1. Dez Bryant JR, Oklahoma State

Who was the Big 12’s leading receiver last season? If you guessed Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree or Missouri’s Jeremy Maclin you wouldn’t be alone, but you would be wrong! Dez Bryant made Cowboys fan’s mouths water as a freshman and followed with one of the best seasons for a sophomore receiver in Big 12 history last season. Bryant hauled in 87 balls for 1,480 yards and 19 TDs last season. What separates Bryant from the rest of the field is his ability to return the ball, which is underrated commodity in every level of football. He scored two return TDs last season and put the Cowboys in great position on countless occasions. NFL teams covet Bryant for his combination of size (6′2″), speed (4.5) and strength (220lbs). Expect a record-breaking season out of Bryant, as Zac Robinson returns to deliver him passes in an offense that will be set up for him to succeed.

2. Julio Jones SO, Alabama

Randy Moss 2.0! Some people thought Jones was just a product of the hype machine before he stepped foot on the Alabama campus, but after a few practices in the fall everyone realized what kind of freak Nick Saban had brought into his program. Julio has more potential than anyone on this list, with athletic ability that is more common in the NBA than the NCAA. 6′4″, 220lb receivers with 4.4 speed and a 42 inch vertical jump only come along once a decade and Tide fans are loving Saban for leading him to Tuscaloosa. Jones grabbed 58 balls for 924 yards as a true freshman. If you’re a college football fan, you have to root for new QB Greg McElroy to adjust quickly to the Tide offense so we can see Julio highlights throughout the fall. If you think we’re hyping Jones a little too much, do yourself a favor and look him up on YouTube. You’ll get a quick peek at the best receiver in the SEC and one of the most exciting players in the country.

3. Arrelious Benn JR, Illinois

There is no doubt he’s going to be a first round draft pick, he was one of the most heavily recruited players in his class, he’s a pre-season All-American by most publications and it seems like we don’t here Benn’s name as much as we should. The 6′2″, 225lb man-child is the most athletic receiver in the Big Ten and one of the best playmakers in the country. He should only improve this year, as he and QB Juice Williams enter their third year together. As a true sophomore, Benn caught 67 passes for 1,055 yards en route to being named all Big Ten by the media (the coaches must have been sick of getting torched by him and gave PSU WR Derrick Williams a career achievement award). Look for Been to burn those coaches consistently as Illinois makes noise in the Big Ten. While everyone focuses on Penn State and Ohio State, don’t be surprised if Illinois uses that disrespect to surpass one of those programs by the end of the season.

4. Dezmon Briscoe JR, Kansas

Briscoe also got lost in the mix of the great Big 12 receivers last season, but managed to finish with more yards than Crabtree and Maclin, the two most acclaimed receivers in the game last season. With QB Todd Reesing finding him consistently, Briscoe caught 92 balls for 1,407 yards on his way to a breakout season. While nobody will overlook him this year, the 6′3″, 200lb long distance threat will still be able to terrorize Big 12 defenses with his speed and hands. Briscoe was an All Big 12 second teamer last season but look for him to step up and be on the big time All-American lists in 2009. He won’t last too long in the NFL Draft either.

5. Jordan Shipley SR, Texas

Joining Briscoe on the Big 12 second team last year was Jordan Shipley. Think of a bigger Wes Welker and you’ll have a good idea of what Shipley brings to the table. He combines great route running with reliable hand to demoralize the Big 12. He’ll be QB Colt McCoy’s biggest weapon this year as Texas tries to return to a National Championship game. Shipley caught 89 passes for 1,060 yards in 2008 and reached the end zone 11 times through the air. He also returned 2 punts for TDs, making him one of the most valuable assets in the nation. He may not factor as much in the return game this year, as the Longhorns will depend primarily on him with the graduation of Quan Cosby.

6. Damian Williams JR, USC

When Williams transferred to USC with QB Mitch Mustain from Arkansas, he was overlooked as many people focused on Mustain, who was one of the top high school QBs in his class. But Williams has done nothing but impress and produce since he stepped on campus, becoming the Trojans most sure handed receiver in a unit that features some of the highest profile recruits in the country. Williams is a precise route runner with sure hands who is looking to dispel the rumors of USC receivers in the NFL. He became Mark Sanchez’ favorite target last year by catching 58 balls for 869 yards and 9 TDs. Pete Carroll will rely heavily on Williams as he breaks in a new quarterback at USC this season. Don’t look for Williams’ numbers to decline though, as both QBs fighting for the job would start at 90 percent of the programs in America.

7. A.J. Green SO, Georgia

Matt Stafford got a surprise last season when Green stepped on the scene. As a true freshman last season, Green hauled in 56 catches for 963 yards and 8 TDs. He’ll be expected to step up even more as a sophomore, with Joe Cox replacing Stafford under center. Although he’s 6′4″, Green uses his speed to break away from defensive backs in the best conference in the country. If he can add 20-25lbs to his frame, Green will be one of the most dynamic receiving threats in America, college or NFL. He’ll battle Julio Jones over the next two seasons as the top receiver and expect Green to follow up a tremendous freshman campaign with a sensational sophomore season.

8. Eric Decker SR, Minnesota

Decker is hidden in Minnesota, but the NFL isn’t the only professional league that recognizes Decker’s potential. Major League Baseball franchises have already drafted Decker twice, but his brightest future remains on the football field. Decker caught a school record 84 balls last season, breaking his previous mark of 67. He also piled up 1,074 yards and scored 7 TDs. He’ll be an even bigger threat in the NFL, as his work ethic and precise route running will play up in the pro game. Decker is an Anquan Boldin-type (god forbid anyone compares a white player with a black player these days!), who will catch anything you throw at him, come up with big third down receptions and pile up the yards immediately in the NFL.

9. Golden Tate JR, Notre Dame

The junior from Tennessee broke out as a sophomore in Charlie Weis’ wide open offense and became one of the best receivers in college football. While the Irish struggled, QB Jimmy Clausen repeatedly found Tate open for 58 receptions and 1,080 yards. He teams with Michael Floyd to form a solid 1-2 punch that has rarely been seen in South Bend. Tate is also an outfielder on the Irish baseball team. Tate will use the national exposure to his advantage this season and end up on a bevy of All-American teams.

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10. Brandon LaFell SR, LSU

The 6′3″, 210lb LaFell is one of the most athletic players in the SEC. He combines great size with powerful speed and good hands. He’ll be QB Jordan Jefferson’s favorite target and one of the best threats in the conference. He established himself last season, even with LSU’s QB situation in flux. He hauled in 63 balls for 929 yards and eight TDs. This season, the Tigers have a few more options under center which should make LaFell feel comfortable, a scary thought for SEC defenses.

Honorable Mention
Mardy Gilyard SR,Cincinnati
Mike Williams SR,Syracuse
Jacoby Ford SR,Clemson
Mark Dell JR,Michigan State
Mike Floyd SO,Notre Dame

DeAndre Brown SO, Southern Miss