What do you do to celebrate out nation’s independence? My guess is eat burgers, drink beer, and watch fire in the sky.

Lots of fire in the sky. Lovely explosions of pretty colors, and thunderous bangs that shake the night sky celebrate the fact that we kicked some British ass so we can act like Eric “I do what I want” Cartman. Throw in some listening of Lee Greenwood (I’m Proud To Be An American), and it is the only way to celebrate the 4th.

While Americans spend millions to blow stuff up this weekend, I’ll take a few minutes to highlight what college football players will be among the nation’s most explosive this year.

These guys bring the fireworks:

C.J. Spiller, RB Clemson. Why does Clemson underachieve constantly? They can’t figure out to hand the ball to #28. A combination of speed, jukes, and strength that is probably unmatched in college football. He reminds some of Barry Sanders, and much like the former Lion, he can take it to the house any time he touches the ball.

Noel Devine, RB West Virginia. Watching this electric player is the most fun you can have in West Virginia (well, between that and couch burning). His small stature makes him hard to get a bead on, and when you do, you can’t catch or tackle him. A typical Devine stat line: 5 carries for 120 yards and a touchdown. You read that right, 5 carries.

Jahvid Best, RB CAl. Speed, speed, speed. Not sure whether to hand him the football, or make him run against some Jamaicans in the Olympics. Anyway, if he gets a seem to run through, no need to bother chasing him.

Dez Bryant, WR Oklahoma State. The nation’s most dangerous receiver. Runs by cornerbacks for touchdowns or jumps over them for touchdowns. His skill set make sit seem like he is the clone of T.O., and like him, Bryant is the prototype NFL receiver. He will make Zac Robinson look like an NFL quarterback when he’s not even close.

Arrelious Benn, WR Illinois. Like Bryant, he has the combo skill set that give NFL scouts woodys. Versatile enough to be the Big 10’s best receiver, and best kick returner, all the Zooker need to do is make sure this guy touches the ball. A lot.

Golden Tate, WR Notre Dame. Irish fans have been waiting for a playmaker of this caliber since Rocket Ismail. He has the speed and hands to match up against any receiver, and his jumping ability allows him to play like a guy 3″ taller. He is just dynamic. He and Mik eGloyd form th ebest pair of receivers in the nation.

Terelle Pryor QB, Ohio State. The Buckeyes have never had a player like this. He has Vince Young’s athletic ability, but is a more natural thrower. He has the ability to be to dropback quarterback if he wants to. This kid is good enough to single-handedly bring a championship to Ohio State.

Eric Berry, S Tennessee. Watch Berry run with the receiver step for step. Watch Berry make a move and catch the ball instead of the receiver. Then, watch Berry return it for a pick 6 against your favorite team. ‘Nuff said.

Gerald McCoy, DT Oklahoma. The shortest way between two points? A straight line. And Mr. McCoy uses his size, strength, and quickness to toss an offensive lineman aside and take a straight line toward grounding your quarterback into the turf.

So, who else belongs on this list?

Recruiting is really heating up for the Irish. AND I AM STOKED.

Big commitments from stud players (that no other program with championship aspirations is going for) in the last 3 weeks.

Chris Badger. (Take that, Stanford!)

Lo Wood. (A Florida cornerback not offered by one of the big 3 Florida schools!)

Blake Lueders. (A four star player whose only other big name offer was VaTech!)

The Florida’s, Texas’s, and USC’s of the world go for top 100 players, and the Irish are going after these 3 star guys. And this is after years of being shown up on the big stage by more talented teams with more athletes. Athletes that the Irish haven’t had.

But, they are getting them now.

Because, who cares about Rivals.com and about stars and recruiting rankings? (I don’t!) It would not make me more comfortable at all to see the Irish grab verbals from athletes with more stars and more big time offers. Not one bit. As long as the Irish coaching staff wants these guys, then I am sure they will be the guys that lead Notre Dame to a championship!

SO, LYING CAN MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER

Perhaps no university is more strict with their student athletes than Notre Dame. Do one thing of a questionable nature, and the chances are you will be suspended for the semester. Anything above questionable (DUI, actual criminal behavior), and you will no longer be attending Notre Dame.

Other schools give athletes multiple chances, no matter the crime. Go ahead, steal from teammates, wield guns recklessly, commit armed robbery, even swap a baby(check last 10 seconds of video) for an ipod. If you can play, the suspension will only last a game or two.

And (without debating the morality of it) this fact will downgrade Notre Dame in the eyes of high school students.

And even in players it already has.

Joseph Fauria is leaving because of Notre Dame’s stifling policies. You can see his thoughts by reading Eric Hansen (South Bend Tribune) or checking out this BGS article.

If you don’t believe that the university may be a tad bit unfair, check out some of the things that can lead to the ousting of a student (straight from university policy):

Notre Dame Policy (excerpts)

Section (I)
a.) Farting in a burst of longer than 3 seconds or at a noise level above 30 decibels (a whisper), or in any manner that may cause a giggle and distract a student from their studies.

Section (II-a)
f.) Adorning a dormitory wall with posters of scantily-clad women, or taking any other means that may produce unclean thoughts.

Strict. Strict. Strict.