Top 50 College Football Players Entering Spring Practice
Spring is in the air, at least from a college football standpoint, as several college football teams have returned to the practice field for offseason workouts in advance of the 2015 season.
Between now and early May, every FBS program will use their allotted practice time to address areas of deficiency from the year before, implement new offensive and defensive strategies and search for replacements for departed stars. It's also a time for the game's top players to get back into shape and gear up for an even better season than what they just produced.
Another stellar crop of stars graduated or turned pro early following the 2014 campaign, but there's no shortage of top performers still around. Here's our list of the 50 best players in college football heading into spring practice.
Jack Allen, C, Michigan State
1 of 50
Year: Senior
Height, weight: 6'2", 299 lbs
What he's done
Jack Allen has been an anchor in the middle of Michigan State's offensive line for much of the past three seasons, starting 30 games at center and five at guard. Last year the Spartans ranked 11th in total offense, at 500.8 yards per game, and Allen was crucial in allowing only 11 sacks all season.
What's in store for 2015
Allen takes on an even bigger role as a senior with the graduation of both starting guards around him, as well as the departure of dependable running back Jeremy Langford. The longstanding relationship between he and quarterback Connor Cook will be counted on greatly to keep MSU in the running for the Big Ten.
Roberto Aguayo, K, Florida State
2 of 50
Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'1", 203 lbs
What he's done
Arguably the most successful kicker in college football in the past two decades, Roberto Aguayo has already won the Lou Groza Award once as a freshman and narrowly missed out on landing the trophy again last season. An amazingly dependable weapon, Aguayo has made 48 of 52 field goals in his career, while connecting on all 149 of his point-after attempts.
What's in store for 2015
With Florida State overhauling its offense after the departure of quarterback Jameis Winston, Aguayo's reliability will be even more called upon. He has made 16 field goals from outside of the red zone in his career, so the Seminoles know they can count on him to provide points when drives stall out.
Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
3 of 50
Year: Sophomore
Height, weight: 6'3", 267 lbs
What he's done
It only took one season for Derek Barnett to quickly rise up the rankings of the best defensive players in school history, notching 10 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss as a true freshman. His TFL tally was fifth-most ever by a Volunteer, and the most of any player since 2000, and that came despite starting only 10 of 13 games.
Barnett had a pair of three-sack games, helping him land a number of major freshman accolades, including Grantland's National Rookie of the Year Award.
What's in store for 2015
Tennessee will remain a very young team across the board, but players like Barnett will now be both experienced and youthful. And with the addition of highly touted defensive line recruits like Shy Tuttle and Kahlil McKenzie, it will be impossible for opponents to focus too many blockers on Barnett, which makes it likely he will surpass his gaudy freshman numbers.
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J.T. Barrett, QB, Ohio State
4 of 50
Year: Sophomore
Height, weight: 6'1", 225 lbs
What he's done
A relative unknown outside of Ohio State circles until getting thrust into action right before the 2014 season started, all J.T. Barrett did was save the Buckeyes from a potentially disastrous situation when Braxton Miller injured his shoulder during training camp. After some early hiccups, Barrett emerged as a strong Heisman candidate as he set numerous school offensive records.
Barrett tallied 3,772 yards of total offense and was responsible for 45 touchdowns (34 passing, 11 rushing) before going down with a broken ankle in OSU's regular-season finale against Michigan.
What's in store for 2015
Barrett will be part of the most-followed position battle in college football this offseason, competing with senior Miller and junior Cardale Jones (who subbed in for Barrett over the final three games of 2014) for the starting quarterback job. Barrett recently had screws removed from his ankle, though he's unlikely to be ready to go at full speed until the summer.
Once healthy, though, Barrett's performance last season makes him a strong candidate to start again this fall.
Devontae Booker, RB, Utah
5 of 50
Year: Senior
Height, weight: 5'11", 203 lbs
What he's done
After spending two seasons at a junior college, Devontae Booker broke out as Utah's go-to rusher in 2014 and helped the Utes to their best record since joining the Pac-12. Booker ran for 1,512 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also catching 42 passes for 311 yards and two scores.
Booker had six 100-yard rushing games, including 229 yards and three TDs in an overtime win at Oregon State.
What's in store for 2015
Booker figures to again be the focal point of Utah's offense, especially with losses to the Utes receiving corps. He served as a great outlet for quarterback Travis Wilson when the deep routes were covered, and he should again get plenty of touches both on the ground and through the air.
Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
6 of 50
Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'5", 278 lbs
What he's done
One of the nation's leaders in sacks and tackles for loss last season, Joey Bosa is the face of Ohio State's ironclad defense. He's part of a defensive line that entered 2014 with a lot of hype, and when all was said and done it met expectations, helping to pace the Buckeyes to the national championship.
Bosa ranked fourth nationally in sacks (13.5) and tied for fifth in TFLs (21), and those numbers came on the heels of a superb true freshman season in 2013 when he had 7.5 sacks and 13 TFLs.
What's in store for 2015
Bosa should have a great shot to top the school record for sacks (14) this fall, assuming he continues his improvement with a strong offseason. Michael Bennett and Steve Miller have departed from the defensive line, so more double-teams are likely, but Bosa was able to shake those off and still dominate last year.
Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh
7 of 50
Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'2", 190 lbs
What he's done
In two years with Pittsburgh, Tyler Boyd has established himself as arguably the school's greatest receiver ever. This is a major accomplishment, seeing as the program has produced the likes of Larry Fitzgerald and Antonio Bryant.
Last season Boyd had 78 receptions for 1,261 yards and eight touchdowns, while also averaging 10.1 yards on punt returns and 27.6 yards on kickoffs. His 148.3 all-purpose yards per game ranked 14th in FBS.
What's in store for 2015
Boyd was quarterback Chad Voytik's favorite target last year, and nothing indicates that relationship won't continue to get stronger as both head into their junior years. Boyd needs 40 receptions and 599 yards to become the Panthers' career leader in both categories.
Trevone Boykin, QB, TCU
8 of 50
Year: Senior
Height, weight: 6'2", 205 lbs
What he's done
Trevone Boykin went from a player without a defined position to one of the most dynamic offensive stars in the country, a key reason TCU contended for a playoff spot and won a share of the Big 12 title in 2014. After splitting time at quarterback, running back and receiver the year before, last season Boykin broke through under the guidance of new coordinators Sonny Cumbie and Doug Meacham to average 354.5 yards of total offense per game.
Boykin combined a strong arm with good mobility to throw for 3,901 yards, rush for 707 yards and account for 42 total touchdowns.
"He penned a fourth-place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting and thusly has already started writing his 2015 story, a season he will begin as the likely Heisman favorite," wrote ESPN's Ryan McGee.
What's in store for 2015
Besides the Heisman hype, Boykin gets one more year at the wheel of a Horned Frogs offense that tied for fifth in yards per game (533) and returns nine starters. An emphasis this offseason on improving accuracy should make Boykin even better and give TCU that extra push it needs to get into the semifinals.
Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
9 of 50
Year: Senior
Height, weight: 6'5", 256 lbs
What he's done
Shilique Calhoun has been one of the most feared pass-rushers in the country the past two years, racking up 15.5 sacks and 26.5 tackles for loss in 2013-14. Not surprisingly, Michigan State had one of the top-rated defenses in FBS during that span, helping pace a 24-3 record and two major bowl victories.
What's in store for 2015
Calhoun was projected as a potential first-day draft pick, but he chose to come back for his senior year because of what he considered unfinished business, as MSU won the Big Ten in 2013 but failed to reach the conference title game last year.
"With the talent that we have on this team, I know we can go far," Calhoun told Joe Rexrode of the Detroit Free Press. "And I want to actually be part of that team to take us to the national championship."
Calhoun is one of three starters returning on the Spartans defensive line, and that group will have extra pressure to perform with losses to MSU's linebacker corps and secondary.
Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia
10 of 50
Year: Sophomore
Height, weight: 5'10", 228 lbs
What he's done
Nick Chubb began his college career last August as a promising young piece of a very deep Georgia backfield. By season's end his role as the future of the Bulldogs became the present, with him posting one of the best seasons in school history despite limited action early on.
Chubb started Georgia's final eight games after Todd Gurley was suspended and then lost for the year with a knee injury. He ran for at least 100 yards in every start, finishing with 1,547 yards and 14 touchdowns, including 266 yards and two scores in the Belk Bowl win over Louisville.
What's in store for 2015
What Chubb did last year was without spring practice or a full offseason of weight training. Now we get to see what he can do without any limitations, as he figures to far surpass the 219 carries he had in 2014.
James Conner, RB, Pittsburgh
11 of 50
Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'2", 250 lbs
What he's done
A late bloomer toward the end of his freshman year, James Conner broke through with a massive sophomore season in 2014 that featured him breaking Tony Dorsett's school record with 1,765 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Conner had seven games with at least 100 yards last season, and in eight of the Panthers' 13 games he scored at least twice. His size seems more fitting for a tight end or a linebacker, which has made Conner very difficult for the first man to take down most times.
What's in store for 2015
Conner's 22.9 carries per game were eighth-most in FBS last season, a number that could go up significantly under new offensive coordinator Jim Chaney. While in charge of Arkansas' offense in 2014, Chaney called an average of more than 40 runs per game.
Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
12 of 50
Year: Senior
Height, weight: 6'4", 218 lbs
What he's done
Since moving into the starting lineup in the third game of the 2013 season, Connor Cook has paced Michigan State's offense on a near-constant upward trend by combining efficient throws with minimal mistakes. Despite only a 58.3 career completion percentage, Cook has thrown just 15 interceptions in 752 pass attempts, while throwing for 5,969 yards and 46 touchdowns the past two years.
Cook has also been the field leader for two bowl victories, winning the Rose Bowl after the 2013 season and engineering MSU's 21-point comeback in the fourth quarter to beat Baylor in the Cotton Bowl in January.
What's in store for 2015
Cook's leadership and experience will be relied on more than ever this fall, as MSU has to replace 1,500-yard rusher Jeremy Langford as well as top receiver Tony Lippett. A semifinalist last year for both the Davey O'Brien and Maxwell quarterback awards, this season Cook could be the top candidate for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, given to the nation's top senior passer.
Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
13 of 50
Year: Sophomore
Height, weight: 6'0", 200 lbs
What he's done
Despite missing much of last spring with a shoulder injury, which limited his impact on the season early on, Dalvin Cook managed to lead Florida State in rushing as a true freshman with 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns. That included three straight 100-yard games to end the season, including a career-best 177 yards and a TD in the ACC title game win over Georgia Tech.
What's in store for 2015
With quarterback Jameis Winston and leading receiver Rashad Greene both gone, the Seminoles could end up being more run-oriented early on. Cook isn't sharing carries with Karlos Williams anymore, which might put Warrick Dunn's school record of 1,242 yards in serious jeopardy.
A lot will depend on how he responds to a poor performance in the Rose Bowl, including two lost fumbles.
"Early indications are that Cook has handled his two-fumble outing in a mature manner and he's sworn that he learned from the experience, but he still has to show that he completely put that behind him next season," wrote Brendan Sonnone of the Orlando Sentinel.
Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina
14 of 50
Year: Junior
Height, weight: 5'11", 208 lbs
What he's done
It might be easier to list what Pharoh Cooper hasn't done as South Carolina's all-purpose standout, which, when it comes to offensive and special teams contributions, is exactly zero.
Last season Cooper was not only the Gamecocks' leading receiver, with 69 receptions for 1,136 yards and nine touchdowns, but he also ran for 200 yards and two TDs and had 78 yards and two TDs on 5-of-8 passing. For extra credit, he also returned 15 punts.
Cooper scored a touchdown via the pass, run and catch against Tennessee, and in his two seasons, he's accounted for 16 total scores.
What's in store for 2015
Expect Cooper to contribute in all of these manners again this fall, especially with leading rusher Mike Davis and veteran quarterback Dylan Thompson both moving on. His versatility gives coach Steve Spurrier plenty of options as he breaks in a new passer and turns to Brandon Wilds and others to pick up the slack in the run game.
Kamalei Correa, DE, Boise State
15 of 50
Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'3", 247 lbs
What he's done
While Boise State's offense tends to get most of the headlines, Kamalei Correa was a reason to pay attention to what the Broncos did defensively in 2014. He had 12 sacks and 19 tackles for loss last year, helping Boise win 12 games (including a victory over Arizona in the Fiesta Bowl) and rank 49th in total defense.
What's in store for 2015
Correa is one of eight starters back on defense for Boise this fall. Playing out of the "stud" position, he "could be talked about as a possible early entry to the NFL should he have another dominant season in 2015," according to B.J. Rains of the Idaho Press.
Su'a Cravens, S, USC
16 of 50
Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'1", 225 lbs
What he's done
Su'a Cravens has been a huge piece of USC's defense the past two seasons, even spending time at linebacker in 2014 in a hybrid position that was created to tap into his skills as both a defensive back and a run-stopper. Last year he had 68 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, five sacks, three interceptions and nine pass breakups.
What's in store for 2015
Added defensive depth will enable Cravens to continue to move around on the field to maximize his value. This will enhance his draft stock, which is already high, as Cravens is projected by Sporting News as the No. 8 prospect in the 2016 draft.
Brandon Doughty, QB, Western Kentucky
17 of 50
Year: Senior
Height, weight: 6'3", 210 lbs
What he's done
After missing most of two seasons because of injury, Brandon Doughty has rewritten Western Kentucky's record book with outstanding passing numbers in both 2013 and 2014. He led all of FBS with 4,830 yards and 49 touchdowns last year, throwing at least five TD passes five times.
Doughty went out with a bang, completing 91 of 127 throws for 1,323 yards and 18 TDs in his final three games.
What's in store for 2015
Doughty was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA because of the injury-plagued 2011 and 2012 campaigns, which should strike fear in the hearts of every defensive coordinator on the Hilltoppers' upcoming schedule. He'll get a chance to throw against not just Conference USA competition but also Vanderbilt, Indiana and LSU.
Spencer Drango, OT, Baylor
18 of 50
Year: Senior
Height, weight: 6'6", 310 lbs
What he's done
With 35 starts at tackle, Spencer Drango has been a key piece of offenses that ranked first in yards gained in 2013 and 2014 and second in 2012. Additionally, as the anchor on the left side, Drango has helped keep Baylor's quarterbacks upright, as the Bears offensive line has only allowed 65 tackles in three years in a pass-first offense.
What's in store for 2015
Drango could have turned pro after last year and went high in the draft, but by coming back he figures to be one of the first offensive linemen taken in 2016. He'll solidify his draft status by helping Baylor's new quarterback perform as well as Bryce Petty and Nick Florence did over the past three seasons.
Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
19 of 50
Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'0", 225 lbs
What he's done
No single player enabled Ohio State to win last season's national title, but Ezekiel Elliott's play down the stretch was as integral as anyone else's. After posting solid regular-reason numbers (1,182 yards, 10 touchdowns), Elliott saved his best work for the postseason and helped pick up the slack following quarterback J.T. Barrett's season-ending injury.
Elliott ran for 696 yards and eight TDs in OSU's final three games, capped by a 246-yard, four-touchdown performance in the title game win over Oregon. For the year, he averaged 6.88 yards per carry and had scouts salivating at the thought of being able to draft him after the 2015 season.
What's in store for 2015
With OSU's quarterback situation in an uncertain state because of injuries, Elliott will likely be depended on greatly at the outset of the national title defense. This should continue throughout the year, with him becoming a workhorse in terms of carries that the Buckeyes haven't had since Eddie George ran it 328 times in 1995.
Elliott had surgery in February to repair a fractured wrist, but that's unlikely to have an effect on his play this season.
"If anything, this is just going to allow Elliott to be stronger with his left stiff arm and allow him to protect the football slightly better," wrote Kevin McGuire of NBC Sports. "The thought of a better Elliott should be something to fear in the fall."
D.J. Foster, WR, Arizona State
20 of 50
Year: Senior
Height, weight: 5'11", 205 lbs
What he's done
D.J. Foster has been one of the most versatile offensive players in FBS the past three seasons, gaining 2,075 rushing yards and catching 163 passes for 1,874 yards and tallying 28 touchdowns in his career. Last year Foster led Arizona State in rushing (1,081 yards) while ranking second on the team in receptions (62) and yards (688).
What's in store for 2015
Foster is making the switch from running back to slot receiver this season, both to enhance his NFL stock and also tap into his great skills in the open field. The Sun Devils have a wealth of running back options, and Foster's value as a pass-catcher takes on greater importance with the early NFL departure of No. 1 receiver Jaelen Strong.
Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
21 of 50
Year: Sophomore
Height, weight: 6'1", 230 lbs
What he's done
Leonard Fournette arrived in college with massive expectations as the No. 1 recruit in the 2014 class, but toward the end of his first season he started showing the promise that made him so hyped. With 289 rushing yards in his final two games, he surpassed 1,000 yards to become the first LSU freshman to hit that milestone, and his dominant performance in the Music City Bowl served as a major springboard for this coming season.
Against Notre Dame in that final game, Fournette had 264 all-purpose yards and two long touchdowns (one as a running back, another on a kickoff return) on just 13 touches.
What's in store for 2015
Fournette didn't have the benefit of a full spring and summer to prepare for his first season, as he didn't arrive at LSU until just before training camp. Now that he'll be coming off of a complete offseason, during which he figures to get bigger, stronger and faster, the sky is the limit for him.
Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
22 of 50
Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'0", 190 lbs
What he's done
Kendall Fuller has been Virginia Tech's starting cornerback since early in his first season in 2013. In that time, Fuller has eight interceptions (including six as a true freshman), and last year he returned a pick for a touchdown while also breaking up 15 passes.
What's in store for 2015
Virginia Tech graduated five starters from a defense that ranked 21st in yards allowed. That includes two members of the Hokies' secondary, which will put Fuller in an even greater leadership role while also needing to hold down the back line.
Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
23 of 50
Year: Sophomore
Height, weight: 6'5", 255 lbs
What he's done
Myles Garrett came to Texas A&M with the hope he would be the program's defensive savior. The Aggies didn't improve much overall on defense, but Garrett still did his part by setting the SEC freshman sack record with 11.5 quarterback takedowns along with 14 tackles for loss.
Garrett has been described as a weight room freak—"chiseled would be the best word to describe Garrett's physique," Greg Ostendorf of ESPN.com wrote—but his in-game performance showed he is just as notable in action as he is with the eye test.
What's in store for 2015
Look for Garrett to be even more dominant as a sophomore, especially with the arrival of highly touted prospect Daylon Mack coming to A&M at defensive tackle. Pairing those young phenoms together, the Aggies figure to see a major improvement in defensive production, especially with the hiring of former LSU coordinator John Chavis.
Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State
24 of 50
Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'4", 234 lbs
What he's done
Christian Hackenberg has started all 25 games of his college career, stepping in as a true freshman during Penn State's final full year of NCAA sanctions and then leading the Nittany Lions to a bowl game last season. He did all of this despite being under almost constant pressure, particularly in 2014 when he was sacked 44 times.
Hackenberg threw for 2,977 yards with 12 touchdowns but 15 interceptions and only a 59.7 percent completion rate in 2014, struggling to produce behind a porous line and without much of a run game to support him. He set the single-game school record with 454 passing yards in Penn State's opener, then finished strong by throwing for 371 yards and four TDs in the Pinstripe Bowl.
What's in store for 2015
Assuming PSU can beef up its line and get run production, Hackenberg heads into what's likely to be his final college season—he's rated as the third-best quarterback in the 2016 class—poised to have his best year yet.
Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida
25 of 50
Year: Junior
Height, weight: 5'11", 198 lbs
What he's done
Vernon Hargreaves III has been among the top cover corners in FBS since moving into the starting lineup in the third game of his true freshman season. He has six career interceptions, but also 24 pass breakups along with 88 tackles in his two seasons, numbers that aren't higher because teams have quickly learned not to throw in his direction.
What's in store for 2015
Projected as the No. 5 pick in the 2016 draft, per WalterFootball.com, Hargreaves will use what's likely his final college year to continue to enhance his coverage skills while also improving on tackling. He could see more time in run defense as well, with new Florida defensive coordinator Geoff Collins coming over from Mississippi State.
Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
26 of 50
Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'3", 241 lbs
What he's done
Derrick Henry spent most of his first two seasons as a backup to T.J. Yeldon, getting himself groomed to replace Alabama's top running back after he turned pro. But Henry ended up outperforming Yeldon last season, leading the Crimson Tide with 990 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Henry had three 100-yard games, collecting 238 rushing yards with three touchdowns during the SEC title game and the Sugar Bowl semifinal, barreling over defenders who rarely took him down on the first try.
What's in store for 2015
Henry now takes over the No. 1 running back spot, and he's got both experience and fresh legs to work with. He only had 172 carries in 14 games as a sophomore, and the national high school career rushing leader will be Alabama's most important offensive player this fall.
"With the size of a linebacker but the speed of a gazelle, Henry is that every-down back who can cripple a team up the middle or make plays in space," ESPN's Edward Aschoff wrote. "He can turn on a dime and has the moves to make defenders miss when he isn't dragging guys a few extra yards."
Rashard Higgins, WR, Colorado State
27 of 50
Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'2", 188 lbs
What he's done
Rashard Higgins had one of the best seasons in FBS history for a receiver last year, destroying school records and helping Colorado State reach 10 wins for the first time since 2002. His production also helped land coach Jim McElwain a huge promotion, getting hired in December as Florida's new head coach.
Higgins was the first Rams player since 1995 to be named a first-team All-American, catching 96 passes and leading the nation with 1,750 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. He had a three-game stretch with at least 175 receiving yards in each contest, the first FBS player to do so since 2007, and then he had 174 in the following game.
What's in store for 2015
Higgins is the lone major piece of Colorado State's potent offense that returns this fall, as quarterback Garrett Grayson graduated and running back Dee Hart turned pro. He'll get a lot of double coverage, but that was the case last year when he caught 73.3 percent of the balls thrown his way and averaged 18.2 yards per reception.
Kevin Hogan, QB, Stanford
28 of 50
Year: Senior
Height, weight: 6'4", 225 lbs
What he's done
Hogan succeeded Andrew Luck as Stanford's quarterback in 2012, and his two-plus years at the helm have been consistent and efficient. His numbers aren't as outstanding as other passers, but he also doesn't make many mistakes.
Hogan has only 21 interceptions in 799 career attempts, while throwing for 6,523 yards and 48 touchdowns. He's also shown good mobility with nine rushing TDs, including five last season.
What's in store for 2015
Back for a fourth year under center, Hogan brings experience to an offense that struggled last year and has to replace many of its best receiving options.
Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
29 of 50
Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'1", 232 lbs
What he's done
Myles Jack has showed off his ability to contribute as both a linebacker and a running back, maintaining a level of excellence on defense while getting thrust into duty on the offensive end at various times during his two seasons at UCLA.
Jack has started 25 games at linebacker, and last year he had 88 tackles with eight tackles for loss and an interception. He also ran for 113 yards and three touchdowns, following up a freshman performance when he had 267 rushing yards and seven TDs on just 38 carries.
What's in store for 2015
The emergence of Paul Perkins in UCLA's backfield last season—Perkins led the Pac-12 in rushing, with 1,575 yards—lessens the need for Jack to run the ball this fall. He could be called on to pick up some key yards in the red zone or on the goal line, but otherwise he will be focused on anchoring a Bruins defense that lost three starters, including leading tackler Eric Kendricks.
Adoree Jackson, CB, USC
30 of 50
Year: Sophomore
Height, weight: 5'11", 185 lbs
What he's done
Jackson came to USC with the skills to play multiple positions, and he lived up to that hype by starting as a cornerback and wide receiver (including once in the same game) while also showing off as a return specialist. All told, he scored five touchdowns (three receiving, two on kickoffs) while excelling in the secondary
Jackson made 10 starts at cornerback, registering 49 tackles and 10 pass breakups, and he made one start as a receiver and finished with 10 receptions for 138 yards. He averaged 29.7 yards on kick returns, ranking fifth nationally, scoring TDs against Utah and in the Holiday Bowl win over Nebraska.
Jackson also scored a receiving TD in the Holiday Bowl.
What's in store for 2015
Jackson remains a cornerback first and foremost, but with USC adding more notables to its secondary depth, he figures to get more time as a receiver to help the Trojans fill the void left by Nelson Agholor's early NFL departure.
If he gets enough touches on offense to go with his defensive snaps and kick returns, Jackson could make a case for Heisman consideration, per Bleacher Report's Kyle Kensing.
"Making the most of his opportunities in special teams and on offense, as he did in the Holiday Bowl, is how Jackson can be the next (Charles) Woodson," Kensing wrote, referring to the former Michigan multi-way starter and Heisman winner.
Devon Johnson, RB, Marshall
31 of 50
Year: Senior
Height, weight: 6'1", 243 lbs
What he's done
Devon Johnson was the unsung hero of Marshall's run to the Conference USA title and flirtation with a perfect record in 2014, rushing for 1,767 yards and 17 touchdowns despite missing a game because of injury. The bruising rusher had 10 100-yard games and averaged 8.58 yards per carry, keeping opponents from solely focusing on the passing of prolific senior Rakeem Cato.
What's in store for 2015
With Cato having graduated, Johnson becomes the Thundering Herd's primary weapon this fall. The converted tight end runs hard and is deserving of more attention, something he could get by putting up big numbers in Marshall's opener against Purdue.
"Johnson was exceptional in the shadows of Cato, so it will be exciting to see what happens now," Bleacher Report's Michael Carroll wrote.
Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State
32 of 50
Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'5", 250 lbs
What he's done
The thought of having to turn to a third-string quarterback to lead a team into the postseason sounds like a recipe for disaster, but Cardale Jones made the transition from J.T. Barrett's mobile passer to his cannon-armed approach nearly seamless. As a result, Ohio State rolled through the playoffs to win the national title.
After seeing limited action during the first 11 games of last season, Jones had to step in late against Michigan following Barrett's broken ankle. He then started the Buckeyes' Big Ten title game against Wisconsin as well as both playoff games, throwing for 742 yards and five touchdowns and adding 70 rushing yards.
Jones' mercurial rise in December and January made the draft-eligible phenom consider turning pro, but he opted to come back despite knowing he wasn't guaranteed to start again.
What's in store for 2015
Jones is the only fully healthy member of OSU's three-player battle for the quarterback spot, as Barrett's ankle is still healing and senior Braxton Miller's surgically repaired shoulder is being brought along slowly. This gives him the early leg up in the competition to start, but all will depend on how preseason practice goes.
Whether Jones starts or serves as a backup again, OSU knows he can be counted on when he gets the call.
Cody Kessler, QB, USC
33 of 50
Year: Senior
Height, weight: 6'1", 210 lbs
What he's done
Quarterback at USC is one of the most high-profile positions in college football, and Cody Kessler has handled this job very well and without much criticism for the past two years. Last year he put up one of the best seasons in school history, with 3,826 yards and 39 touchdowns while completing a school-record 69.7 percent of his passes and only five interceptions in 452 attempts.
Kessler had seven 300-yard games and six games with at least four touchdown passes last year, and six times he completed at least 73 percent of his throws.
What's in store for 2015
Though USC lost leading rusher Javorius Allen and top receiver Nelson Agholor, it has no shortage of skill players for Kessler to work with. He'll be tasked with breaking in newcomers and turning them into stars, as he did with Agholor the previous two seasons, while also continuing to add to his legacy that should see him finish with more than 10,000 passing yards and 90 TDs.
Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
34 of 50
Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'4", 280 lbs
What he's done
Robert Nkemdiche was the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2013 recruiting class, and he's showed why during his two seasons with Ole Miss by plugging up the middle for the Rebels. A converted defensive end, he's added bulk to make him more formidable as a run-stopper, though his stats (69 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, four sacks) don't necessarily show this.
"I always have a motor on me and try to make things happen to free up other guys or do it for me," Nkemdiche told Hugh Kellenberger of the Clarion-Ledger. "I just want to disrupt the game, and that's what I'm going to do by being in the backfield as much as I can."
What's in store for 2015
Ole Miss' defense led the nation in points allowed last year, but two linebackers and two starters from the secondary have graduated. This is going to make the Rebels defensive line more integral toward this season's success, so Nkemdiche's numbers and overall production will be asked to go up.
Dadi Nicolas, DE, Virginia Tech
35 of 50
Year: Senior
Height, weight: 6'4", 231 lbs
What he's done
Dadi Nicolas became a full-time starter last season and instantly made an impact, leading Virginia Tech with 18.5 tackles for loss and ranking second with nine sacks. This was despite being undersized for a defensive end, though his quickness and strength made up for this.
What's in store for 2015
Projected as an outside linebacker at the pro level, per NFLDraftScout, Nicolas will be the focal point of Virginia Tech's front line again this fall. The Hokies have to replace five starters, but Nicolas will carry his load as the newcomers get acclimated to defensive coordinator Bud Foster's scheme.
Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor
36 of 50
Year: Senior
Height, weight: 6'9", 280 lbs
What he's done
Shawn Oakman is one of the most physically imposing players in the country, not just because of his size or overall presence and appearance—which helped make him an Internet meme sensation last winter—but also because of his ability to get to the quarterback or ball-carrier with ease.
Last year Oakman had 11 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss while also forcing three fumbles.
What's in store for 2015
Oakman opted to return to college rather than leave after his junior season because he felt he could still improve. As a result, Baylor's defense will be as dangerous as its potent offense this fall.
"Oakman brings a matchup problem to opposing offensive coordinators and demands constant attention," wrote Bleacher Report's Ben Kercheval.
Samaje Perine, RB, Oklahoma
37 of 50
Year: Sophomore
Height, weight: 5'11", 243 lbs
What he's done
Samaje Perine emerged from a crowded backfield to post one of the best rushing seasons in school history, along the way setting the FBS single-game yardage record and providing one of Oklahoma's few offensive brights spots in an otherwise disappointing 2014 season.
The true freshman ran for 1,713 yards, eighth-most in the country, with 21 touchdowns. Against Kansas last November he had 427 yards and five TDs on 34 carries, topping the previous single-game mark set a week earlier by Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon.
Perine had 925 yards and 10 TDs in his final four games and averaged 6.51 yards per carry.
What's in store for 2015
Perine's role in Oklahoma's new air raid offense, led by former East Carolina offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley, will depend on which quarterback the Sooners go with. If ex-Texas Tech passer Baker Mayfield gets the job, Perine figures to get even more carries than last season (he had 108 of his 263 over those last four games) and could challenge Adrian Peterson's school record of 1,925 yards set in 2004.
Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State
38 of 50
Year: Senior
Height, weight: 6'2", 230 lbs
What he's done
Dak Prescott helped elevate Mississippi State from the middle of the pack in the SEC to a legitimate contender in the ultra-tough West Division last season, and along the way he threw himself into the Heisman race. The Bulldogs got off to a 9-0 start and were No. 1 in the country thanks to Prescott, who ranked sixth nationally in total offense and accounted for 42 touchdowns last fall.
Prescott ran for 986 yards and 14 touchdowns and completed 61.9 percent of his passes, showing the ability to beat opponents with both his arm and his feet.
What's in store for 2015
Prescott's late-season tail-off in production coincided with MSU losing three of four down the stretch, knocking him out of the Heisman competition and keeping the Bulldogs from making it into the playoffs. Those disappointments helped influence his decision to come back rather than turning pro.
"When I decided to come to Mississippi State, it wasn't about competing for a championship for one year or making a run for one year," he said, per Michael Bonner of the Clarion-Ledger. "It was about competing for championships and making this a program that's not a one-hit-wonder."
Prescott will have to take on even more of the load, though, with running back Josh Robinson leaving early.
Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
39 of 50
Year: Senior
Height, weight: 6'2", 254 lbs
What he's done
Reggie Ragland has seen his role on Alabama's defense go up each year, beginning as a little-used linebacker in 2012 and then a backup as a sophomore. He became a first-time starter last season, finishing with 93 tackles to rank second on the Crimson Tide, while his 10.5 tackles for loss were third-most.
What's in store for 2015
It's rare for a player of Ragland's abilities to stick around for his senior year, but his return helps prevent Alabama from having to start over completely at linebacker after Trey DePriest and Xzavier Dickson graduated.
"With Ragland's return, Alabama can count on a steady option in the middle while hoping either (Reuben) Foster or (Shaun Dion) Hamilton can develop into a second regular player, without having to dig too much deeper down the depth chart for production," Bleacher Report's Marc Torrence wrote.
Jalen Ramsey, S, Florida State
40 of 50
Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'1", 204 lbs
What he's done
The latest in a long string of top-notch defensive backs from Florida State, Jalen Ramsey is one of the hardest hitters in the game today. He had two interceptions and 9.5 tackles for loss last year, as well as three sacks, three forced fumbles, a blocked kick and 12 pass breakups.
Ramsey was able to do it all in the secondary, both up at the line and deep in coverage.
What's in store for 2015
With FSU losing both starting cornerbacks, Ramsey could end up getting shifted from safety to help in that area. But with his great ball-hawking skills, his value in run defense might lead him to float all over the field.
That versatility should make Ramsey a top candidate to go early in the 2016 draft, if he leaves before graduating. He's projected as the No. 13 pick in WalterFootball.com's early mock draft.
Keenan Reynolds, QB, Navy
41 of 50
Year: Senior
Height, weight: 5'11", 195 lbs
What he's done
Keenan Reynolds has established a new standard for rushing quarterbacks, setting single-game and single-season records for passes on the ground while putting himself in position to be the most prolific scorer in FBS history.
Reynolds ran for 1,191 yards and 23 touchdowns last year despite missing two games because of injury, numbers that were slightly down from his 2013 performance that saw him set the FBS quarterback record with 31 rushing TDs and 1,346 yards. In that season, he ran for seven TDs in one game, also a record for a quarterback.
Though Navy operates the option and is primarily a run team, Reynolds has thrown for nearly 2,800 yards and 23 TDs.
What's in store for 2015
Reynolds has 64 career rushing TDs, which puts him in a tie for sixth-most all time. He needs 14 to top Montee Ball's FBS record set in 2012.
Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma
42 of 50
Year: Senior
Height, weight: 5'10", 195 lbs
What he's done
Sterling Shepard has been a key piece of Oklahoma's passing game for three years, but injuries have slowed his progress over the previous two seasons and kept him from showing his true value. He has 147 career receptions for 2,194 yards and 15 touchdowns, going for 51 catches with 970 yards and five scores in 2014.
All but one of his catches last year came in the first eight games, as a groin injury suffered on the opening play of the Sooners' Nov. 1 game against Iowa State last fall knocked him out of the following contest and limited his activity the rest of the season.
What's in store for 2015
Oklahoma's move to a more uptempo and pass-heavy offense should put Shepard at the center of the attack, assuming he can stay healthy. A strong senior year should get him to second on the school's career list for receptions and yards.
Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
43 of 50
Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'2", 235 lbs
What he's done
A two-year starter who has been in the starting lineup since his first game in 2013, Jaylon Smith took his already impressive game to another level last fall by leading Notre Dame in tackles (111) while also posting nine tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.
What's in store for 2015
Smith is one of a nearly intact defense coming back for the Fighting Irish this season, the second under coordinator Brian VanGorder. Smith fared well in this aggressive approach last fall, but he figures to only get better with more time to get comfortable with the scheme.
Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
44 of 50
Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'5", 315 lbs
What he's done
Ronnie Stanley has held down both sides of Notre Dame's offensive line in his two years as a starter, playing at right tackle as a sophomore in 2013 and then shifting to left tackle last year. In both positions, he's been a key to the Fighting Irish's offense, which in 2014 ranked 34th in total yards but did give up 28 sacks.
What's in store for 2015
Stanley was a potential first-round pick had he turned pro, but his return for this fall gives Notre Dame a huge boost on the line.
"We've got a chance to have a special season next year," Stanley said in a statement released by the school (h/t Keith Arnold of NBC Sports). "Many of my teammates are returning and I've made strong bonds with lots of them. If all of them weren’t coming back this year it would’ve made it an easier decision to leave."
Eric Striker, LB, Oklahoma
45 of 50
Year: Senior
Height, weight: 6'0", 221 lbs
What he's done
A starter for the past two seasons, Eric Striker has been Oklahoma's leading sack and tackles for loss contributor for two straight years. His 17 TFL in 2014 were more than any two other Sooners, and he has 15.5 career sacks.
What's in store for 2015
Striker's return for his senior year is a huge boost for a defense that lost four starters but brings back everyone at the linebacker position. The Sooners were eighth in run defense a year ago, and with Striker leading the charge, that should be where they finish again this fall.
Justin Thomas, QB, Georgia Tech
46 of 50
Year: Junior
Height, weight: 5'11", 189 lbs
What he's done
Justin Thomas' first year at the helm of Georgia Tech's triple-option offense elevated that ground attack to second-best in the country last season, as the Yellow Jackets averaged 342.1 rushing yards per game. And this was as more than just a game manager, as Thomas led the team with 1,086 yards and nine touchdowns.
Thomas was also effective as a passer, throwing for 1,719 yards and 18 touchdowns on just 187 attempts, helping Georgia Tech reach the ACC title game and then run past Mississippi State in the Orange Bowl.
What's in store for 2015
Thomas is the lone returning player from Tech's offense who gained more than 204 yards and isn't coming back from an injury, and he also has to deal with standout offensive guard Shaq Mason.
While the Yellow Jackets figure to fare well with replacement running backs, Thomas might end up rushing for even more and could challenge Tashard Choice's school record of 1,473 yards.
Nick Vigil, LB, Utah State
47 of 50
Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'2", 230 lbs
What he's done
Nick Vigil wasn't the leading tackler on Utah State's team last season, but that's only because his brother Zach was still on the team in 2014. But that's not to take away from what the younger sibling did, as in addition to his 123 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, six sacks, five forced fumbles and one interception, he also contributed to the Aggies on offense.
Nick Vigil had 152 rushing yards and three touchdowns, scoring TDs in key wins over BYU and Air Force and in the New Mexico Bowl win over UTEP.
What's in store for 2015
With Zach Vigil moving on, Nick Vigil figures to only see his defensive numbers go up to fill that absence. He could also see more time on offense, as No. 2 rusher Joe Hill has graduated.
Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
48 of 50
Year: Sophomore
Height, weight: 6'2", 205 lbs
What he's done
When healthy last season, Deshaun Watson made Clemson's offense closely resemble what it had previously been under Tajh Boyd from 2011-13. A mobile quarterback with great accuracy, the true freshman was nearly unstoppable, except when it came to injury.
Watson battled a broken hand and two knee injuries to throw for 1,466 yards and 14 touchdowns on 67.9 percent passing along with 200 rushing yards and five TDs. He only played in eight games, and he missed the Tigers' bowl victory after having surgery for a torn ACL.
What's in store for 2015
Though the surgery was in December, Watson has apparently made great progress in his recovery. According to coach Dabo Swinney, per Scott Keepfer of the Greenville News, Watson "is not your normal player" and is a month or two ahead of schedule. With Cole Stoudt graduating, Watson has the quarterback job all to himself if he can stay healthy.
D'haquille Williams, WR, Auburn
49 of 50
Year: Senior
Height, weight: 6'2", 216 lbs
What he's done
D'haquille Williams was the top-rated junior college player heading into the 2014 season, per 247Sports, and he showed flashes of this lofty ranking with a 16.2 yards-per-reception average and four 100-yard games. But Williams also missed two games because of injury, then did not play in the Outback Bowl after being suspended for violating team rules prior to the game.
Williams finished with 45 receptions for 730 yards and five TDs last year.
What's in store for 2015
Sammie Coates has moved on, and Williams takes over the No. 1 receiver spot in an offense that figures to throw much more this season. The departure of run-first Nick Marshall and the likely succession by Jeremy Johnson at quarterback will make Williams' role far greater this fall.
Scooby Wright, LB, Arizona
50 of 50
Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'1", 246 lbs
What he's done
Scooby Wright was far and away the best defensive player in college football in 2014, winning three major national awards (Bednarik, Lombardi and Nagurski) while leading the country in tackles (163), tackles for loss (29) and forced fumbles (six) and finishing second in sacks (18.5).
On a defense that did not fare well as a unit, Wright's individual play kept Arizona from doing worse on that end and provided enough big plays to help the Wildcats win the Pac-12 South and reach 10 victories for the first time since 1998.
What's in store for 2015
Wright now moves from being an unknown quantity to one that every team on Arizona's schedule will be game-planning to stop. He'll also be working on parts of his technique that can help him better transition to the pro game, as he currently sits as only the third-best inside linebacker in the 2017 draft class, per NFLDraftScout.
Follow Brian J. Pedersen on Twitter at @realBJP.
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