Cam Newton

In terms of breakout stars, it doesn't get much better than this. Newton entered the 2010 season with a shorter bio in the official Auburn media guide than the Tigers' long snapper. By the end of a magical season, he'd helped guide the Tigers to a BCS Championship, earning the Heisman Trophy along the way. A highly-touted recruit, Newton originally signed with the University of Florida, but chose to transfer when it became apparent that Tim Tebow would return for his senior season. Wanting to play immediately, Newton transferred to Blinn College in Texas, where he accumulated 3,488 all-purpose yards and scored 38 combined touchdowns while leading the Buccaneers to the 2009 NJCAA championship. Pursued by all of the major colleges following his tour with Blinn, Newton appeared headed towards Mississippi State due to his relationship with head coach Dan Mullen, formerly Newton's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach with the Gators. Instead, he selected Auburn, emerging as the best player in college football. Newton was an unstoppable force in Gus Malzahn's spread option offense, passing for 2,874 yards and 30 touchdowns (against only seven interceptions) and rushing for another 1,473 yards and 20 scores. He joined Tebow and Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick as the only players in NCAA history to throw for 20-plus touchdowns and rush for 20-plus touchdowns in the same season. As gaudy as Newton's production was at the collegiate level, there are significant concerns about his ability to translate his skills to the NFL, especially considering that he's only started one season at the FBS level. Newton wasn't asked to make complicated pre- and post-snap reads in Malzahn's offense and hasn't demonstrated the consistent accuracy scouts would like. His upside, however, is tantalizing, especially in a draft lacking a sure No. 1 quarterback. If Newton can convince teams of his ability to mentally handle the conversion to the NFL as well as answer their questions about his off-field decisions, Newton could wind up as a top 10 pick in the 2011 draft.

setup/release

An area of legitimate concern. Takes virtually all of his snaps out of the shotgun and while he clearly has the athleticism to handle dropping back from center, will be making the difficult transition of doing so while making multiple reads of the defense -- something he wasn't often asked to do at Auburn. Possesses an efficient, over the top release with good follow-through. Generally steps into his throws, though he will too often fail to do so when on the move. Stops his feet and will shotput throws, leading to passes fluttering and coming up short.

reading defenses

Another area of concern. Was only asked to make 1-2 reads at Auburn before having free reign to tuck the ball and run with it. Rarely was challenged with complicated blitz packages as collegiate defenses typically were more worried about protecting against the run. Essentially will be asked to make twice as many reads in half as much time in the NFL.

arm strength

Possesses plenty of arm strength to make every NFL throws. Can zip the slant and deep out through tight windows. Good strength to complete passes even with defenders draped over him. Can flick the ball 50 yards downfield without significant windup, and closer to 70 when he does.

intangibles

Scouts question whether he has the football intelligence necessary to handle the myriad of formations and adjustments to be successful in a pro offense. Though his football IQ has been questioned, scouts rave about his poise on and off the field, as well as his leadership ability. Quickly emerged as Auburn's unquestioned leader. Despite his leadership, teams will have to do their homework on Newton's off-field behavior. Was arrested while at Florida for possession of a stolen laptop computer. He and his father were infamously investigated for their role in a pay-for-play scheme at Mississippi State that endangered Newton's eligibility and Heisman candidacy. The NCAA and SEC chose not to suspend Newton due to a lack of evidence that he had knowledge of his father courting payment in exchange for his son accepting a scholarship offer.

on the move

Clearly his greatest trait. Buys time in the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield. Can elude defenders in tight quarters due to good elusiveness for the position. Rare acceleration. Possesses a second gear to sneak through cracks in the defense and break away. Possesses rare strength and size. Can bowl over defenders to gain yardage. Every bit as dangerous as a runner as he is a receiver. Capable of completing throws with defenders draped on him.

accuracy

Generally demonstrates good accuracy, though he is inconsistent in the all important intermediate areas. Good ball placement on underneath routes and when hitting the back on the swing pass when he sets his feet. Among his best attributes is his deep ball accuracy. Possesses very good touch and trajectory on the long ball, showing the ability to drop it in the bucket from 50 yards out. Shows the ability to step into his throws and fire the slant, post and deep out passes, though his accuracy drops when he's forced to move his feet. Doesn't always reset, making quick tosses that are primarily "arm" throws.

Participated in the inaugural All-American Offense-Defense All-American Bowl for Team East following his senior season

His squad won the game, 28-14

One of nine quarterbacks in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Super Southern 100

As a junior, completed 62.4 percent of his passes for 2,500 yards and 23 touchdowns

Threw just nine interceptions and rushed for 638 yards and nine TDs.

Born May 11, 1989

Son of Cecil and Jackie Newton.