College Football's 40 Best Offensive Players for 2012 Season

The old sports quote “defense wins championships” may be true to a degree. But let’s face it, most football fans—as well as the sports media—tend to overlook many notable defenders, no matter how great they are to focus on the sport's star offensive players.

Year after year, three types of offensive skill-position players—quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers—end up receiving the most publicity and attention in college football.

This year, there are plenty of outstanding defensive players around the country to watch, but there’s also an intriguing new wave of offensive talent that will likely captivate a national audience in 2012.

Here’s a look at college football’s 40 best offensive players who will likely make the biggest impact during the 2012 season. 

1. RB Montee Ball, Wisconsin

Montee Ball wasn't on many Heisman watch lists before the start of last season, but he still managed to end up as a 2011 fourth-place finisher for the Heisman Trophy.

The numerous accolades and honors that Ball received last season were definitely well deserved.

The 5'11'', 210-pound senior put together one of the greatest single-season performances ever seen from a Big Ten running back, rushing for 1,923 yards and 33 touchdowns while also catching 24 passes for 306 yards and six scores. 

Ball was the team's MVP during the Badgers' run to a conference championship and the Rose Bowl last season, and he'll once again be the face of the Leaders Division favorite in 2012. 

2. QB Matt Barkley, USC

Now that Andrew Luck has left for the NFL, the sports media needs a new quarterback to fawn over this season.

Luckily for them, USC's Matt Barkley decided to return to school and fill that role. 

Barkley is now college football's new cover-boy quarterback. He's the preseason favorite to take home the 2012 Heisman Trophy, as well as the early front-runner to be the No. 1 pick of next year's NFL draft. 

While the hype may be excessive, the SoCal signal-caller is certainly worthy of plenty of praise, especially after his performance in 2011.

Last year, Barkley threw for over 3,500 yards and 39 touchdowns and led the Trojans to ten total victories. 

The 6'2'', 230-pound senior would've been a guaranteed top-five pick in the 2012 NFL draft if he had decided to declare, but he instead had some unfinished business to attend to in Los Angeles. 

That unfinished business obviously includes a Heisman Trophy as well as a BCS national title.

Ultimately, it will be interesting to see if Barkley is able to reach his two major goals in 2012. 

3. C Barrett Jones, Alabama

Barrett Jones would probably be the first to admit that he's not the biggest or strongest offensive lineman in college football. However, just because he isn't necessarily an elite physical specimen doesn't mean that Jones isn't the best overall offensive lineman in the country.

The 6'5'', 311-pound senior proved just how talented and versatile he really was in 2011, when he kicked out to left tackle and consistently dominated everyone that lined up in front of him during the Tide's run to a national championship. 

Jones was rewarded with the prestigious Outland Trophy for his tremendous effort, which helped solidify his status as college football's best overall blocker. 

After making yet another move this offseason—this time to center—Jones will now be the true centerpiece and linchpin of an Alabama offensive line that will again be the strongest unit in the country in 2012. 

4. WR Keenan Allen, California

Keenan Allen possesses the complete package that you look for in an elite wide receiver: size, speed, hands, route-running instincts, burst off the line, leaping ability and overall playmaking skills. 

Allen belongs in the conversation with other recent physically superior college pass-catchers such as Justin Blackmon, Michael Floyd, A.J. Green, Julio Jones and Calvin Johnson. 

The imposing 6'3'', 205-pound junior put his terrific natural ability to good use in 2011, catching 98 passes for 1,343 yards and six touchdowns. 

Now, the former 5-star rated recruit out of North Carolina's Northern Guilford High School will be looking to assume the vacated title of "college football's best wide receiver" this season.

It certainly wouldn't be very surprising if Allen eventually develops into the same type of dominant, unstoppable force that Justin Blackmon was for the past two years. 

5. RB Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina

Marcus Lattimore's knee will be under a huge microscope in 2012, as everybody will be looking to see how the star back has healed after he tore a knee ligament midway through last season. 

From a physical standpoint, no other back in college football compares to Lattimore. 

The 6'0'', 218-pound junior possesses a rare combination of size, strength, explosive burst, power and rushing instincts that is simply unmatched.

Lattimore is a more impressive back than the SEC's two leading 2011 rushers—Trent Richardson and Michael Dyer—and if his knee is fine, he should have a monster comeback campaign as the featured weapon of South Carolina's 2012 offense.

6. QB Aaron Murray, Georgia

Last year, Aaron Murray quietly led Georgia to 10 straight wins after the team had its back pushed up against the wall after an 0-2 start. 

During that journey to an SEC East division title, Murray slowly but surely developed into an elite quarterback and a true offensive leader. 

The 6'1'', 211-pound junior displayed his impressive passing prowess, throwing for over 3,100 yards and 35 touchdowns in 2011. 

Murray has the intangibles, passing skills, leadership ability and competitive-minded attitude to lead the Bulldogs into contention for both an SEC championship as well as a national title in 2012. 

7. WR Robert Woods, USC

There hasn't been a USC receiver selected in the first round of the NFL draft since Mike Williams in 2005, but that drought will end in 2013 when current star pass-catcher Robert Woods will likely make the move up to the pro level. 

Woods has established himself as one of college football's top receivers, especially after the 2011 campaign he just put together. The 6'1'', 190-pound junior was one of the most productive receivers in the country last season, catching 111 passes for 1,292 yards and 15 touchdowns

With QB Matt Barkley returning behind center for another year, Woods will have the chance to have the best campaign of his already tremendous Trojan career in 2012. 

8. QB Geno Smith, West Virginia

You couldn't build a much more perfect quarterback for Dana Holgorsen's Air Raid-style passing attack than West Virginia's Geno Smith. 

We found that out last season when Smith stepped into the system and adapted to it without a problem. 

The savvy and strong-armed 6'3'', 214-pound senior flourished under Holgorsen's watch, throwing for 4,385 yards and hitting 31 touchdown passes compared to just seven interceptions. 

With explosive receivers like Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey both returning to Morgantown, Smith will have the chance to really light up Big 12 secondaries this fall. 

9. WR Sammy Watkins, Clemson

Sammy Watkins would have been a first-round pick in the 2012 NFL draft, but the problem was, he just so happened to be a young freshman, who still had to wait his turn. 

Watkins is NFL-ready right now, and it's a shame that he'll have to wait another two years to get his shot in the pros. 

There have been very few freshmen performances in college football history that can compare to the one Watkins dazzled us with in 2011. 

The former 5-star recruit instantly became the go-to target on the Clemson offense last year, and he ended up compiling 1,450 yards of total offense and 13 touchdowns. 

The explosive 6'1'', 190-pound sophomore is a true triple-threat, as he's capable of causing catastrophic damage as a receiver, runner or as a returner.

10. QB Denard Robinson, Michigan

Denard Robinson has only beaten two ranked teams during his two years as a starter at Michigan, but he'll certainly have a chance to add to that total in 2012, since Michigan will be facing one of college football's toughest schedules this year. 

It's a slate that starts off with a neutral site battle with defending national champ Alabama at Cowboys Stadium on the first Saturday night of the season, and it also includes tilts with Notre Dame, Illinois, Michigan State, Nebraska, Iowa and Ohio State. 

After compiling 7,621 yards of total offense and accounting for 68 touchdowns over the past two seasons, Robinson has already proven that he's one of the most dangerous offensive playmakers in the country. 

Now, it's time to show that he can step up and beat big-name opponents week after week in 2012. 

11. RB Knile Davis, Arkansas

Knile Davis was on the road to stardom leading up to the 2011 season. Sadly, however, a freak preseason ankle injury ended up shelving him for the entire year. 

Now, after spending months rehabbing and preparing for his return, Davis will step back into the starting lineup and remind the SEC about all that he has to offer. 

The 6'1'', 226-pound junior is a true physical freak, who possesses an outstanding blend of size, vision and raw speed. Davis ran for 1,322 yards and scored 14 touchdowns in 2010, but he'll be looking to put up even bigger numbers than that this season. 

Look for Davis and backfield mate Dennis Johnson to give the Razorbacks a championship-caliber 1-2 rushing punch in 2012. 

12. QB Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech

Logan Thomas may never live up to the lofty "next Cam Newton" comparisons, but Virginia Tech's budding star signal-caller still has the chance to create a legacy of his own this season. 

Thomas has an unbelievable combination of size, athleticism and arm talent that makes him a rare elite dual-threat quarterback, who can dominate with both his arm and his legs. 

The 6'6'', 262-pound junior threw for over 3,000 yards and accounted for 30 total touchdowns in his first year as a starter in 2011, and he'll be looking to build on that success this year. 

Even though the Hokies will miss the ACC's leading-rusher David Wilson, look for Thomas to put the offense on his back in 2012 and show what type of team leader he really is. 

13. WR Marqise Lee, USC

QB Matt Barkley and WR Robert Woods may be the two most publicized members of USC's offense this season. However, WR Marqise Lee will undoubtedly play just as big of a role in the unit's success in 2012 as his teammates Barkley and Woods will. 

Pac-12 defenses surely won't be sleeping on Lee anymore after his phenomenal freshman campaign in which he hauled in 74 passes for 1,143 yards and 11 touchdowns. 

The 6'0'', 195-pound sophomore sensation has the look of a future top-10 NFL draft pick, and as far as pure talent is concerned, he has just as much of it as any other receiver in college football. 

14. RB Kenjon Barner, Oregon

Oregon's offense will obviously miss the presence of All-American three-year starting running back LaMichael James this season. However, the good news is that the Ducks have another potential standout at the position in Kenjon Barner. 

Barner has been overshadowed by James throughout his time in Eugene, but he'll now have the chance to prove that he's one of the most dangerous offensive threats in the country in 2012. 

Last year, the 5'11'', 195-pound senior only carried the ball 152 times, but he averaged an outstanding 6.2 yards per carry and scored 14 total touchdowns. 

Blessed with game-changing speed and the perfect physical skill set to excel in Oregon's spread offense, Barner seems like he could be ready to become one of the biggest breakout stars of the 2012 season. 

15. QB Tyler Wilson, Arkansas

Tyler Wilson threw for 3,638 yards and 24 touchdowns and led Arkansas to an 11-win season and a top-five national ranking in his first year as a starter in 2011.

Still, the season did feel like something was missing, since Wilson and the Razorbacks weren't able to compete on the big stage in a BCS bowl game. 

That could change this season, however, as the team will have the spotlight shining on it throughout the entire season. 

Everyone will be looking to see if Wilson and the potentially powerful Arkansas offense will be as good as advertised in 2012. 

If they are, Wilson may just lead the Razorbacks all the way to Atlanta and possibly even Miami. 

16. QB Collin Klein, Kansas State

At this time last year, most analysts and prognosticators were picking Kansas State to finish near the basement of the new-look ten-team Big 12. 

The funny thing is, QB Collin Klein and the Wildcats must not have heard about the low expectations because they went out and became one of the biggest surprise success stories of 2011, winning 10 games and finishing ranked in the final top 15 of the postseason polls. 

Klein was the main reason for all the madness in Manhattan last year. The 6'5'', 226-pound senior signal-caller proved to be one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in the country, throwing for 1,918 yards, rushing for 1,141 yards and accounting for 40 total touchdowns. 

If Klein can improve as a passer this offseason, there's no telling what he'll be capable of in 2012. 

17. WR Da'Rick Rogers, Tennessee

Da'Rick Rogers hasn't exactly been the model of stability during his two years in Knoxville, but there's no doubting the type of jaw-dropping physical ability that he possesses. 

Rogers remained focused in 2011, and he made the most out of his tremendous talent. He led the SEC with 67 receptions for 1,040 yards and caught nine touchdown passes.

The 6'3'', 206-pound junior finally resembled the 5-star rated recruit that Tennessee fans initially got so excited about, and the scary part is that Rogers should be even better in 2012. 

With Rogers, quarterback Tyler Bray and fellow receiver Justin Hunter all returning to the mix, Tennessee's passing attack should be one of the most lethal in college football this year. 

18. RB Andre Ellington, Clemson

Star sophomore receiver Sammy Watkins has been the most talked about player on the Clemson offense this summer, but the Tigers' most dangerous offensive weapon might just be running back Andre Ellington. 

Ellington is just as talented as former teammate C.J. Spiller, the No. 9 overall pick of the 2010 NFL draft, and he himself has the chance to end up as a first-round NFL draft pick in 2013 if he has the senior season that he's capable of. 

The 5'10'', 190-pound senior speedster is an explosive Spiller-esque home-run threat who can devastate a defense any time that he gets the ball in his hands. 

19. TE Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame

There hasn't been a tight end drafted in the first round of the NFL draft in either of the last two drafts, but that could very well change in 2013 if tight end Tyler Eifert fulfills his potential. 

Eifert is the latest in a line of talented Notre Dame tight ends such as Kyle Rudolph, John Carlson and Anthony Fasano. 

Last season, the 6'6'', 251-pound junior led all tight ends with 63 catches for 803 yards and five touchdowns. 

Since star receiver Michael Floyd is no longer in South Bend, Eifert will now be counted on to be the main weapon in the passing game in 2012. 

20. RB Joseph Randle, Oklahoma State

The Oklahoma State offense is going to have a tough time trying to fill the holes left by QB Brandon Weeden and WR Justin Blackmon, who were each first-round picks in this year's NFL draft. 

While Weeden and Blackmon will both be missed, the good news is that the Cowboys can rely on running back Joseph Randle to be the focal point of their offense in 2012. 

Randle was one of the most underrated players in college football last year, as he ran for 1,216 yards, caught 43 passes for 266 yards and scored 26 touchdowns. 

The 6'1'', 191-pound junior is an explosive and versatile back who knows well how to slice his way through defenses.

21. RB De’Anthony Thomas, Oregon

Besides Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins, there was no other freshman in college football that had the same caliber of season that Oregon RB De'Anthony Thomas did in 2011. 

Thomas had high expectations to live up to after arriving in Eugene as a 5-star rated recruit out of Crenshaw, California. 

He definitely didn't let them overwhelm him, though. Thomas managed to immediately live up to his high school hype, as he totaled 1,200 yards of total offense and scored 18 touchdowns during his inaugural season. 

The 5'9'', 173-pound sophomore is one of the fastest and most explosive playmakers in the country, and he'll be looking to elevate his game even higher in 2012.

22. QB Landry Jones, Oklahoma

Before the start of the 2011 season, Landry Jones was considered a potential top-15 NFL draft pick, and he was also being talked about as a legitimate Heisman favorite. 

Those days seem like ancient history now, though, especially after the poor performance that we saw from Jones late last season. 

Admittedly, it's tough to criticize a quarterback who completes 63 percent of his passes for over 4,400 yards and 29 touchdowns, but Jones' eye-catching numbers masked his overall inconsistent season. 

The 6'4'', 218-pound senior will now be looking to redeem himself in 2012.

With one of the best supporting casts in college football, Jones might just have the firepower he needs to have the Sooners back battling for a Big 12 championship as well as a national title this season. 

23. OT Alex Hurst, LSU

Alex Hurst was one of the key reasons that LSU finished second in the SEC in rushing offense last season. 

Hurst was a true force to be reckoned within the trenches in 2011, and he'll now be back to lead the stacked LSU offensive line one more time this season. 

The 6'6'', 340-pound senior is a huge, powerful right tackle who possesses more than enough strength and tenacity to push defenders around in the running game. 

What's really so impressive about Hurst, though, is how much quickness and agility he has for his size, which also allows him to dominate in the pass-blocking phase of the game.. 

It appears that Hurst will have the best chance out of any offensive lineman in the country to dethrone his conference counterpart Barrett Jones and win the Outland Trophy in 2012. 

24. QB Keith Price, Washington

Keith Price quickly made Washington fans forget about his predecessor Jake Locker last season, when he stepped into the starting lineup and threw for over 3,000 yards and 33 touchdowns. 

Price's most memorable game came during the postseason, when he out-dueled Heisman-winning quarterback Robert Griffin III and threw for 438 yards, accounting for seven of his team's touchdowns in the 67-56 defeat. 

The athletic 6'1'', 195-pound junior will likely develop into a true dual-threat quarterback in 2012 once the Huskies coaching staff decides to fully unleash him. 

Washington may not win enough games for Price to be considered a legitimate Heisman contender, but don't be surprised if you hear his name and the award in the same sentence at least a few times this season. 

25. WR Josh Boyce, TCU

This offseason, the Big 12 lost its three most talented wide receivers—Justin Blackmon, Ryan Broyles and Kendall Wright. However, the league did add some extremely intriguing pass-catchers with the additions of new members TCU and West Virginia. 

The top new face to watch in 2012 will be Horned Frogs receiver Josh Boyce.

Boyce is just as explosive as Kendall Wright, and he showed off his tremendous game-changing skills last season, catching 61 passes for 998 yards and nine touchdowns. 

The 6'0'', 203-pound junior is a strong and speedy receiver, who will be the most trusted playmaker on TCU's offense in 2012. 

26. OT D.J. Fluker, Alabama

Barrett Jones may be the undisputed leader of the Alabama offensive line, but the Tide will have another potential All-American candidate in the trenches as well this season. 

Right tackle D.J. Fluker is one of the most physically imposing players in all of college football, and the former 5-star rated recruit backs up his intimidating physique with his immense talent. 

Fluker has been a starter since his redshirt freshman season in 2010, and over the last two years, he's grown into one of the most feared run-blockers in the nation. 

The 6'6'', 335-pound junior still has to work on his fundamentals and overall technique in order to be considered the best tackle in college football, but he's definitely one of the most gifted linemen you're going to see this fall. 

27. WR Marquess Wilson, Washington State

After a dismal four-year stretch under former coach Paul Wulff, in which they won just nine total games, the Washington State Cougars have now received a much needed boost of energy with the hiring of former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach.

Leach has brought his pass-heavy offensive attack to Pullman, which is great news for the team's best overall player, WR Marquess Wilson. 

Wilson has been one of the most consistent and productive receivers in the country over the last two years, combining to catch 137 passes for 2,394 yards and 18 touchdowns. 

Now, with Leach calling the shots, the 6'4'', 183-pound junior should be able to have the best statistical season of his career in 2012. 

While he may lack true elite deep speed, Wilson has all the physical traits that NFL teams are looking for in a difference-making receiver. If he has the season that many are expecting this year, this will probably be his last season in a Cougar uniform. 

28. RB Stepfan Taylor, Stanford

Stepfan Taylor has been one of the most underrated players in college football for the past two years, but that naturally tends to happen when you play in the same backfield as the sport's biggest star, Andrew Luck. 

Now that Luck has moved from Palo Alto to the NFL, Taylor will now have the chance to step out of his former teammate's shadow in 2012. 

The 5'11'', 208-pound senior has totaled 2,915 yards of offense and scored 28 touchdowns in his two seasons spent as the featured back of the Stanford offense. 

Taylor will now likely have the most productive campaign of his career in 2012, since he'll be Stanford's most valuable offensive weapon this season. 

29. C Travis Frederick, Wisconsin

Wisconsin will have to replace three starting offensive linemen from the 2011 season, including key veteran leaders such as center Peter Konz and guard Kevin Zeitler. 

Luckily, this is the Badgers that we're talking about, so you know they've got a new crop of linemen that will be ready to compete for All-American honors this year. 

Not only will Wisconsin have one of the top left tackles in the country, Ricky Wagner, but the team will also have one of the strongest inside forces in college football manning the middle of the line in 2012 with Travis Frederick at center. 

Frederick was arguably the most consistent and steady member of Wisconsin's extremely talented 2011 offensive line, and he has all the tools to emerge as a Rimington and Outland Trophy contender this year. 

30. RB Rex Burkhead, Nebraska

Rex Burkhead looked like a perfect fit for Nebraska's power rushing attack last season. 

Burkhead is a strong, physical and determined runner who produced at a high rate in his first season as a starter, rushing for 1,357 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2011. 

The 5'11'', 210-pound senior is a sneakily fast runner, who has the power and toughness to consistently bang in between the tackles. 

With dual-threat quarterback Taylor Martinez and Burkhead both returning to the backfield this season, Nebraska should have one of the most productive ground games in the country in 2012. 

31. WR Ryan Swope, Texas A&M

Texas A&M's offense lost three of its most important players from last season—QB Ryan Tannehill, RB Cyrus Gray and WR Jeff Fuller. The good news, though, is that the Aggies will have a dependable veteran leader to rely on in 2012 with the return of highly productive senior receiver Ryan Swope. 

Swope caught 87 passes for 1,207 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2011, and he'll now be asked to play a key leadership role for the Aggies, as they move into the treacherous waters of the SEC in 2012. 

The 6'1'', 206-pound senior will receive the "Next Wes Welker" label because of his skin color, but Swope is actually bigger, stronger and faster than the heralded New England wideout.

32. QB James Franklin, Missouri

Missouri will be making the tough transition to the SEC in 2012, and luckily, the Tigers will have a dependable and supremely talented quarterback like James Franklin to help lead them into their new league. 

Franklin was very impressive during his first season as a starter in 2011, as he stepped in for Blaine Gabbert, the No. 10 pick in the 2011 NFL draft, and completed 63 percent of his passes for 2,865 yards and 21 touchdowns. 

The 6'2'', 225-pound junior also proved that he was one of the most dangerous running quarterbacks in the country as well, rushing for 981 yards and 15 touchdowns last year. 

With teams like Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida all on the schedule this season, the level of competition that Franklin will face in the SEC will certainly be fierce. However, the dangerous dual-threat quarterback might just have the skills that it takes to lead Missouri into serious contention for an SEC East division title in 2012. 

33. WR Tavon Austin, West Virginia

The solid play of QB Geno Smith definitely wasn't the only reason why West Virginia was able to rank sixth in the nation in passing offense last season, having averaged 346 yards through the air per game.

It also helped that the Mountaineers had one of the most dynamic and explosive offensive threats in the country in WR Tavon Austin. 

Austin flourished during his first year in Dana Holgorsen's offensive system, catching 111 passes for 1,186 yards and nine touchdowns in 2011. 

The 5'9'', 174-pound senior may not be the biggest receiver in the country, but he knows how to make things happen once the ball is in his hands. 

Look for Austin and fellow receiver Stedman Bailey to again give Smith all the help that he needs in 2012. 

34. QB E.J. Manuel, Florida State

E.J. Manuel has as much natural physical ability as any other quarterback in college football. The problem is, the former highly touted blue-chip recruit has yet to put it all together and get the most out of his potential. 

Manuel has shown plenty of glimpses of greatness during the past three years, but his first season as a starter in Tallahassee turned out to be a disappointing one, as the Seminoles finished just 9-4 after starting the year ranked in the top five of the preseason polls. 

The 6'5'', 240-pound senior still turned in a respectable performance of his own, however, having completed 65 percent of his passes for over 2,600 yards and 18 touchdowns while having tossed just eight picks. 

There's no question that Manuel has all the tools needed to become one of college football's elite quarterbacks in 2012. All he has to do is show that he can handle the pressure that comes along with leading a team that's already been labeled as the favorite to win the ACC. 

35. RB Ray Graham, Pittsburgh

Ray Graham was well on his way to running away with the Big East rushing title last season before a knee injury sidelined him for the season after the eighth game.

Graham only carried the ball 164 times in 2011, but he still managed to total 958 yards on the ground and score nine total touchdowns. 

It should now be very interesting to see what the 5'9'', 190-pound senior will be capable of in new head coach Paul Chryst's offense this season. 

The former Wisconsin offensive coordinator's system helped propel Montee Ball to stardom last year, and it may just do the very same thing for Graham in 2012. 

36. RB Spencer Ware, LSU

LSU has the deepest and most talented backfield in college football for the 2012 season, as the Tigers have four backs—Spencer Ware, Michael Ford, Kenny Hilliard and Alfred Blue, who could each start for most college football teams. 

When you have that much competition for carries, it can be hard to make a real name for yourself and separate from the crowd. Nevertheless, Ware, the Tigers' most talented back, could still be in store for a statement season in 2012. 

The 5'11'', 223-pound junior is a big, athletic back who possesses an impressive blend of speed and power. 

Ware ran for 707 yards, scored nine touchdowns and showed that he was adept at pounding the ball inside the tackles last season, and it'll be interesting to see how many touches he gets this year. 

If he receives the proper amount of carries, Ware could really cause quite a buzz around the SEC in 2012. 

37. RB Giovani Bernard, North Carolina

Last season, Giovani Bernard showed no ill-effects from the knee injury that kept him out for his entire true freshman season in 2010. 

In fact, Bernard looked exactly like the highly touted 4-star recruit that Tar Heels fans were initially so excited about. 

The 5'10'', 205-pound redshirt sophomore may not have received a ton of national publicity in 2011, but he still had one of the most impressive seasons out of any running back in the country. 

Bernard was one of the ACC's most electrifying and versatile offensive playmakers last year, as he rushed for 1,253 yards, caught 45 passes for 362 yards and scored 14 total touchdowns. 

With Bernard, QB Bryn Renner and WR Erik Highsmith all returning to the huddle, you'd have to expect that North Carolina will have one of the conference's most powerful offensive attacks in 2012. 

38. QB Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville

Teddy Bridgewater appears to have the potential to develop into one of college football's biggest star quarterbacks over the next few years.

Bridgewater looked right at home in the Cardinals offense in 2011. He captured Big East Rookie of the Year honors after he completed 64 percent of his passes for over 2,100 yards and 14 touchdowns and helped lead the team to a share of the Big East championship. 

The former 4-star recruit out of Miami powerhouse Northwestern High School is oozing with potential, and if the coaching staff lets him off of the leash more in his second year as a starter, he could really begin to dominate in 2012. 

With one of the best receiver corps in the country comprised of Michaelee Harris, Eli Rogers and DeVante Parker, Bridgewater has the ammunition that he needs to transform the Louisville offense into one of the most explosive units in college football this season. 

39. QB Casey Pachall, TCU

Casey Pachall had some big shoes to fill last season, as he was asked to take over for Andy Dalton, who was one of the most consistent and successful quarterbacks in college football history.

Pachall didn't seem to be phased by the pressure at all, though, as he led TCU to an 11-win season and a Mountain West championship in 2011. 

The 6'5'', 226-pound junior threw for over 2,900 touchdowns and 25 touchdowns last year. His most memorable performance of the season was when he shredded the Boise State secondary in a wild 36-35 upset victory on the blue turf. 

The tall pocket-passer has the size, arm strength and attitude to really take the Big 12 by storm this season.

With Pachall back at the helm, opponents better not take the Horned Frogs lightly in 2012. 

40. RB Malcolm Brown, Texas

Malcolm Brown arrived at Texas last offseason as a celebrated 5-star rated running back recruit out of Steele High School in Cibolo, Texas. 

It didn't take long for Brown to display the flashes of dominance during his first campaign that you would expect from a former blue-chip prospect.

Brown got banged up late in the season, but he still managed to rush for 742 yards and five touchdowns on just 172 total carries. 

The 6'0'', 213-pound sophomore is a strong and explosive rusher who could be in store for a big breakout season in 2012. 

Other Quarterbacks to Watch

A.J. McCarron, Alabama

Bryn Renner, North Carolina

Connor Shaw, South Carolina

James Vandenberg, Iowa

Mike Glennon, N.C. State

Ryan Aplin, Arkansas State

Tajh Boyd, Clemson

Taylor Martinez, Nebraska 

Tyler Bray, Tennessee

Zach Mettenberger, LSU

Other Running Backs to Watch

Cameron Marshall, Arizona State

Christine Michael, Texas A&M

Cierre Wood, Notre Dame

David Sims, Georgia Tech

Eddie Lacy, Alabama

John White, Utah

Le’Veon Bell, Michigan State

Matthew Tucker, TCU

Michael Ford, LSU

Silas Redd, USC

Other Wide Receivers to Watch

Cobi Hamilton, Arkansas

Conner Vernon, Duke

DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson

Emory Blake, Auburn

Justin Hunter, Tennessee

Keenan Davis, Iowa

Kenny Stills, Oklahoma

Markus Wheaton, Oregon State

Odell Beckham Jr., LSU

Terrance Williams, Baylor

Other Tight Ends to Watch

Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington

Crockett Gillmore, Colorado State

Jacob Pedersen, Wisconsin

Jake Stoneburner, Ohio State

Jordan Reed, Florida

Levine Toilolo, Stanford

Luke Wilson, Rice

Michael Williams, Alabama

Philip Lutzenkirchen, Auburn

Ryan Griffin, Connecticut

Other Offensive Tackles to Watch

Cameron Fleming, Stanford

Chris Faulk, LSU

David Bakhitiari, Colorado

Jake Matthews, Texas A&M

James Hurst, North Carolina

Justin Pugh, Syracuse

Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M

Oday Aboushi, Virginia

Ricky Wagner, Wisconsin

Taylor Lewan, Michigan

Other Interior Linemen to Watch

Braxston Cave, Notre Dame

Chance Warmack, Alabama

Cyril Richardson, Baylor

Gabe Ikard, Oklahoma

Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State

Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina

Khaled Holmes, USC

Larry Warford, Kentucky

Omoregie Uzzi, Georgia Tech

Patrick Lewis, Texas A&M