College Football Predictions: 7 Players Who Will Have Breakout Seasons in 2011

Around the country college football teams are preparing for fall camp to begin in the coming weeks.  Every team is getting ready for their opening game and hoping that 2011 can be their year.

As the season progresses college football fans will get to know new names and faces that put on outstanding performances on the field.  With so little time left until opening kickoff there are certain players who are poised to have great years this season.

Here are seven guys who will burst onto the scene in 2011.

7. Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

Morgantown has seen their fair share of drama this offseason and for the Mountaineers opening kickoff can’t come soon enough. Quarterback Geno Smith has a lot to do with the excitement and optimism.

Smith had a strong sophomore campaign in his first year as West Virginia’s starting quarterback. Last season Smith passed for more than 2700 yards to go along with 24 touchdowns. In 2011 expect both of those numbers to go up with new head coach Dana Holgorsen in town.

Holgorsen is widely considered one of the hottest coaches in college football because of his explosive spread offense. Smith has the ideal skill set to play quarterback in the spread offense and should have a spectacular junior season in 2011.

6. Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas

Arkansas ran a pass-happy offense with quarterback Ryan Mallet at the helm last season. This year the Razorbacks will likely feature a more run-oriented attack featuring Knile Davis.

Davis finished the 2010 season strong, running for more than 100 yards in six of Arkansas’ last seven games.

If new starting quarterback Tyler Wilson can keep defenses honest with good play-action fakes, Davis should get the space he needs to rack up big yards.

5. John Simon, DL, Ohio State

With all of the distractions swirling around Columbus this offseason fans at Ohio State can't wait for football to start.  One of the reasons for that excitement is workout warrior John Simon.

Simon may be the hardest working Buckeye on this season's team.  Coaches have commented on his work ethic and perseverance in the gym which has paid off.  Simon can bench 450 pounds and squat 700 pounds respectively. 

This season Simon will hope that this translates onto the field.  Now that Cameron Hayward is in the NFL Simon will have big responsibilities as a pass rusher.

With his motor, look out for John Simon to have a big 2011 season.

4. Chris Polk, RB, Washington

Playing in the same conference as LaMichael James, running back Chris Polk often gets overlooked.  But with Jake Locker in the NFL Polk will be the star of the Huskies' offense in 2011.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian is hoping to take Washington to a bowl game in consecutive seasons, which hasn’t been done since 2001-02.

Huskies fans may not want to hold their breath. 

Polk is going to have to do everything for Washington on offense, which will not result in many wins, but he is still going to have a stellar season and end up getting drafted in next year’s NFL Draft.

3. Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia

Last season Georgia underperformed by their fans’ expectations but one Bulldog who shined was Aaron Murray. As a freshman last season Murray threw for over 3,000 yards which helped earn him freshman All-American honors.

Although Georgia lost their two best pass-catchers from a season ago, the Bulldogs brought in one of the best recruiting classes in the country. If Georgia can develop a running game with freshman Isaiah Crowell to take pressure off Murray the Bulldogs should have a great 2011 season.

Murray will need to find a new favorite target with AJ Green now in the NFL but with his arm Murray should find a new favorite receiver pretty quickly.

2. Greg Reid, CB, Florida State

Florida State playmaker Greg Reid is far more than just a corner back for the Seminoles.  The Junior defensive back does a little bit of everything at FSU and is a threat to score any time he has the ball in his hands.

At times Reid has had his difficulties covering bigger receivers but now that he is an upperclassman he has experience on his side to go along with his athleticism.

The Florida State coaching staff is expecting big things from Reid in 2011 and with a strong season he could find himself in the mix for ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors.

1. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Now that Mark Ingram has moved on to the NFL, it is Trent Richardson’s turn to carry the load for the Crimson Tide.  With a great deal of valuable experience under his belt, Richardson is expected to have an outstanding 2011 campaign. 

The only thing that might hold him back is their passing game.

Currently, the Tide have not named a starter for their season opener but it is expected to be A.J. McCarron.  Despite McCarron’s talent, he lacks a go-to receiver with Julio Jones in the NFL which means teams are going to load the box and force McCarron to beat them. 

Regardless, Richardson is a special back who will find a way to put up big numbers this season.