not only a skilled tackler, he can also intercept passes as he shows here with Oregon's James Holmes trying to catch him. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Just because he let SMU running back Shawnbrey McNeal score on this particular play, doesn't mean Nevada's Donte Moch isn't an elite linebacker. He was the WAC Defensive Player of the Year last season. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)

California's Mike Mohamed, right, blocks a pass intended for Arizona's Terrell Turner. While Mohamed's speed needs to be evaluated next season, his competitive fire is unquestionable. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

North Carolina's Quan Sturdivant can play inside or outside, has outstanding speed and is very adept as a tackler. (AP Photo/Sara D. Davis)

Despite playing much of last season injured, Connecticut's Scott Lutrus did not lose his physicality as he displays here in dropping Notre Dame running back Armando Allen Jr. to the ground. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

LSU linebacker Kevin Sheppard demonstrates great fundamentals in squaring up Tulane quarterback Ryan Griffin and getting ready to take him down. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)

When it comes to character, intangibles and versatility, Northwestern's Quentin Davie, left, is exceptional. Physically, though, he needs some work on his agility. (AP Photo/Brad Vest)

A car accident sidelined North Carolina State's Nate Irving for all of last season, but he is very tough and should come back strong for the Wolfpack. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)