College Football 2012 Preview: The Biggest Breakout Star on Each BCS Team

One of the best things about college football is that every season, new stars are born. 

We've seen it countless times in recent years, as there never seems to be a shortage of players who step up and become instant sensations.

We saw it last year with players like Tyrann Mathieu, Sammy Watkins, David Wilson and many others, and there's no doubt that we'll see it again next season.

Most of the big-name players from the 2011 season are now preparing themselves for life in the NFL, which means that college football's next wave of talent will soon take over the sport. 

So who will next season's biggest stars ultimately be?

Well, here’s a look at one player from each BCS school who appears destined for big things in 2012.  

Alabama Crimson Tide: RB Eddie Lacy

No one can replace Trent Richardson, right?

Think again. 

That quick little preview that the country saw of Eddie Lacy in the BCS championship game against LSU was nothing compared to what Lacy's about to unleash on the SEC in 2012. 

The 6'1'', 220-pound sophomore averaged over seven yards per carry in 2011, and running behind the offensive line he'll have in front of him next season, it wouldn't be surprising if Lacy averages almost six yards a pop in 2012.

He may not make it to New York City like his predecessors Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson, but Lacy definitely has the talent to make a name for himself next season. 

Arizona Wildcats: QB Matt Scott

It's a good thinkg Nick Foles graduated when he did, because Foles would have been an awful fit as a pro-style quarterback in Rich Rodriguez's spread offense.

But luckily, the same can't be said for Matt Scott, who has the type of athleticism and mobility to at least make a valiant showing as a dual-threat signal-caller in Rodriguez's system. 

Scott redshirted last season, waiting for Foles to leave town, but 2012 will be his time to shine, and he'll at least have one year to show that he can be a valuable part of Rodriguez's spread scheme.

The former 4-star recruit has had to wait a while to prove himself, but he'll finally get his chance in 2012.

Arizona State Sun Devils: RB Cameron Marshall

New Arizona State coach Todd Graham's one year at Pittsburgh actually had a few bright spots, and one of the main ones was that Graham was able to use RB Ray Graham very effectively before he went down with an injury. Graham rushed for 958 yards in just eight games. 

The coach should have a similar effect on Arizona State's Cameron Marshall.

Marshall cracked the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the first time in his career in 2011, but the 5'11'', 215-pound junior should be able to put up even bigger numbers under Graham, who should be able to utilize Marshall's power and endurance to the fullest.

With QB Brock Osweiler now gone, look for Marshall to be the workhorse for Arizona State's offense in 2012.

Arkansas Razorbacks: CB Tevin Mitchel

We may not have to look far to find the cornerback that's going to steal Tyrann Mathieu's thunder in 2012, as he could be sitting right in the same division as the Honey Badger.

Arkansas cornerback Tevin Mitchel had an eye-opening freshman campaign in 2011, and he'll be looking to build on his strong first year with an even bigger effort next season. The 6'0'', 175-pound freshman has already lived up to his high school hype after arriving in Fayetteville as a 4-star recruit, and now he'll be looking to become one of the Razorbacks' top defensive playmakers.

Auburn Tigers: DE Nosa Eguae

Auburn DE Corey Lemonier was the star of Auburn's young and inexperienced defensive line in 2011, but look for his partner in crime on the other side, Nosa Eguae, to have a similar type of breakthrough campaign next season.

Eguae is perfectly built to flourish as a pass-rusher in the SEC, as the 6'3'', 258-pound sophomore has the speed, quickness and power to go toe-to-toe with the big, agile offensive tackles he sees on a weekly basis.

Last season, Eguae racked up six tackles for loss, but he failed to notch a sack.

It definitely won't take long for that to change, as Eguae should be a constant menace to opposing quarterbacks in 2012.

Baylor Bears: RB Lache Seastrunk

Any time you lose two future first-round draft picks like QB Robert Griffin III, last year's Heisman winner, and explosive receiver Kendall Wright, your offense is surely going to take a step back the following season. The Bears still have some great talent and speed on the offensive side of the ball, though, and one of their most dangerous players is RB Lache Seastrunk.

Seastrunk was forced to sit out last season after transferring from Oregon, but with last year's starting running back Terrance Ganaway gone, the former 5-star recruit will have every opportunity to win the job in 2012.

Blessed with track star speed, Seastrunk is the type of home run threat that can really add an explosive element to Baylor's backfield.

Boston College Eagles: LB Kevin Pierre-Louis

Losing linebacker Luke Kuechly, who racked up over 500 tackles in his three years at Boston College, is a big blow for the Eagles' defense, but luckily, they have another capable defensive leader waiting in the wings in Kevin Pierre-Louis.

Last year, Pierre-Louis finished second on the team with 74 tackles, but he was largely overshadowed by Kuechly and largely forgotten about because of Boston College's struggles.

Next season, though, the 6'1'', 212-pound sophomore should be Boston College's most reliable playmaker on the defensive side of the ball.

Cal Golden Bears: QB Zach Maynard

Cal has a strong offensive trio to build around for 2012, comprised of QB Zach Maynard, RB Isi Sofele and WR Keenan Allen, but while it will be Sofele and Allen who garner the most preseason publicity, don't be surprised if Maynard comes out and has a big year as well. 

Last season, Maynard came up just 10 yards short of throwing for 3,000 yards, but given the success of other more notable Pac-12 quarterbacks like Andrew Luck, Matt Barkley and Darron Thomas, the 6'2'', 190-pound junior went largely unnoticed. 

With Allen and Sofele both back, Maynard should have the surrounding cast to aid him on his rise to prominence in the Pac-12 next season. 

Cincinnati Bearcats: DE Walter Stewart

LB J.K. Schaffer and DT Derek Wolfe have been the lifeblood of Cincinnati's defense for the past few years, but with both of them gone, there will need to be some new faces that step up, and one of the leaders of the Bearcats' defense for 2012 should be DE Walter Stewart. 

Last year, Stewart really turned some heads in the Big East, racking up six sacks and 11 tackles for a loss, but next season could be the campaign that really earns him some major notoriety. 

The 6'4'', 248-pound junior will feast on offensive tackles that can't keep up with his combination of quickness and power. 

Clemson Tigers: WR DeAndre Hopkins

Sammy Watkins was the Clemson wide receiver who hogged up all of the attention in 2011, and rightfully so, as Watkins proved to be the best freshman player in college football last season. However, Watkins isn't the only playmaking receiver on the Clemson roster.

DeAndre Hopkins may have been overshadowed by Watkins last season, but he still managed to quietly haul in 71 passes for 961 yards in 2011. 

Look for Hopkins to emerge out of Watkins' shadow in 2012, and earn his rightful due as one of the ACC's most dangerous receivers. 

Colorado Buffaloes: DE Chidera Uzo-Diribe

There aren't exactly many players on Colorado's roster that are good enough to gain national attention during the 2012 season, but one player that both fans and pro scouts should pay attention to is DE Chidera Uzo-Diribe. 

Uzo-Diribe notched 5.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss in 2011, and there were instances when he showed that he has the potential to develop into a dominant defensive lineman. The sophomore still has some growing to do, but he should be able to take a big leap forward in 2012. 

Connecticut Huskies: LB Yawin Smallwood

Sio Moore may be the big name of Connecticut's linebacker corps, but he's going to have to defer some of his popularity to Yawin Smallwood next season, as the 6'2'', 229-pound freshman proved to be a force in his first season, racking up 94 total tackles. 

Smallwood appears to be on track to become the Big East's next star linebacker, and if he keeps up with the pace he's on, he and Moore should have Connecticut's defense playing at a much higher level in 2012. 

Duke Blue Devils: QB Sean Renfree

Sean Renfree has been the starting quarterback for Duke for the past two seasons, but even though he's been consistently productive during that time, ranking in the Top 3 in the ACC in passing yards per game in both seasons, he's failed to receive much attention because of his team's struggles. 

While the Blue Devils are likely destined for another losing season in 2012, don't be surprised if Renfree makes a few upper-echelon ACC opponents sweat next season. 

If the 6'5'', 225-pound junior can cut down on his costly interceptions, and get some help from his surrounding cast, instead of just relying on top receiver Conner Vernon, Renfree will at least have Duke competing for respectability within the conference. 

Florida Gators: LB Ronald Powell

When Ronald Powell arrived at Florida as the nation's No. 1 overall recruit of the 2010 class, many thought he'd be an instant impact player in Gainesville. However, like most freshmen who have to get used to battling SEC competition on a weekly basis, it's taken Powell some time to get his feet under him. 

Still, last year you really started to see signs that the hybrid defensive end/linebacker could end up becoming something special, as Powell piled up six sacks and nine tackles for loss. 

The 6'4'', 248-pound sophomore has all the skills to develop into a nightmare edge-rusher—Powell just has to figure out how to finally make the most of his ability and play with more consistency on every snap.

Florida State Seminoles: LB Christian Jones

Florida State has produced plenty of terrific linebackers in recent years, and it appears that Christian Jones is ready to be the next big linebacker name in Tallahassee. 

After notching 56 stops in 2011, Jones will be the leading returning tackler for the Seminoles, and he'll also be asked to be one of the key leaders of the defense after the departure of linebacker Nigel Bradham. 

The 6'4'', 240-pound sophomore is an remarkable athlete for his size, and with the way he glides around the field and knocks ball-carriers around, Jones has the chance to be a standout player for what is shaping up to be one of the best defenses in the country next season. 

Georgia Bulldogs: WR Malcolm Mitchell

Georgia may never have another receiver as good as A.J. Green, but the Bulldogs do have two receivers that look like they could be some of the finest pass-catchers in the SEC with Malcolm Mitchell and Tavarres King. 

King's 2012 campaign will be his swan song at Georgia, but Mitchell's journey in Athens is only just beginning. After catching 45 passes for 665 yards and scoring four touchdowns in his first season, Mitchell now appears ready to take things to the next level. 

The 6'1'', 184-pound freshman is an explosive receiving threat who can find an opening in any type of coverage, and Mitchell's sure to be QB Aaron Murray's big play target in 2012. 

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: QB Tevin Washington

Finding a quarterback that can run Paul Johnson's triple-option offense doesn't sound that hard, but it actually can be quite a tricky task. The all-important pivot player in the Flexbone scheme has to be more than just your average athletic running quarterback—he has to be a smart and sound decision maker. 

Georgia Tech's current starting signal-caller happens to be a great running quarterback, and  showed last season that he can run an offense with effectiveness while making tough decisions. 

Last year, Tevin Washington helped the Yellow Jackets finish second in the country in rushing yards per game.

He also showed that he could throw the ball a little bit, completing 74 passes and hitting 11 touchdown passes. 

The 6'1'', 203-pound sophomore now has enough experience to really have the offense firing on all cylinders in 2012, and with Washington behind center, the Yellow Jackets should be a contender in the ACC Coastal division next season. 

Illinois Fighting Illini: LB Jonathan Brown

DT Corey Liuget was the big breakout star on Illinois' defense in 2010. DE Whitney Mercilus was the big breakout star on the defense in 2011. Now the question is, who will step up and become the big breakout star for the Illini defense in 2012?

The most likely candidate would seem to be LB Jonathan Brown, who finished with 108 tackles and six sacks in 2011. 

Although he was overshadowed by Mercilus' outstanding production, Brown was actually the MVP of the Illinois defense in 2011. And now that Mercilus is headed to the NFL, he should finally start to get the respect he deserves. 

The 6'1'', 235-pound sophomore will team with rush linebacker Michael Buchanan once again to give Illinois one of the most powerful pairs of defenders in college football. 

Indiana Hoosiers: QB Tre Roberson

When you're the quarterback for a team that goes 1-11, chances are, you're probably not going to be handed a ton of awards at the end of the season, and wouldn't you know it, Indiana's Tre Roberson wasn't given any hardware to put on his mantle after the Hoosiers' pitiful campaign. 

What Roberson was given, though, was a glimpse into what life in the Big Ten is really like, as he saw the type of stout defenses he would have to face on a weekly basis. 

Given the fact that he was just a freshman and leading an offense that wasn't exactly loaded with firepower, Roberson's 2011 campaign wasn't really all that bad, as he ended up totaling over 1,300 yards of offense in just nine games of action. 

Yes, the 6'1'', 184-pound freshman will have to do a lot better than that in 2012 if Indiana wants to get things turned around, but Roberson is definitely blessed with some special physical gifts. He has the potential to develop into a dangerous dual-threat quarterback next season. 

Iowa Hawkeyes: WR Kevonte Martin-Manley

Marvin McNutt's decision to return for his senior season proved to be a wise choice, as McNutt helped boost his pro stock by piling up huge stats in 2011, finishing the year with 82 catches for 1,315 yards and 12 touchdowns. 

McNutt's monster campaign was the talk of the town last season, which meant that fellow receiver Kevonte Martin-Manley had to take a backseat to his older and more celebrated teammate. 

With McNutt now gone, though, it's time for Martin-Manley to move up in the pecking order after catching only 30 passes in 2011. 

The 6'2'', 205-pound freshman will team with soon-to-be senior Keenan Davis to give QB James Vandenberg one of the most dangerous receiving duos in the country.  

Iowa State Cyclones: QB Jared Barnett

Iowa State may have only gone 6-7 in 2011, but the campaign, which included a win over then No. 2-ranked Oklahoma State late in the season, was enough to get fans excited about the future. It was also enough for the school to buy into coach Paul Rhoads, who was handed a brand new 10-year contract. 

One of the big reasons for optimism in Ames is freshman quarterback Jared Barnett. 

Barnett may have only played in nine games, and his 6-6 touchdown to interception ratio doesn't exactly jump off the stat sheet. However, the 6'0'', 200-pound freshman learned some valuable lessons in his first season under center, and with his strong arm and athleticism, he's going to be a quarterback that no Big 12 defense will want to face. 

Kansas Jayhawks: QB Dayne Crist

Highly touted former 5-star recruit Dayne Crist was supposed to be the next great quarterback in South Bend, but after Charlie Weis was dismissed, Crist's career at Notre Dame went down the drain. He hit rock bottom in last year's season-opener against South Florida when he was benched after just one half. 

Now Crist will have a new opportunity with his old coach, as he'll be reuniting with Weis at Kansas after leaving the Irish. 

The 6'4'', 235-pound senior will have one last chance to salvage his career. Everyone knows Crist has the talent—we just have to see if Weis can actually get it out of him.

Kansas State Wildcats: RB John Hubert

QB Collin Klein was the face of the Kansas State offense last season, and he was really the only Wildcat who gained much publicity. But Klein wasn’t the only one doing some heavy lifting in 2011, as RB John Hubert also contributed in a big way for the offense, rushing for 970 yards. 

Hubert may only be 5’7’’, 185-pounds, but he runs hard and packs a punch when meeting contact.

If Klein shares a few more carries with Hubert next season, the sophomore back should have no problem breaking the 1000-yard rushing mark in 2012.

Kentucky Wildcats: DE Collins Ukwu

Kentucky's defense may be losing its two key players from last season—linebacker Danny Trevathan and safety Winston Guy Jr.—but the Wildcats will have one of the most intriguing defensive ends in the SEC lining up for them again in 2012. 

The impact that Collins Ukwu has made at Kentucky up to this point has been marginal, but he did manage to total 2.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss last year. Now, as he enters his senior season, a lot more will be expected out of Ukwu. 

The 6'5'', 258-pound junior has the type of quickness and speed off the edge to be a dynamic pass-rusher, he just has to want to be great. If the desire is there, Ukwu could end up being a major impact player for Kentucky. 

Louisville Cardinals: WR DeVante Parker

Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater has to be a happy man, because the Cardinals have three outstanding freshman receivers (Eli Rogers, Michaelee Harris, DeVante Parker) who all look to have bright futures ahead of them. 

While it was Rogers and Harris who made the most noise last season, combining to catch 76 passes, watch out for Parker to really make his presence felt in 2012.

The 6'3'', 196-pound Louisville native only had 18 receptions as a freshman, but he proved to be a valuable red zone threat, hauling in six touchdown catches. 

With his combination of size, speed, leaping ability and strong hands, Parker will have the chance to make a lot of Big East defensive backs look foolish. 

LSU Tigers: RB Kenny Hilliard

While none of LSU's running backs can truly be characterized as elite, the Tigers will still have the deepest backfield in the country for the 2012 season. 

Spencer Ware and Michael Ford will be the two backs who get the most attention over the summer, but Kenny Hillard could be in store for a big campaign as well. 

Hilliard only touched the ball 65 times in 2011, but he still managed to average 5.4 yards per carry and score nine touchdowns. 

The 5'11'', 240-pound freshman should see his number of carries increase dramatically as he uses his girth and power to chip away at defensive front sevens. 

Maryland Terrapins: LB Demetrius Hartsfield

Since linebacker Kenny Tate will officially be allowed back for the 2012 season, the Maryland defense will have a leader to rally behind next season, but don't be shocked if Tate ends up getting outplayed by fellow linebacker Demetrius Hartsfield. 

When Tate went down for the season last year, Hartsfield really stepped his game up, and ended up leading the Terps with 108 total tackles. 

The 6'2'', 235-pound junior has been accused of dogging it at times, but when his motor is running, he's all over the field, chasing down ball-carriers from sideline to sideline. 

Miami Hurricanes: S Vaughn Telemaque

Ray-Ray Armstrong has been the Miami safety that's received the most press over the last few years, but while Armstrong has been out breaking the rules in very loud fashion, Vaughn Telemaque has quietly been going out and handling his business on the field.

Last year, Telemaque finished fourth on the team with 59 total tackles, and he was the key cog for a Miami secondary, which ranked in the Top 30 nationally in pass defense. 

The 6'2'', 200-pound junior has the type of speed, instincts and intelligence that you look for in a safety, and he looks ready to take his game to the next level as a senior. 

Michigan Wolverines: LB Desmond Morgan

Michigan's defense was much more consistent under Brady Hoke in 2011 than it was in the years prior under Rich Rodriguez, and a lot of that had to do with the tremendous play in the front seven. 

Linebacker Kenny Demens, who led the Wolverines with 94 tackles last season, has already proved his worth, and now it could be time for another Michigan 'backer to stand out, and that's Desmond Morgan. 

Last year, Morgan racked up 63 tackles in his first season in Ann Arbor, and he should only get even better with time and experience. 

The 6'1'', 220-pound freshman looks like he has the potential to be the Big Ten's next great linebacker, and if Morgan plays like he's capable in 2012, Michigan should once again boast a stout defense.

Michigan State Spartans: DE William Gholston

Jerel Worthy may have been the Michigan State defender who received the most attention in 2011, but there were certainly times when Worthy wasn't even the best player on the defensive line. 

DE William Gholston was an absolute terror last season, racking up 16 tackles for loss and five sacks, but other than the unwanted scrutiny he received for the Denard Robinson face mask incident, his name was rarely brought up. 

2012 will offer Gholston the opportunity to prove to the college football world that he's more than just a dirty player. The 6'7'', 280-pound sophomore the chance to show everyone that he's actually one of the best defensive ends in the country. 

Minnesota Golden Gophers: QB Marqueis Gray

There wasn't a lot to celebrate in Minnesota during Jerry Kill's first season as head coach, as the Golden Gophers finished just 3-9, with two of those losses coming at home to New Mexico State and North Dakota State. There was plenty of blame to go around for the team's struggles, and while much of it ultimately fell on Kill's shoulders, QB Marqueis Gray also caught some heat. 

While Gray certainly didn't have a great season by any means in 2011, completing just 50 percent of his passes and hitting just eight touchdown strikes, he did prove that he's one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. He totaled 2,461 yards of offense, which was 66 percent of his team's entire output for the year. 

If the 6'4'', 240-pound junior can improve his passing this offseason, he has the athleticism and versatility to really cause headaches for opposing defenses. 

Mississippi Rebels: LB Mike Marry

There weren't a lot of Mississippi defenders who deserved accolades last season, as the Rebels ended up finishing last in the SEC and 90th nationally in total defense. There was one player, however, who stood out and proved that he was worth keeping an eye on. 

In his first season seeing serious snaps, LB Mike Marry wowed onlookers by racking up 81 total tackles. 

It's true that he benefited from being the only good player on a bad defense, but the 6'2'', 248-pound sophomore still proved that he's got what it takes to go toe-to-toe with some of the best competition that college football has to offer. 

He may not be the next Patrick Willis, but Marry is definitely the type of defender who is worth keeping an eye on in the SEC.  

Mississippi State Bulldogs: LB Deontae Skinner

After losing top tacklers K.J. Wright and Chris White after the 2010 season, Mississippi State had to deal with some growing pains at linebacker last year. But even though there were good times and bad times, the experience that linebackers like Cameron Lawrence, Deontae Skinner and Matthew Wells gained in 2011 will prove to be invaluable for the future. 

While Lawrence is the team's top returning tackler, it looks like Skinner could actually be the most physically gifted linebacker on the team's roster. 

The 6'2'', 245-pound sophomore notched 69 tackles in 2011, and with his type of speed and instincts, Skinner could overtake Lawrence and lead the team in takedowns in 2012. 

Missouri Tigers: QB James Franklin

After gauging the early sentiment concerning Missouri's move to the SEC, it seems that a lot of fans don't expect much out of the Tigers in 2012. Personally, though, I think as long as QB James Franklin stays healthy, they've got a serious shot to win the SEC East. 

Yes, those are lofty goals, but there may not be a more underrated quarterback in the country than Franklin. 

In his first year as a starter, Franklin totaled 3,876 yards of offense and accounted for 36 touchdowns, and he did it against a schedule that included eight teams that were ranked in the BCS standings at some point last season. But because of all of the other big-name quarterbacks in the Big 12, who were hogging up most of the spotlight, Franklin's performance went largely unnoticed. 

If he can replicate that type of success in the SEC, though, the 6'2'', 225-pound sophomore is sure to cause quite a buzz next season. 

Nebraska Cornhuskers: DT Baker Steinkuhler

The season-ending injury to DT Jared Crick proved to be a crushing blow to Nebraska's defense, as the Cornhuskers never came close to living up to their preseason hype last year. 

It did, however, allow fellow defensive tackle Baker Steinkuhler to get a feel for what it's like to have to be the one who handles the load in the defensive interior. 

It was definitely a learning experience for Steinkuhler, who only notched two sacks and five tackles for loss, but it should serve him well for 2012, as the 6'6'', 290-pound junior now knows what it's going to take to be the one who bears the burden inside. 

North Carolina Tar Heels: WR Erik Highsmith

QB Bryn Renner has the chance to compete with signal-callers like Clemson's Tajh Boyd and Florida State's E.J. Manuel for the title of ACC's Top Quarterback of 2012. If Renner wants to earn that honor, however, he's going to have to find a new go-to receiver, as last year's top pass-catcher Dwight Jones is now gone. 

Renner won't have to look far to find that go-to guy, though, as Erik Highsmith definitely appears to be capable of handling the responsibility. 

Last season, Highsmith finished with 51 catches for 726 yards and five touchdowns. The 6'3'', 190-pound junior has the type of speed and the savviness to get open on a consistent basis, and you have to expect that Renner will look his way a lot more in 2012. 

North Carolina State Wolfpack: RB James Washington

It seems like it's been a while since North Carolina State had a real standout running back in its backfield, but that could change in 2012, as the Wolfpack might just have a hidden gem in James Washington. 

Last year, Washington averaged just under four yards per carry, but that was behind an offensive line that couldn't exactly be characterized as overpowering. 

With improved play up front, the 6'0'', 180-pound junior should have a lot more room to run in 2012 as the perfect complement to strong-armed quarterback Mike Glennon. 

Northwestern Wildcats: QB Kain Colter

Dan Persa's injury troubles may have cost Northwestern a shot at having a successful season in 2011, but they did allow Kain Colter to get a feel for what it's going to be like to the starting signal-caller in 2012. 

Colter's early audition was certainly a success, as he completed 67 percent of his passes and hit six touchdown strikes compared to just one interception, while also adding 654 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. 

The 6'0'', 190-pound sophomore brings a dangerous running element to Northwestern's offense, and it willbe interesting to see if Colter can put that type of success together for a full season. 

Notre Dame Fighting Irish: DE Stephon Tuitt

Aaron Lynch and Kapron Lewis-Moore may be be entrenched as Notre Dame's two starting defensive ends for next season, but one end who will definitely challenge them for playing time is Stephon Tuitt. 

Like Lynch, Tuitt is one of the most highly touted prospects that coach Brian Kelly has ever signed during his time in South Bend, and he managed to make an immediate impact as a rotational player during his freshman season in 2011. 

While he'll still have to sit behind Lewis-Moore for another year before joining Lynch in the starting lineup, Tuitt should have no problem terrorizing quarterbacks when he gets in for passing situations. 

Ohio State Buckeyes: DT Johnathan Hankins

John Simon may be the clear-cut top player on Ohio State's defensive line, but Simon won't be the only Buckeye who makes a living in opponents' backfields next season. 6'3'', 335-pound defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins should also plow his way through plenty of offensive lines in 2012, as he is the type of big, beastly tackle that can simply overwhelm blockers. 

If his stamina and conditioning are up to par, the intimidating junior should have no problem beating blockers and swallowing up ball-carriers just like he did last season. 

Oklahoma Sooners: LB Tom Wort

Oklahoma has had its fair share of standout linebackers come through Norman during the Bob Stoops era, and it looks like Tom Wort is ready to add his name to the ist. 

Wort finished the 2011 season with 71 tackles, 3.5 sacks and two interceptions, but that seemed like just a preview of what's to come. 

The 6'0'', 229-pound sophomore has the intensity and the intangibles that you look for in a great middle linebacker, and he should have no trouble finding plenty of poor ball-carriers to knock around in 2012. 

Oklahoma State Cowboys: CB Justin Gilbert

You're probably going to see Oklahoma State cornerback Brodrick Brown's name on a lot of preseason All-American lists over the summer, but don't be fooled. Brown may have had a big year last season, but there's no question about who the most talented member of the Cowboys' secondary is. 

Justin Gilbert has everything that pro scouts look for in a top notch cornerback prospect, and after an MVP performance in the Fiesta Bowl, it appears that Gilbert is ready to flash his wide array of skills for everyone to see. 

The 6'0'', 205-pound sophomore picked off five passes and broke up 10 passes last year, and if he can build on that success next season, there's a chance that Gilbert could enter the conversation to be the first cornerback selected in the 2013 NFL draft. 

Oregon Ducks: CB Terrance Mitchell

Since troubled cornerback Cliff Harris was mostly a non-factor in 2011 before being booted from the team, there was room for some younger corners to see some major action last season, and one of the players who really made a name for himself was Terrance Mitchell. 

After redshirting in 2010, Mitchell stepped in and looked like an experienced veteran defensive back in his first season on the field, as he racked up 46 total tackles, picked off two passes and knocked another 10 away. 

The 6'0'', 189-pound freshman possesses exceptional coverage and recognition skills, and he should only continue to improve as he grows more comfortable in his role on the defense. 

Oregon State Beavers: QB Sean Mannion

Most Oregon State fans weren't exactly expecting the Beavers to make a run at a Pac-12 championship in 2011, especially without running back Jacquizz Rodgers. Still, there probably weren't many people around Corvallis who thought that Oregon State would be so dreadful that starting quarterback Ryan Katz would sit in favor of freshman Sean Mannion. 

Although Mannion had an up and down campaign after being thrown into the fire, he did finish with over 3,300 passing yards and 16 touchdown passes. 

The 6'5'', 218-pound freshman is the type of tall pocket-passer who has the arm to get the ball where it needs to be, and with dangerous receiving threat Markus Wheaton coming back, Mannion should have enough talent around him to at least help the Beavers crawl out of the hole that they've dug for themselves.

Penn State Nittany Lions: LB Glenn Carson

Penn State will have a strong linebacker trio next season with Gerald Hodges, Michael Mauti and Glenn Carson all coming back. While it's Hodges and Mauti that will likely be the most heralded 'backers going into the 2012 season, it could be Carson who actually possesses the most potential. 

After making the move to the defensive side of the ball, Carson stepped into the starting lineup in 2011 and managed to show Penn State fans that he could have what it takes to be the next great linebacker at the school that many have dubbed "Linebacker U."

Carson may never be the big-name All-American star that former Nittany Lions linebacker Paul Posluszny was, but he definitely has the chance to be one of the best 'backers in the Big Ten for the next two years. 

Pittsburgh Panthers: QB Tino Sunseri

The Todd Graham-Tino Sunseri pairing proved to be a case of a bad coach-quarterback mix, as Sunseri failed to deliver the type of big passing numbers that were expected of him last season.

More importantly, he failed to deliver wins, as the Panthers finished with just six victories in 2011. 

Still, now is not the time to give up on Sunseri, even though highly touted freshman Chad Voytik looks like he's ready to give him a run for his money in the offseason. 

The 6'2'', 215-pound junior hasn't exactly received the greatest guidance and coaching during his career, and he does possess obvious ability. 

Sunseri will have one last chance to please Pitt fans as a senior next season, and he just may end up surprising a lot of the Panther faithful.

Purdue Boilermakers: DT Bruce Gaston

NFL Purdue DT Kawann Short could have gone pro and likely been selected on Day 2 of the draft, but since Short decided to return for one more season, he'll instead be one of the most talked about defensive tackles in college football for the upcoming season. 

All the attention paid to Short will likely take away from the attention that Bruce Gaston deserves. 

Like his interior counterpart, Gaston is a big, strong and physical tackle who can create havoc inside just like he did last season when he racked up three sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss. 

The 6'2'', 303-pound sophomore is going to have to let Short soak up the spotlight for one more season, but it wouldn't be shocking to see Gaston carve out a name for himself in the Big Ten as a disruptive defensive force next season. 

Rutgers Scarlet Knights: WR Brandon Coleman

Going to the Pinstripe Bowl, which pitted Rutgers against Iowa State, allowed me to get an up close look at many of the Scarlet Knight players. One thing that I definitely noticed while watching the game is that Brandon Coleman is enormous!

Listed at 6'6'', 220-pounds, Coleman is the type of receiver who towers over opposing cornerbacks, and his size is a definitive advantage for him. Last year, Coleman only caught 17 passes, however, he averaged a whopping 32.5 yards per catch. 

With Mohamed Sanu headed off to the NFL, Coleman looks to be one of the top candidates to replace Sanu as Rutgers' most trusted receiving target.

South Florida Bulls: DE Ryne Giddins

Ryne Giddins is considered to be the most highly touted recruit to ever sign with South Florida, but up until now, he has yet to live up to his potential and develop into a Jason Pierre-Paul clone like some fans thought he would.

But even though Giddins hasn't delivered on his exciting promise just yet, he still has two seasons to make a name for himself.

It's not exactly as if he had a bad season last year, as he ended up finishing with 5.5 sacks and eleven tackles for loss. 

The former 4-star prospect has the type of talent and physical ability to be the best pass-rusher in the Big East—he just has to make the most out of his skills and make sure his engine is running right on every play. 

South Carolina Gamecocks: WR Nick Jones

Losing star receiver Alshon Jeffery definitely hurts South Carolina's pass offense, but the Gamecocks do return three intriguing receivers—Ace Sanders, Bruce Ellington and Nick Jones. The one receiver in that trio that QB Connor Shaw will likely look towards a lot in 2012 is Jones, who managed to break his way into the receiver rotation as just a freshman last season. 

The 5'9'', 188-pound Jones only caught 12 passes in 2011, but with Jeffery gone, and Shaw now feeling more comfortable in the offense, Jones should have the opportunity to really rack up the catches.

Stanford Cardinal: WR Ty Montgomery

Stanford was criticized for having a weak receiver corps for star quarterback Andrew Luck to work with these past few years. While criticisms might have been warranted, the Cardinal look like they could have a future star in the making in Ty Montgomery. 

Montgomery may only be a freshman, but he'll still be Stanford's most productive returning receiver in 2012 after hauling in 25 passes for 350 yards last season. 

Look for the 6'2'', 205-pound speedster to form a nice nucleus with tight ends Zach Ertz and Levine Toilolo to give new quarterback Brett Nottingham some strong weapons to toss the ball to. 

Syracuse Orange: LB Marquis Spruill

Syracuse's defense may not have been all that impressive in 2011, as the Orange finished last in the Big East in total defense. But the good news is the team has two great young linebackers to build around in Marquis Spruill and Dyshawn Davis. 

With defensive end Chandler Jones and safety Phillip Thomas both gone, Spruill looks like he'll be the defensive leader for Syracuse in 2012.

Last year, the 6'1'', 216-pound sophomore notched 62 tackles and three sacks, and he should be an even bigger factor in 2012. 

TCU Horned Frogs: WR Brandon Carter

Many are wondering if TCU has the type of athletes to compete right away in the Big 12, and while that remains to be seen, the Horned Frogs will definitely cause trouble for Big 12 defenses with their receivers.

With Josh Boyce, Skye Dawson and Brandon Carter all returning, TCU will have a receiver trio that combined to catch 129 passes for 1,850 yards and scored 17 touchdowns in 2011. Boyce is the star of the group, but you have to expect that Carter, who was one of the biggest recruits to ever sign with TCU, will have a huge year in 2012. 

The 5'11'', 161-pound freshman has the speed to really test any DB that tries to match up with him, and he proved that with a big performance against Boise State last season. 

Tennessee Vols: RB Marlin Lane Jr.

Tennessee fans are hoping that their team's rushing attack can be more productive than it was in 2011, as the Vols ranked dead last in the SEC, averaging just 90 yards on the ground per game. 

With last year's leading rusher Tauren Poole now off to the NFL, much of the rushing burden will be placed on the shoulders of Marlin Lane Jr. 

Lane only averaged 3.7 yards on just 75 carries last season, but now that he'll have a stronger and more experienced offensive line in front of him, the 6'0'', 205-pound freshman should have much more room to run. 

If Lane has the durability and stability to handle an increased workload, he could turn out to be one of the biggest surprise players in the SEC next season. 

Texas Longhorns: CB Carrington Byndom

Texas has produced a number of standout defensive backs in recent years, and it looks like the next in line is cornerback Carrington Byndom. 

Teams tested the previously unproven Byndom often last season, and while there were a few times he got burned, there were more times when he made them pay, as he finished tied for second in the conference with 15 pass breakups. 

The 6'0'', 180-pound sophomore has great awareness and outstanding coverage skills. Now all he has to do is to continue to refine his overall technique, because if he does that, Byndom has all of the physical tools to become a shut down corner in Austin.

Texas A&M Aggies: WR Uzoma Nwachukwu

Texas A&M may be losing three key offensive weapons in QB Ryan Tannehill, RB Cyrus Gray and WR Jeff Fuller, but the Aggies will have receivers like Ryan Swope, Thomas Johnson and Uzoma Nwachukwu who will help soften the blow. 

Swope is the biggest name of the crew, but Nwachukwu should also play a big part in the passing game.

Nwachukwu has been productive during his first three years in College Station, but as the Aggies make the move to the SEC in 2012, they’re going to need him to step up and become a true impact player in the passing game next season.

With Fuller gone, the 6’1’’, 194-pound junior will now be asked to make more plays down the field and come up with more than just two touchdowns— his total from last season—which should hardly be a problem for Nwachukwu in 2012. 

Texas Tech Red Raiders: RB Eric Stephens

When Eric Stephens went down for the season with an injury after five games, Texas Tech's rushing attack went down with him. The Red Raiders ended up finishing last in the Big 12 in rushing, only averaging 125 yards on the ground per game. 

With a healthy Stephens back in the fold, that should change in 2012, as the 5'8'', 195-pound junior looks like he could be the real deal. Stephens is averaging 5.2 yards per carry for his career, and if he can fully rehabilitate his knee, he should emerge as one of the best backs in the Big 12 next season. 

UCLA Bruins: LB Jordan Zumwalt

Patrick Larimore is the undisputed leader of UCLA's linebacker corps, but Larimore will have plenty of company in 2012, as two young standouts, Jordan Zumwalt and Eric Kendricks, look ready to take center stage for the Bruins defense. 

After racking up 60 tackles in 2011, Zumwalt appears to be in store for an All-Conference caliber campaign in 2012.

The 6'4'', 236-pound sophomore is strong, athletic and plays the game with a great deal of passion.

USC Trojans: CB Nickell Robey

USC's secondary has been the team's weak spot for the past few years, but with most of the key pieces returning for the 2012 season, including future first-round pick safety T.J. McDonald, the back end of the defense should be much stronger next season. 

One Trojan defensive back to keep an eye on is cornerback Nickell Robey. 

Last year, Robey only had two interceptions, but he did break up nine passes and take one of those picks back to the house against Stanford. The 5'8'', 165-pound sophomore may not be the biggest corner on the field, but he's a tenacious player who fears no one.

Utah Utes: WR Dres Anderson

Utah receiver Dres Anderson only caught 23 passes in his freshman season in Salt Lake City, but Anderson did make his fair share of big plays and long catches in 2011. 

Anderson showed plenty of speed and playmaking ability last season, and he's sure to be one of QB Jordan Wynn's most trusted targets in 2012, along with DeVonte Christopher and Josh Gordon. 

The 6'1'', 171-pound freshman is a big play threat who definitely has the ability to get behind a secondary and find holes in coverage down the field. 

Vanderbilt Commodores: WR Chris Boyd

Vanderbilt has two terrific young receivers to exploit over the next few years with Jordan Matthews and Chris Boyd, and while both have bright futures, the real receiver to watch next season is Boyd. 

The 6'4'', 203-pound freshman has the size and speed to be a matchup nightmare for opposing DB's, and he displayed that last season, catching 31 passes, eight of which were for touchdowns. 

QB Jordan Rodgers will be looking Boyd's way an awful lot in 2012, and he should be one of the most reliable red zone targets in college football next season. 

Virginia Cavaliers: RB Kevin Parks

Perry Jones will be the main man in the Virginia backfield in 2012, but he'll once again have to defer some of his carries to Kevin Parks, who came in and made an instant impact as a freshman last season. 

Parks touched the ball 163 times, totaled 791 yards of offense and scored 10 touchdowns in 2011, but he didn't receive much recognition outside of Charlottesville. 

The 5'8'', 195-pound freshman may have to play second fiddle to Jones for another year, but he'll definitely make a name for himself in the ACC in 2012. 

Virginia Tech Hokies: DE J.R. Collins

Bud Foster's defense is usually one of the strongest units in the country every season, and that doesn't look like it will change in 2012, especially with all of the talent that Virginia Tech returns in the defensive front seven. 

One of the key players to watch out for will be DE J.R. Collins.

James Gayle may have led the team with seven sacks in 2011, but Collins will challenge him to be Virginia Tech's sack king in 2012, and the two should form one of the best defensive end duos in the country.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons: CB Kenny Okoro

Sophomore cornerback Merrill Noel will be the leader of Wake Forest's secondary in 2012, and he'll be the only Demon Deacon defender that makes it onto any preseason All-Conference lists. Don't be surprised, though, if fellow corner Kenny Okoro emerges as a difference-maker on the other side of Noel. 

From a physical standpoint, it would be hard to build a better college cornerback than Okoro. That being said, the 6'0'', 190-pound junior has yet not even come close to making the most of his natural talent. 

If Okoro can figure out how to use his size and speed to his advantage in 2012, he should become a big defensive name in the ACC. 

Washington Huskies: WR Kasen Williams

With Washington's two most productive receivers from last year, Jermaine Kearse and Devin Aguilar, both gone, budding star quarterback Keith Price is going to need a new top target to throw to in 2012. 

The most obvious candidate is Kasen Williams, who is one of the fastest and most explosive players in the entire Pac-12. 

Williams hauled in 36 passes for 427 yards and scored six touchdowns as a freshman in 2011, but now that Kearse and Aguilar are gone, he's sure to see a lot more passes thrown his way next season. 

The 6'2'', 212-pound freshman is the most decorated recruit that Steve Sarkisian has signed during his time with the Huskies, and if the former 5-star prospect can live up to his potential, he's got the chance to be one of the best receivers in the conference for the next couple of years. 

Washington State Cougars: QB Jeff Tuel

The arrival of Mike Leach in Pullman couldn't have come at a more perfect time for Washington State, as the Cougars seemingly fell off the college football map during the disastrous Paul Wulff era. 

Leach will certainly add his magic touch to the Cougars' offense, and the main beneficiary of that should be QB Jeff Tuel, who didn't see many snaps in 2011 due to injury. 

Tuel will have to win the starting job in the spring, but with his talent, that shouldn't be a problem.

The 6'3'', 223-pound junior has an NFL arm, and he's the type of quarterback who should flourish under Leach.

West Virginia Mountaineers: LB Doug Rigg

Since long-time stalwart Najee Goode will no longer be in the mix, the West Virginia linebacker corps is going to be very young in 2012, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they'll be ineffective.

Freshmen Jewone Snow and Jared Barber and junior Donovan Miles should create a sturdy unit, but the real player to watch as the Mountaineers transition to a 3-4 defense is Doug Rigg. 

Rigg only finished with 29 tackles last year, but he did show some glimpses of his potential. Now that he has a year of experience under his belt, the 6'1'', 235-pound sophomore should have no trouble reading and reacting without hesitation, which should allow him to make plenty of plays in 2012. 

Wisconsin Badgers: DT Beau Allen

Beau Allen seems like the prototypical Big Ten defensive lineman, as he's big, strong and plenty mean.

The 6'3'', 310-pound sophomore looks like he's enjoyed his fair share of Babcock Hall Ice Cream during his time in Madison, and he's got the size to really clog up the middle of a defense and eat up double teams. 

Allen may not be the same type of disruptive defensive penetrator that former All-American J.J. Watt was, but he fills his role well, and he'll be the linchpin of Wisconsin's defensive line in 2012.