The Ghostwriter

This is part XXII in my series that recognizes NFL all-collegiate teams based on conference in 2009. College football programs that have switched conferences in the last 15-20 years will be listed under their current conference.

In other words, you will see players like Ray Lewis (Miami, Fl) included in the Atlantic Coastal Conference, even though his alma mater technically played in the Big East Conference during his tenure there. This study also deals exclusively with players who are currently active in the NFL. Thus, you will not find legends like Joe Montana or John Elway included.

In keeping with the theme of the present day, active players have been assessed according to their current abilities (roughly the last two seasons). Therefore, future Hall of Fame candidates like Marvin Harrison who are now on the downside of their careers may not merit first or second team recognition in this study. This is strictly an all-conference team for 2009.

I. 2009 NFL All-Independent Conference Team (Offense)

A) Quarterback

1st Team: Brady Quinn (ND)

2nd Team: None

2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: None

B) Running Back

1st Team: Ryan Grant (ND)

2nd Team: Julius Jones (ND)

2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: None

C) Tight End

1st Team: John Carlson (ND)

2nd Team: Anthony Fasano (ND)

2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: None

D) Wide Receiver

1st Team: Arnaz Battle (ND), Maurice Stovall (ND), empty

2nd Team: None

2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: None

E) Offensive Tackle

1st Team: Mike Gandy (ND), Ryan Harris (ND)

2nd Team: Jordan Black (ND), Mark LeVoir (ND)

2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: None

F) Offensive Guard

1st Team: Mike Wahle (NAVY), Sean Mahan (ND)

2nd Team: Dan Stevenson (ND), empty

2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: None

G) Center

1st Team: Jeff Faine (ND)

2nd Team: John Sullivan (ND)

2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: None

II. 2009 All-Independent Conference Team (Defense)

A) Defensive Tackle

1st Team: Derek Landri (ND), Trevor Laws (ND)

2nd Team: None

2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: None

B) Defensive End

1st Team: Justin Tuck (ND), Bertrand Berry (ND)

2nd Team: Renaldo Wynn (ND), Anthony Weaver (ND)

2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: None

C) Linebacker

1st Team: Corey Mays (ND), Rocky Boiman (ND), Caleb Campbell (ARMY)

2nd Team: None

2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: None

D) Cornerback

1st Team: Allen Rossum (ND), Mike Richardson (ND)

2nd Team: None

2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: None

E) Safety

1st Team: Nedu Ndukwe (ND), Tom Zbikowski (ND)

2nd Team: None

2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: None

F) Kicker

1st Team: John Carney (ND)

2nd Team: Craig Hentrich (ND)

G) Punter

1st Team: Hunter Smith (ND)

2nd Team: None

II. Independent Conference School Representation

A) 1st Team = 2 points, 2nd Team=1 point

1. Notre Dame: 51

2. Army and Navy: 2