Son of a Hall of Famer leads hot prospect list

Virginia's Chris Long, son of NFL Hall of Famer Howie Long, has 10 sacks this season. Jeff Fishbein/Icon SMI

The unpredictable 2006 college season continued as another undefeated team went down to defeat last week. And finally, several well known NFL prospects are starting to hit their stride and solidify themselves as early selections.

Chris Long/DE/Virginia: The son of NFL Hall of Famer Howie Long was unblockable against Maryland. Long posted 10 tackles and two sacks against the Terps. An early first-round selection, Long has totaled 50 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 10 sacks this season.

Sederick Ellis/DT/USC: The explosive interior defender was a prime factor as the Tojans shut down Notre Dame at home, limiting the Irish to just 48 yards rushing. On the first play from scrimmage, Ellis sacked quarterback Evan Sharpley, setting the tone for the game. Ellis is flying up draft boards and has situated himself as a top-12 pick.

Vernon Gohlston/DE-LB/Ohio State: Sometimes lost in the shuffle with all the terrific talent on the Buckeyes roster, Gohlston has been a defensive playmaker this season. Gohlston, who leads the team with five sacks, forced Michigan State's offense into a number of errors on Saturday. A junior said to be considering the draft, Gohlston fits into the middle part of round one if he jumps to the NFL.

Tijuan Underwood/WR/Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights' big-play receiver has been unstoppable this year. He leads the team with 39 receptions and six touchdown passes and averages more than 20 yards per reception. Almost 75 percent of his catches this season have resulted in either a first down or touchdown. Only a junior, he has the attention of NFL scouts.

Dorien Bryant/WR-RS/Purdue: The slippery pass-catcher recorded a career high of 167 yards receiving on nine receptions, two which resulted in scores, in the win over Iowa. Besides averaging more than seven receptions per game this season, Bryant is the teams top return man with a 29 yard average on kick returns.

1 of 2