Five elite athletes redefine their positions, win games

West Virginia QB Pat White had a hand in 31 touchdowns last season. AP

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You've heard the cliché before, and it's one that's fairly hard to argue: "Football," says every coach or player who's ever donned a headset or uniform, "is a team game."

There is no Greg Maddux standing alone on a mound of dirt, capable of mowing down the other team's lineup. No Michael Jordan getting in a zone and suddenly scoring 12 straight points for his team. No Tiger Woods standing alone on a green, eyeing a putt that will win or lose the Masters.

There are 11 guys on offense. There are 11 guys on defense. Throw in the nickel back, the short-yardage specialist, the kicker, the punter, the holder and the return guys, and it's easy to see that winning a football game requires contributions from all of them.

But that doesn't mean one particularly special player can't have a significant impact on the outcome. In fact, there are certain positions on the field where one particularly gifted athlete can singlehandedly change the course of a game -- sometimes in the span of one play.

Typically, the glory of victory is bestowed on a star quarterback or running back. But the traditional, drop-back QB can't change a game on his own; he needs the help of his receivers, just as the running back needs his linemen to open holes. A lock-down cover cornerback gets acclaim when he picks off an intended pass and returns it for a touchdown, but an opponent can just as easily neutralize him by throwing to the other side of the field.

In a sport where both the athletes and the schemes are changing more rapidly than ever, SI.com identified five positions most apt for breeding a true, one-man "Game Changer" -- and five truly exceptional players who will fit that bill in 2007. Some, like Michigan tackle Jake Long, are merely continuing a legacy that has been central to the sport since nearly its inception. Others, such as Florida's Percy Harvin, are helping invent a new breed of football player right before our eyes.

All, however, share one trait: The ability to affect the course of a game all on their own.

Game Changer No. 1: The Dual-Threat Quarterback

How he changes the game: While there are no shortage of "mobile" quarterbacks who can move in the pocket, escape a sack or turn a busted play into a seven-yard gain, to be a game changer one must truly present a "dual threat." He's the rare QB who's so dangerous as a runner and so effective as a passer that he's a threat to put the ball in the end zone on just about any snap. (See: Vince Young, 2006 Rose Bowl.)

The Prototype: West Virginia's Pat White. From the moment the then redshirt freshman came off the bench in the Mountaineers' Oct. 15, 2005, game against Louisville and promptly led a 17-point, fourth-quarter comeback and triple-overtime victory, it was obvious he possessed that rare ability to change the course of a game in one play. While it certainly doesn't hurt to have the ultra-fast Steve Slaton lining up next to him in the shotgun, White himself is as speedy (4.43) and nimble as any slashing tailback. In fact, he gained more rushing yards than all but 15 running backs nationally last season (1,219 yards, 18 touchdowns).

"He can go for a home run at any time," said Rutgers coach Greg Schiano. "He's fast, and he can stop on a dime. He can be going full speed horizontally, stick a foot in the ground and go full speed vertical. Give him just a little bit of daylight, and he's off."

Like the aforementioned Young, White began his career as a raw and little-used passer known solely for his feet. Also like Young, he began to show off his arm toward the end of his sophomore season, completing 63 percent of his throws for 833 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions over his last four outings. And again like Young, the 6-foot-2, 185-pound White will likely morph into the total package in his junior season, as Mountaineers coach Rich Rodriguez looks to add a big-play passing component to his squad's already potent running offense. "He's got a strong arm," Rodriguez said. "What we're trying to do is quicken up his release a little bit, shorten it. He's worked at that. He got better at it last year and he's getting even better."

Other recent prototypes: Texas' Vince Young (2003-05), Missouri's Brad Smith (2001-04), Indiana's Antwaan Randle El (1998-2001), Clemson's Woody Dantzler (1998-2001), Virginia Tech's Michael Vick (1999-2000).

Keep an eye on: Vanderbilt junior Chris Nickson, Illinois sophomore Juice Williams, Florida sophomore Tim Tebow, Virginia Tech freshman Tyrod Taylor, Jeannette (Pa.) high school senior Tyrelle Pryor.

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