Top Ten Bulls Modern Era

With Mack garnering serious honors and awards, I was thinking where does Mack rank in best Buffalo Bull in the modern era.  I waffled on Drew Haddad but decided to place him in the pre-MAC era.  Trevor Scott had a heck of a season but did not make the cut.  Trevor just out of the top ten along side Mike Newton who has the greatest play in UB history with his hit and TD run back in the 2008 MAC Championship Game against Ball State.  The sample size is relatively small compared to other teams but here is my list of ten best.

10.  Jamey Richard, C 2004 - 2007

Jamey had a great career at UB from 2004 - 2007. Jamey was a three-year starter. Called by head coach Turner Gill the "heart and soul" of the Bulls' resurgent football program, Richard was the model of consistency during his three seasons as the starting center. Possessing great strength and toughness in the trenches, he was also a versatile blocker with experience at the guard position. The first player in modern UB history to play in a Super Bowl (a loss to the Saints 31 - 17 in Miami February 7, 2010) Jamey ushered in a nice streak of Gill era players into the NFL

via www.ubathletics.buffalo.edu

9.  A.J. Principe, K 2007 - 2010

AJ has three of the top four highest point season in Buffalo history.  In 2008 had a career hight with 84 points.  In 2007 A.J. had the second best field goal season with a total of 15.  A.J. is all the all time kicking points leader with 265 and the second best is Dallas Pez at 147.

UB NOW: A.J. Principe Profile (via UBNOW)

8.  Justin Winters, LB 2007 - 2010

The numbers would not suggest that Justin be anywhere on this list.  This pick is not a numbers pick but an eye and sentimental pick.  You could easily have Ramon Guzmon in this spot.  Justin was a tackling machine especially with running backs coming clean past the line of scrimmage.

via media.scout.com

7.  Alex Neutz, WR 2010 - 2013

Alex a product of Grand Island (shameless hometown plug for the last time!) is UB's all time TD receiver.  Alex also has the single game record with 4 against Morgan State in 2012.  Alex hopefully adds to his totals in the Potato Bowl. Many would have liked to see what Alex could have achieved if UB has any sort of passing game during the bulk of his career.

UB BULLS vs BAYLOR - ALEX NUETZ 62YD CATCH (via UBSID)

6. Naaman Roosevelt, WR 2006 - 2009

UB's all time leader in receptions for a season in 2008 with 104, was career TD leader until #7, single season yards at 1,402 in 2008.  UB's all time leader in yards as well.  Spent time with the Buffalo Bills and this year was in camp with the Browns. Naaman will always be known for:

Grind Hard - TAKE OFF (via ohwhatsgoody)

Sorry, wrong video, it was this:

5.  Drew Willy, QB 2005 - 2008

UB All Time Leader in both season and career in Pass Attempts, Completions, Yards, Complete Percentage, Touchdowns, pass efficiency, and total offense (season) pass and rush 3,189 in 2008.  Drew is currently a Gray Cup Champion with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the CFL,  Drew was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2009 by the Baltimore Ravens, Drew also spent time with the Colts, Jets, and Chargers,  Drew also won a championship with the Las Vegas Locomotives.

via cdn2.sbnation.com

4.  Branden Oliver, RB. 2010 - 2013

Still active and one more game to play.  UB's all time leader in attempts and yards.

My favorite Bo run!

Same game, watch what Bo does to Kent!

3.  Davonte Shannon, S 2007 - 2010

An All MAC selection four straight years during his career at UB.   UB's total tackle leader with 461, Solo tackles 258, and tied for tenth all time with 10 interceptions.  Like Winters, many tackles were made in the secondary and were made by Davonte.  Davonte was in camp with Redskins but failed to stick as well as brief tenure in the CFL.  I think many UB's fans thought Davonte would be an NFL player.

via www.ubbulls.com

2.  James Starks, RB 2006 - 2008

James was UB's rushing and attempts leaders for the Bulls until Bo.  James a product of Niagara Falls came to UB to play in the secondary.  Great switch to RB.   James won a Super Bowl ring and currently on the roster with the Green Bay Packers.  James has had the best NFL career of the modern era but like his senior season been hampered by injuries.  James missed his senior season due to injury and the 2009 season was not the same. James will probably be remember for this run:

1.  Khalil Mack, LB. 2010 - 2013

Coming off an amazing senior season with 94 tackles and leads the conference in sacks with 10.5 and tackles for loss at 19. Mack set the all-time NCAA forced fumbles (16) and tying the all-time tackles for loss (75).  I also look forward to Mack setting the record against the Aztecs.  Mack won the MAC Defensive Play of the Year this year and the Jack Lambert award and second in votes for Butkus Award. Mack has also been asked to play in the Senior Bowl.  Mack is projected to be a top 15 pick.  Mack made a national name for himself against Ohio State.  Watch this play:

Buffalo Bulls vs Ohio State Buckeyes: Khalil Mack Highlights (via UBSID)

No disrespect to Craig Guest, Anthony Scott, Cliff Scott, Joe D'Amico, OD Underwodd, or Andre Ford.  My list was since MAC on.