Tyrann Mathieu and the Highest-Profile College Football Players of 2012

As the calender gets close to turning to August, college football fans are beginning to get a little bit more excited every day. 

For several months now, fans have been waiting and waiting, and while the media days are helping us pass the time, people are hanging on as we wait for the first game of the year. 

Along with fans, players are excited about the upcoming season as well. Some of the most high-profile players in the nation have a lot to play for this year and a lot to gain. Some know that their NFL stock is at risk, conference and national titles are at stake and personal pride is on the line.

With the month of August right around the corner, here is a look at the highest-profile players in the nation.

De'Anthony Thomas, RB, Oregon

During the Rose Bowl this past year, De'Anthony Thomas became a household name when he took two carries for over 150 yards and two scores. Thomas has blinding speed and may be one of the biggest weapons in college football today. 

With LaMichael James out of the way in Oregon, look for Thomas to have an even bigger role in 2012, which should be scary for Pac-12 defenses. 

Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon

Speaking of Oregon running backs, Kenjon Barner is finally going to get his time in the sun. After splitting carries with LaMichael James for the past couple of years, Barner is now the primary back in the Oregon offense.

If Barner can stay healthy, he has shown he can carry the load and remain effective and could help the Oregon offense to continue on without missing a beat. 

Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

Sammy Watkins had an outstanding 2011 season and seemed to be in sync with quarterback Tajh Boyd all season long. The only thing getting in Watkins' way of another big year is himself.

During the offseason, Watkins got in some off-the-field trouble. As long as Watkins can keep his focus on football, he will be an unbelievable force. 

Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina

Marcus Lattimore was off to another great start last year, but unfortunately a knee injury ended his season early.

Lattimore is back and ready for the 2012 season, but many will be watching to see if the back can truly regain the form that he had before going down with his serious injury. 

Robert Woods, WR, USC

Any player who has Matt Barkley throwing him the ball is generally in line for a great season. On top of having a great quarterback, Robert Woods is one of the best receivers in the nation. 

With the size and speed that Woods possesses, there is no reason why Woods will not be in the thick of things for the title of being the best receiver in college football.

Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama

When you takeover the Alabama backfield, you instantly become a high-profile player. Eddie Lacy is getting his time in the sun this year with the departure of Trent Richardson.

A solid offensive line is still in place, so Lacy should have no issue taking over and excelling in the Crimson Tide offense. 

Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin

After his junior season ended, many believed that Montee Ball would be heading for the pros. Instead, Ball has returned to Wisconsin for one final year and hopes to finally lead the Badgers to a Rose Bowl win or more.

While last year Ball was a touchdown machine, look for him to do even more as the Badgers offense lost QB Russell Wilson this year. 

Knile Davis, RB, Arakansas

Much like Marcus Lattimore, Knile Davis expected to have a great 2011 season, but his year was cut short before it even got started. Last year, Davis suffered a knee injury in August and missed the entire season.

Like any player returning from injury, Davis will have to prove he can regain his form and keep up with the Arkansas offense. 

Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame

No player goes sideline to sideline like Notre Dame defender Manti Te'o. Te'o has the benefit of playing for Notre Dame and having a national stage every week with the Irish playing on NBC.

While the perk of always being on television is nice, Te'o deserves the attention and will be a star on Sunday soon. 

Marqise Lee, WR, USC

On most teams, having a receiver-quarterback combination like Matt Barkley and Robert Woods would be enough, but USC also has the talents of Marqise Lee. 

Lee is another outstanding receiver who has great speed and amazing hands. In 2012, defenses will be left in a no-win situation as they will either need to double-team Woods or Lee, but either way both receivers will still put up big numbers.

Rex Burkhead, RB, Nebraska

Rex Burkhead may be one of the most underrated backs in the entire nation. Burkhead quietly goes about putting up big numbers for the Huskers and helping their offense continue to score.

In his final year, Burkhead will once again team up with Taylor Martinez and hope to make a bigger splash in the Big 10 this year than they did in 2011. 

Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia

A huge part of the Georgia turn around last year was the play of Jarvis Jones on the defensive side of the ball. Jones was an absolute monster and sack machine.

If Jones is able to play up to the same level that he did last year, the Georgia defense could be one of the best in the SEC. 

Keenan Allen, WR, Cal

While the rest of the Cal offense may struggle through the 2012 season, Keenan Allen will not be a reason why they cannot find consistent success. Apart from the receivers down at USC, Allen is one of the biggest threats in the Pac-12 and will certainly be the highlight of the Cal season in 2012. 

Taylor Martinez, QB, Nebraska

The man running the offensive show for Nebraska is Taylor Martinez. Along with Rex Burkhead, Martinez has helped the Huskers bring their offense to the Big 10 and make it successful. 

Martinez has shown he can put up huge numbers in both the passing and rushing game, so look for him to once again make a splash in 2012. 

Joseph Randle, RB, Oklahoma State

Now that Justin Blackmon and Brandon Weeden have moved on to the NFL, Joseph Randle has remained at Oklahoma State and may be the primary focus in 2012. 

While Randle had good numbers in 2011, he was overshadowed by the passing game. With some of the big guns gone, the Cowboys may give him some extra carries and allow him to put up even bigger numbers in 2012. 

Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford

Stepfan Taylor is in a similar position to Joseph Randle. Last year the back put up good numbers, but with Andrew Luck under center, not much of the attention was going to Taylor.

Now that Luck is with the Colts in the NFL, look for more people to notice Taylor and his abilities in 2012. 

Da'Rick Rogers, WR, Tennessee

Da'Rick Rogers has a ton of upside and showed it last year when Tyler Bray was throwing him the ball.

Rogers has good speed and route-running ability, and with a healthy Bray back for 2012, Rogers should go back to putting up huge numbers for Tennessee.

Johnathan Franklin, RB, UCLA

UCLA doesn't have many bright spots, but Johnathan Franklin is definitely one of them. Franklin has shown that he can not only handle the load but can also take a beating and keep getting up.

If Jim Mora can get this offense turned around this year, it will be because of the play of Franklin. 

Jeff Tuel, QB, Washington State

When Mike Leach got the head coaching spot at Washington State, Jeff Tuel should have thrown a celebration. Leach is known for his Air Raid offense, and this will allow Tuel to put a lot of passes into the air. 

By the time the 2012 season is almost half way over, plenty of people around the country will be very familiar with Tuel. 

Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State

While Jeff Tuel will be happy with all of the passes he will get to throw, the main beneficiary of those passes will be Marquess Wilson.

Wilson has been the Cougars' best receiver, but with a healthy Tuel under center and Mike Leach running the offense, Wilson is in store for a career season.

Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

Last year the Mountaineers offense exploded, and it all culminated with a huge outburst in the Orange Bowl against Clemson. 

Throughout the 2011 season, Tavon Austin was a big threat in the West Virginia offense, and as Geno Smith continues to develop, Austin's role will continue to grow and develop with him. 

Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

The main piece to the West Virginia offense is Geno Smith. Smith is a duel-threat quarterback who can change the course of the game with his arm or legs.

As the Mountaineers head for the Big 12 this year, Smith will play a huge part in deciding if they can challenge for a conference title or more. 

Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

Teddy Bridgewater came out of nowhere last year and caught a lot of teams in the Big East off guard. This year will be his second year as the team's starter, and with West Virginia in the Big 12, Bridgewater has a great chance of leading Louisville to another conference title. 

Matt Barkley, QB, USC

Matt Barkley would have likely been the No. 2 overall pick in this past year's draft but instead decided to return for his final year at USC. Barkley is an incredible quarterback and has a ton of weapons in the USC offense.

It would not surprise anyone if Barkley is holding up the Heisman Trophy this season.

Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson

When Clemson got off to one of the best starts of any team in the nation, it was in part due to the outstanding play of quarterback Tajh Boyd. Boyd has outstanding mobility and a great arm and makes the Clemson offense run smoothly.

If Boyd can become more consistent during the 2012 season, the Tigers will have a chance to finish what they started in 2011. 

Collin Klein, QB, Kansas State

Another outstanding duel-threat quarterback is Collin Klein. Klein was the leader of Kansas State's offense as they shocked most people with a breakout season.

If Klein is able to return and match the performance from last year, the success of the Wildcats will not catch anyone off guard and help validate this team.

Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama

One of the main anchors to the Alabama offensive line is lineman Barrett Jones. Jones is one of the top guards in the nation, and with another season like last year, Jones will continue to climb up draft boards.

For now, Jones will continue to help the running game as Eddie Lacy becomes the main back, and he will help the Tide try to defend their national title. 

Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon

While the Oregon offense is well-publicized, not many people know that Oregon may have the best defense in the Pac-12 this year. One of the main reasons the Oregon defense stands to be so good is the play of defensive end Dion Jordan.

Jordan has amazing speed and has used it to get off the edge quickly and rack up the sacks. With the amount of reps that the Oregon defense gets, look for Jordan to produce some huge numbers this year.

John Boyett, S, Oregon

Along with Dion Jordan, the Ducks will be counting on hard-hitting safety John Boyett. Boyett has returned for his final season at Oregon and will be one of the leaders of the Oregon team.

Boyett has developed a great football IQ and always seems to be around the ball in both the passing game and the running game. 

Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU

Defensive end Barkevious Mingo is a big piece to the LSU defense. Mingo has a great frame for a defensive end and a motor that does not seem to quit. With Mingo making life difficult off the edge, look for the Tigers to have another outstanding defense. 

Alex Okafor, DE, Texas

With the struggles that Texas has had the past two years, the Longhorns seem to have fallen off the national radar. While that may be true, Alex Okafor and his play on the defensive side of the ball have not gone unnoticed.

The big defensive end possesses great speed and strength, and along with the rest of the Texas defense, he should help get things turned around in 2012. 

T.J. McDonald, S, USC

T.J. McDonald is a hard-hitting ballhawk who will be looking to make life difficult on receivers around the Pac-12. McDonald does a great job of providing help over the top from his safety position but also has the speed to get into the play when a run play is called. 

Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee

The only thing standing in the way of Tyler Bray this year may be the risk of injury. At the start of the 2011 season, Bray was playing amazing football but then ran into injury issues that cost him time throughout the year.

If Tennessee wants to have any sort of success in 2012, Bray must stay upright and healthy all year long. 

William Gholston, DE, Michigan State

While the Michigan State defense got a lot of attention last year, they are going to be even better this year. With the return of William Gholston to this defense, the Spartans have the potential to be scary good. 

On his own, Gholston is a force. He has the ability to rush off the edge and cause havoc or drop into coverage and make plays. 

Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan

While his raw quarterback skills may not be all that great, Denard Robinson is a playmaker and has kept Michigan in games with his legs and the ability to move around the pocket.

Robinson is in his final year, and if he is able to develop even just a little bit in the passing game, the Wolverines offense will take another step forward under Brady Hoke. 

Mike Glennon, QB, NC State

Many NC State fans were fearful that with the loss of Russell Wilson, the offense would struggle. To the surprise of many, Mike Glennon not only filled in but replaced Wilson.

Glennon showed great touch and arm strength throughout the 2011 season and has Wolfpack fans confident as they head into a new season. 

Danny O'Brien, QB, Wisconsin

Much like the move that Russell Wilson made, Danny O'Brien decided it was time to part ways with Maryland and has landed at Wisconsin.

While O'Brien is not as mobile as Wilson, he is a solid quarterback who will keep Wisconsin in the hunt for another Big 10 title. 

Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor

This season will be a huge test for Terrance Williams. Williams gained his status as a high-profile player largely due to the play of Robert Griffin III. Griffin is now in the NFL, and Williams has the opportunity to show that he was the main reason for his own success last year and not Griffin. 

David Amerson, CB, NC State

David Amerson was an interception machine last year. Amerson turned himself into a shutdown corner who cut off half of the field from the opposing offense. 

This year, Amerson has gained the attention of being one of the best corners in the nation but will have to show that he can live up to that hype. 

Robert Lester, DB, Alabama

Robert Lester is going to be a huge part of an Alabama defense that is reloading this year after they lost some players to the NFL draft. Lester is a good corner, but he will need to play a bigger role in 2012.

Only recording two interceptions like he did 2011 will not be the production that Nick Saban or Alabama is looking for.

Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

Roaming in the Texas secondary is Kenny Vaccaro. Much like some of the other safeties on this list, Vaccaro has good speed and playmaking ability. Vaccaro has done a great job of making sure that the Texas defense doesn't take a step back and will play a huge role in its success this year. 

Braxton Miller, QB, Ohio State

Despite not being eligible for postseason play this year, the Buckeyes will still be on the radar for a lot of people.

At the head of the Ohio State offense is Braxton Miller, and the good news for Miller is that with Urban Meyer as the new head coach, Miller will be running an offense that is more suitable for his skills. 

Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State

Florida State and its fans are hoping that this is the year that the team lives up to national hype. If the Seminoles do live up to the billing, Brandon Jenkins will play a huge part in that. 

Jenkins does a great job from the defensive end position and had eight sacks in 2011. Jenkins has proven to be a disruption in the passing game and could make life difficult on the ACC. 

Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas

Part of the reason that Arkansas has such high hopes for the upcoming season is because of the play of quarterback Tyler Wilson.

Wilson is one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, and with the return of Knile Davis to the backfield, Wilson could be even more effective once they get the rushing game going. 

Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

Landry Jones was another quarterback who could have gone pro last year but decided to return to Oklahoma for his final season.

Jones has shown he has the ability to be a top-end quarterback but will need to perform better than he did at the end of the 2011 season. 

Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech

Seems like every year Virginia Tech has one of the best teams in the nation, yet they cannot seem to get over the hump and take advantage of it.

Logan Thomas is a great quarterback who can make things happen with his arm or legs and has Virginia Tech fans hopeful that this could be the year the Hokies take advantage of the talent on the roster. 

Michael Dyer, RB, Arkansas State

Michael Dyer is one of the highest-profile players , yet he will not even see the field this season. Dyer had done a great job the past two years at Auburn but transferred to Arkansas State after being suspended from Auburn in January.

Dyer has been ruled ineligible to play this year, so he will have to sit and wait one season before playing a down for the Red Wolves. 

Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia

If the Bulldogs are hoping to match last year's success or take it a step further, Aaron Murray will need to be even better than he was in 2011.

Murray possess a lot of the skills needed out of the top quarterbacks in the nation. The question for Murray this year will be if he can take his game to another level and join the nation's elite. 

Tyrann Mathieu , DB, LSU

Last year was the year of Tyrann Mathieu. It seemed like every time a big play was made, Mathieu was the one making it.

This year, Mathieu needs to follow up an outstanding 2011 that landed him in New York for the Heisman presentation and help the Tigers finish the job that they started last year and win a national title.