College Football's 30 Most Dynamic Playmakers

Playmakers can change college football's landscape in the blink of an eye.

Whether it be a dual-threat quarterback, a multi-dimensional running back/receiver or a sack artist, playmakers have a way of changing games almost single-handedly.

Playmakers must be accounted for at all times because all they need is one opening to make a dramatic imprint on the game. Generally exhibiting out-of-this-world explosiveness, speed, strength and poise, playmakers see an obstacle and simply run (or throw) over it.

As we get set for the 2012-13 college football season, we will once again be dazzled by the superstars of the game as they make their programs serious threats.

So, let us sit back and enjoy as the 30 most dynamic playmakers in college football—ranked ahead—keep us riveted and wide-eyed throughout the course of the season.

30. Alex Okafor, DE, Texas

Profile

A 5-star recruit in 2009, Alex Okafor dominated for Texas last season, racking up 12.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, 14 QB hurries and two forced fumbles. He's a potent player off the edge for a tough Longhorns defense, and he's entering his senior season. He'll be plenty motivated.

Awards

Okafor was named an All-American last season by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).

Prediction for 2012 Season

Okafor has gotten better every year in the Big 12, and he's going to be hungry with the 2013 NFL draft just around the corner. I expect him to have his best season yet, which is bad news for opposing quarterbacks and offensive linemen.

29. Chase Thomas, LB, Stanford

Profile

Chase Thomas was only a 3-star recruit and was ranked 27th at his position by Rivals.com in 2008, but he's been a formidable presence in Stanford's linebacking corps throughout the years.

Thomas posted 17.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, four QB hurries and five forced fumbles last season for the Cardinal. He does it all.

Awards

Thomas received All-America honors from Sporting News last season.

Prediction for 2012 Season

Like Okafor, Thomas is entering his senior season, which means he has one more season to impress NFL scouts. Also, after Stanford went 11-2 last season but lost a heart-breaker to Oklahoma State in the Fiesta Bowl, Thomas and his fellow Cardinal are looking for some payback.

28. Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State

Profile

A 3-star recruit in 2010, Marquess Wilson has emerged as one of the game's top receivers, catching 82 balls for 1,388 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. 

That included an 11-catch, 126-yard outburst against Oregon two days before Halloween. 

Scary.

Awards

Wilson was named to the All-Pac-12 second team last season.

Prediction for 2012 Season

Mike Leach hasn't named the starting quarterback at Washington State yet, but Wilson is the kind of receiver who will make plays if you simply throw the ball up to him. I expect him to have a very good season, but perhaps not as good given the unsettled quarterback situation.

27. Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame

Profile

Tyler Eifert was only a 3-star recruit and ranked 24th at his position in 2009 by Rivals.com, but he's emerged as arguably the best tight end in college football this season.

Despite shaky quarterback play from Notre Dame last season, Eifert racked up 63 catches for 803 yards and five touchdowns, including a 90-yard effort against defensive-minded Florida State in the Champs Sports Bowl.

Awards

Eifert was a Mackey Award finalist last season, which is given to college football's top tight end.

Prediction for 2012 Season

I think Notre Dame's quarterback play will be better this season, and that will benefit Eifert. I expect the senior to go out strong and position himself well in the 2013 NFL draft. Look for him to have his best season yet.

26. Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

Profile

A 3-star recruit coming out of Baltimore, Maryland, Kyle Fuller proved to be one of the most dynamic playmakers at cornerback last season, totaling two interceptions, 14.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, seven pass deflections, four QB hurries and one forced fumble.

Oh yeah, and he also returned a punt for a touchdown.

He's a one-man nuisance on defense and returning the pigskin.

Awards

Fuller was a second-team All-ACC selection last season as a sophomore.

Prediction for 2012 Season

Fuller's development has been astronomical since he arrived at Virginia Tech. His season in 2011 was other-worldly. I have a feeling he's just getting started.

25. Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas

Profile

Tyler Wilson was a 4-star recruit in 2008, but he was still ranked ninth at his position by Rivals.com. That gives you an idea of how stacked that class was.

But Wilson has lived up to his promise. The senior passed for 3,638 yards and 24 touchdowns to just six interceptions while completing over 63 percent of his throws last season in the SEC.

Did I mention it was his first season starting?

Awards

Wilson was first-team All-SEC last season, as well as being a Manning Award finalist and a Johnny Unitas Golden Arm finalist. He was also a semifinalist for the Davey O'Brien Award and was the Cotton Bowl MVP.

Prediction for 2012 Season

If Wilson dominated in the SEC in his first season starting, just imagine what he can do this season. I expect him to lead Arkansas to its third consecutive season of 10 wins or more with an inexperienced, yet talented receiving corps and Knile Davis (more on him later) carrying the rock.

24. Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

Profile

A 4-star recruit out of Florida in 2009, Geno Smith backed up an impressive sophomore campaign with a dominant showing last season, throwing for over 4,300 yards with 31 touchdowns to seven interceptions while completing nearly 66 percent of his passes.

Awards

Smith was a first-team All-Big East selection last season and the Orange Bowl MVP after throwing for, ahem, 407 yards and six touchdowns against Clemson.

Prediction for 2012 Season

West Virginia is ranked 11th in the country heading into the season, per the AP. With a solid team surrounding him, Smith should be able to have yet another eye-popping campaign and earn a first-team All-Big 12 selection.

23. Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon

Profile

A 3-star recruit in 2008, Kenjon Barner has been overshadowed by LaMichael James throughout his career at Oregon, but there's no question he makes the most of his opportunities. 

Last season, Barner rushed for 939 yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging 6.2 yards per carry in Oregon's high-octane offense. He also added 184 yards and three touchdowns through the air.

Awards

Barner was second-team All-Pac-10 in 2009, and he's been named to watch lists for the Maxwell Award (top college player), Doak Walker Award (top running back) and Paul Hornung Award (most versatile player) this year.

Prediction for 2012

As Oregon's starter for Week 1, Barner certainly has a shot at taking home the Doak Walker Award or the Paul Hornung Award, as well as earning an All-Pac-12 selection, but I do think the electric De'Anthony Thomas will steal a little spotlight.

22. Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas

Profile

A 4-star recruit out of Texas, Knile Davis established himself as one of the best running backs in college football two seasons ago when he racked up 1,322 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. He also added 136 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Unfortunately, he's battled injuries dating back to his high school days and he missed the 2011 season due to an ankle injury, but as long as he's healthy this season, he should be a force once again.

Awards

Davis captured a second-team All-SEC selection in 2010.

Prediction for 2012 Season

I don't expect Davis to get back to his 2010 numbers given his injury woes, but I still think he'll be a formidable player for Arkansas. I wouldn't be surprised if he was named second-team All-SEC again. One thing's for sure: He's going to make the most of his opportunities.

21. Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU

Profile

A 4-star recruit in 2009, Barkevious Mingo not only has an awesome name, he racked up 15 tackles for loss, eight sacks, 11 QB hurries and one forced fumble last season.

Mingo has combined with Sam Montgomery at LSU to become a pass-rushing nightmare for opponents, and he's only getting better.

Awards

Mingo was a second-team All-SEC selection last season.

Prediction for 2012 Season

I expect Mingo to once again be a second-team All-SEC selection this season, given added experience in the conference and another preseason under Les Miles' wing. It simply isn't fair that LSU has Mingo and Montgomery on each side of the D-line.

20. Corey Lemonier, DE, Auburn

Profile

A 4-star recruit ranked No. 3 at his position by Rivals.com in 2010, Corey Lemonier was a monster in his sophomore campaign for Auburn last season. 

Lemonier racked up 13.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 15 QB hurries and five forced fumbles in his first season starting in the big, bad SEC. 

Apparently somebody forgot to tell him this is the SEC we're talking about.

Awards

Last season, Lemonier was named to the Coaches first-team All-SEC, AP second-team All-SEC and Phil Steele first-team All-SEC.

Prediction for 2012 Season

I expect Lemonier to earn AP first-team All-SEC honors this season after a year of getting "accustomed" to the conference. He was everywhere last season, and he improved throughout.

19. William Gholston, DE, Michigan State

Profile

A 5-star recruit ranked No. 21 overall by Rivals.com in 2010, William Gholston hasn't disappointed for Michigan State, registering 70 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, five sacks, three QB hurries and one forced fumble in the Big Ten last season.

The Detroit native has the all-around game to not only excel in the college ranks, but excel in the NFL down the line.

Awards

Gholston was named to the All-Big Ten second team by the coaches and media last season.

Prediction for 2012 Season

Given Gholston has just one full season starting under his belt, he's just realizing his potential. I expect him to soar this season as Michigan State attempts to buckle down on defense in the absence of former quarterback Kirk Cousins.

18. Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State

Profile

A 3-star recruit in 2009, Mississippi State's Johnthan Banks had a fantastic season in 2011, racking up 71 tackles, four interceptions (including one for a touchdown), eight tackles for loss, three sacks, nine pass deflections, three QB hurries and three forced fumbles.

On top of that, Banks also took one to the house on a punt return.

Banks figures to be Mississippi State's biggest playmaker once again this season, using his wide variety of skills to wreak havoc.

Awards

Banks was named to the AP All-SEC second team last season. He was also a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, becoming Mississippi State's first semifinalist for the award since Pig Prather in 2001.

Prediction for 2012 Season

In his final season at Mississippi State, Banks should have a strong year as he prepares for the 2013 NFL draft. I expect him to at least be on the All-SEC second team at the end of the season.

It's going to be hard to match those numbers from last season, but Banks should continue to make an impact in multiple areas.

17. Jackson Jeffcoat, DE, Texas

Profile

A 5-star recruit in 2010 ranked No. 1 at his position and No. 12 overall by Rivals.com, Jackson Jeffcoat has completed the one-two punch with Alex Okafor at Texas.

He posted 17 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks and seven QB hurries last season in 13 games. All of his sacks came in his last seven games.

Awards

Jeffcoat was a second-team All-Big 12 selection for multiple publications last season, including the AP.

Prediction for 2012 Season

Given the way Jeffcoat finished strong last season, I expect him to do some major damage in what should truly be an eye-opening season for NFL scouts. The junior met expectations in the second half of last season and should do so again in 2012-13.

16. Rex Burkhead, RB, Nebraska

Profile

A 4-star recruit ranked No. 9 at his position by Rivals.com in 2009, Rex Burkhead has been a rock for the Cornhuskers the past two seasons. 

Last season, Burkhead rushed for 1,357 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 177 yards and two touchdowns through the air. He had seven games of 117 yards rushing or more.

Awards

Burkhead was a first-team All-Big Ten selection last season (Coaches, Media, ESPN, Phil Steele), as well as a Doak Walker semifinalist. He received an honorable mention for All-American honors by Sports Illustrated.

Prediction for 2012 Season

On a Nebraska program ranked No. 17 by the AP that won nine games last season, Burkhead isn't the only one bringing his "A" game for the Cornhuskers. Quarterback Taylor Martinez was inconsistent last season, but it didn't stop Burkhead from piling up the yardage.

I expect him to do the same en route to his second consecutive first-team All-Big Ten selection.

15. Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

Profile

A 5-star recruit ranked third at his position by Rivals.com last year, Sammy Watkins didn't take long to make an imprint on college football, racking up 82 catches for 1,219 yards and 12 touchdowns in his rookie season.

Watkins also added 231 rushing yards and returned a kickoff for a touchdown.

The youngster can do it all for Clemson, and he still has Tajh Boyd tossing him the pigskin.

Awards

Watkins was an AP first-team All-American last season, becoming only the third true freshman to ever do so, joining some guys named Herschel Walker and Adrian Peterson.

Prediction for 2012 Season

The sky is the limit for Watkins. If he would have entered the NFL draft this year, he may have been selected in the first round. He's that good.

I'd actually be surprised if he didn't earn All-American honors again this season. Watkins is sure to be a first-rounder when he enters the NFL draft, barring a catastrophe.

14. Collin Klein, QB, Kansas State

Profile

Collin Klein was just a 2-star recruit coming out of Colorado in 2008, but his campaign last season threw everyone for a loop, including the defenses facing him.

Klein, a dual-threat quarterback, passed for over 1,900 yards and 13 touchdowns to six interceptions last season. He also rushed for 1,141 yards and 27 touchdowns.

You never know what Klein is going to do. More often than not, he ends up burning you.

Awards

Klein earned first-team All-Big 12 honors as an all-around player last season from multiple publications, including the AP and ESPN.com. He was also called an honorable mention All-American by Sports Illustrated.

Prediction for 2012 Season

On one hand, Klein has been working on his throwing mechanics this offseason, which could set him up for an even more monstrous season. On the other hand, three starters from last season's offensive line had to be replaced.

I'm going to stop short of calling him an All-American this season, but he should pick up first-team All-Big 12 honors again.

13. Joseph Randle, RB, Oklahoma State

Profile

A 4-star recruit in 2010, Joseph Randle has become a dynamic player for Oklahoma State in the backfield. 

Lost in the commotion over Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon last season was the fact that Randle rushed for over 1,200 yards and 24 touchdowns on 5.8 yards per carry. He also caught 43 balls for 266 yards and two touchdowns. 

Awards

Randle was a second-team All-Big 12 selection last season by coaches.

Prediction for 2012 Season

With Weeden and Blackmon out of town, I expect Randle to receive an even bigger workload this season as the Cowboys try to compensate for their stars leaving. That could mean a first-team All-Big 12 selection.

12. David Amerson, CB, NC State

Profile

A 3-star recruit out of North Carolina in 2010, David Amerson has exploded far beyond what was expected of him.

Amerson not only recorded five pass deflections last season, he racked up a whopping 13 interceptions, one shy of tying the FBS record. Two of those interceptions went for scores.

Awards

Amerson was named a first-team All-American by ESPN and Walter Camp last season, and several publications named him a second-team All-American.

Prediction for 2012 Season

N.C. State's secondary is so deep and talented that it's possible some of Amerson's teammates steal a few interceptions away from him. Nonetheless, you don't grab 13 interceptions by simply being in the right spot. Amerson went after the football last season, and I expect him to do the same this season en route to All-American honors.

11. Robert Woods, WR, USC

Profile

Ranked the No. 1 recruit at his position and No. 6 overall by Rivals.com in 2010, Robert Woods has certainly not disappointed at USC.

After a solid rookie campaign, Woods exploded last season, catching 111 balls for 1,292 yards and 15 touchdowns while developing a rapport with quarterback Matt Barkley.

Beyond that, Woods handled return duties for the Trojans.

Awards

Woods was a consensus All-American and first-team All-Pac-12 last season. 

Prediction for 2012 Season

With Barkley still manning the controls for the Trojans, this should be Woods' biggest season yet as the team vies for the national title.

Woods is only going to get better, which means he should capture All-American honors once again before being the first receiver selected in the 2013 NFL draft (if he declares).

10. Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia

Profile

A 4-star recruit ranked No. 4 at his position by Rivals.com in 2009, Jarvis Jones exploded in a breakout campaign for the 22-year-old last season. 

Jones racked up 70 tackles, including 19.5 tackles for loss, as well as 13.5 sacks, 26 QB hurries and two forced fumbles in the SEC. 

Awards

Jones was a consensus All-American last season and earned first-team All-SEC honors.

Prediction for 2012 Season

It's frankly scary what Jarvis Jones could do in his junior season with the Bulldogs. Collecting 19.5 tackles for loss in one season is an obscene number. You add the fact that he now has a solid season under his belt, and it's hard to imagine him not grabbing All-American honors.

9. Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame

Profile

As the No. 12 overall and No. 2 inside linebacker recruit in 2009, Manti Te'o has been a beast for Notre Dame and would have been a first-round pick in the NFL draft this year had he declared.

After registering 127 tackles in his sophomore campaign, Te'o was everywhere in 2011-2012, racking up 128 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, four QB hurries and one forced fumble.

Te'o has been the anchor in Notre Dame's linebacking corps for the past couple of seasons, and that doesn't figure to change this season.

Awards

Te'o is a two-time second-team All-American, and he was named the FBS Independent Defensive Player of the Year last season. He was also a finalist for the Dick Butkus Award and the Lott Trophy.

Prediction for 2012 Season

In his senior season, Te'o is looking to finish with a bang. Given the dedication and desire he's shown so far, I'm pretty sure it would take an army of more than 11 men to stop him from doing that. I expect him to earn first-team All-American honors this season.

8. De'Anthony Thomas, RB, Oregon

Profile

A 5-star recruit, De'Anthony Thomas was ranked No. 5 overall and No. 1 at his position in 2011 by Rivals.com.

Thomas may have exceeded expectations last season.

As a backup to LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner at Oregon, Thomas rushed for 595 yards and seven touchdowns...on 55 carries. He also racked up 605 yards and nine touchdowns...on 46 catches.

Did I mention he averaged 27.3 yards per kickoff return, including two touchdowns?

Thomas is an explosive, blazing-fast athlete, and it showed last season.

Awards

Thomas collected first-team All-Pac-12 honors last season.

Prediction for 2012 Season

People are actually calling Thomas a Heisman candidate this season, despite his being a backup. I would have to agree. When you average 10.8 yards per carry and 13.2 yards per reception, you are certainly in that territory.

I just wonder if Thomas will get enough of a workload to win the Heisman. I'm going to stop short of calling him the next Heisman winner.

7. Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia

Profile

Ranked third at his position by Rivals.com in 2009, Murray followed up a stellar season in 2010 with another dandy last season.

Murray passed for over 3,100 yards and 35 touchdowns in the SEC last season as Georgia went 10-4 and made it to the Outback Bowl.

Awards

Murray earned second-team All-SEC honors last season from the Associated Press.

Prediction for 2012 Season

Murray's interceptions did go up a bit last season, but I expect him to get back to his 2010 levels in 2012-2013 as the Bulldogs make another run at a BCS bowl. Second-team All-SEC honors are in his wheelhouse.

6. Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU

Profile

A 4-star recruit in 2009, Sam Montgomery is LSU's most complete pass-rusher. He notched 13.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks and a forced fumble for the Tigers last season, but his numbers don't even tell the story of his true impact on the field.

Awards

Montgomery was an All-American and an All-SEC selection last season.

Prediction for 2012 Season

After getting defeated by Alabama in the BCS Championship Game last season, Montgomery and Co. are looking for revenge, and you can bet the junior will be ready. I expect him to be an All-American and All-SEC selection once again by the end of the year.

5. Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

Profile

Who's the best defensive playmaker in college football this season?

That's a clown question, bro.

Jadeveon Clowney was ranked the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2011 class by Rivals.com, and he didn't disappoint last season, racking up 12 tackles for loss, eight sacks and five forced fumbles in the big, bad SEC. He's a disruptive force who can ruin game plans.

Awards

Clowney was a first-team Freshman All-American last season and a second-team All-SEC selection. He also was named the SEC Freshman of the Year by coaches.

Predictions for 2012 Season

I could see Clowney capturing first-team All-SEC honors this season, as well as being named an All-American. He's only in his second collegiate season, and he's already shown major strides in college football's toughest conference.

4. Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina

Profile

A 5-star recruit ranked No. 1 at his position by Rivals.com in 2010, Lattimore rushed for over 1,100 yards and 17 touchdowns in his rookie season.

Lattimore was rolling along last season, too, before he tore a knee ligament against Mississippi State in his seventh game of the season. Even in limited time last season, Lattimore still rushed for 818 yards (5.0 yards per carry) and 10 touchdowns, while racking up 182 yards and a touchdown through the air.

Awards

A list of Lattimore's accomplishments in 2010: All-America second team, All-SEC first team, Freshman of the Year and SEC Freshman of the Year.

Lattimore was still named to the All-SEC second team last season despite missing the second half of 2011-2012.

Prediction for 2012 Season

Depending on how Lattimore rebounds from injury, he could very well contend for the Heisman this season. I don't think he'll get there, but I do see him grabbing first-team All-SEC honors.

3. Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin

Profile

Montee Ball was ranked No. 33 at his position in 2009 by Rivals.com, but he's stormed past all the doubters to become one of the most dangerous running backs in college football.

"Moneyball" not only rushed for 1,923 yards and 33 touchdowns last season, he caught 24 balls for 306 yards and six touchdowns. He rushed for 164 yards and a touchdown against Oregon in the Rose Bowl.

Awards

Last season, Ball was a consensus All-American, first-team All-Big Ten, Big Ten Running Back of the Year and Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.

Prediction for 2012 Season

It's hard to imagine Montee Ball not grabbing All-America honors this season, as well as being named to the first-team All-Big Ten. He's a dynamic force.

2. Matt Barkley, QB, USC

Profile

A 5-star recruit, Matt Barkley was ranked No. 5 overall and No. 1 at his position in 2009 by Rivals.com.

Barkley has gone on to have a dominant career at USC. That was made evident last season, and with USC's bowl ban now lifted, expect him to have a career year as the Trojans vie for the national championship.

Barkley passed for over 3,500 yards with 39 touchdowns to seven interceptions last season. He completed 69 percent of his passes.

Awards

Barkley was named the 2011 National Performer of the Year by College Football Performance Awards. He was second-team All-Pac-12 and ranked sixth in Heisman voting.

Prediction for 2012 Season

Most experts have Matt Barkley winning the Heisman this season, and it's hard to disagree. He could also be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft. He figures to be the top quarterback selected, at least.

1. Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan

Profile

Remember when Denard Robinson was ranked No. 188 overall and No. 14 at his position as a 4-star recruit by Rivals.com in 2009?

Well, those days of underestimation are over.

When you are talking about multi-dimensional playmakers, Robinson takes the cake. Robinson not only passed for over 2,100 yards and 20 touchdowns last season, his legs set him apart. He rushed for over 1,100 yards and 16 touchdowns as a quarterback.

Awards

Robinson was first-team All-Big Ten in 2010 and second-team All-Big Ten last season. He also was an Honorable Mention All-American last season.

Prediction for 2012 Season

This figures to be Robinson's biggest year yet in his second season under Brady Hoke. The Wolverines went 11-2 last season and captured the Sugar Bowl behind Robinson in 2011-12. He should be a Heisman contender and grab first-team All-Big Ten honors.

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