It was hard enough doing a Top 30 players list after the season. We went with just 25 for our preseason Big East's best list this preseason, which means several deserving players couldn't make the cut.

Time now to put a final bow on that countdown by highlighting five players who just missed the Top 25, presented in alphabetical order:

Victor Anderson, RB, Louisville: Anderson rushed for 473 yards and five touchdowns last year but only played eight games because of a variety of injuries. Two years ago, he was the Big East's Rookie of the Year after topping 1,000 yards. If healthy, he's one of the shiftiest and quickest backs in the conference, and he should be featured heavily in Mike Sanford's spread offense.

Brandon Hogan, CB, West Virginia: Hogan had 74 tackles and an interception last season and is talented enough to claim the title of Big East's best cornerback this season. If his mind is right.

Jason Kelce, OL, Cincinnati: Kelce was a first-team All-Big East selection last year and helped power the league's best offense.

JK Schaffer, LB, Cincinnati: Finished eighth in the league last year with an even 100 tackles and tied for sixth with three interceptions. He's not flashy, but he makes big plays in key situations and will be one of the defensive leaders for this team in 2010.

Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia: Got his feet wet last year while winning the Marshall game and leading the Mountaineers for the entire second half in the Gator Bowl loss. He's got a veteran, explosive offense surrounding him as he takes over for Jarrett Brown. The only real question is whether he can stay healthy after foot problems have derailed his last two offseasons.