ESPN College Football

With the NFL draft deadline for underclassmen passing today, we know who's staying and who's leaving in the Big East. So who are the top stars for 2009?

	Kim Klement/US Presswire
	Matt Grothe will enter his fourth year as a starter in 2009.

There will no doubt be players who emerge out of obscurity -- who thought Donald Brown would do what he did in 2008? -- but for now, here's my list of the top Big East players heading into next season:

1. Matt Grothe, South Florida: Easily the most recognizable name for non-league observers, the senior quarterback will enter his fourth year as a starter and will become the Big East's all-time career yardage leader as soon as Week 1. He still has to cut down on his interceptions, though.

2. George Selvie, South Florida: The two-time All-American defensive end will join his teammate as the face of the league on the defensive side.

3. Tony Pike, Cincinnati: Coach Brian Kelly said during the season that he thought Pike could develop into the Big East's best player his senior year. Given his first chance to start the season at quarterback, Pike will try to back those words up.

4. Noel Devine, West Virginia: Devine had some ups and downs this season, but it was his first full year of starting at running back. With Pat White gone, the Mountaineers will need him to take on more responsibility in 2009.

5. Victor Anderson, Louisville: After a breakout freshman campaign, Anderson should be in line for a huge sophomore season. The question is whether he'll have enough help around him on the rebuilding Cardinals' offense.

6. Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati: Gilyard becomes the Bearcats' go-to receiver with the graduation of Dominick Goodman, and he should remain a dangerous kickoff return man a year after winning Big East special teams player of the year honors.

7. Jonathan Baldwin, Pittsburgh: The gifted 6-foot-5 receiver seems poised to deliver on his immense potential as a sophomore -- if Pitt can find a quarterback to get him the ball consistently.

8. Jock Sanders, West Virginia: Devine's mighty-mite partner should once again pose a big-play threat at receiver and running back in the Mountaineers' revamped offense.

9. Arthur Jones, Syracuse: The athletic defensive tackle should be the biggest name on defense besides Selvie to start the year.

10. Jarrett Brown, West Virginia: Replacing White at quarterback, Brown will have a lot of attention focused on him from the start.

Honorable mention: Anthony Davis, LT, Rutgers; Ryan D'Imperio, LB, Rutgers; Greg Romeus and Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pittsburgh; Scott Long and Doug Beaumont, WR, Louisville; Scott Lutrus, LB, Connecticut; Reed Williams, LB, West Virginia.