For the next couple weeks we will be counting down the top 15 Colorado football players since the 2005-2006 season. Of course, it’s not the most fun decade to be looking at, but I think the down period created an interesting challenge when creating this list.

As it always goes with these lists, there is not an exact formula to determine the top 15, I tried to weigh a player’s success at CU over all other factors, but of course things like NFL success and fan favorite status creeped into the decision making process.

I’m sure people will disagree with placement, or certain players being left off, but that’s part of the fun of these, so as we work down the list, let me know where you disagree!

#9 – Scotty McKnight

One of the most consistent performers I have ever personally watched, McKnight is the only player in school history to lead the team in receptions for four consecutive seasons. He is just the 10th player in NCAA history to catch a pass in every game he played in. He left colorado ranked first in all-time receptions (215) and receiving touchdowns (22).

He was an honorable mention freshman all-american, first team freshman All-Big XII, honorable mention All-Big XII, and second team All-Big XII, throughout his career. He is the only player in school history to win the John Mack Award for most outstanding offensive player three consecutive years in a row, he also won the inaugural Kordell Stewart Career Achievement Award, the Eddie Crowder Award for outstanding leadership, the best interview award, as given by the local media, and many more.

McKnight was seemingly always open, especially when it counted most, more than half of his catches went for first downs, and 51 of those came on third or fourth down. He was one of those “sneaky fast” receivers, also known as a white receiver, that other teams fans learn to hate.

If you put it in his area, he was catching it.

He was drafted in the seventh round by the New York Jets, and reunited with childhood best friend, Mark Sanchez, but never stuck on the roster. That’s okay though, because he dated Hayden Panettiere for a while.

And if you trust a source who thinks he is an NHL player, he is now dating actress Jessica Szohr.

Number nine on my list, number one on your wife’s.

Previous players:

#10 – Jimmy Smith

#11 – Cody Hawkins

#12 – Hugh Charles

#13 – George Hypolite

#14 – Greg Henderson

#15- David Bakhtiari