UP, UP, UP... TOMORROW'S NEXT

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MICHAEL CRABTREE
AGE: 21
HOME: DALLAS

Okay, so he won't top all his ridiculous numbers from the 2007 season (134 catches, 1,962 receiving yards, 22 TDs—all NCAA freshman records). But the Texas Tech wideout has clearly made his point. "He's the best player in college football, period," says one NFL scout. Crabtree confirmed it against then-perfect Texas on Nov. 1: When he warded off two defenders along the sideline to catch a 28-yarder, then shimmied the last couple of yards for the game-winner, he put the Red Raiders on the map.

THIS WAY TO GREATNESS "I study tapes of Jerry Rice to become a better route-runner."

BEST ADVICE "Wes Welker said, 'Man, they're going to hold you. Be ready for it!'"

TOLD YOU SO "Texas wanted me to go there to play defense. I told them I wanna score touchdowns."
Photograph by Vincent Soyez