SUPER BOWL: Profiles of key players

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) - Projected starters and key players for the Super Bowl:

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

OFFENSE

Russell Wilson, QB (3), 5-11, 206, 3rd season, Wisconsin

Holds NFL record for wins at start of career with 42, including postseason ... Third-round draftee who immediately seized starting job and led Seattle to playoff appearances in all three seasons ... Dynamic runner who excels throwing on the run ... Poised in the pocket, very dangerous outside of it ... Played at North Carolina State, then one year at Wisconsin as grad student.

Marshawn Lynch, RB, (24) 5-11, 215, 8th season, California

"Beast Mode" with a penchant for Skittles ... Powerful back with a burst, broke 24-yard TD run in NFC title game ... Rushed for 1,306 yards and had career-best 17 total TDs this season ... Also a threat as receiver out of backfield.

Will Tukuafu, FB, (46), 6-2, 280, 5th season, Oregon

Signed at midseason after foot injury landed starter Derrick Coleman on IR ... Capable lead blocker for Lynch in two-back sets ... Has also gotten snaps in rotation on defensive line.

Doug Baldwin, WR (89), 5-10, 189, 4th season, Stanford

Undrafted out of college, plays with an attitude about it ... Can get deep but is not known for speed. ... Excellent working as slot receiver ... Led team with 66 catches and 825 yards. ... Wilson looks for him in key situations.

Jermaine Kearse, WR (15), 6-1, 209, 3rd season, Washington

Caught winning TD pass in NFC title game for 35 yards in overtime ... Same distance as his winning TD reception in last year's NFC title game ... Took over second receiving spot after trade of Percy Harvin. ... Had 38 receptions and 14.1 average per catch.

Luke Willson, TE (82), 6-5, 252, 2nd season, Rice

Took over when Zach Miller was lost for the season due to ankle surgery ... Ability to make big plays in passing game ... Had 80-yard TD at Arizona in Week 16 and TD reception in divisional round win over Carolina ... Tendency to drop easy passes at times.

Russell Okung, LT (76), 6-5, 310, 5th season, Oklahoma State

First-round pick 2010 (sixth overall) who has developed into Pro Bowl-level blocker ... Injuries have set him back at times. ... Missed two games with calf and chest injuries.

James Carpenter, LG (77), 6-5, 321, 4th season, Alabama

A surprise first-round selection in 2011, who finally found consistency this season ... Started all 13 games played in regular season, missing three because of ankle injury ... Strength is in run blocking.

Max Unger, C (60), 6-5, 305, 6th season, Oregon

Among the best centers in the game when healthy ... Intelligent, strong, really gets off the ball after he snaps it. ... A 2012 All-Pro but missed 10 games in regular season with ankle and foot injuries. ... Seattle was a far more efficient offense with Unger on the field.

J.R. Sweezy, RG (64), 6-5, 298, 3rd season, North Carolina State

The one consistent on Seattle's offensive line this season ... Started every game and took on more responsibility with injuries creating changes ... Played through ankle injury in second half of NFC title game.

Justin Britt, RT (68), 6-6, 325, 1st season, Missouri

Started first 17 games as rookie, winning job in training camp ... Missed NFC title game with knee injury ... Expected to be available for Super Bowl ... Solid in run game but looked like rookie at times in pass protection.

DEFENSE

Tony McDaniel, DT (99), 6-7, 305, 9th season, Tennessee

One of many members of rotation in the trenches, also has played for Jacksonville and Miami ... In second season with Seattle, had 31 tackles playing mostly on run downs.

Kevin Williams, DT (94), 6-5, 311, 12th season, Oklahoma State

Signing of former All-Pro veteran has proved vital ... Started season in rotation, but moved to starting nose tackle after Brandon Mebane suffered torn hamstring and was lost for season ... Plays mostly on run downs.

Cliff Avril, DE (56), 6-3, 260, 7th season, Purdue

In his second season with Seattle, has been solid with increased snaps this season ... Only had five sacks but led team with 20 quarterback hits in regular season ... Has sack in both postseason games ... Signed four-year extension in late December.

Michael Bennett, DE (72), 6-4, 274, 6th season, Texas A&M

Seattle's most important defensive linemen ... Rarely leaves the field after playing in a rotation most of last season ... Led team with seven sacks ... Had 39 tackles in regular season.

O'Brien Schofield, DE (93), 6-3, 260, 5th season, Wisconsin

Part of defensive line rotation past two seasons ... Usually enters on third downs ... Signed deal in free agency with Giants, but deal was voided and re-signed with Seattle.

Bruce Irvin, OLB (51), 6-3, 248, 3rd season, West Virginia

First-round pick who has developed into a full-time starter who rarely leaves the field ... Has become better in pass coverage and remains solid run defender playing on line of scrimmage ... Gets to rush the QB in passing situations ... Had seven sacks in regular season.

Bobby Wagner, MLB (54), 6-0, 241, 3rd season, Utah State

One of the league's most unnoticed stars ... A do-everything LB who stays on the field ... Missed five games with toe injury, but still voted first-team All-Pro ... Seattle's defense took off when Wagner returned ... Had 104 tackles - second on team - despite missing time.

K.J. Wright, OLB (50), 6-4, 246, 4th season, Mississippi State

The other Seattle linebacker that rarely leaves the field ... Played both weakside and middle linebacker, filling in for Wagner when he was injured ... Led Seattle with 107 tackles ... Signed four-year extension in December.

Richard Sherman, CB (25), 6-3, 195, 4th season, Stanford

One of the best cornerbacks in football ... Will play press coverage or lay back and is equally adept ... Hits hard, too and has improved support in run game ... Had only four interceptions in regular season, but has pick in both postseason games ... Needs to be watched if elbow injury suffered in NFC title game will limit him in Super Bowl.

Byron Maxwell, CB (41), 6-1, 207, 4th season, Clemson

Became full-time starter this season and got plenty of action with teams choosing not to challenge Sherman very often ... Finds the football and has good hands ... Coaches say he's the best technician of Seattle's CBs ... A sixth-round pick who has flourished.

Earl Thomas, S (29), 5-10, 202, 5th season, Texas

Despite lack of size, Thomas is one of the league's most rugged safeties ... Versatile, active and smart, gets to the right place nearly all the time ... Suffered separated shoulder in NFC title game but played second half with brace ... Three-time All-Pro who was first-round pick in 2010.

Kam Chancellor, S (31), 6-3, 232, 5th season, Virginia Tech

Monster hits mark his game and has learned to do it legally ... Amazing athleticism for player his size ... Had 90-yard INT return for TD in divisional round win over Carolina ... Potential matchup with Rob Gronkowski could be pivotal in Super Bowl.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Steven Hauschka, PK (4), 6-4, 210, 7th season, North Carolina State

Also has kicked for Baltimore and Denver ... Caught on with Seattle in 2011 and has been very strong ... Has made 125 of 141 field goal tries for Seahawks and is particularly solid from distance ... Worst game this season came at University of Phoenix Stadium, missing three FGs in win over Cardinals.

Jon Ryan, P (9), 6-0, 217, 9th season, Regina (Canada)

A rare player from Canadian college ball, Ryan has been a defensive weapon for the Seahawks ... Began career with Green Bay, has been with Seahawks since 2008 ... Put 28 punts inside the 20 and for second straight season ... Good athlete who threw 19-yard TD pass to Garry Gilliam in NFC title game.

Bryan Walters, PR (19), 6-0, 190, 5th season, Cornell

Not very dynamic on punt returns, but sure-handed ... Averaged 7.7 yards per return.

Doug Baldwin, KR (89), 5-10, 189, 4th season, Stanford

Has been a spot kick return option after trade of Percy Harvin ... Took over last week after Paul Richardson was injured in divisional round win over Carolina ... Fumbled kickoff against Green Bay in NFC title game.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

OFFENSE

Tom Brady, QB (12), 6-4, 225, 15th season, Michigan

All-time great heading for his sixth Super Bowl, most of any starting QB in NFL history. ... Holds league postseason record for wins by a QB (20), TD passes (49), yards passing (7,017), completions (646) and attempts (1,035). ... Won three Super Bowls in four years but going for first championship in 10 since then. ... Fierce, emotional competitor with outstanding grasp of offense. ... Threw six TD passes in two playoff games this season.

LeGarrette Blount, RB (29), 6-0, 250, 5th season, Oregon

Powerful runner with surprising agility and elusiveness. ... Signed after 11th game after being released by Pittsburgh, led Patriots with 281 yards rushing in five regular-season games. ... Rushed for 148 yards, three TDs in 45-7 AFC title game win over Indianapolis.

Shane Vereen, RB (34), 5-10, 205, 4th season, California

Talented receiver out of backfield with 52 regular-season receptions, seven in postseason. ... Rushed for just 391 yards in regular season, 8 yards in two postseason games. ... Productive runner after catch.

Julian Edelman, WR (11), 5-10, 200, 6th season, Kent State

Seventh-round draft pick gradually grew into top offensive threat. ... Led Patriots with 105 catches last season, 92 this season as playing time increased after WR Wes Welker signed with Denver. ... Former college quarterback threw 51-yard TD pass to Danny Amendola in 35-31 divisional playoff win over Baltimore.

Brandon LaFell, WR (19), 6-3, 210, 5th season, Louisiana State

Made 74 catches, scored four TDs in first season with New England after four with Carolina. ... Brings size to a position where it had been lacking for years. ... Caught winning 23-yard TD pass from Brady with just over five minutes left in playoff win against Ravens. ... Had career highs of 11 catches for 124 yards in 51-23 win over Chicago.

Danny Amendola, WR (80), 5-11, 195, 6th season, Texas Tech

An underachiever in the passing game after signing five-year, $31 million contract before last season. ... Had 27 receptions this season after making 54 in 12 games during injury-filled 2013 season. ... Caught 51-yard TD pass from Edelman in playoff win over Ravens.

Rob Gronkowski, TE (87), 6-6, 265, 5th season, Arizona

Great hands, terrific blocker, difficult to tackle. ... The NFL's best tight end had 82 catches for 1,124 yards and 12 TDs. ... His long wingspan and catch radius make him difficult to cover. ... Healthy all season after missing last three regular-season games and both playoff games in 2013 with knee injury. ... Fun-loving, colorful personality known for spiking the ball after scoring.

Michael Hoomanawanui, TE (47), 6-4, 260, 5th season, Illinois

A solid blocker who caught just three passes in the regular season. ... In the divisional game against Baltimore, caught 14-yard pass with Patriots in unusual offensive line alignment, setting up TD two plays later. ... In third season with Patriots after two with St. Louis Rams.

Nate Solder, LT (77), 6-8, 320, 4th season, Colorado

Caught 16-yard TD pass on tackle-eligible play in AFC title game, his first catch in four NFL seasons. ... Played tight end as college freshman. ... Started 11 games at right tackle as a rookie then moved to left tackle following season after longtime Brady protector Matt Light retired.

Dan Connolly, LG (63), 6-4, 305, 9th season, Southeast Missouri State

In fifth year as starter after entering league as rookie free agent with Jacksonville in 2005. ... Versatile, savvy player who settled in at right guard in 2012 after playing center most of 2011 season. ... Started first three games at center this season then moved to left guard, a position that opened when Logan Mankins was traded to Tampa Bay before the season.

Bryan Stork, C (66), 6-4, 310, 1st season, Florida State

Rookie fourth-round draft pick who snapped ball to Jameis Winston at Florida State. ... Took over as starting center in fourth game, missed sixth and seventh with concussion. ... Hurt knee in divisional playoff, missed AFC championship game. ... A quick learner who has done a solid job calling out line adjustments.

Ryan Wendell, RG (62), 6-2, 300, 6th season, Fresno State

A reliable blocker in his third season as starter with Patriots. ... Filled in seamlessly at center in three games Stork missed. ... Was starting center last season.

Sebastian Vollmer, RT (76), 6-8, 320, 6th season, Houston

Native of Kaarst, Germany, was drafted in second round in 2009 out of Houston. ... A starter each of his five seasons, but injuries sidelined him for extended periods in 2011 and 2013.

DEFENSE

Rob Ninkovich, DE (50), 6-2, 260, 9th season, Purdue

Found a home in New England after playing just eight games with Miami and New Orleans from 2006-08. ... Developed into strong pass rusher with quickness and athleticism that allows him to run down ball carriers and deflect passes. ... Had eight sacks for third straight season.

Vince Wilfork, DT (75), 6-2, 325, 11th season, Miami (Fla.)

The big man clogs the middle, often occupying two blockers and clearing space for teammates to make tackles. ... A pleasant, jovial personality that belies his physical presence. ... A selfless team leader who takes youngsters under his wing. ... Missed last 14 games, including two in playoffs, last season but has played every game this season.

Chris Jones, DT (94), 6-1, 309, 2nd season, Bowling Green

Claimed off waivers after first game last season. ... Got his chance when defensive tackles Wilfork and Tommy Kelly were hurt and started 11 games last season and 12 this season. ... Missed AFC title game with elbow injury. ... Blocked 58-yard FG attempt by Nick Folk on final play to preserve 27-25 win over New York Jets in October.

Chandler Jones, DE (95), 6-5, 265, 3rd season, Syracuse

Patriots best pass rusher with 23 1-2 sacks in three NFL seasons. ... Team's first-round draft pick in 2012 started 13 games with six sacks as a rookie. ... In 30-7 win over Minnesota in second game this season, blocked FG attempt and returned it 58 yards for TD.

Dont'a Hightower, LB (54), 6-3, 270, 3rd season, Alabama

Took over signal-calling duties when linebacker Jerod Mayo went on season-ending IR after six games with knee injury. ... Second on team with 92 tackles and had six sacks. ... Solid in pass coverage for his size. ... Led Patriots in 2013 with 137 tackles.

Jamie Collins, LB (91), 6-3, 250, 2nd season, Southern Mississippi

Developed into dominant player this season, leading Patriots with 109 tackles. Also had four sacks and two interceptions. ... Forced four fumbles and recovered two, both team highs. ... A quiet presence in the locker room, preferring to let teammates discuss his accomplishments.

Jonathan Casillas, LB (52), 6-1, 227, 6th season, Wisconsin

Made immediate impact on special teams after being obtained from Tampa Bay, where he played five games this season. ... Played eight games with Patriots, starting two at linebacker, plus two in the postseason.

Darrelle Revis, CB (24), 5-11, 198, 8th season, Pittsburgh

Considered by many the NFL's top cornerback. ... Made Pro Bowl after signing two-year contract as free agent. ... Remained very effective in one-on-one coverage of opponent's top receiver, allowing safeties to double team others. ... Had two regular-season interceptions and one in playoff game against Colts.

Brandon Browner, CB (39), 6-4, 221, 5th season, Oregon State

The other free agent cornerback signed by Patriots brought a physical presence. ... Played last season for Seattle but missed all postseason games, including Super Bowl, due to suspension for using substances banned by the NFL. ... Suspension continued this season and first played in Game 7. ... A big reason for team's improved secondary.

Kyle Arrington, CB (25), 5-10, 190, 6th season, Hofstra

A solid veteran who started past two playoff games as part of five-man secondary. ... Started 52 of 64 regular-season games last season but only four this season after acquisition of Revis and Browner. ... Has nine career interceptions, seven in 2011.

Devin McCourty, S (32), 5-10, 195, 5th season, Rutgers

A smart, versatile team leader with firm grasp of complex defense. ... Rarely gets caught out of position and very reliable when called on to double team receiver. ... Made Pro Bowl as rookie in 2010. ... Played cornerback first two seasons, filled in at safety following season and is a full-time safety for second straight season.

Patrick Chung, S (23), 5-11, 210, 6th season, Oregon

Enjoyed career revival with team that drafted him in second round in 2009. ... Signed with Philadelphia as unrestricted free agent before 2013 season but struggled and wasn't re-signed. ... Returned to New England this season and won starting job. ... Effective against the run.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Stephen Gostkowski, PK (3), 6-1, 215, 9th season, Memphis

Led NFL in scoring for third straight year. ... Drafted in fourth round in 2006 and has been outstanding successor to longtime Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri. ... Missed just five FG attempts in past two seasons, going 38 for 41 in 2013 and 35 for 37 in 2014.

Ryan Allen, P (6), 6-2, 215, 2nd season, Louisiana Tech

Was 12th in NFL with 39.9-yard net average. ... Beat out another left-footed punter, Zoltan Mesko, who spent three seasons with Patriots before being released before last season. ... Won Ray Guy award as nation's best college punter in 2011 and 2012.

Julian Edelman, PR (11), 5-10, 200, 6th season, Kent State

Second in NFL with 12 yards per return. ... Scored on 84-yard punt return. ... Fearless in catching punts with opponents bearing down. ... Great cutting ability and skillful at slipping through small gaps for extra yards.

Danny Amendola, KR (80), 5-11, 195, 6th season, Texas Tech

Began returning kickoffs this season in seventh game as way for underachieving wide receiver to contribute. ... Returned four kickoffs for 105 yards in that game. ... Had season-high 125 yards on five returns in playoffs against Baltimore.

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