Tim Tebow’s decision not to go pro was hardly a surprise, as most expected Florida ’s quarterback would make the ‘right’ decision. But Tebow is certainly in the minority this year, as far as skill players go -- those who have the option are exercising that option, trading campus life for the riches of the NFL.

Here is a list of 10 underclassman skill players who are soon to undergo the rigorous three-month stretch of an NFL Draft Prospect ...

QB Matthew Stafford, Georgia
Even when he was having an off-day in the Capital One Bowl, Stafford still showed flashes of brilliance. He stands at 6-3 and 237 pounds, so size is no issue, and neither is arm strength or touch. And Stafford has sat in the pocket for three years at Georgia , having faced a brutal SEC schedule, so NFL scouts will appreciate how seasoned this quarterback is. While not to be called a ‘can’t miss’ prospect, Stafford is a very safe round one quarterback, especially for a team able to bring him along at a comfortable pace.
Big Game: In an important win over LSU this season, Stafford completed 65.4 percent of his passes and threw two touchdowns in the Bulldogs’ 52-38 win.

WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
It’s strange, but in some respects Crabtree had a ‘down year with 97 catches for 1,165 yards and 19 touchdowns. That’s because in his debut season he racked up much bigger totals (134/1,962/22). At 6-3 and 214 pounds, Crabtree might have the best frame of any receiver in this draft class, but that doesn’t mean he is a lock to meet the approval of NFL scouts. His speed and agility will be closely monitored over these next few months.
Big Game: So many big games and big numbers, but what stands out, of course, is Crabtree’s thrilling last-second touchdown in the Red Raiders’ win over Texas. Crabtree caught 10 passes for 127 yards that game.

WR Austin Collie, BYU
His numbers this season were staggering: 106 receptions, 1,538 yards and 15 touchdowns. But when one considers that BYU had another receiver (tight end Dennis Pitta) who caught 83 passes for 1,083 yards, it takes a little of the luster off. Still, Collie’s three-year totals are worthy of NFL consideration, and now it is up to his raw athletic ability (ala it’s Combine time) to prove he is worthy of a high selection. Like most of the receivers in this class, Collie has average NFL size (6-2, 206 pounds).
Big Game: In a trip to Colorado State , Collie hauled in nine passes for 156 yards and three scores.

RB Chris Wells, Ohio State
Wells was a difference maker at Ohio State , and when healthy there were few backs in the country that were more productive. In fact, Wells gained 130-plus yards in four of the five final games of the regular season. And Ohio State ’s inability to get past Texas in the Fiesta Bowl had nothing to do with Wells’ poor play. It’s probable the big guy will land early in round one, but what will have teams worried is his speed and durability. One positive: he won’t turn 21 until August.
Big Game: Against Michigan in 2007, Wells poured it on all afternoon (39 carries for 222 yards and two scores).

RB Knowshon Moreno , Georgia
Moreno is being heralded as the best back in this class … and for good reason. He’s been very consistent during his two years in the Georgia lineup, and he’s shown good durability. Best yet, Moreno is still growing as a player and in the right system could blossom into a perennial pro bowl player. Most peg Moreno as a top 10 pick, but a lot can happen between now and April.
Big Game: In a tight win over Auburn , Moreno gained 131 yards rushing and caught passes for 58 yards, including a long second quarter touchdown.

WR Jeremy Maclin, Missouri
For as much that is said about Michael Crabtree’s NFL potential there are those who feel Maclin will be the better pro. He gained 1,000 yards in both of his years in the lineuop, and in 2008 he caught 102 passes for the Tigers. And Maclin carried the ball 91 times in those two seasons – proof of his versatility as a playmaker. At 6-1, 200 pounds Maclin is merely average size, but his ability is anything but.
Big Game: In a 41-24 rout of Kansas State , Maclin caught eight passes for 118 yards, and carried four times for 84 yards. Oh, yeah, he scored three touchdowns that day, too.

RB Shonn Greene , Iowa
One of three Big Ten backs to jet school early, Greene was a one-man wrecking crew for the Hawkeyes this season, with 1,850 yards and 18 touchdowns. Greene gained at least 100 yards rushing in each game this season, including Iowa ’s bowl win over South Carolina . He packs a punch (235 pounds) but no one is certain yet whether this ‘one-year wonder’ has enough burst to succeed at the next level. Only time with tell.
Big Game: Against Wisconsin Greene had three touchdown runs of 30 or more yards, and a fourth from 12 yards out. He carried 25 times that afternoon for a season-best 217 yards.

WR Hakeen Nicks , North Carolina
Nicks caught more than half of North Carolina ’s touchdown passes in 2008, and collected more than one-third of the total number of completions. The 6-1, 215 pound target was an excellent weapon in a mixed-bag league, but it’s hard to say at this point how well those talents will translate to the next level.
Big Game: Nicks was a stud when it counted most, evidence by his big numbers in the wins over Miami-FL and Notre Dame. Unfortunately, his eight-catch, 217-yard and three-touchdown effort wasn’t enough to slide by West Virginia in the Meineke Car Care Bowl.

RB P.J. Hill , Wisconsin
Some were a bit surprised to see Hill add his name this year, especially considering how deep this running back class is getting. Fact is, had he stuck around Madison he would have probably been pushed to the No. 2 spot by John Clay. Even so, Hill had a nice career for the Badgers and his hefty frame (236 pounds) will draw interest from NFL scouts representing power running game teams. He also closed his career on a positive note, with 140 yards on 15 carries against Florida State .
Big Game: As a freshman, Hill reminded Wisconsin fans of another famed Badger back – Ron Dayne. In the 2006 game against northwestern Hill carried 35 times for 249 yards.

RB Donald Brown, Connecticut
In terms of his size, Brown is an average NFL running back (5-10, 210 pounds), but in terms of mileage, he’s already a star. Brown carried 367 times for the Huskies for 2,083 yards. Big East teams also had a hard time keeping him out of the end zone (35 touchdowns in three seasons).
Big Game: Nothing better than going out with a bang! In the International Bowl against Buffalo , Brown carried 29 timers for 261 yards (9.0 average per carry).