10 college football players who could dominate MMA
Sep 17, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Texas A&M Aggies lineman Myles Garrett (15) tackles Auburn Tigers quarterback Sean White (13) during the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Find out which of today’s college football stars would fit best in the octagon.
Over the last few years, mixed martial arts has been one of the fastest growing sports in America. Pioneered by Lorenzo Fertitta, Dana White, and Joe Rogan, MMA has also inspired some of the most decorated athletes of the 21st century, highlighted by the likes of Conor McGregor and Georges St. Pierre.
A bloodsport filled with bone-breaking and combative techniques, MMA is certainly not for the faint of heart. So what does it mean to the young man who suits up for Saturdays during the fall? Could he, too, have an unanswered dream of transitioning from the gridiron to the octagon?
While it’s not super common, a growing number of former football players have hung up their helmets in lieu of wrapping their hands in athletic tape, including Matt Mitrione, Herschel Walker, and Brock Lesnar.
Only a handful of football players managed to stir up enough of their energy to partake in MMA. In some instances, an MMA career is never accomplished as a full-time sport, but it gives them something new to look forward to.
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But what if football isn’t in the cards beyond their college years?
In this hypothetical exercise, 10 college football stars were identified as having the necessary skills and mental makeup to make the transition to the octagon. Their incomparable athleticism, agility, and overall skill in football have to be immeasurable in order to make a living in the MMA.
Leading the way is a familiar face in the ACC backfield, not to mention a paragon of courage and resiliency.
All NCAA football stats provided by Sports Reference.
Oct 4, 2014; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) gestures while running onto the field prior to the Panthers game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. The Cavaliers won 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
10. James Conner, Pittsburgh
It’s been scientifically proven that bringing down RB James Conner is a difficult task. What the grinding Conner does every Saturday could enable him to be a prime target for the UFC.
Despite the praise, Conner is a nightmare, the ACC’s best tacklers having been oft-riddled by his strength and leg power.
The real testament to his strength, of course, has been Conner’s refusal to surrender to his lymphoma diagnosis. The setback obviously put a huge damper on his parade, but he was blessed with a warrior’s spirit. earning him the nickname “The Iron Curtain.”
A term synonymous with Winston Churchill’s Iron Curtain speech, it’s also a slight variation of the Steel Curtain, the moniker for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ vaunted defense of the 1970s, when the team won all four of its Super Bowls.
Much like Conner’s unwillingness to go down, the kid — born on May 5 — would have a lot to celebrate if he teamed up with Bellator or the UFC. He might not have the best build, but his character defines him as a frontrunner for a boxer’s belt.
Sep 5, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) celebrates his sack against Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Mike Bercovici (2) (not pictured)in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
9. Myles Garrett, Texas A&M
Having averaged 11 sacks per season since enrolling at Texas A&M in 2014, Myles Garrett has ingrained himself as a player to avoid eye contact with.
Looking like a man who traded in a six pack of beer for six-pack abs, Garrett is an undeniable mention to duke it out with some of the best in MMA. His size alone makes the most athleticall gifted man look like a dwarf. It’s also worth noting that he’s a plausible candidate for Mr. Olympiad, why with his otherworldly.
Garrett’s also at the top of many lists as a prospect to watch heading into next year’s Combine, where his frame promises to provide his best asset to the handle offensive linemen of the NFL.
And a career in being a cowboy isn’t an option at this point. That said, an alternative career in combat sports fits the bill nicely for the natural-born Texan.
A lover of all-things-oldies, “Hit Man” Garrett’s pre-fight walkout music could vary between Dean Martin, Marvin Gaye, and Ella Fitzgerald. Those choices may not sit well with an arena of spectators, but it’s a strategy that’s proven a heap of help for Garrett on gameday.
Dec 6, 2014; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine (32) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the first quarter at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
8. Samaje Perine, Oklahoma
Following in the footsteps of Adrian Peterson and DeMarco Murray at Oklahoma, running back Samaje Perine shifts and jukes his 235-pound so well it’s as if he’s skating on butter. Even so with his meaty figure, he manages to sprint 40 yards in 4.41 seconds.
A gift bestowed upon him, his musculature could carve him out as an early favorite in the octagon. His footwork and general mobility are on point, both key factors in evading attacks from an opponent. With this leverage, Perine’s could definitely prove a formidable force on the mat.
A fan favorite of the stands in Norman, Perine is a distinguished route runner and an overall elite player. It’s hard not to love him when he presses the B button to stiff arm a clueless defender. It’d also be unusual to not include Perine as a likely MMA fighter.
There is a slight problem, though.
Perine’s only drawback before enshrining himself in the MMA world is his even temperament. Most fighters depend on insults to get under their opponent’s skin, but Perine is more soft-spoken. At the end of the day, it’s really about who shows up to work, ready to throw down.
Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines safety Jabrill Peppers (5) runs back a kickoff against the Michigan State Spartans during the1st half of a game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
7. Jabrill Peppers, Michigan
Jabrill Peppers is a huge threat on special teams, as he confirmed in this weekend’s match-up against Penn State. Owing to a near-unparalleled dynamism, Peppers has garnered due attention for being an five-tool stud for the Wolverines.
Peppers is the first Big Ten player to hone in on defensive and special teams awards in a single week. That sort of publicity can give opponents a sour stomach.
An advocate of durability, Peppers is a beacon of hope for Jim Harbaugh’s 2016 squad. No matter his location on the field, Peppers is a stunner for the Maize and Blue, and could very well fit in with Joe Rogan’s crew.
His MMA nickname of “reaper” has its roots in one of the world’s hottest peppers, the Carolina Reaper. Similar to the burning that Peppers wreaks on opposing offenses, the Carolina Reaper is packed with a Scoville unit of 1.57 million, which is 7,850 times hotter than the hottest of jalapenos.
In case his name isn’t called up to the stage in April’s draft (unlikely, of course), or if something unfortunate happens during his time in the pros, Peppers could instead leave Dana White a voicemail to host a UFC training day.
Sep 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) carries the ball against the Southern California Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
6. Christian McCaffrey, Stanford
Touted as one of the greatest running backs to sport a Stanford jersey, Christian McCaffrey is on the right career path towards playing on Sundays. His elusiveness, agility, and overall explosive power as a Stanford Cardinal, though, makes defenses green with envy.
Like always, there’s a handicap to all of McCaffrey’s fortunes.
McCaffrey is a tad on the short side, but that doesn’t faze him. He ends up silencing critics with his maneuverability and his affinity for moving from goal line to goal line at lightspeed. He has his dad, former wide receiver for the Denver Broncos, Ed McCaffrey, to thank for that.
Inheriting the toughness of his father, Christian “Mr. Versatility” McCaffrey has the right ego and set of eyes to make him a UFC star. What could also catapult the Colorado-born, multi-sport athlete into a new sport lies within his neurons? His mental toughness. Though he ran into trouble concerning what others called “an act of racism” in his limited recruiting, McCaffrey has a bright future ahead of him, no matter the sport.
Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) laughs during the second half against the USC Trojans at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
5. Marlon Humphrey, Alabama
With a name that combines Marlon Brando (The Godfather) and Humphrey Bogart (Casablanca), it’s hard not to see Alabama’s premier defensive back as someone ripe for the bright lights of the camera.
Although he calls himself “Fruit Punch” on Twitter, pinning Marlon as “The Godfather” might be too much pressure for a sophomore that accounts for only one of countless other defensive backs in Alabama’s history. But starting off as the No. 1 recruit (2014) in a state storied for its football, Marlon’s surely on his way.
A two-sport athlete in track and football while a student at Hoover High (AL), Marlon has emerged as the latest in a long line of Crimson Tide D-backs destined for next-level impact.
So how does this all translate to his stardom in the ring?
Completing the 110-meter hurdles in sub-14.00 seconds is the appetizer, main course, and dessert of the discussion. Quickness is a fighter’s best friend, especially where reaction speed counts.
Say down the road he loses interest in the NFL and competes in the Olympics. Then, after that, what if he burns out in track and has no escape route? The UFC is always looking for another lightweight.
Oct 11, 2014; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Ben Boulware (10) reacts after making a tackle during the first quarter against the Louisville Cardinals at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
4. Ben Boulware, Clemson
Built very similarly to Samaje Perine, Ben Boulware (6-feet, 235 pounds) is a poster child for the topic of size advantage in college football and MMA. Another contribution that would help Boulware out in the UFC is his abundance of confidence. He has superimposed his talent on himself and lets everyone else know that he’s worth keeping eyes on.
Indeed, that inflated ego can travel a long way in a sport where every fighter is constantly chewed out mentally and physically.
Outside of his convenient surname, Ben “Two Spoons” Boulware sounds more like a pit boss than a UFC fighter, but with his personality and style of play, Boulware belongs in the $4 billion industry that is the UFC. After all, he’d be ready to chow down on some UFC fighters.
All that out in the open, Boulware is the most qualified of the ten MMA pre-qualifiers because of his stature and his “no filter show.”
Dec 31, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos linebacker Tanner Vallejo (20) motions to the fans during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Wildcats in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl at Phoenix Stadium. The Broncos won 38-30. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
3. Tanner Vallejo, Boise State
If you’re lined up against Tanner Vallejo, you might want to ask him where you want your glutes parked, because he will level you.
A linebacker out of Boise State, Tanner’s childhood started in Nevada, where he attended Nevada Union High. Once he took off his cap and gown, Tanner packed his bags and headed for Idaho, where he’s burying his head in the books for a degree in criminal justice.
Academics aside, Vallejo is also on the radar to be considered for this year’s Butkus and Nagurski trophies, both awards recognizing the artists on defense. But even though he’s admired by awards voters, Vallejo is rightfully feared by offenses. Some have even gone out of their way on Twitter to express their fear for a match-up against him.
A man with very little joy plastered on his face, Vallejo’s numbers speak for themselves and they add excitement in hopes he’ll one day be recruited by the likes of Dana White.
Coupled with a vicious game face and an appetite to defeat the minds of opponents, “I Am the Valet” Vallejo’s got all the right stuff in order to be mixed into the equation of college football players-turned-MMA fighters.
Sep 17, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) before a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
2. Leonard Fournette, LSU
According to TMZ Sports, RB Leonard Fournette voted himself into a street fight with a fellow teammate just outside of Tiger Stadium in August. It was all in good fun and not a real “street fight.” Nonetheless, the video posted on TMZ’s site shows that Fournette is fully capable of dodging incoming fists, but can he stand that for twelve rounds?
Either way, it’s a nice indication.
To further solidify the argument, Fournette showcases undeniable power in a stiff arm against a helpless defender. In case Fournette misses the memo of a foot coming at the face, then a body slam is always an option for the Tigers tailback.
The story behind the choice of “Made You Look” derives from Fournette’s second-nature ability to juke in and out of trouble, furthermore confusing the eyesight of his victims. His stability on his feet is another daunting task for opposing teams, but his health changes more than the stock market.
As long as the kid from St. Augustine High (LA) and his lower extremities stay healthy, “Made You Look” Fournette is a legit threat to the veterans of the MMA.
Dec 27, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; BYU Cougars quarterback Taysom Hill (4) carries the ball against the Washington Huskies in the 2013 Fight Hunger Bowl at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
1. Taysom Hill, BYU
The only quarterback to make the cut, Taysom Hill can destroy a competitor with his rocket arm and lethal footwork.
And it’s not just Hill’s uncanny field of vision that makes him a viable UFC candidate. He’s overcome a slew of injuries, one of which he played through in order to grant his team a touchdown. That same injury plotted Hill on the bench for the 2015 season, but he’d return in time for the 2016 opener.
Before incurring the foot injury, Hill was also bounded to the bench in 2013 after suffering a knee injury against Utah State. That defiance alone unveils Hill’s knack for mental toughness and hunger. That can go a long way in the UFC.
Taysom “The Toll Collector” Hill loves numbers, especially the ones on the left. He shares an attraction to winning, regardless of the risks and stakes. Hell, he felt compelled enough to work through a Lisfranc injury so long as it meant collecting another win.
The drive that Hill shows off is contagious and with a portfolio of athleticism (basketball, track and field) behind him, Hill would be a great fit to the MMA family.
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