The 2014 college football season is upon us this weekend, and while fans across the nation prepare to root for their favorite teams, we here at USA Football have a squad of our own near and dear to our hearts.
The U.S. Under-19 National Team alumni.
More than 250 players from all seven U-19 teams dating back to 2009 will take part in NCAA Division I football this fall, spanning every conference and position.
Here’s a look at some of the national team alums who are looking to make an impact this season.
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Names you should know
Alex Carter, Kevin Hogan, Wayne Lyons and Ty Montgomery, Stanford
Teammates on the 2011 U.S. Under-19 team that earned an International Bowl victory, Hogan, Lyons and Montgomery have joined Carter (2012) to lead the Cardinal to back-to-back Rose Bowls.
Hogan (6-4, 228) has thrown for 3,726 yards and 29 TDs after taking over as starting quarterback midway through 2012. Montgomery has caught 111 passes for 1,521 yards and 12 TDs in three full seasons, and his 2,208 all-purpose yards last fall are third most in Cardinal history.
Carter (6-0, 200) and Lyons (6-1, 193) are the starting corners in Stanford’s secondary. Carter is a three-year starter with 104 career tackles and one interception. Lyons has 99 career tackles and three picks.
Imani Cross and Terrell Newby, Nebraska
Cross and Newby make up two-thirds of the Cornhuskers’ backfield by committee. A year apart as members of the U.S. International Bowl teams, Cross (2012) and Newby (2013) combined to run for 760 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2013.
Taureen Folston, Notre Dame
The 5-foot-9, 209-pound sophomore running back played on the 2012 Under-19 World Championship team in Austin, Texas. He was named Notre Dame’s Offensive Newcomer of the Year after playing in 12 games, including a start against BYU. Folston finished with 470 yards on 88 carries (5.3 average) and three touchdowns. His biggest game was 140 yards and a touchdown in a win against Navy.
Devin Funchess, Michigan
At 6-5, 230 pounds, Funchess was a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses at tight end. This fall, the junior is moving outside to wide receiver in Brady Hoke’s offense, where he’ll still cause fits for smaller corners. The 2012 International Bowl performer’s 748 receiving yards as a sophomore set a Michigan single-season record for tight ends. He also had six touchdowns.
Todd Gurley, Georgia
Gurley exploded onto the college football scene in 2012, earning SEC Freshman of the year with 1,385 yards and 17 rushing TDs. He followed that up last fall with 989 yards and 10 scores, adding 37 catches for 441 yards and six more TDs. Gurley, a 6-1, 226-pound junior, played in the 2012 International Bowl.
Bryce Petty, Baylor
The last remaining college player from the 2009 U.S. team, Petty (6-3, 230) has high expectations this season with the Bears. As 2013 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, Petty threw for 4,200 yards and 32 TDs against only three interceptions last fall. He also ran for 14 touchdowns. A fifth-year senior, Petty opens 2014 as a Heisman Trophy candidate and preseason All-American.
Adam Shead, Oklahoma
Entering his fourth year as a starter on the Sooners’ offensive line, Shead was a member of the 2010 U.S. team that earned an International Bowl victory. At 6-4, 339 pounds, Shead is a left guard who plays the run and pass equally well. His quickness allows him to get out and lead runs, opening holes in Oklahoma’s ground game.
Jaxon Shipley, Texas
Shipley enters 2014 with 159 career receptions for 1,933 yards and 10 touchdowns in 36 games. A member of the 2011 International Bowl victors, Shipley suffered a hamstring injury during practice but is expected to lead a young Longhorns receiving corps.
Jameis Winston, Florida State
Undefeated season. Heisman Trophy. BCS Championship. Quite a debut season for Winston, a member of the 2012 U.S. Under-19 team. The 6-4, 230-pound quarterback threw for 4,057 yards, 40 TDs and 10 interceptions, leading the Seminoles to their first national title since 1999.
Names you might know soon
Charles Nelson, Oregon
A freshman wide receiver, Nelson has the speed people have begun to expect from the Ducks. The 5-9, 170-pounder played in the 2014 International Bowl victory over Canada.
Ben Gedeon, Michigan
Gedeon (6-3, 240) appeared in six games last season for the Wolverines and is expected to play an even bigger role this fall at linebacker. He played for the U.S. in the 2013 International Bowl
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Here’s a list of U.S. Under-19 National Team alumni who are playing NCAA Division I football.
Name
Pos.
NT Year
School
Sam Gagliano
WR
2010
Air Force
Alex Norton
OL
2013
Air Force
Conor Hundley
RB
2012 (WC)
Akron
Se'von Pittman
DT
2012
Akron
Jabriel Washington
CB
2011
Alabama
Anu Solomon
QB
2012-13
Arizona
Freggie Tagaloa
OL
2012
Arizona
Carlos Mendoza
LB
2012
Arizona State
Renell Wren
DL
2014
Arizona State
Cameron Birse
QB
2012 (WC)
Arkansas State
Charles Grant
DB
2014
Arkansas State
Khari Harding
DB
2012 (WC)
Auburn
Gimel President
DE
2012
Auburn
Nick Ruffin
DB
2014
Auburn
Corey Coleman
WR
2012
Baylor
Blake Mahon
TE
2014
Baylor
Bryce Petty
QB
2009
Baylor
Ryan Reid
CB
2012
Baylor
Ishmael Zamora
WR
2014
Baylor
Steele Divitto
LB
2010
Boston College
James Hendren
OL
2014
Boston College
Jonothan Hilliman
RB
2014
Boston College
Christian Lezzer
LB
2014
Boston College
Nick Lifka
LB
2011
Boston College
Kendall Montgomery
TE
2010
Bowling Green
Edward Bent
OL
2013
Bucknell
Hardy Nickerson Jr.
LB
2012
California
Cameron Walker
CB
2012 (WC)
California
Avery Sebastian
DB
2011
California
Shaquem Griffin
DB
2013
Central Florida
Shaquill Griffin
DB
2013
Central Florida
Lebranden Richardson
DE
2010
Central Florida
Justin Bridges-Thompson
LB
2012 (WC)
Charlotte
Kevin Schloemer
OL
2010
Cincinnati
Ronald Geohaghan
DB
2012
Clemson
Kellen Jones
LB
2011
Clemson
Alex Spence
K
2014
Clemson
Sam Kronshage
OL
2013
Colorado
Graham Stewart
LB
2011
Colorado
Will Monday
K-P
2011
Duke
Alonzo Saxton
DB
2014
Duke
Cody Keith
QB
2011
East Carolina
Quinton Dunbar
WR
2010
Florida
Moral Stephens
WR
2014
Florida
Daniel Foose
OL
2010
Florida State
Sean Maguire
QB
2012
Florida State
Jesus Wilson
WR
2012 (WC)
Florida State
Jameis Winston
QB
2012
Florida State
Todd Gurley
RB
2012
Georgia
Isaiah Wynn
OL
2014
Georgia
Kight Dallas
LB
2012 (WC)
Georgia State
Tony Grimes
CB
2010
Hawaii
DeMarcus Ayers
WR
2012 (WC)
Houston
Jarrett Irving
DB
2012
Houston
Darius Mosely
DB
2012 (WC)
Illinois
Tommy Mister
WR
2014
Indiana
Andrew Donnal
OL
2010
Iowa
Colin Goebel
OL
2013
Iowa
Malik Rucker
DB
2012 (WC)
Iowa
Reggie Spearman
LB
2012 (WC)
Iowa
Tyler Wiegers
QB
2014
Iowa
Derrick Willies
WR
2013
Iowa
Jake Campos
OL
2013
Iowa State
Alex Leslie
TE
2013
Iowa State
Conrelius Henderson
OL
2013
Jackson State
Titus Till
SS
2010
James Madison
Ishmael Hyman
WR
2013
Kansas
Mitch Lochbihler
TE
2013
Kansas State
Matthew McCrane
K/P
2013
Kansas State
Dalton Risner
OL
2014
Kansas State
Jacob Hyde
DL
2012 (WC), 2013
Kentucky
Daniel Ford
OL
2010
Kentucky State
Canon Smith
TE
2012
Liberty
Josh Allen
OL
2010
Louisiana-Monroe
Tyler Bruggman
QB
2013
Louisville
Lewis Neal
DL
2013
LSU
Ethan Pocic
CB
2012 (WC)
LSU
Clarence Murphy
LB
2010
Maryland
Shane Cockerille
QB
2013
Maryland
Lorenzo Woodley
RB
2012 (WC)
Massachusetts
Keiwone Malone
WR
2010
Memphis
Brayden Scott
QB
2012 (WC)
Memphis
David Dawson
OL
2013
Michigan
Devin Funchess
TE
2012
Michigan
Ben Gedeon
LB
2013
Michigan
Khalid Hill
TE
2013
Michigan
Royce Jenkins-Stone
LB
2012
Michigan
Jourdan Lewis
DB
2013
Michigan
Terry Richardson
DB
2012
Michigan
James Ross
LB
2012
Michigan
Logan Tuley-Tillman
OL
2012 (WC)
Michigan
Craig Evans
DL
2014
Michigan State
T.J. Harrell
DB
2014
Michigan State
Enoch Smith Jr.
DL
2014
Michigan State
Quincy Adeboyejo
WR
2013
Mississippi
Herbert Moore
DL
2012 (WC)
Mississippi
Jake Thomas
OL
2013
Mississippi State
Chase Abbington
RB
2012 (WC), 2013
Missouri
Alec Abeln
OL
2012 (WC)
Missouri
Eric Beisel
LB
2012 (WC)
Missouri
Micah Thomas
LB
2014
Navy
Cory Cooper
SS
2010
Nebraska
Imani Cross
RB
2012
Nebraska
Trai Mosley
DB
2014
Nebraska
Terrell Newby
RB
2013
Nebraska
D.J. Singleton
DB
2012
Nebraska
Tere Calloway
DB
2013
Nevada
Dajaun Drennon
DE
2012 (WC)
North Carolina
Avery Edwards
TE
2014
North Carolina
Tommy Heffernan
LB
2010
North Carolina
Kiaro Holts
OT
2011
North Carolina
Anthony Creecy
RB
2010
North Carolina State
Jalan McClendon
QB
2014
North Carolina State
Justin Jackson
RB
2014
Northwestern
Ifeadi Odenigbo
DL
2012
Northwestern
Ian Park
OL
2012
Northwestern
Josh Atkinson
CB
2011
Notre Dame
Hunter Bivin
OL
2012 (WC)
Notre Dame
Tarean Folston
RB
2012 (WC)
Notre Dame
Jay Hayes
DL
2014
Notre Dame
Matthew Hegarty
OL
2011
Notre Dame
Greer Martini
LB
2014
Notre Dame
Anthony Rabasa
LB
2011
Notre Dame
Durham Smythe
TE
2012 (WC)
Notre Dame
Nile Sykes
LB
2014
Notre Dame
Michael Bennett
DL
2011
Ohio State
Frank Epitropoulos
WR
2012
Ohio State
Donovan Munger
DL
2013
Ohio State
Ronald Tanner
SS
2011
Ohio State
Brady Taylor
OL
2014
Ohio State
Dylan Thompson
DL
2014
Ohio State
Samaje Perine
RB
2014
Oklahoma
Adam Shead
OL
2010
Oklahoma
Ben Hughes
DL
2013
Oklahoma State
Jake Kurzu
OL
2013
Oklahoma State
Deric Robertson
S
2013
Oklahoma State
Ryan Simmons
LB
2011
Oklahoma State
Josh Huff
WR
2010
Oregon
Jalen Jelks
DL
2014
Oregon
Charles Nelson
WR
2014
Oregon
Damien Haskins
RB
2013
Oregon State
Dashon Hunt
CB
2012 (WC)
Oregon State
Darrell Songy
LB
2013
Oregon State
Saeed Blacknall
WR
2014
Penn State
Brian Gaia
DT
2012
Penn State
Mike Hull
LB
2010
Penn State
Paul Griggs
K
2012
Purdue
Zach Espinosa
S
2012
Rice
James Mayden
WR
2014
Rice
Spencer Stanley
OL
2012
Rice
Matthew Wofford
OL
2011
Rice
J.J. Denman
OT
2012
Rutgers
Savon Huggins
RB
2011
Rutgers
Lance Duran
LB
2012 (WC)
Sam Houston State
Brandon Monroe
RB
2013
San Jose State
Tajee Fullwood
DB
2014
South Florida
Vincent Jackson
LB
2014
South Florida
Anthony Sarao
LB
2011
Southern Cal
Devon Cajuste
WR
2011
Stanford
Alex Carter
CB
2012
Stanford
Noor Davis
LB
2012
Stanford
Kevin Hogan
QB
2011
Stanford
Wayne Lyons
CB
2011
Stanford
Ty Montgomery
WR
2011
Stanford
Ikenna Nwafor
DL
2012
Stanford
Harrison Phillips
DL
2014
Stanford
A.J. Tarpley
LB
2010
Stanford
Tyler Provo
TE
2012 (WC)
Syracuse
Samuel Douglas
LB
2012 (WC), 2013
TCU
Aaron Green
RB
2011
TCU
Joey Hunt
OL
2012
TCU
Jamelle Naff
OG
2011
TCU
Bobby Thompson
OG
2011
TCU
Romond Deloach
DE
2012
Temple
Jordan Johnson
NG
2010
Tennessee Tech
Caleb Bluiett
DE
2012
Texas
Malcom Brown
DT
2012
Texas
Daje Johnson
WR
2012
Texas
Jaxon Shipley
WR
2011
Texas
Reggie Chevis
LB
2012 (WC)
Texas A&M
Tavares Garner
DB
2012 (WC)
Texas A&M
Adrian Bellard
OT
2012
Texas State
Matt Freeman
C
2011
Texas State
Brandon McDowell
DB
2013
Texas State
Felix Romero
OL
2012
Texas State
Shawn Corker
WR
2010
Texas Tech
Trey Keenan
OL
2012
Texas Tech
Kenny Williams
RB
2011
Texas Tech
Rodney Adams
WR
2012 (WC)
Toledo
Delando Johnson
DB
2013
Toledo
Keion Payne
CB
2010
Troy
Connor Floyd
WR
2011
Tulsa
Rob Riederer
LB
2012
Tulsa
Kody Innes
C
2010
UCLA
Kevin McReynolds
OG
2011
UCLA
Najee Toran
OL
2014
UCLA
Moana Ofahengaue
DL
2012
Utah
Colby Cooke
P
2012
Vanderbilt
Taurean Ferguson
DB
2013
Vanderbilt
Darrius Sims
DB
2012 (WC)
Vanderbilt
Steven Moss
OL
2014
Virginia
Chris Durkin
QB
2014
Virginia Tech
Dakota Jackson
TE
2012 (WC)
Virginia Tech
Zach McCray
TE
2010
Virginia Tech
Wyatt Teller
DL
2013
Virginia Tech
Alique Terry
OL
2014
Wake Forest
Lance Virgile
LB
2013
Wake Forest
Michael Hartvigson
TE
2010
Washington
Taniela Tupou
DL
2011
Washington
Cameron Van Winkle
K
2012 (WC)
Washington
Kris Harley
DT
2011
Western Illinois
Isaac McDonald
S
2012 (WC)
West Virginia
Jessie Hayes
LB
2011
Wisconsin
Billy Hirschfeld
DL
2014
Wisconsin
Matthew Miller
OL
2013
Wisconsin
Travis Williams
LB
2010
Youngstown State
category:
U.S. National Team
Tags:
Joe Frollo
Adam Shead
college football
Oklahoma
Jameis Winston
Florida State
Ben Gedeon
Charles Nelson
Oregon
Jaxon Shipley
Texas
Alex Carter
Kevin Hogan
Wayne Lyons
Devin Funchess
Michigan
Todd Gurley
Georgia
Bryce Petty
Baylor
Ty Montgomery
Stanford
Under19
Imani Cross
Terrell Newby
Nebraska
Taureen Folston
Notre Dame
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Joe Frollo
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