College Football 2012: Highlights and Analysis of Preseason Top 5 Playmakers

When guys like Trent Richardson and Andrew Luck leave for the NFL, it makes you look back over the landscape and ask who is going to give us the highlights. This season we've got players who are poised to burn up ESPN and YouTube with their dynamic playmaking abilities. Here are the top five guys in 2012:

Tyrann Mathieu, LSU

The Honey Badger, as he is called, is an absolute monster on the field. Whether it is forced fumbles, interceptions or big hits, he is a heck of a defensive ball player. Mathieu has a knack for getting his hands on the football and despite his size he is capable of making the big play. He gets involved in the blitz, adds himself into the rush very well and when he makes tackles he always looks for the strip opportunity.

Mathieu is also a great punt returner that will show up in big spots and put the Tigers' offense in position to be successful.

Look for Mathieu to not only terrorize your squad with defensive play but on special teams as well.

Denard Robinson, Michigan

Shoelace, as he is called, is a guy that can truly frustrate a defensive coordinator. 

He can run, he can pass and ultimately, while the Big Ten has been a "three yards and a cloud of dust" conference, Denard Robinson has proven that if you can ball, you can win. The thing to watch for Robinson this season is how he mixes the run and the pass. Since he is already an accomplished runner if he can add the pass to the mix on a consistent basis he can become a very dynamic player.

Greg Reid, Florida State

While Reid is still trying to master the cornerback position, he is already a pro at one thing: returning punts. This guy gets loose on the edge and is capable of flipping the field like no one's business.

Kick away from Reid. While there are some shortcomings in his defensive game, he has none in the return facet of things. Reid makes smart decisions with the football and takes chances as a returner that often reward the Seminoles with great field position.

De'Anthony Thomas, Oregon

Originally slated to go to Southern Cal as a defensive back, De'Anthony Thomas decided that Oregon was the place for him, and it has truly paid off. As a freshman he led Oregon in receiving and was the most dynamic playmaker the Ducks had. Thomas is the Ducks' anti-Mark Barron. Instead of playing to the NFL shot, Thomas went for the offense and the allure of the Chip Kelly scheme.

While LaMichael James was the best player, Thomas was the guy who no team had an answer for.

Sammy Watkins, Clemson

Sammy hit the scene with electricity a year ago. He is the guy that we all expect big things out of, whenever he is on the stage. Watkins is a dynamic kick returner and a phenomenal receiver. Every time the ball is headed his way defenses have to be ready.

Now that Dwayne Allen is gone, look for Watkins' role to expand. He and Nuke will be doing big things for the Clemson Tigers, and given his ability to make the big play, he has to top the list of playmakers to watch.