ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit, one of the three-headed “GameDay” crew, compiled his list of best college football players, coaches, teams and fans from across the nation in what he has dubbed the “Herbie Awards.” Among the many Trojans making this year’s lists: Joe McKnight (5th best “next wave” RB), Sam Baker (dream offensive line), J.D. Booty (#2 old school QB), Sedrick Ellis (#2 DT), Brian Cushing (#2 OLB), Rey Maualuga (#5 ILB), Terrell Thomas (#6 CB), and Taylor Mays (#2 Safety).  Pete Carroll picked up a couple of head coaching Herbies, and Steve Sarkisian was mentioned among the top playcallers and as a top head coach in-waiting.  Herbstreit also credited the passion of the USC fans in creating one of the top GameDay locations (and it’s all about GameDay, isn’t it? Why shouldn’t they be part of the awards?):

I continue to be amazed by the USC fans. Keep in mind we go live at 7 a.m. local time. It’s dark out, but the Trojan fan base shows its support for the team. They are changing the national image of Pac-10 fans by themselves.

The Nation’s Best: Seventh Annual Herbie Awards (ESPN)