I returned home from California to find Phil Steele's college football preview magazine waiting for me. Today comes another indicator of the upcoming season: Bruce Feldman's annual "freaks" list. The list is what it sounds like: the freakiest athletes around college football.
Two Big Ten players make the group of 20: Iowa left tackle Brandon Scherff at No. 2 and Purdue running back/returner Raheem Mostert at No. 10.
Although Scheff looks like a prototype offensive lineman these days, he played quarterback and also stood out in both baseball and basketball at Denison High School in Iowa. His mix of athleticism and brute strength has longtime Iowa strength coach Chris Doyle calling him "the best we've ever had." That's high praise considering the players who have come through the Hawkeyes' program.
Scherff recently hang-cleaned 437 pounds.
From the story:
He can Jerk 400 pounds over his head, vertical jump 31 or 32 inches and run his first 10 yards in 1.58 to 1.60 seconds, according to the coach. (For comparison's sake on the 10-yard split, Auburn star Greg Robinson clocked a 1.68 at the NFL combine while Michigan's Taylor Lewan -- an old Freaks list guy -- timed his in 1.64, and he ran the fastest 40 among O-linemen in Indy officially at 4.87.).
Mostert's freakishness was on display throughout the spring, as he cemented himself as the Big Ten's top sprinter by winning titles in the 100 and 200 meters at the outdoor track and field championships. He won both events at the Big Ten's indoor championships earlier this year.
The former Boilers wide receiver led the FBS in kick returns in 2011, averaging 33.5 yards per runback with four of 71 yards or longer. He moved to running back last season and pushed for significant playing time during spring practice.
Two good selections for the "freaks" list.
Who else belongs? Send us your suggestions and why.
