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Here are the 61 colleges represented on the Patriots roster

By Connor Fulton

Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Cyrus Jones (5) celebrates with teammates during the game against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Cyrus Jones (5) celebrates with teammates during the game against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Logan Ryan Patriots
Nov 8, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan (26) intercepts a pass intended for Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon (88) during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

17. Rutgers – Devin McCourty, Duron Harmon, Logan Ryan, Jonathan Freeny, Kevin Snyder

Ah yes, the Rutgers pipeline of Patriots-ready prospects. Not only is McCourty one of the best safeties in the league, but he was also recently placed into the Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni. McCourty’s backup at free safety, Harmon, is a good centerfielder and took advantage of three overthrows in 2016. McCourty would often provide a safety blanket for Ryan, who had an excellent year in 2015 covering opponents’ No. 1 wideouts.

Freeny has a better shot at making the final roster than Snyder because he was essentially the No. 3 linebacker last season after leapfrogging over Jerod Mayo on the depth chart.

16. Sacramento State – DeAndre Carter

A practice squadder in 2015, Carter’s 5-foot-8 stature makes his chances of staying on the team through training camp slim to none seeing as how the Pats already have enough undersized wideouts.

15. Southern Mississippi – Jamie Collins

Quite possibly the most talented defensive player in football not named J.J. Watt. While defensive coordinators scratch their heads strategizing against Rob Gronkowski, opposing offensive coordinators lose sleep the night before facing Collins. Surely, a run at Defensive Player of the Year is in the cards for Collins this season.

Next: Stanford, Tarleton State, Temple, Tennessee, Texas

14. Stanford – Jordan Richards, Cameron Fleming, Tyler Gaffney

One thing each of these guys have in common: smarts (well, duh, they went to the Harvard of the Northwest). Richards proved to be a good special teamer as a rookie and holds potential as a depth safety. Fleming may have excellent football IQ but he’s not the guy you want protecting Brady’s blindside. Gaffney has had more injury issues than you can imagine and probably won’t make it through training camp without a bandaid.

13. Tarleton State – Rufus Johnson

You won’t find a more physically imposing linebacker than Johnson, who stands at 6-foot-5, 272 pounds.

12. Temple – Terrance Knighton

The signing of Knighton is especially important now that Dominique Easley has left town. Click here for a forecast of Pot Roast’s 2016 production.

11. Tennessee – Justin Coleman

Coleman was a better No. 3 corner than veterans Leonard Johnson and Rashaan Melvin in 2015, but he faces stiff competition as 2016 approaches.

10. Texas – Malcom Brown

By the end of 2016, Brown may be viewed as a top-five defensive tackle. He’s that good.

Next: Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Tiffin, UCLA

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