The list doesn’t include any incoming freshman. Let them get a taste of success and reach the playing field before we start crowning them the second coming.

1. Carlos Dunlap 6′6″ 290 DE Junior

Dunlap is the most explosive defensive end in the country. He combines length and strength, power and finesse, size and speed. Depending on his performance this year, he could be one of the top five picks in the NFL Draft. Dunlap burst onto the scene as a freshman by blocking a punt against Troy and returning it for a touchdown. He was named the Defensive MVP of the 2008 BCS Championship game and has not stopped rising up draft boards since. Dunlap has the potential to be one of the best defensive ends over the next decade in the NFL.

2. Aaron Hernandez 6′3″ 250 TE Junior

Hernandez was the best tight end prospect in the country coming out of high school after he dominated the CT high school scene with 67 receptions for 1,807 yards and 24 TDs. He’s become one of Tim Tebow’s favorite targets at Florida and is primed to help the Gators replace Percy Harvin. His best games have come against Miami, FSU, Alabama and Oklahoma in the BCS title game. That’s what stars do. Whenever he decides to enter the NFL Draft, he’ll be the first tight end off the board because of his speed (4.6), size and ability to make plays in the open field. His potential is limitless.

3. Brandon Spikes 6′3″ 260 LB Senior

Spikes returned for his senior year to make history with the Florida Gators. His senior season will also help him rise up draft boards and give NFL scouts more reasons to fall in love with his energetic style of play. Spikes doesn’t really have much left to prove in college but he will improve on the little things that make the difference between All-American and All-Pro. Spikes is well on his way to becoming both.

4. Joe Haden 5′11″ 190 CB Junior

Haden was the first true freshman cornerback to start at the University of Florida in 2007 and hasn’t stopped improving since. Haden is an All-American cornerback who isn’t going to see too many balls thrown his way in 2009. His ability to change direction and use his 4.4 speed to stay on a receiver’s hip will entice NFL scouts over the next two seasons. He is probably best served to stay in college for his senior season and learn the nuances from Florida’s coaching staff. He’ll find himself going high in the first round if he does.

5. The Pouncey Bros. 12′ 10″ 640 OL Juniors

Maurkice and Mike Pouncey are two of the most underrated players in the nation. Each is 6′5″ and weighs 320 pounds. Maurkice is a dominant center who has garnered freshman All-American honors and was the anchor of an offensive line that protected Tim Tebow in the 2008 BCS title game. Mike plays next to his brother at guard and is equally effective at his position. Each is on pace to have outstanding pro careers, with Maurkice being the better prospect by a hair.

6. Tim Tebow 6′3″ 245 QB Senior

There are so many different opinions on Tim Tebow’s NFL future. Here’s the bottom line: If an NFL franchise drafts him as a quarterback, in two years they are going to have a player that will represent their franchise better than any other player in the league and work his tail off to become the best he can be. He’ll never be the best quarterback in the NFL but an NFL team CAN win a Super Bowl with Tim Tebow as their quarterback. If an NFL team drafts him as a halfback/tight end, they are going to get a superior athlete that will perfect his craft over time. Tim Tebow is the most valuable asset in college football and will be a very good NFL player.

7. Janoris Jenkins 5′11″ 190 CB Sophomore

Jenkins became only the second true freshman in Gator history to start at cornerback in 2008. His ability to lock onto a receiver is second to none but what separates Jenkins is his ability to come up and make a hit against the run. The Gator D-backs make each other better in practice every day and when a true freshman can separate himself from the pack, it’s news worthy. NFL scouts will get an opportunity to evaluate him this year if teams stay away from Joe Haden. There’s really no safe place to throw the football against the Gators and Jenkins will make SEC teams learn that the hard way. He’s a future mid-first round pick.

8. Will Hill 6′1″ 202 FS Sophomore

Hill will split time between both safety positions this season in a loaded Florida defensive backfield but will ultimately make his make in the NFL as a free safety. He runs a high 4.4, is aggressive toward the ball and is going to be one of the most athletic players on the field at all times. While he might not be able to start for the Gators, NFL scouts will be jumping over one another to get a chance to draft him in three years.

9. Jeff Demps 5′8″ 185 RB Sophomore

Demps is an absolute burner. If teams can’t get him into games as an every down back, they are going to get their money’s worth by using Demps as kick returner. His 4.3 speed will play up in different NFL offenses, especially if he combines with a power running back at the next level. NFL scouts will get a good chance to evaluate Demps this year, as he will play an important role in balancing the Gators offensive attack.

10. Major Wright 6′ 205 FS Junior

Wright is the starting free safety in the deepest and most athletic defensive backfield in the nation. As an individual, Wright is a ball hawk that will lay the wood on a receiver too. Wright will be a mainstay on an NFL defense for a decade whenever he decides to enter the Draft. He’s a low-first to early-second round pick in 2010 but could improve his stock by coming back to Florida for his senior season.
Best of the Rest
Ahmad Black KR/SS Junior
Lawrence Marsh DT Junior
Matt Patchan OT Sophomore
John Brantley QB Sophomore
Chris Rainey RB Sophomore
Carl Johnson OT Junior
Jermaine Cunningham DE Senior