The 12 players football fans need to know

This post can also be found at Beyond the Arc.

162.9 million people watched Aaron Rodgers torch the Steeler's defense in Super Bowl XLV last night, which makes it the most watch television show ever.

But it also means that the NFL's 2010 season has come to a close.

Those 162.9 million people are going to need to watch something to satisfy their sports fix, and with March Madness right around the corner, there is no better time than now to familiarize yourself with the goings-on in college basketball.

Even if you haven't watched a second worth of college hoops this season, you have no doubt heard about the exploits of Jimmer Fredette and Kemba Walker. And seeing as you have at least watched college hoops highlights on Sportscenter, we are going to go ahead and assume that you know Nolan Smith and Jared Sullinger round out the current player of the year conversation.

So with that in mind, take a look at the 12 players we think you need to know as we head towards the NCAA Tournament.