10 College Football Sleeper Stars for 2012

The 2012 college football season will have its share of can't-miss superstars, as well as under-the-radar talents.

Let's focus on the overlooked players in this situation.

These players either had their production overlooked last year, or are expected to break out in this year's campaign.

Flying under the radar can be caused by playing in a small market, playing in a bigger stars' shadow or toiling away on a mediocre squad.

Hitting these requirements doesn't mean a player is bad. It just means a player must work a little harder to make his name known.

This list could go much longer, but let's take a look at 10 sleeper stars heading into this year's college football season.

Trevardo Williams, DE, Connecticut

Trevardo Williams goes largely unnoticed because he plays football for a basketball school. He also plays in the weakest BCS conference.

But Williams does not have small-time numbers. He was fifth in the country in sacks last year and should be even better this time around.

Racking up 12.5 sacks on a mediocre defense is tough to do. He was helped by Kendall Reyes' space-eating body on the inside, but Williams did most of the work himself.

He's experienced (played in all 26 games over past two seasons) and talented. That will help Williams put up another noteworthy season in 2012.

Jermaine Robinson, S, Toledo

Jermaine Robinson is not a household name by any stretch of the imagination, but he is a highlight reel waiting to happen.

Last year, Robinson picked off three passes, which doesn't stand out. Returning those three picks for 155 total yards, however, does.

Not only did he average just over 50 yards per interception return, but Robinson also took two of the three back the other way for touchdowns.

His 6'3'' frame gives him the versatility to drop into coverage or assist in the box. He is an outstanding athlete with a penchant for big plays.

Robinson isn't well known, but I would bet you'll see him on SportsCenter a few times this year.

Nick Harwell, WR, Miami (OH)

Nick Harwell plays for the pass-happy Redhawks, and he takes advantage of it.

Last year, Harwell was the nation's No. 5 receiver. He snagged 97 catches for 1,425 yards and nine touchdowns.

Granted, Harwell is undersized and largely underappreciated, but he can play the game. He stands 6'1'', has enough speed to get open and runs precise routes underneath.

He isn't a major big-play threat, but he did catch a 71-yard pass last season.

Possession receivers are valuable commodities. Harwell will be one of this year's best.

Rex Burkhead, RB, Nebraska

Rex Burkhead's running style isn't going to jump out at anyone, but the results will.

Burkhead epitomizes consistency for the Cornhuskers. He had almost 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns out of Nebraska's spread-option attack last season.

The Huskers lean on Burkhead for constant production. He rarely delivers less than five yards per carry.

Burkhead is also a capable receiver. He caught 177 yards worth of passes for two touchdowns last year.

Bo Pelini's squad figures to be one of the Big Ten's best teams this season and Burkhead is a major reason for that. He is not going to have a big NFL career, but he fits perfectly into Nebraska's system and the Big Ten's style of play.

Fans of the Big Ten already know his name, but Burkhead will be mentioned throughout the country this year.

Nigel Malone, DB, Kansas State

Nigel Malone had seven interceptions last season for the upstart Wildcat defense. He is a dynamic playmaker with excellent ball skills.

Malone managed to take one of these interceptions back for a touchdown the other way. He is not a consistent game-changer in the open field but his savvy mindset gives him an advantage when setting up blocks.

Bill Snyder's Wildcat squad overachieved last season because of quarterback Collin Klein and its ball-hawking defense.

Malone will be back to lead that charge again next season. College football fans will soon see him as one of the nation's most dangerous cover guys.

Marqise Lee, WR, USC

Marqise Lee is an excellent player but he happens to play in an offense featuring two of the nation's top talents. He catches passes from the nation's top quarterback, Matt Barkley, and plays opposite the nation's best receiver, Robert Woods.

But don't let that fool you. Lee is a handful for any pass coverage to handle, which he showcased last year as a freshman.

Lee caught 73 passes for 1,100-plus yards and 11 touchdowns last season. With another year of experience, those numbers could increase.

The Trojans are one of the nation's most prominent squads and they will throw the ball a ton this season.

Even though he plays next to Woods, Lee will grab everyone's attention very early this season.

Casey Pachall, QB, TCU

Casey Pachall stepped into Andy Dalton's enormous shoes for the Horned Frogs last season and performed extremely well.

Another year of experience will give Pachall better production this year. He had 25 touchdown passes last year versus seven interceptions. Expect those touchdown numbers to spike even further. 

I could have added Horned Frog receiver Josh Boyce to this list as well. He is a big reason Pachall will put up big numbers.

TCU loves to throw the ball and it is not afraid to take risks down the field. Pachall has an above-average arm with good pocket awareness.

College football fans are familiar with TCU. Pachall's name will be much more familiar by the time 2012 comes to a close.

Denicos Allen, LB, Michigan State

Denicos Allen had 11 sacks for the Spartans last season. He, along with William Gholston, will wreak havoc on Big Ten defenses this season.

Allen is an all-around force. He had 73 tackles and was a constant disruptive presence.

Michigan State loses many contributors from last year's offense. That means it will rely on its defense to turn in top-notch performances.

Allen will spearhead that attack. His sound tackling, ferocious attitude and relentless motor will put college football fans on notice immediately next season.

Don't overlook this talented defender. He will be on a number of award watch lists.

Fitz Toussaint, RB, Michigan

Fitzgerald "Fitz" Toussaint plays second fiddle to Denard Robinson in Ann Arbor, but he is extremely talented in his own right.

Toussaint toted the rock for just over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He is a quick, shifty runner in the open field but also packs punch in the north-south rushing attack.

The Wolverines will rely on their ground game again this season with Toussaint reaping the benefits of Robinson's established hype.

Michigan faces a stout test in Week 1 against Alabama. Toussaint may struggle to gain yards, but his talent will be obvious very early.

He is rugged enough to compete in the blue-collar Big Ten and fast enough to run away from second-level defenders.

You'll know his name midway through the season. Look for his name on the Doak Walker Award list at some point this year.

Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford

Andrew Luck has been Stanford's biggest star for the past two seasons, but Stepfan Taylor demands your attention in Luck's stead.

He had 1,330 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Over his career, he has 2,500-plus yards and 27 ground scores.

Taylor has been the motor keeping the Cardinal running whether anyone gives him credit or not. Stanford's pro-style attack is spearheaded by its three-back attack, with Taylor as the best of the bunch.

He is not a home-run hitter, but Taylor can make you miss in the open field. He thrives between the tackles and sets up blockers on the second and third levels of the defense.

With Luck in the NFL, look for Taylor to absolutely explode this season.