We began a list of our top 20 Rams entering fall camp for 2016 last week, revealing our 11 through 20 ranked players. Today, GGN staffers Ryan Krous and Keegan Pope release their top 10 lists. Chat about it with other Rams fans in our premium message board community, The Fort.

No. 10

Krous: Faton Bauta

The Georgia transfer was brought in for his final year of eligibility to compete for CSU's starting quarterback spot. He did just that during the spring and will continue to battle for the job this fall. Bobo and offensive coordinator Will Friend have made it clear that the job is still up for grabs, meaning Bauta, returning starter Nick Stevens and true freshman Collin Hill will each have a fair shot at earning the job. Bauta is the hard-working, savvy veteran. It is a unique dynamic for him in that he is still getting accustomed to new teammates, coaches and surroundings, yet he has taken on a leadership role and is looked upon as a leader by his teammates. Bobo has gushed of Bauta's supreme work ethic, both physically and in the film room. He is a continual learner and grinder, doing everything he can to better himself and the team. He had a shaky Spring Game, showing flashes of playmaking ability, while overthrowing receivers on several occasions. In order to prove he can earn the starting gig, he must prove he can take care of the football, make consistent throws, and be a guy that can be trusted by his teammates.

Pope: Faton Bauta

Stevens or Bauta? Bauta or Stevens? That’s the question everyone has been asking since the graduate transfer from Georgia arrived at CSU in December. His battle with Stevens, last year’s on-again, off-again starter stretched the entirety of spring practice and will continue into fall camp. What Bauta lacks in size, he makes up for in mobility, confidence and arm strength. But as we saw in the spring game, he has yet to develop great chemistry with receivers, an integral asset for any quarterback coming into a team for only one season. You won’t find a harder worker than Bauta in practice, and in the weight room, though, and he has a chance to win over the locker room, and the coaching staff, if he can bring consistent play from the start of fall camp Thursday.

No. 9

Krous: Nick Stevens

Stevens is CSU's returning starting quarterback after earning second team All-Mountain West honors in his first year as a starting quarterback last year as a sophomore. There is nothing particularly striking about his game, whether that be his stature, his physical abilities, or demeanor on the field. But he proved to be a guy that, over the course of the entire 2015 season, could be counted on to move the team down the field and score points. His touchdown to interception ratio in 2015 was respectable (21 touchdowns to 12 interceptions), yet he will need to prove this fall that he can take care of the ball better, while also being a guy that can make more throws down the field than he did last year. CSU will primarily be a running team in 2016, but the Rams need their quarterback to be more than a game manager if they expect to compete for a conference title. Stevens had a nice spring and summer, but will need to continue to impress coaches this fall if he hopes to continue the role as the Rams' starting quarterback. I saw enough from him in the spring to give a slight nod to him over Bauta. But at this point, it's really anyone's job to win. Even Collin Hill could earn the job if he is heads and shoulders above Stevens and Bauta.

Pope: Nick Stevens

Simply put, Stevens was the second-best quarterback the Mountain West had last season behind Boise State freshman Brett Rypien. Ask the 12 MW head coaches and a number of media members if you disagree. But last season was also a down year for quarterbacks in the league, and Stevens’ up-and-down season didn’t completely satisfy Bobo, who opted to bring Bauta in after backup Coleman Key transferred out.

While many folks handed the starting job to Bauta as soon as he stepped on campus, I think Stevens has a slight edge because of his familiarity with teammates, as well as this version of Mike Bobo’s system. He possesses plenty of arm strength and accuracy to be a very good quarterback, but he simply gets stuck in his own head sometimes, as Bobo has alluded to. When he “lets it rip,” Stevens throws a good ball and can find the open receiver. It will be an intriguing battle between the two, as well as freshman Collin Hill, but don’t rule out Stevens just yet.

No. 8

Krous: Dalyn Dawkins

Bobo has called Dawkins the Rams' toughest pound-for-pound player. He is generously listed at 5-foot-9 and doesn't weigh more than 180 pounds. But he runs extremely hard and can lay big hits to defenders. Dawkins had occasional problems holding onto the football last year. At times, he was CSU's most effective offensive player. He is a reliable receiver out of the backfield and can carry the load out of the single-I, power-I, or shotgun. The junior and former Purdue Boilermaker is CSU's second-leading returning receiver behind Xavier Williams, having caught 24 passes for 178 yards and a score. He is the leading returning rusher on the team with 867 rushing yards. Dawkins is a shifty back and is at his best when he's got open field to work with. With three very talented tailbacks now in the fold (plus the possible emergence of Bryce Peters, who showed flashes in the spring), Dawkins could see his best potential reached as a slot receiver or a back that receives spot carries and screen passes out of the backfield. Another year in Bobo's system should equate to a better, more confident Dawkins.

Pope: Fred Zerblis

If there were a phrase that perfectly described Zerblis, road grader would be that phrase. The Georgia native has become a pillar on CSU’s offensive line and was the only non-specialist from CSU to be named to the Mountain’s West preseason all-league team. Zerblis is extremely versatile, and in a pinch can fit in at both guard spots, as well as center. He and Jake Bennett are the unquestioned leaders of CSU’s offensive line, which could end up being the Rams’ best position group — again.

No. 7

Krous: Izzy Matthews

The Rams' freshman sensation from a season ago was more along the lines of what Bobo was hoping to have from his running back – a power runner that can wear defenses down. Matthews slowly proved over the course of the season that he could do that and returns as CSU's presumed starting tailback. He registered 590 rushing yards and five touchdowns in his first college football season. He dropped around 10 pounds this spring to become shiftier and be a guy that could carry the ball more often. He is a bruising, north-south runner with quick feet, which has combined to make him a ball carrier that usually takes more then one guy to bring him down. He may be relied upon heavily in CSU's offense this year because of his grind-it-out running style and with CSU's question marks at receiver and quarterback. With Dawkins and three talented tailbacks behind him, however, he will be pressed to earn a majority of the carries this season.

Pope: Nolan Peralta

Peralta is exactly the tight end you want in a Mike Bobo-led offense. Though his pass-catching ability isn’t up to par with a Kivon Cartwright or Steven Walker, Peralta is a force in the run game, something CSU will lean heavily on this year. He’s also a quintessential team guy, a weight room warrior, and a guy who has completely bought into what Bobo is selling. With CSU’s expected reliance on the running game this season, Peralta will be on the field a lot in one- or two-tight sets, and could see his receiving numbers jump in the play action passing game. Don’t expect him to a primary target on many plays, but he’s a capable receiver and will act as almost a sixth lineman on running plays.

No. 6

Krous: Tyree Simmons

Easily the Rams' most experienced player in the secondary, Simmons returns as a leader of the defensive backfield. Simmons has started 18 games in his three years, playing in a total of 38 games. With four career interceptions, he is CSU's biggest threat to pick off a pass. He has gotten burned at times (like any corner, really), but typically is able to quickly move on. He is a versatile producer, capable of coming up to the line and making a tough tackle on a running back, or jam receivers at the line. He has done a solid job of keeping up with opposing teams' top receivers in the past, as well as filling in nicely as a punt returner during Joe Hansley's bouts with concussions and an ankle injury. Simmons could very well be the team's top returner this year. With the team's lack of experience in the secondary, Simmons will be leaned on heavily to produce and lead as a senior.

Pope: Dalyn Dawkins

The Louisville, Kentucky native would be penciled in as CSU’s starting back had it not been for a handful of costly fumbles last season. Dawkins is electric in both the rushing and passing game, providing versatility that CSU will desperately need with the departure of speedster Deionte Gaines. He may not have the same top-end speed as Gaines, but Dawkins’ small stature and shifty moves make him a nightmare for defenses to tackle.

He’ll have to prove that he can take care of the rock through fall camp, but don’t be surprised to see Dawkins lined up in a number of different spots this season, including some possible plays in the Wildcat.

No. 5

Krous: Deonte Clyburn

The senior from Louisville is a vocal, emotional leader of the defense. Clyburn played very well as a junior, recording 74 tackles (fourth on the team) at middle linebacker. He is slightly undersized at 6-foot, 225-pounds, but like Aaron Davis and Max Morgan before him, Clyburn has been a very solid contributor in the middle for the Rams. He is physical in the middle, capable of stopping the run or supporting in pass coverage. His versatility is a major asset, as he isn't simply a one-dimensional run-stuffer. He also has a strong understanding of the defense and can lead vocally. He sat out spring ball dealing with an undisclosed injury and has yet to be cleared this fall. Provided he plays, he would be a big asset on defense. If not, the rangey and hard-hitting linebacker would leave a big void in the middle of CSU's 3-4 defense. His tackling production and leadership make him one of the Rams' best overall players.

Pope: Izzy Matthews

Has there been a better true freshman running back in recent CSU history? Matthews, who was a relative unknown leading up to last season, surprised coaches and fans alike with a breakout freshman campaign in which he became CSU’s best running back by the end of the season. Now with senior Jasen Oden Jr. gone, Matthews and Dawkins should carry a somewhat equal load, with Matthews as the power back and Dawkins in for stretch and outside zone plays. According to Bobo, Matthews has dropped some of his freshman weight gain and is now a little leaner and faster. If so, he’ll be a nightmare for the defenses on CSU’s schedule.

No. 4

Krous: Fred Zerblis

One of two preseason All-Mountain West selections by the media for the Rams, Zerblis returns for his final season as at Colorado State. The nasty strongside guard has been a mainstay on CSU's line, starting three consecutive seasons on the right side of the line. Zerblis won't blow you away athletically and I wouldn't label him the strongest guy, but he has so many attributes that many linemen are missing – a tenacious attitude to dominate defensive linemen, he finishes his blocks, has very sound hands and feet, and he can play at a high level for the entirety of games. He has the versatility to play either guard spot or center, but coaches must feel his skill set is better suited at right guard, especially with the other personnel CSU has had to fill in at center and left guard. Zerblis is clearly a respected leader for the Rams. He isn't the most vocal guy, but he lets his work on the football field do the talking. He could be in line for an all-conference caliber season as part of a very productive offensive line.

Pope: Deonte Clyburn

Clyburn burst onto the scene midway through last season and became CSU’s best linebacker by the end of the year. He fit perfectly into Tyson Summers’ 4-3 scheme as a mike linebacker, racking up tackles and become the Rams’ vocal leader in the front seven. He became a natural, vocal leader and his nose for the ball is unmatched among CSU’s linebacking corps.

Here’s the bad news: Clyburn may not be able to play this year. He sat out spring ball with a leg injury which CSU has been very mum about. Mike Bobo said last week that Clyburn has been participating in individual drills, but still hasn't been cleared to resume team drills. If he’s unable to play this season, CSU’s defense will take a huge hit.

No. 3

Krous: Hayden Hunt

Starting out my top three is CSU's returning Ray Guy Award finalist in Hayden Hunt. Former special teams coach Jeff Hammerschmidt raved about Hunt since watching him compete at a camp as a high schooler. Then once he walk-on to the CSU football team, Hunt quickly established himself as one of the conference's best punters. Hunt is consistent, can boot the ball deep at consistent angles toward the sideline, and he has an uncanny ability to pin teams within their own ten-yard line. Hunt was fourth in the country in net punting as a junior at nearly 42 yards per kick. 46 percent of his punts were downed within opponents' 20-yard line and he only had one touchback in 52 punts in 2015. Hunt is very reliable and doesn't shank many punts. Bobo has alluded to him as a weapon that can flip the field. If the team is in a tight game and is having trouble producing points, Hunt can be a weapon to rapidly change field position thereby aiding the defense and offense. He is arguably the country's top returning punter and is coming off a second team All-America selection by USA Today in 2015.

Pope: Jake Bennett

Thought Bennett doesn’t receive the accolades Zerblis does, he is just as dominant in the run-blocking game. Bennett has a nasty streak on the field, and his versatility as either a guard or center allows CSU flexibility with the addition of Nebraska grad transfer Paul Thurston. Those two, along with Zerblis will create a near-impenetrable middle of CSU’s line, and should open up a lot of running room for Dawkins, Matthews and others.

No. 2

Krous: Jake Bennett

The junior will return at center for CSU having started his last 16 games as a Ram. Like Zerblis, Bennett doesn't necessarily overwhelm you with his size at 6-foot-3, 290-pounds, but he simply gets the job done on the interior. He's mean, rarely giving an inch to bigger defensive tackles. Bennett is a nasty run blocker, capable of pushing tackles back one-on-one. But where he really excels is his understanding of the game. He has an ability to chip linemen well, then get to the next level and lock onto linebackers to create lengthy holes for his running backs. So he excels in the run game, but he also did very well in pass protection. He performed well against some of the conferences better defensive tackles last year including David Moala of Utah State. Bennett isn't supremely athletic, but he does the little things right and he pays attention to detail. Maybe more than anything, he competes at one hundred percent in every repetition. Clearly, he hates losing and will go to any length to win every rep and every play. Because of that tenacity, the preseason Rimington Award Watch List recipient is arguably the best player on CSU's offense.

Pope: Kevin Davis

It’s really almost asinine that Kevin Davis was left off of the Mountain West’s preseason all-conference team. No disrespect to Christian Tago, Dakota Cox or Calvin Munson, but Davis is among the top three linebackers in the league, hands down. Though he isn’t particularly vocal, Davis is CSU’s lead-by-example guy on defense, and sets the tone for that side of the ball.

While injuries have limited his production somewhat, he’s a tackling machine, can rush the passer and even drop back in coverage from time-to-time. It’s yet to be seen where Marty English will put him in the scheme, but expect to see him in a variety of roles, especially on third down.

Alongside Kiel Robinson, Deonte Clyburn, Tre Thomas, Josh Watson and Evan Colorito, Davis will form a talented, aggressive, deep linebacking group.

No. 1

Krous: Kevin Davis

My top guy is senior linebacker Kevin Davis, a preseason Bednarik Award Watch List selection. Davis has overcome two torn ACLs as an underclassman to become CSU's best defensive player. At 6-3, 240 pounds, Davis possesses a fantastic blend of size, downhill speed and physicality. He is a relentless pursuer of ball carriers and knows how to lay the lumber. The former prep Parade All-American has a chance to play in the NFL, without question, and can earn all-conference honors with another productive season. He led CSU with 101 tackles and 14 tackles for loss in 2015. Whether he plays in the middle and racks up double-digit tackles every game, or plays Buck and becomes an essential pass rusher, Davis is the most valuable CSU defender because of his versatility and production. He made the top three of my Rams list a year ago and tops my list going into his final season.

Pope: Hayden Hunt

How can a punter be a team’s best player? In this case, how can he not be? Hunt is arguably the best returning punter in the country, and if all goes to plan, will likely win the Ray Guy Award this year.

His impact though, especially for a CSU team that probably won’t be a high-scoring group, will be immense. Hunt’s ability not only to hit big kicks, but also to pin opponents inside their own 20 will come into play with CSU’s methodical, run-dominated offense. His leg was arguably their biggest defensive contributor last season, and fans should expect more of the same. Remember folks, punters are people, too.