The Top 40 Rising Stars You Need to Know for the 2012 Season

Every season in college football, there are several stars that come out of nowhere to catch the nation by surprise.

Tyrann Mathieu came into his sophomore season and pretty much ruled the landscape, so who is next up?

There are a few candidates that will likely become superstars next year. So let's introduce the players whose names you'll want to know before the 2012 season is underway.

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Braxton Miller, Ohio State

The superstar freshman did not have a fantastic season, but he did account for 20 total touchdowns with only four interceptions.

In the Urban Meyer spread offense, expect Miller to break out next season. He might not play like an All-American, but he could be the best quarterback in the conference—alongside Denard Robinson.

Plus, don’t forget that the Buckeyes have eight home games, which should really help the growing process since Miller will not be going up against many hostile environments. 

Rashad Greene, Florida State

The soon-to-be superstar wide receiver has the ability to become one of Florida State’s best targets. 

At 6’1”, 175 pounds, he has the ability to go up and take the ball away from defenders (37” vertical), and has blazing speed to scoot by defenders.

For having missed four games, there is a great chance he cracks double-digit touchdowns before November. 

Denicos Allen, Michigan State

The Spartans featured a very good defense, and Denicos Allen was arguably the top performer at linebacker this past season. Allen had 83 tackles (second on team), 18.5 tackles for losses (led the team) and 11 sacks (led the team).

This future All-Big Ten stud will become an even bigger beast next season, and he has the ability to play at an All-American caliber status as well.

Dion Bailey, USC

Dion Baley was one of the best freshman in the country this past season, and he was rewarded with the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.

He was also USC’s No. 1 tackler (tied) with two tackles for losses and two sacks. He also had two interceptions and pass breakups, but it was his explosive speed and killer instincts that enabled him to become an immediate factor.

Next season could be his year to go bonkers on the national scene—alongside Hayes Pullard. They could bring back recent memories of the dominance that USC had at the linebacker position.

Keenan Allen, Cal

Having his half-brother at quarterback (Zach Maynard), surely helped out early on in the season, but Allen did not finish the season on a strong note.

He had six touchdowns, but only one since the end of October. Next season, Maynard is back and Allen should become All-Pac-12 worthy.

Jacob Pedersen, Wisconsin

Hauling in eight touchdown passes a season ago seems to be all credited to Russell Wilson—since he often escaped pressure and hit the open guys in the red zone.

However, Pedersen has great hands at his position, can run routes well and is not afraid of taking a big hit over the middle.

The guy is legit and should be the focal point of the Badgers passing offense next season, along with Jared Abbrederis. 

Tharold Simon, LSU

Patrick Peterson has been long gone and soon Mo Claiborne will be as well. The biggest question will be how much of an impact Mathieu will have if Mo does leave.

However, the Bayou Bengals are still loaded with stars in the secondary and Simon says he may just be the best to come.

Fitzgerald Toussaint, Michigan

Denard Robinson is known as the most explosive player on Michigan, but it was Toussaint who was arguably more productive. Toussaint was just a sophomore, but he toted it 187 times for 1,041 yards and nine touchdowns.

Despite the loss of a few linemen (including Rimington Award winner David Molk), look for improved numbers by Toussaint. He is the bellcow type of runner the Wolverines need to use more to ease up the pressure from Robinson’s plate.

DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson

Everybody talks about Sammy Watkins, and what is there not to love?

Watkins is arguably the best receiver coming back to college football, but Hopkins may steal a ton of those touchdowns and explosive home runs because he will see less double coverage.

Hopkins has also proven that he can beat you deep almost as often as Watkins can, which will allow Clemson to switch the playcalling and confuse opposing ACC defenses.

James Vandenberg, Iowa

The Iowa Hawkeye quarterback is still a bit of an unknown outside of Big Ten country, and yet he threw 25 TDs compared to only seven INTs.

He will be losing one of Iowa’s most productive wide receivers in program history (Marvin McNutt and their star RB Marcus Coke), but he should not be limited when they throw the ball.

Superstar left tackle Riley Reiff is also gone, but the Hawkeyes have a knack for replacing stars in a hurry.

Another Hawkeye to keep a close eye on is tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz (6’7”, 265-pounds), since he may be one of JV’s favorite targets.

Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina

So, maybe everybody and their mother already knows who the top recruit coming out of high school last season was.

However, he was labeled as a superstar a bit too early, and he should be on some of your preseason All-SEC or perhaps even All-American lists.

Clowney will be starring on a stifling SC defense next season, and thanks to his freakish athleticism, the sensational sophomore should feast on SEC signal-callers.

Ryan Shazier, Ohio State

Ranking sixth on the team in tackles (57) and second on the team in sacks (tied with three), showcases the talent Shazier possesses. If the Buckeyes defense expects to be a good one, Shazier best be shining brightly.

Good thing he will play behind a physical defensive line that will allow him to make several plays a game.

Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech

The soon-to-be junior from Baltimore, MD should be the next great Hokie defensive back. Coming off 14.5 tackle for losses, 4.5 sacks and two interceptions, he should carry some momentum into next season.

Plus, Virginia Tech still has other playmakers on defense to help Fuller out—though this kid should be the one to break through.

Zach Mettenberger, LSU

The former hotshot Georgia recruit has since transferred and was the third-string signal-caller this past season for the SEC champions. However, next season Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee will be gone and Mettenberer should be the big favorite to land the starting gig. 

Tyler Lockett, Kansas State

This consensus All-American was a star returner and was just a freshman this past season. Lockett caught three touchdown passes and should only improve next season with Collin Klein returning.

Many will be questioning the talent level of Kansas State next, and Lockett could be one of the stars that leads them back to a double-digit season, which will be tough with higher expectations.

Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville

Louisville could be the team to beat in the Big East if West Virginia does head off to the Big 12. Bridgewater would be the likely Big East Preseason Player of the Year, and he has all of his offensive weapons returning.

Throw in a Charlie Strong defense that will be able to help Bridgewater along the way, and Teddy could become one of the next stars in college football.

Jon Bostic, Florida

The upcoming senior linebacker will be catching NFL scouts eyeballs next season with his stellar play.

The speedy and ferocious linebacker was in the Top Three for tackles for losses (10), total tackles (94) and sacks (three). Bostic has plenty of teammates returning, which means the Gators could put together a sensational 2012 season.

Matt Miller, Boise State

We will find out next season how great of a coach Chris Petersen truly is, and if Kellen Moore made all of his receivers.

People were concerned this past season after the Broncos lost Titus Young and Austin Pettis. However, the young receivers have a ton of promise at Boise and Matt Miller is the next star that should haul in double-digit touchdowns.

Cobi Hamilton, Arkansas

Without Joe Adams or Jarious Wright, look for Cobi Hamilton to reap the benefits with Tyler Wilson and Knile Davis in the backfield.

There are a few other guys who can get their numbers, but the game-breaking speed could allow Hamilton to go off in the spread attack of Bobby Petrino.

Josh Boyce, TCU

Hopefully you already knew who Mr. Boyce was since he has been productive for the past few seasons now.

However, now heading off to the Big 12 only means that he can actually become a true All-American type of receiver with quarterback Casey Pachall. Boyce should be a lock for double digits and well over 1,200 yards.

Zaviar Gooden, Missouri

The star linebacker has been noticeable for a few seasons, yet he still does not get much credit thrown his way.

Gooden deserves some preseason SEC honors because he may be among the best five linebackers in the SEC next season, and his ability to burst into the backfield while playing gasp assignment football will be critical in the Tigers success next season in the SEC.

Malcolm Mitchell, Georgia

The Georgia Bulldogs will have a ton hype heading into next season, thanks to a soft schedule, and Mitchell will be one of the premier targets for Aaron Murray.

Mitchell has game-breaking speed and his ability to burst past opposing SEC defensive backs should allow him to get plenty of touchdown possibilities. It is one thing to play in a solid offensive system, but Mitchell is doing it against the best competition. 

LaMarcus Joyner, Florida State

The superstar safety looks like he has turned the corner after carrying the Seminoles in the secondary when both Greg Reid and Xavier Rhodes went down to injury in the Champs Sports Bowl.

Joyner can line up as a corner or safety, and will be looking to make national headlines for a stellar Florida State defense next season.

Not one player made All-ACC, but I am quite sure that Mark Stoops' boys will be foaming at their mouths in time for the 2012 season—since the majority seem to be banking on another letdown.

Notable Offensive Linemen

Chris Faulk, LSU

D.J. Fluker, Alabama (Top Five OL)

Khaled Holmes, USC

Hroniss Grasu, Oregon

Gabe Ikard, Oklahoma (Top Five OL)

Dominic Espinosa, Texas

Fou Fonoti, Michigan State

Ricky Wagner, Wisconsin

Joe Kellogg, Boise State

Braxston Cave, Notre Dame

Alec Ogletree, Georgia

Despite missing six games, Ogletree was still seventh in total tackles and third in tackles for losses. He is a rangy, athletic and quick linebacker even for SEC standards. 

Throw in three sacks, and he will be a tough matchup for a team that will have guys like Jarvis Jones, Michael Gillard, Christian Robinson and Amarlo Herrera. 

Aaron Lynch, Notre Dame

Lynch was 11th on the team in tackles for a true freshman, but he led the team in sacks (5.5) and was third in tackle for losses (seven).

Lynch is not just an average talent (he has legit strength, speed and technique), and he looks like the next star from a ND defensive line that has groomed former stars such as Justin Tuck. 

Vinnie Sunseri, Alabama

Ranking eighth in tackles on the Crimson Tide makes him a must-watch next season—since they will likely be losing a ton of their stars.

Robert Lester will likely return, but they will need better play from the secondary and Sunseri has proven he can be the guy in limited action this past season.

Sunseri is a legit playmaker that could be starring on any team in the nation, so keep a close eye on him for next season.

Ty Montgomery, Stanford

This star freshman receiver had a sensational season with Andrew Luck as his quarterback.

It will be interesting next season without Luck threading the needle to him, but this future All-Pac-12 performer will only increase his production next season.

Kiehl Frazier Auburn

This future star looks like a mini-Cam Newton with his ability to run or throw.

Frazier did throw one touchdown this past season and only ran in three, but he has the talent to put together a 30-plus TD type of season with solid backs and receivers around him.

Curtis McNeal, USC

Matt Barkley, Robert Woods and Marquis Lee are the trio of stars that will be getting most of the attention, but bank on McNeal stealing it by season’s end.

USC loves to throw it around, but their national championship dreams will be relied on by the senior’s upcoming season.

McNeal will still have a solid line in front of him—despite the loss of Matt Kalil—but the Trojans have the perfect schedule for McNeal to rush for close to, if not more than, 1,500 yards and a dozen touchdowns.

Nico Johnson, Alabama

You want to leave this guy off your preseason All-American list next August?

Think again, because this stud could be one of the Top Five linebackers in the entire country.

He finished the regular season ranked fourth in tackles (pre-title) and was a constant threat to every SEC team.  In the 3-4 defense, every linebacker is NFL caliber, but Johnson should be one of the best of the bunch next year.

Denzel Perryman, Miami FL

This freshman was second on the team in tackles and third in tackles for losses.

Miami will not be talked about much next season, which will allow them to fly under the radar a bit. This soon-to-be sophomore is a dominant player that can become an even better playmaker next season for a young 'Canes squad. 

Jawan Jamison, Rutgers

The Rutgers back went off in a few games during the 2011 season, but none better than his performance against Cincinnati (34 for 200 and two TDs), and Iowa State in the bowl game (27 for 131 and two TDs).

Rutgers lost their star wideout in Mohamed Sanu, so look for Jamison to carry the bulk of the load.

Seth Doege, Texas Tech

Threading the needle for 441 yards and four TDs against the Sooners was impressive, but the Red Raiders then fizzled out the rest of the way.

The schedule will be even tougher next season for Tech, but Doege has the artillery and the system to succeed. Maybe he won’t become an All-American, but he might just become one of the elite signal-callers in the Big 12.

Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt

The Commodores have some explosive playmakers on offense, and Matthews might just be the best one. Coming off a five-touchdown performance, the sophomore included nearly a dozen catches that went the distance.

One of the faster receivers in the SEC, he can explode past a secondary in the blink of an eye and he can really burst on the scene if he builds a solid rapport with quarterback Jordan Rodgers during the offseason.

Cody Hoffman, BYU

Entering season No. 3 will be a familiar number for the star wide receiver.

Cody Hoffman has been arguably the best wide receiver in college football during the postseason. In just two appearances, he already has 16 catches for 259 yards and six touchdowns!

Hoffman will have Riley Nelson returning, along with a few other playmakers, which should put Hoffman on the national radar. 

David Amerson, NC State

David Amerson led the country with 13 interceptions, and yet some people are still not aware of him?

Seriously, turn your fan card in: This guy's is a flat-out baller. The soon to be junior defensive back has a great chance at winning (at least being nominated) for the Jim Thorpe, Chuck Bednarik and Bronko Nagurski Awards next season.

John White IV, Utah

The “Wolf Man” could go off in 2012 since his first season with the Utes went so well.  He toted the rock 316 times for 1,519 yards and 15 TDs which is solid numbers in the Pac-12.

Plus, having three of his linemen back should enable White to have even better numbers. He may become a household name by season's end.

Tavon Austin, West Virginia

Geno Smith will be getting all the respect, but Tavon Austin is one of the best wide receivers in the nation.

His four-touchdown performance in the Orange Bowl allowed us to sit back and enjoy the Mountaineers electrifying offense. Depending on what happens with their conference affiliation, Austin may have the chance to win the Biletnikoff Award next season.

Quandre Diggs, Texas

Quandre Diggs came in with some lofty expectations, but he lived up to them in his first season. Notching 48 tackles, four tackles for losses and three interceptions is not too shabby for a young freshman.

Next season, Big 12 offenses better stay away from this defensive back or else they could be asking for trouble. The 5’10”, 210-pound sophomore should avoid a slump season with so much talent around him on the defensive side of the ball.

De'Anthony Thomas, Oregon

Does he count as a rising star even though he arguably became one in the Rose Bowl?

He didn’t have an All-American season since he was not given as many opportunities as, say their starting running back LaMichael James, but the “Black Mamba” could be more than just special.

Thomas may be the fastest and most electrifying player on the college football planet next season.

So, don’t be shocked if he combines for over 25 touchdowns (WR, RB, PR/KR), and gets invited to New York on top of winning the Doak Walker and bringing his Ducks back to Pasadena (if not Miami Gardens).