From BassFan.com:
Top 10 To Watch
1. Kevin VanDam – He’s the No. 1-ranked angler in the world, a two-time Classic champion, and the greatest angler of the modern era. He’s a threat to win every event he enters, but here, he seems to have something wired. He has that look in his eyes like he’s got something good. If not the all-out winner, then he should land somewhere in the Top 3 or 4.
2. Aaron Martens – He’s one of the favorites in every Classic he fishes simply because he’s that good. He’s never won the Classic, but he did finish 2nd three times in a row. This is also his type of lake – there are lots of suspended fish that are tough to figure out. That’s a rock-solid lock for his type of fishing, not to mention the fact that he said he’s on about 15 to 18 pounds a day right now.
3. Casey Ashley – The lone true local in the field, Ashley knows the lake and seems to have things wired. His problem might very well be local traffic. In that regard, the bad weather in the forecast might help him, because it’ll cut down the spectator traffic. He’s young, and the spotlight’s on him. Will he come through?
4. Steve Kennedy – Kennedy grew up in Georgia and has fished Hartwell plenty, as well as the whole Savannah Chain. He’s been pretty quiet prior to this one, and complained about his practice last week (lots of fish, little size), but he’s too good not to make the list.
5. Mike McClelland – Has shown he’s a closer the past few years with some key wins, one of which was downriver at Clarks Hill last year. He’s also been fairly quiet – call it secretive – but if he can get the jig working, he could have a big event.
6. Skeet Reese – He finished 2nd in last year’s Classic, which launched him into an unforgettable hot streak and an Angler of the Year (AOY) title. The big question is whether he’s still hot. With an AOY title under his belt, the Classic’s his new primary goal. But he’s a longshot given history – only one reigning AOY has ever won the Classic (Mark Davis in 1995).
7. Chris Lane – Here’s a good dark-horse pick. He’s on size, not numbers, which means he’s gambling. But that can win Classics. And he finished 2nd last year at Clarks Hill. Others might be on size and not talking about it, but there’s clearly a buzz around him.
8. Tim Horton – Horton’s accomplished a lot in a relatively short time, but has yet to win a Classic. Something says he’s got enough to hang around until the final day, and that’s big this year, because the final day will probably be the deciding factor. A good, solid pick.
9. Mike Iaconelli – He’s won a Classic, but suffered DQ incidents in two others. Ike makes the list because he’s finished in the Top 10 in four of the eight Classics he’s fished. Strong.
10. Jeff Coble – Fishing his third Classic, and he’s made it through the grassroots each time. He’s crafty, and word is he’s on something good – the benefit of doing solid homework on the lake. Deadly with a crankbait, and that bite might be on big-time.
