On to our first offensive lineman ...
No. 14, Mario Benavides, C, Louisville
Making the case: Benavides paved the way for a pair of 700-plus-yard rushers and started all 13 games for the BCS-bowl winning Cardinals, giving him 47 for his career. He was a finalist for the Rimington Trophy (nation's best center), and he was named first-team All-Big East by both the conference and ESPN.com. Benavides was a linchpin in the middle of Louisville's offense, protecting conference offensive player of the year Teddy Bridgewater throughout the Cardinals' historic season. He will be sorely missed next season as Louisville goes for its third straight conference crown.
Preseason ranking: 17
The countdown
No. 15 Adrian Bushell, CB, Louisville
No. 16 Sio Moore, LB, UConn
No. 17 Shamarko Thomas, S, Syracuse
No. 18 Scott Vallone, DT, Rutgers
No. 19 Jerome Smith, RB, Syracuse
No. 20 Devin Street, WR, Pitt
No. 21 DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
No. 22 Matt Brown, RB, Temple
No. 23 Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville
No. 24 Tyler Matakevich, LB, Temple
No. 25 Aaron Donald, DT, Pitt
