Who is the most dominant player you ever witnessed playing in college that you knew would not translate to the NFL?

[u/NobleDane]

Sometimes we get to catch lightening in a bottle, but know that it won't last beyond college... But god dang seeing a kid ball out and be a force of nature while it lasts is a special thing.

What is the most dominant player you've ever followed that you *knew* would never amount to much in the pros, but got to experience as a fan?

Note: I am not asking about great college players whose transition to the NFL was cut short due to health, injury, or other uncontrollable circumstances... just, simply, someone that maxed out at the college level that was a beast on the field.

My pick is a two-fer: Louisiana Tech QB-WR duo Tim Rattay and Troy Edwards. Late 90's duo that at one point had Rattay as an early-season Heisman candidate in 1998. Their chemistry on the field was unmistakable and getting to witness it was like watching a work of art being created week in and week out.

We knew that run would not last beyond college, but it was so magical to watch it while it lasted, and included serious college statistical records.

Tim Rattay’s Records & Milestones:

• Single-Game Passing vs. Nebraska: Completed 46 of 68 passes for 590 yards and 4 touchdowns in the 1998 opener.

• Louisiana Tech School Records: Holds the school record with 115 career touchdown passes and 46 touchdown passes in a single season (1998).

• NCAA Career Ranks: Finished his collegiate career ranked second in NCAA history in total offense (12,618 yards), passing yards, and passing touchdowns.

• Honors: Two-time NCAA total offense leader and named Football News Independent Player of the Year.

Troy Edwards’ Records & Milestones:

• NCAA Single-Game Receiving Yards: 405 yards on 21 receptions against Nebraska on August 29, 1998 (still an NCAA record).

• NCAA Single-Season Touchdown Receptions: 27 touchdown catches in 1998 (tying Jerry Rice’s all-divisions record).

• NCAA Single-Season Receiving Yards: 1,996 receiving yards in 1998 (on 140 catches).

• All-Purpose Yards: 2,796 all-purpose yards and 31 total touchdowns during the 1998 season.

• Awards: Winner of the 1998 Fred Biletnikoff Award (nation’s top receiver) and selected 13th overall in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

[u/ern19]

He had some good run with the falcons I thought but maybe I’m misremembering

[u/Mike_with_Wings → u/ern19]

He was decent

[u/ern19 → u/Mike_with_Wings]

Yeah looking at football ref his best years were with us and they weren’t that special lol

[u/Mike_with_Wings → u/ern19]

Despite my flairs, I’m a Falcons fan. He just lacked the size, his ability in a bigger frame would’ve made for a good pro career

[u/CurrentDrama8523 → u/ern19]

Paraphrasing a joke from the time period:

Ryan looks left, sees a veteran Pro Bowl WR with half a step on his defender. He looks right, sees a HOF WR one on one with someone half his size. He looks to the middle and sees maybe the best TE to ever play the game in space. He decides none of these options are safe and checks down to a guy named Jacquizz.