The Top 50 Dark Horse Breakout Stars for the 2012 College Football Season

This list is all about two things. First, you have to be a relatively unknown commodity (obviously some will be more known than others). Two, you have to be primed for a breakout season in 2012. It's that simple.

This is all about lesser-known players. So apologies to Aaron Murray, Braxton Miller and Eddie Lacy...we all know who you are already.

Who will be this year's David Wilson, Robert Woods, Kendall Wright and Lamar Miller? Read on!

50. Clayton Moore

Akron figures to be much improved under the tutelage of Tommy Bowden (and Chuck Amato at defensive coordinator). If they are going to make a march towards a bowl game, then QB Clayton Moore will need to be special.

He has the tools to be. He rushed for 132 yards and threw for 1,655 last year as a sophomore. He'll have all of his skill players back next year and another year of experience should do wonders for him.

If Bowden can simplify the game plan for him and make him make higher percentage throws his production could increase. The Zips will be better served as a team if this occurs.

49. Kain Colter

Kain Colter gained a lot of experience this past season with the nagging injuries to Dan Persa.

In limited time, Colter rushed for 654 yards (but only threw for 669).

He will be the full time starter next year and will be asked to throw more often. Despite what his numbers say (or the losses of his two top receivers), Colter is capable of making enough throws to be a dangerous, productive quarterback. I expect 2,000 passing yards and close to 1,000 rushing yards.

48. Jawan Jamison

Jawan Jamison has already exploded onto the scene, rushing for just under 900 yards as a freshman.

With an improved offensive line and the loss of wide receiver Mohammed Sanu, it's possible that Jamison increases his production even more. He'll be asked to carry the load early (he did average nearly 20 carries per game this season) and continue throughout the year.

47. David Fluellen

Tim Beckman is gone from Toledo, but the offensive coordinator behind the high powered rushing attack isn't.

Coordinator Matt Campbell opted not to travel to Champaign to serve as Beckman's offensive coordinator again, instead choosing to take the head coaching reigns in Toledo. Therefore, Rocket fans should be excited once again for a solid rush attack.

The top two rushers in Adonis Thomas and Morgan Williams are gone. Therefore, returning QB Terrance Owens will look to David Fluellen for a bulk of the carriers.

Fluellen had a 5.08 yards per rush average this past season, but only had 97 carries. With a full workload, Fluellen could easily eclipse 1,000 yards.

46. Daniel Dyer

If Virginia Tech wants to entertain any thought of winning an ACC championship, then they will need to find a running back. Superstar David Wilson is gone (along with their top two receivers), meaning this Hokies squad is depleted on offense.

They'll lose their top two running backs in Wilson and Josh Oglesby. After that, the leading rusher coming back is Dyer, who totaled 30 yards on the ground last season!

If it's not Dyer then it has to be Tony Gregory (coming off knee injuries) or a plethora of talented freshman coming in. It may be a backfield by committee next year in Blacksburg.

45. Andrew Hendrix

Andrew Hendrix didn't look particularly effective near the end of the season. He was given a major opportunity against Stanford and faltered (as many would) and then looked less than stellar as part of a rotation against FSU.

With Dayne Crist departing and an inconsistent Tommy Rees, there is a very good chance than Hendrix is the starter for Notre Dame next year. They'll lose Michael Floyd but return nearly all of their other offensive starters. Combine that with the system which they run and you get a QB's paradise.

Before he's successful, however, he needs to get a vote of confidence from his coach and needs the QB rotation to cease (this is true of any QB).

44. Caleb TerBush

I think Purdue is a sleeper in the Big Ten next year as they return nearly all of their skill on offense and 15 of their top 20 tacklers. If they are going to threaten Wisconsin in the race for the Legends Division, QB Caleb TerBush will have to continue to improve.

TerBush is a dual-threat, having rushed for 220 yards in addition to 1,904 yards passing. He will have almost all of his receivers back and could benefit from having a healthy Ralph Bolden in the backfield.

TerBush didn't turn the ball over in the last four games for the Boilers, a stretch in which they went 3-1. He won't be asked to do much but he could still amass 2,500 yards and 500 rushing yards and lead a dangerous Purdue team.

43. Bruce Ellington

South Carolina is losing Alshon Jeffery, which means Ace Sanders will be the most productive returning receiver. After that, Bruce Ellington appears to have the highest "big play potential."

While they may want to run the ball 80 times a game with Marcus Lattimore, Brandon Wilds and Connor Shaw, the reality is that they will have to throw at some point.

Ellington fought through a nagging hamstring injury throughout the season. When he did play he was explosive, catching three passes for 60 yards against Auburn and three passes for 71 yards against Clemson.

I can see Ellington developing into South Carolina's number one receiver. While they'll still be focused on the run, Ellington could approach 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns.

42. Jordan Webb

Webb had a decent completion percentage this past season for a Jayhawks team that despite trailing often, did not throw the ball frequently.

His passing attempts should skyrocket next season with the arrival of Charlie Weis. There will be some learning curve, no doubt, but if he continues to complete passes at a 64 percent rate, then there's no reason to doubt he can eclipse 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns.

41. Datone Jones

Datone Jones has had a couple of seasons ruined by nagging injuries. After 11 tackles for loss and four sacks as a freshman in 2009, he missed the entire 2010 season. This past year he tallied only three sacks in 2011, it was apparent he may not have been 100 percent.

I expect him to be fully healthy in 2012 and could prove to be the beneficiary of a new coach and coordinators. He did tally a solid 41 tackles last year, but I think he's primed for a big 2012.

40. Marqueis Gray

Minnesota was a very bad team this year but fought to the end. Their perseverance paid off down the stretch with wins against Iowa and Illinois and a close call to Michigan State.

Gray has gone through about as many growing pains one could ask of someone. Last year was his first under center for a talent-depleted Gopher team.

They'll be better next year with more familiarity to the system and with each other. While they lose leading receiver Da'Jon McKnight and leading rushed Duane Bennett, freshman are ready to step up in their absence.

Gray will be the leader of an improved Gophers team. He can eclipse 1,000 yards rushing and approach 2,000 in the air.

39. Kenny Hilliard

Hilliard finished fourth on the Tigers in rushing yards this season and all of the men who finished above him will be returning. By the end of the year, however, Hilliard was rushing as well as anyone on LSU.

Hilliard managed 336 yards and eight touchdowns on the year despite earning only five carries in the first seven games!

LSU is going to be a backfield by committee again next year, so don't expect any insane stats from Hilliard. That said, he will play a more prominent role in the rotation and may even be the "top back."

38. Jordan Canzeri

Iowa had a solid rushing game this season, but nearly all of the carries went to Marcus Coker. Coker has been dismissed from the team and the Hawkeyes will need a replacement.

Canzeri was the guy that the Hawkeyes looked to in Coker's absences this season. Canzeri rushed 22 times for 58 yards against the Sooners in the Insight Bowl.

Those aren't great numbers, but for a freshman making his first career start against the Sooners, it isn't awful either. A whole year working with the first team could mean Canzeri approaches Coker-like numbers this year.

37. Bryan Bennett

I was surprised as anyone when I heard Darron Thomas' announcement that he was turning pro. Thomas improved in the passing game this year but I felt that another year would benefit him greatly.

Regardless, Bryan Bennett will now have the privilege of conducting the Ducks' high powered offense. Bennett may actually be a better runner than Thomas, having rushed for 200 yards on just 23 carries this past season. He also threw for six touchdowns and zero interceptions in a limited 46 attempts.

Many have argued that the Ducks won't miss LaMichael James that much since they can seamlessly integrate Kenjon Barner and De'Anthony Thomas into the offense. I will make a similar arguement for Bennett...I don't see there being that much of a learning curve here.

36. Randall Telfer

USC is going to continue to throw to Robert Woods and Marquise Lee until someone proves they can stop both of them. When he feels like changing it up, Matt Barkley can throw to one of two talented tight ends: Randall Telfer or Xavier Grimble.

Telfer is the more talented of the two and had better production this past season. USC will be losing a third target in wide receiver Brandon Carswell and they'll also lose TE Rhett Ellison (who was used more in blocking and short passes).

All in all, USC is going to continue to throw to Lee and Woods, but Telfer is the clear No. 3 option on the offense. That should still spell plenty of yards and touchdowns.

35. Joe Southwick

Joe Southwick has the unenviable position of being the heir-apparent to the all-time career leader in wins, Kellen Moore. He's played sparingly in his career, but has shown an efficiency comparable to Moore.

Southwick was 23 for 30 this past season. Again, limited action, mostly in mop-up duty, but given the track record Chris Petersen and the Broncos have with quarterbacks, there's no reason to doubt Southwick's potential.

The major factor he has working against him is the loss of RB Doug Martin and WR Tyler Shoemaker. He will have to get it done with a new cast of characters. That said, it will be a great opportunity for a new wave of Boise players to make a name for themselves.

34. Kevin Pierre-Louis

Kevin Pierre-Louis did a pretty good job this season. As a sophomore, he was second in the team in tackles with 74. He only played in nine games (and was hobbled in another two) and he had the monster Luke Kuechly next to him, hogging 191 tackles of his own.

Kuechly will be gone next year and Pierre-Louis will be the leader of the defense. He has the ability to get to the quarterback and force turnovers. He has the potential to become a household name.

33. Tyler Russell

Tyler Russell was thrown into the fray at some of the oddest times last year. He came in for the fourth quarter against LSU and then shared time throughout with Chris Relf. Add in Mississippi State's overall woes and it's obvious why Russell had trouble finding consistency.

Russell will be the man next year and I expect MSU to move to a more passing-oriented attack. They have their top four receivers back and Russell should be able to get the ball in their hands better than he did this season once he's given the starting job and a full-time slate.

32. Tyler Eifert

Eifert may not be the biggest darkhorse given that he was close to declaring for the NFL draft. Still, with his return and the loss of Michael Floyd, Eifert is primed for a breakout year.

Eifert has only played for two seasons and his numbers more than doubled between his first and second season. It's unreasonable to think that will happen again but he will be the most trusted option on the ND offense.

I'd expect over 1,000 yards and close to 10 touchdowns.

31. Ty Montgomery

Ty Montgomery was already emerging as one of Stanford's top targets down the stretch this past season. After catching two passes in the first seven games he finished with 13 in his final two games. He caught six in a game against ND and seven in the Fiesta Bowl with a touchdown in each.

This made him the fourth leading receiver on the team and with the three top receivers leaving this year, Montgomery figures to be the No. 1 target for the Cardinal.

30. Kenny Cain

Kenny Cain was the leading tackler for the Horned Frogs this past season despite not playing often in the beginning of the season.

He made only 10 tackles in the first three games combined and then was injured early against SMU, forcing him to miss the next week against San Diego State.

He came back with a vengeance, tallying 48 tackles in the final seven games. He had two tackles for loss and an interception in that same time span.

Cain will have to be the leader of a defense which struggled this season (by their standards). The next three top tacklers will all be gone, putting more of an onus on Cain. I say he's ready for it.

29. George Winn

Cincinnati is going to be depleted on offense next year with the losses of Zach Collaros and Isiah Pead. Someone will have to step up.

I expect that someone to be George Winn, who showed flashes of greatness this year. Winn rushed for 219 yards on only 40 carries this past season, a higher average than Pead (who finished with 1,259 yards).

Winn showed what he was capable of in the bowl game against Vanderbilt. Winn finished with 78 yards and a touchdown on just six carries.

28. Devin Gardner

I'd like to see something be done with Gardner rather than what is being done this year. As of now, he's being brought on to spell Denard Robinson. The only problem is that Gardner offers the same skill set as Robinson and coach Brady Hoke keeps both on the field for some reason. Perplexing.

One of two things should happen. One, Gardner will beat out Robinson for starter. Or two, he'll make a move to another position. He's too good of an athlete to waste away  and play only a fifth of the game at best. I could easily see him lining up at receiver and make an impact.

27. Rashad Greene

Rashad Greene led the Seminoles in all receiving categories this past season, despite being only a freshman and despite missing four games.

Greene caught only six passes in the first three games and then missed four games. Still, he tallied 38 receptions for 596 yards and seven touchdowns on the season.

He is a big play receiver, averaging 15.68 yards per catch. Despite only catching six passes in the first three games, he tallied 196 yards and four touchdowns in that same timespan!

Greene has the potential to easily eclipse 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns next season. Those should serve as minimums for the sophomore.

26. Ryan Aplin

Ryan Aplin should already be a household name. As a junior last year, Aplin rushed for 588 yards and threw for 3,588 yards as he lead the Red Wolves to an 11-3 record (and a perfect Sun Belt record).

Still, there is room from improvement. That should come from another year of maturation and from the arrival of new coach Gus Malzahn. Malzahn has a history of producing high powered offenses (Arkansas' Wildcat teams, Cam Newton) and should do no different at Arkansas State.

All eyes will be on Jonesboro, AR as Malzahn takes over. That means everyone will get to see the talent that Aplin is. Don't be surprised if he's a 3,000 - 1,000 type performer next year.

25. Jacoby Brissett

I expect Jacoby Brissett to win the starting job for the Gators. While he may not put up spectacular numbers, I'm confident that he can have a solid season.

Florida seems to be depleted with the loss of Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey, but they will return Andre Debose and Jordan Reed and they have a solid recruiting class coming in. The offensive line should be much improved.

Brissett struggled this season but in a way, he got a trial by fire. He was asked to come in and play against LSU and FSU, two of the nation's stronger defenses (and Auburn).

24. Jeremy Grove

Grove was only a freshman last year. That didn't stop him from recording 122 tackles as one of ECU's inside linebackers.

Even more impressive? He only played in 11 games.

ECU figures to be even stronger on defense next year under Ruffin McNeill. They'll have 15 of their top 20 tacklers back, but none more important than Grove.

If he and the rest of the returnees continue to improve, Grove can earn all C-USA honors and ECU could find itself in a resurgence.

23. Will Compton

Lavonte David was the star of the blackshirts defense this past season. That said, Will Compton fared pretty well for himself, tallying 82 tackles and six tackles for loss.

David will be gone next year, making Compton the man on the defense. He has a chance to be the next special defender out of Lincoln.

22. Clint Chelf

Oklahoma State was able to throw the ball before Brandon Weeden was there. They should be able to throw it after too.

I like Weeden, but maybe Chelf is next in line in the lineage of quarterbacks that includes Weeden and Zac Robinson.

He played sparringly in 2011 but completed 67 percent of his passes and threw three touchdowns to zero interceptions (in 30 attempts).

He doesn't have Justin Blackmon back but he will have Tracy Moore, Isaiah Anderson and a solid rushing attack back. All other quarterbacks under Mike Gundy have thrived, so why not Chelf?

21. Sean Mannion

Everyone remembers the awful start Oregon State got off to this year, losing to Sacramento State and Wisconsin. After that, most everyone stopped paying attention to Corvalis.

They missed the emergence of a pretty solid freshman quarterback in Sean Mannion. Despite being surrounded by nearly all underclassmen, Mannion threw for 3,328 yards and a 65 percent completion rate.

He'll definitely have to cut down on the turnovers (18 interceptions), but he will with another year of experience for him and his teammates. He'll have his entire backfield back and all of his receivers other than James Rodgers back.

He's already gone through the worst at Oregon State. It's only going to get better.

20. Kasen Williams

Many people are making QB Keith Price out to be a Heisman contender. If he wants to win the Heisman, he's going to have to throw it to someone, right?

Williams will only be a sophomore and is the second-leading receiver returning for the Huskies. His production increased throughout the year; after totaling 79 yards in the first six games, he tallied 348 in the final seven.

There's no reason to believe he won't be the main guy for the Huskies next year. The Huskies lose their top two receivers in Devin Aguilar and Jermaine Kearse and also lose RB Chris Polk.

19. Cobi Hamilton

Tyler Wilson is back but his two top targets, Jarius Wright and Joe Adams are gone.

In steps Cobi Hamilton, a 6'3" 210 pound junior who almost eclipsed Adams in production last season.

Hamilton caught touchdowns in two of his final three games and will be the man next year in Fayeteville.

18. Tyler Tettelton

The son of "Froot Loops" made a name for himself this past year, leading Ohio to a 10 win season by throwing for 3,300 yards and 28 touchdowns. He was masterful in a final drive against Utah State, leading the Bobcats to a win in the Famous Potato Bowl.

He'll be back next year and I don't expect him to be hampered by the departure of LaVon Brazil. Tettleton has the potential to go for 3,000 passing and 1,000 rushing yards. He also should lead the Bobcats to their first MAC title.

17. Jordan Matthews

Matthews started to break out near the end of the season for Vanderbilt. Matthews caught eight passes in his first seven games for a total of 117 yards. In the last six, he caught 34 passes for 661 yards and four touchdowns.

Vanderbilt is a team on the rise and while they may never be known as an offensive force, it's hard to ignore what Matthews did in the second half of the season. If he can match this production for the entire season, then he'll eclipse 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns easily. Not bad for the SEC.

16. John White IV

Utah was at it's best when John White IV was running the ball well.

White IV averaged 135 yards per game in the final six games of the season, a stretch in which Utah went 5-1. White IV was injured early against Colorado and he tallied only 28 yards. Not coincidentally, that was the only game Utah lost after Halloween (White averaged 156 yards per game if you throw that one out).

It's hard to call White IV a "breakout" given that he had 1,500 and 15 touchdowns this season, but Utah should be a much improved team and back in the national spotlight. White IV should match his production and become a household name.

15. Richard Samuel IV

It could be argued that Samuel IV was the best running back at Georgia when he went down with a near-season-ending injury against Florida. His productivity was increasing steadily when he injured his ankle on the final play versus Florida, requiring surgery which held him out of every game other than the bowl.

The status of Isaiah Crowell is unknown as he's found himself in Mark Richt's doghouse. If he gets his head straight he should be the top back. Otherwise, the door could be open for Samuel IV to contribute in a big way.

14. Connor Halliday

Halliday would be the definition of a darkhorse contender. Why? He isn't even guaranteed to be the starter next season!

Halliday started one game this season at quarterback. In a separate game (against ASU), he came in halfway through the first quarter and rallied the team to the tune of 494 yards and four touchdowns. It was only the Cougars second Pac-12 win of the year.

He'll have to beat out Senior Jeff Tuel in camp to earn the starting job, but anything is possible. If he takes the reigns under Mike Leach, watch out.

13. Donovonn Young

Young, a freshman, showed flashes of being the best running back on the Illini this season. Turnovers and poor pass blocking kept him from seeing major playing time (and eventually an injury).

Jason Ford and Troy Pollard are gone next year, so Young will be the man in Illinois' run heavy offense. Tim Beckman couldn't get his offensive coordinator to follow him to Champaign, but expect a strong rushing attack from the Illini regardless. Beckman's Toledo team finished 17th in the nation in rushing this past season.

12. Derek Carr

David's younger brother had a breakout year of sorts this past season, throwing for 3,544 yards and 26 touchdowns. Perhaps it was because Fresno State didn't make a bowl, but his efforts went largely unnoticed.

Fresno will be switching from long-time coach Pat Hill to Tim DeRuyter, long time defensive mind (and coach of Texas A&M this past bowl game, filling in for Kevin Sumlin). All-in-all, I expect Carr's production to continue to increase.

He'll have most of his weapons back, so don't be surprised if he goes for 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns next year.

11. C.J. Brown

I prefer C.J. Brown over Danny O'Brien, although the quarterbacks shared time this past season. Brown was the full-time starter by the end of the season and provides a threat on the ground as well.

If given the starting job for the entire season, then Brown will easily eclipse 1,000 yards rushing. He'll only keep the starting job if he cuts down on turnovers and improves his accuracy.

10. Jared Barnett

We've already seen what Jared Barnett is capable of. On November 18 Barnett threw 58 passes for 374 yards in an upset over No. 2 Oklahoma State. Oh, and he rushed for 84 yards in that game too.

Barnett was only a freshman last year and was given the keys to the offense halfway through the season. The Cyclones were 3-4 after he took over, but that included the aforementioned win over OSU (and they played a much tougher second half schedule).

With all of the skill players back and a full year of production, Barnett could approach 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards.

9. James Franklin

It could be argued that James Franklin was the most under-appreciated man in the nation this past year. The sophomore went from lost to dominant in just one season, rushing for 981 yards and throwing for 2,872. His improvement translated onto the team as the Tigers won five of their last six (the lone loss being three points to Baylor).

His stats may regress slightly as the Tigers are moving to the SEC, a conference which figures to have better defenses than what is in the Big 12. Still, Franklin is going to be a more well-known entity in the SEC and will have his Tigers ready to contend in the conference.

They have Henry Josey, T.J. Moe and other talented receivers returning. All-in-all, Franklin could be leading the best offense in the SEC (yes, Arkansas fans that all just had a collective gasp, that includes you).

8. Riley Nelson

Nelson won the starting job halfway through the season from Jake Heaps and he quickly turned the Cougars around. With Nelson as a starter, the Cougars went 6-1 (lone loss to TCU, 38-28).

He will be the full time starter next year. Better yet, BYU will be returning their three top receivers from 2011.

BYU seemed to be a forgotten team this year as they played out their first season of independence. I expect them to be improved next year with Nelson leading the charge.

7. Teddy Bridgewater

Teddy Bridgewater made significant strides throughout his freshman year. He only attempted three passes in the first two games of the season. By the end, he turned it over only three times in the final five regular season games and led the Cardinals to a tie for first in the Big East.

Birdgewater had a 14-12 TD-INT ratio, but that is to be expected from a freshman. What impressed me is his 64.5 percent completion rate and his four rushing touchdowns.

He'll have his three top receivers coming back and an entire off-season playing with the No. 1 team. Bridgewater is capable of throwing for 2,500 yards and leading the Cardinals to another conference title.

6. Bryn Renner

New head coach Larry Fedora has a propensity to produce great statistics for dual-threat quarterbacks. This past season at Southern Miss, QB Austin Davis threw for 3,496 yards and rushed for 352.

Bryn Renner is not going to be able to duplicate those rushing numbers, but I expect him to remain the starting QB in Chapel Hill and excel under Fedora. Renner quietly threw for over 3,000 yards and completed 68 percent of his passes this past season on a mediocre UNC team.

Keep in mind that Renner was only a sophomore this past season and will have five of his top six receivers back. There will probably be a slight learning curve as UNC transitions to a spread offense (as opposed to John Shoop's exact opposite, tight, slow it down, west coast offense), but I expect Renner to eventually excel.

5. Nico Johnson

Nico Johnson made the most of his opportunity in 2011. Filling in for injured C.J. Moseley following the game against Arkansas, Johnson recorded 42 tackles in nine games.

He topped out in the first game against LSU with 11 tackles. He also recorded 6.5 tackles for loss, a sack and an interception along the way.

Courtney Upshaw and Dont'a Hightower are gone next year, meaning the position will be Johnson's to lose. He won't lose it though, and he'll become another great at Alabama.

4. Colby Cameron

Louisiana Tech played significantly better under Colby Cameron than they did with his predecessor, Nick Isham.

The Bulldogs averaged 90 yards more per game through the air once Cameron took over. In seven games, Cameron threw for 1,649 yards, 13 touchdowns and only three interceptions.

He'll have a full season to play with next year and the Bulldogs continue to improve under Sonny Dykes. With almost all of his receivers back, Cameron can easily approach 4,000 yards.

3. Marquise Goodwin

Goodwin can have a huge season next year. That is, if he's not busy winning the country medals in London.

Goodwin is a talented track star at Texas, specializing in the long jump. His production in football was hampered last season by his missing time in spring and summer ball as he trained for the Olympics.

Once Goodwin got into the swing of things in the Texas offense, he was productive. Goodwin caught 30 passes for 406 yards in the final eight games.

If he can somehow get reps in in practice and play an entire season for the Horns then he could eclipse 1,000 yards. He is clearly a talented enough athlete.

2. Marquess Wilson

Marquess Wilson has already broken out to the tune of 137 catches and 2,394 yards in two seasons at Washington State. Though, for whatever reason, he hasn't reached national recognition yet.

This should change with the arrival of Mike Leach. Not only will Washington State be more publicized, but Wilson's numbers should increase too. I would not be surprised to see Wilson eclipse 100 catches next season and improve on his 12 touchdowns from the past year.

1. Onterio McCalebb

Onterio McCalebb will fill in for recently-departed Michael Dyer. It isn't as if McCalebb won't be battle tested, given that he rushed for 641 yards on the season (109 in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, an effort which earned him MVP). Therefore, he'll be ready for the increase in responsibility.

McCalebb averaged 5.72 yards per carry this past season. I fully expect Auburn to be improved all around and for McCalebb to have a great senior season.