College Football Predictions: 4 Potential Breakout Players in 2012

Breakout players are a huge part of college football. They can launch a previously mediocre team to an excellent season and also compete for awards that no one thought they had a shot at in July.

In 2011, two of the biggest breakout players were the Baylor Bears' Robert Griffin III and the Clemson Tigers' Sammy Watkins.

So who will be taking the torch from these guys in 2012? Here are four candidates.

Bryn Renner, North Carolina Tar Heels

With soon-to-be NFL studs like Quinton Coples, Zach Brown and Dwight Jones peppering the roster, and the firing of Butch Davis, North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Bryn Renner's success in 2011 was almost entirely overlooked.

Renner led the ACC in completion percentage, passer rating and yards per attempt last season, despite the fact he played on a team that was very inconsistent and (as previously mentioned) bogged down by distractions.

Renner was denied a spot on the All-ACC team, but don't be surprised if he steals Tajh Boyd or Logan Thomas' spot next season if he plays at a similarly high level next season.

Kenjon Barner, Oregon Ducks

Oregon Ducks tailback Kenjon Barner has ample talent and potential, and with LaMichael James finally out of the way, he should realize that potential next season.

Plenty of people think highly touted running back De'Anthony Thomas will steal the show for the Ducks next season, but I'm not so sure. Thomas has unbelievable speed, but he is tiny and has had serious fumbling problems.

I think the majority of the carries in 2012 will go to Barner, who has done a lot with his limited touches so far in his career in Eugene. Barner had 939 rushing yards and 14 total touchdowns in 2011 (not too bad for a backup).

With quarterback Darron Thomas and top wide receiver Lavasier Tuinei departing, the Ducks will have to rely on the running game more. Without James, there will be plenty of handoffs going to Barner (especially considering Thomas has more success in the passing game).

Keith Price, Washington Huskies

I have a strong feeling the Washington Huskies will be a breakout team in 2012. Head coach Steve Sarkisian is very highly regarded in the profession and has the Huskies moving in the right direction after consecutive winning seasons. However, my main reason for liking Washington is quarterback Keith Price.

Despite nagging injuries, Price threw for 2,625 yards and 29 touchdowns with only 11 interceptions last season. Price will have better health and a very talented group of receivers to target next year. Washington returns solid receivers Kasen Williams and James Johnson and potential All-American tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins.

Price will have plenty of opportunities to make a name for himself early in the season as Washington faces the LSU Tigers, Stanford Cardinal and Oregon Ducks all in the first five weeks in 2012.

D.J. Coles, Virginia Tech Hokies

Wide receiver D.J. Coles was a highly touted 4-star recruit when he was signed by the Virginia Tech Hokies three years ago. However, with Jarrett Boykin and Danny Coale ahead of him on the depth chart, it took Coles three years to really get a chance to make an impact.

Coles took advantage of his few opportunities in 2011. He had 36 catches for 480 yards and three touchdowns (including a 45-yard score against Clemson in the ACC Championship Game) last season.

With the talented Boykin and Coale graduating to the NFL, Coles and Marcus Davis will have plenty of chances to become stars in the Hokie offense. An improved Logan Thomas will certainly help them.