One Player Each Top 25 Team's Fans Should Be Most Hyped For in 2015
Which type of athletes do fans like the best?
Though there are countless way to answer this, there is nothing better than a player who continues to deliver week in and week out.
Regardless of whether he garners national attention, it’s the kind of thing we can’t stop gushing about—to our friends, our spouse and anyone else who will listen, “I LOVE THAT GUY!”
It's the same player who those folks who claim to be fans, but don’t watch each and every game obsessively, text about asking, “Who is No. 33? He’s an absolute beast!”
Even though the text annoys and offends you, you can’t help but add “I LOVE HIM” to your reply.
Using Bleacher Report’s post-spring practice top 25, here’s the player for each team that’s most likely to have his framed picture sitting on some fan’s bedside table.
No. 25 Boise State
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Who to Love: Tanner Vallejo, LB
In 2015, junior linebacker Tanner Vallejo is set to return with seven other starters to a Bronco defense that finished No. 36 against the run.
As a sophomore, Vallejo led the team in tackles (99), was No. 2 in tackles for a loss (15.5) and No. 5 in sacks (three). He also scored twice: On a 63-yard interception return in the win over Fresno State and a 31-yard fumble return in the win at UConn.
His tackles-for-a-loss total was good enough for a No. 5 finish in the Mountain West Conference and a tie for No. 29 in the FBS.
Vallejo came to Boise State as a 3-star from Nevada Union High School in Grass Valley, California, in 2013.
No. 24 Georgia Tech
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Who to Love: Justin Thomas, QB
Not only did Justin Thomas lead Georgia Tech’s triple-option attack in rushing last season, picking up 1,086 yards on 190 carries, he comes back in 2015 along with all but one member of the starting offensive line.
It’s the same unit that finished tied for No. 4 in the FBS in fewest sacks allowed (11).
With rushing options No. 2 through No. 4 gone, Thomas should get even more carries this year. Remember, he finished 2014 as the No. 3 rushing quarterback in the FBS in total yards.
Thomas was a 4-star athlete prospect from Prattville, Alabama, in 2012.
No. 23 Nebraska
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Who to Love: De’Mornay Pierson-El, WR
Only two players in college football averaged more yards per punt return in 2014 than Nebraska’s De’Mornay Pierson-El (17.53)—Kansas State’s Tyler Lockett (19.14) and Auburn’s Quan Bray (18.13), both seniors.
But while Pierson-El had 34 punt returns, Lockett had 21 and Bray had a mere 15, making the young Cornhuskers’ achievement all the more impressive.
Pierson-El was also the No. 3 receiver last year, as a true freshman, with 23 catches for 321 yards and four scores.
In 2015, Pierson-El will be the No. 2 receiver for an offense that returns six starters, including junior quarterback Tommy Armstrong. Even more significantly, he’ll be part of Mike Riley’s first offense in Lincoln. He's the coach who led Oregon State to a No. 24 average rank in passing offense from 2008-14 vs. a No. 96 rank in rushing.
Pierson-El came to Nebraska in 2014 as a 3-star prospect from Alexandria, Virginia.
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No. 22 LSU
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Who to Love: Leonard Fournette, RB
LSU sophomore Leonard Fournette is one of a handful of players who could change the face of the 2015 season.
As a true freshman last season, Fournette racked up 1,034 yards and 10 scores as the team’s No. 1 rusher, 127 yards as a receiver and 625 yards and another score as a kick returner.
It was good enough for a No. 19 finish in the FBS in yards per kickoff return (26.04) and a No. 6 mark in the SEC in rushing yards per game (79.54).
With nine starters back from an offense that quietly managed a No. 25 national rank in rushing yards last season, what it amounts to is a potentially explosive situation for Fournette and LSU.
Fournette got started as a 5-star prospect from New Orleans. in 2014, Rivals.com rated him the best running back and fourth-best player in the entire class.
No. 21 Oklahoma State
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Who to Love: Emmanuel Ogbah, DE
Though all eyes in Stillwater will likely be on quarterback Mason Rudolph and the Cowboy offense, it's defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah who should stir the souls of Oklahoma State fans.
As a sophomore last season, Ogbah led the team in tackles for a loss (17) and sacks (11). He also recorded 49 tackles (35 solo), broke up five passes and forced a fumble.
The performance earned him a tie for No. 12 in the FBS in sacks and No. 18 in tackles for a loss.
This year, Ogbah returns along with seven other defensive starters, including four of the front seven.
Though offense has long headlined the wide-open Big 12, each of the last seven conference champions finished among the top four teams in the league in scoring defense.
Ogbah was a 3-star from Richmond, Texas, in 2012.
No. 20 Arizona
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Who to Love: Scooby Wright III, LB
Though Arizona’s offense presents some sexy options, junior linebacker Scooby Wright III is good enough to get the entire nation excited.
In 2014, Wright led the team in tackles (163), tackles for a loss (29) and sacks (14). The numbers were good enough to earn him the No. 1 rank in the nation in both tackles and tackles for a loss and No. 3 in sacks.
He was the best defender in college football last season, as a sophomore.
What’s fascinating, despite Wright’s blistering performance, was the Wildcats’ No. 80 finish in scoring defense and a No. 70 mark against the run.
In 2015, a now-seasoned Wright and Co. have the opportunity to be the difference-maker in a repeat performance as Pac-12 South champs and perhaps more.
Wright came to Arizona as a 2-star from Santa Rosa, California, in 2012.
No. 19 Texas A&M
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Who to Love: Speedy Noil, WR
Texas A&M’s Speedy Noil is one of only a handful of players who was successful in returning both kicks and punts in 2014.
As a true freshman, Noil racked up 645 yards on kickoff returns and another 180 on punts. Though it doesn’t sound all-world, he did manage a No. 3 finish in the SEC in total kickoff return yards.
Noil also served as A&M’s No. 3 receiver in 2014, hauling in 46 passes for 583 yards and five touchdowns.
Despite instability at quarterback last year, the Aggies still managed a No. 12 finish in passing yards. In 2015, Kyle Allen has hooked the starting job and is set to return along with seven other starters from last year’s unit.
This all adds up to a huge opportunity for Noil, one of the most talented guys on one of the most experienced, potentially explosive units in the FBS.
Noil came to the Aggies as a 5-star from New Orleans in 2014.
No. 18 Arkansas
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Who to Love: Jonathan Williams, RB
Arkansas is set to return nine starters to an offense that powered to a No. 26 finish in rushing yards in 2014. Included in the deluge are all but one member of the offensive line and the top five rushers.
It’s one of the most potent combinations in all of college football in 2015.
Leading the pack will be senior running back Jonathan Williams, who edged No. 2 back Alex Collins last season by a mere 90 total yards.
Though both guys are worthy of much hype, we’ll single out Williams as the senior with a season more of experience.
Williams’ 1,190 yards earned him a No. 36 finish in the FBS, while his 91.54 yards per game ranked No. 43. Though this isn’t necessarily front-page stuff, remember he split touches with Collins, who had 204 carries to Williams’ 211.
He was a 4-star from Allen, Texas, in 2012.
No. 17 Oklahoma
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Who to Love: Samaje Perine, RB
The last time a running back won the Heisman was when Alabama’s Mark Ingram took home the prize in 2009. The last time an Oklahoma running back won was Billy Sims in 1978.
All that could change in 2015, when sophomore running back Samaje Perine and eight offensive starters return from last season.
It’s key to remember that Perine didn’t get his full share of carries until Week 4, when he turned 34 touches into 242 yards and four scores in the win at West Virginia. From there, he went on to average a whopping 192 yards in the seven games where he had 20-plus attempts.
His season average of 131.7 yards, as a true freshman, earned him a No. 8 finish in the FBS and his 21 scores were also enough for a No. 8 rank.
Perine was a 4-star prospect out of Pflugerville, Texas, in 2014.
No. 16 Florida State
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Who to Love: Jalen Ramsey, DB
With a load of retooling to do on offense, 2015 is the season for Florida State fans to fall back in love with defense.
The good news is there is lots to love about junior defensive back Jalen Ramsey. Not only was he the team’s No. 4 tackler (80), he was tied for second in interceptions (two), second in tackles for a loss (9.5) and second in sacks (three).
He also forced three fumbles, blocked a kick and broke up a whopping 12 passes.
In 2015, Ramsey returns along with six other starters to a defense that finished No. 50 in scoring. With only four back on offense, the D needs to be the heart and soul of the team and Ramsey one of its key leaders.
Ramsey was a 5-star prospect from Nashville, Tennessee, in 2013. Rivals.com had him as the No. 3 cornerback in his class.
No. 15 Tennessee
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Who to Love: Derek Barnett, DE
Tennessee finished 2014 ranked No. 34 in scoring defense, its best mark since a No. 10 finish in 2008.
One of the major factors in last season’s success was true freshman defensive end Derek Barnett, who registered 72 tackles, 20.5 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks and eight quarterback hurries.
It earned him a tie for No. 7 nationally in tackles for a loss and a No. 16 rank in sacks.
In 2015, Barnett will return with what is the most experienced team in the SEC, touting 18 starters and five to the defensive front seven.
Though he might not get the kind of national love that running back Jalen Hurd will be showered with if the Vols make a move, he’ll be a difference-maker who fans will hold dear.
Barnett was a 4-star prospect from Brentwood, Tennessee, in 2014.
No. 14 Arizona State
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Who to Love: Mike Bercovici, QB
Arizona State's Mike Bercovici played in relief of an injured Taylor Kelly last season, engineering a 2-1 mark in games with No. 10 UCLA, at No. 20 USC and vs. Stanford.
After a shaky start against the Bruins, Bercovici shined in his next two starts, going 50-of-78 (64 percent) for 755 yards, six scores and zero interceptions.
It was enough for The Arizona Republic to ask fans, “Taylor Kelly or Mike Bercovici as ASU’s starting QB?”
In 2015, Bercovici is the established leader, returning with seven offensive starters, including three from the O-line, four of the top five receivers and running back D.J. Foster.
Though he had 92 fewer attempts than Kelly last season, Bercovici posted a better completion percentage (61.8 vs. 59.4) and edged him in yards per attempt (7.8 vs. 7.6). Though these aren't decisive numbers, remember that it was Bercovici, not Kelly, who played the most difficult part of the Sun Devils’ schedule.
Bercovici was a 3-star, pro-style prospect from Woodland Hills, California, in 2011.
No. 13 Georgia
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Who to Love: Nick Chubb, RB
Georgia’s Nick Chubb is so much more than the kid who played a couple of games in relief of Todd Gurley last season.
Chubb did wait in the wings until the sixth game of the season, but after ringing up 143 yards in the win at Missouri on Oct. 11, he reeled off seven consecutive 100-plus yard games. That included hanging up 202 on Arkansas and 266 in the bowl win over Louisville.
After the dust settled, Chubb, a true freshman, was the No. 2 rusher in the SEC in yards per game (119) and No. 19 in the FBS. His 1,547 yards, in what amounted to eight starts, was No. 17 nationally.
In 2015, Chubb returns with four of the five starting offensive linemen, the same unit that led the No. 12 rushing attack in the FBS. Add in a new quarterback and Chubb could get the number of carries necessary to hit 2,000 yards.
Chubb was a 4-star prospect from Cedartown, Georgia, in 2014.
No. 12 Clemson
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Who to Love: Deshaun Watson, QB
Perhaps the player with the most potential in the FBS in 2015, Deshaun Watson could be Clemson’s first Heisman winner if he can stay healthy.
Though Watson participated in eight games as a true freshman last year, the bulk of his stats came via a three-game stretch in late September and early October. The run included the narrow loss at Florida State and wins over North Carolina and N.C. State.
Overall, he went 93-of-137 (67.9 percent) for 1,466 yards, 14 touchdowns and two interceptions. If he would have played a complete season, his completion percentage would have tied him for No. 6 in the FBS and his quarterback rating (183.3) would have been No. 1, beating out Oregon’s Marcus Mariota at 181.75.
In 2015, Watson will lead an attack that returns seven offensive starters, including the top three receiving targets.
He came to Clemson as a 4-star, dual-threat prospect from Gainesville, Georgia, in 2014.
No. 11 Ole Miss
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Who to Love: Chad Kelly, QB
Before Ole Miss fans get fired up about quarterback Chad Kelly, he’ll have to win the starting job. If he does, he’ll be walking in to a situation tailor-made for a breakout season.
The Rebels return nine on offense this season, including the entire O-line, four of the top receivers and the top four rushers.
Though replacing Bo Wallace won’t be easy, he's the same guy who threw six interceptions in the team’s four losses last season. His quarterback rating (142.23) ranked No. 36 in the FBS.
Kelly has tons of potential. If he can stay out of trouble, he could be the missing piece of Ole Miss’ football puzzle.
Kelly started out as a 4-star, dual-threat prospect from Buffalo, N.Y. He signed with Clemson in 2012, was thrown off the team in 2014 and won a national title at East Mississippi Community College last season. After deciding on a transfer to Ole Miss, Kelly was arrested in December. He has since met the terms of a plea deal and is cleared to play this fall.
No. 10 UCLA
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Who to Love: Paul Perkins, RB
Like Georgia’s Nick Chubb, UCLA junior running back Paul Perkins walks into a golden opportunity in 2015.
Perkins racked up 1,575 yards and nine scores on 251 carries last season. His 121.15 average earned him a No. 1 rank in the Pac-12 and the No. 17 spot nationally.
In 2015, he’ll return along with 10 offensive starters, including the entire O-line for a unit that finished No. 36 in scoring.
What amps things up even further for Perkins is the change at quarterback. Gone is Brett Hundley, who among other things was the Bruins’ No. 2 rusher in 2014, carrying the ball 159 times for 644 yards and 10 scores.
Not only can Perkins pick up some of Hundley’s carries, he’ll be relied on as the new quarterback gets his feet wet. This adds up to more yards and more glory.
Perkins was a 3-star athlete prospect from Chandler, Arizona, in 2012.
No. 9 Auburn
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Who to Love: Carl Lawson, DE
Auburn’s defense gave up an average of 263 yards rushing in its five losses last season, and 110 in its eight wins.
The good news is, Will Muschamp takes over at defensive coordinator and defensive end Carl Lawson is back from injury.
After recording 7.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles and seven quarterback hurries as a true freshman in 2013, Lawson went out last spring with an ACL injury that cost him the 2014 season.
Remember, Auburn went from being a team that registered 32 sacks in 2013 (No. 31 in the FBS) to 21 in 2014 (No. 94).
Lawson should provide a much-needed boost for a defense that returns eight starters, but a young offense that brings back only four.
He came to Auburn as a 5-star from Alpharetta, Georgia, in 2013. Rivals.com had him as the No. 1 weak-side defensive end in his class.
No. 8 Oregon
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Who to Love: Royce Freeman, RB
Another top-ranked team with a quarterback to replace, Oregon’s battle under center will provide an opportunity for sophomore running back Royce Freeman to shine.
Freeman pumped out 1,365 yards and 18 scores as a true freshman in 2014, earning him a No. 1 rank in the Pac-12 and the No. 12 rank nationally in rushing touchdowns.
In 2015, he’ll get even more than the 252 carries he had last season, needing to soak up at least a portion of quarterback Marcus Mariota’s 135 touches, 770 yards and 15 scores.
Remember that while the Ducks managed top-25 finishes in passing yards each of the past two seasons, from 2008-12 they averaged a No. 69 rank in passing vs. a No. 4 rank in rushing yards.
2015 should mark a return to pre-Mariota era stats.
Freeman was a 4-star prospect from Imperial, California, in 2014.
No. 7 Notre Dame
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Who to Love: William Fuller, WR
Despite the uncertainty at quarterback, Notre Dame quietly finished last season ranked No. 19 in passing yards. The 285.5 yards per game put the Irish on par with Arizona (281.8) and Marshall (287.3).
One of the primary factors in last year’s performance and this season’s promise is wide receiver William Fuller, who hauled in 76 passes for 1,094 yards and 15 touchdowns. It’s the most catches by a Notre Dame receiver since Michael Floyd caught 100 in 2011 and the most receiving touchdowns since Golden Tate scored 15 in 2009.
For Fuller, it was enough for a tie for No. 3 in the FBS in receiving touchdowns and a No. 23 finish in yards per game (84.2).
Regardless of who gets the reps under center, Fuller will join nine returning starters on offense and another 10 on defense. The number makes the Irish the second most experienced group in the land.
Fuller was a 4-star from Philadelphia in 2013.
No. 6 USC
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Who to Love: Cody Kessler, QB
Hidden deep among the layers of USC’s four-loss finish in 2014 is quarterback Cody Kessler’s No. 4 national mark in passer rating (167.06).
Only Oregon’s Marcus Mariota (181.75), Ohio State’s J.T. Barrett (169.82) and Western Kentucky’s Brandon Doughty (167.11) finished higher.
Kessler also finished No. 3 in completion percentage (69.7), No. 4 in touchdowns (39) and No. 12 in yards per game (294.3).
All in all, it was one of the most complete performances of the 2014 season.
In 2015, Kessler returns along with the entire offensive line, the No. 2 receiver and the No. 2 rusher. Though his setup isn’t quite as sweet as Ole Miss’ Chad Kelly or Clemson’s Deshaun Watson, Kessler’s promise is backed up with top-tier stats.
He signed with USC in 2011 as a 4-star, pro-style prospect from Bakersfield, California.
No. 5 Alabama
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Who to Love: Cyrus Jones, CB
Two of the five times Alabama coughed up 250-plus receiving yards in 2014 it lost, allowing 251 at Ole Miss and 256 to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff semifinal.
From a big picture standpoint, pass defense was Alabama’s biggest statistical weakness, finishing No. 59 in yards allowed.
It’s a deficiency that makes guys like senior corner Cyrus Jones so important. Jones registered 44 tackles, three interceptions, two tackles for a loss and forced two fumbles in 2014. He also returned a fumble 17 yards for a touchdown in the loss to Ole Miss and broke up a whopping 13 passes.
In 2015, Jones is one of seven starting defenders back on campus, and he’ll also likely be returning punts and kicks for the Tide. He's is a talented player who makes a difference all over the field, though he won’t get the love Alabama’s offense will garner, his impact will be tremendous.
He was a 4-star from Baltimore in 2012.
Domestic violence charges resulting from Jones' arrest last week have been dropped, per ESPN.com.
No. 4 TCU
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Who to Love: James McFarland, DE
With all eyes on a TCU offense that returns nine starters to a unit that ranked No. 2 in scoring last season, don’t forget about the Frogs’ top-ranked defense.
Yes, this is the high-flying Big 12, but TCU has to find a way to replace six starters on a defense that ranked No. 8 in scoring.
The biggest loss might be linebacker Paul Dawson, who led the team in tackles and tackles for a loss and finished second in sacks. It’s the kind of hit that will make guys like senior defensive end James McFarland even more critical.
Other than leading the team in sacks (seven), McFarland was No. 2 in tackles for a loss (12) and tied for No. 1 in forced fumbles (three). He also contributed 41 tackles, three broken up passes and an interception return for a touchdown in the bowl loss to Ole Miss.
If TCU hits “for real” status again in 2015, he’ll be a major reason why.
McFarland was a 3-star outside linebacker prospect from West Monroe, Louisiana, in 2012.
No. 3 Michigan State
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Who to Love: Shilique Calhoun, DE
One of three returners to the defensive line, end Shilique Calhoun is set to be the heart of Michigan State’s strongest unit.
Calhoun led last year’s team in tackles for a loss (12.5) and sacks (eight). He also contributed 39 tackles, eight quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and a blocked kick.
All this for a defense that ranked No. 9 in sacks and No. 26 in scoring.
Despite quarterback Connor Cook’s return and a historic No. 7 ranking in points scored last season, Michigan State’s bread and butter is defense.
Calhoun was a 3-star prospect from Middletown, New Jersey, in 2011.
No. 2 Baylor
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Who to Love: Shock Linwood, RB
Though Baylor has an arsenal of offensive weapons, fans might be most thankful for running back Shock Linwood in 2015.
The Bears are yet another team with a new guy under center—and who’s the best friend of a squad with a new quarterback? That’s right, an explosive runner.
And that’s precisely what you get with Linwood, who blasted off for 1,252 yards and 16 scores as a sophomore. Included were a 148-yard day in the win at Texas, a 178-yard performance in the wild victory over TCU and a 158-yard game in the near-miss vs. Texas Tech.
This season, he'll be running behind four returning starters to an offensive line that finished No. 18 in the FBS in tackles-for-a-loss allowed.
Linden was a 3-star prospect from Linden, Texas, in 2012.
No. 1 Ohio State
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Who to Love: Ezekiel Elliott, RB
Though Ohio State’s stable full of potential starting quarterbacks gets a lot of ink, don’t forget the national champs finished last season ranked No. 9 in rushing yards vs. No. 54 in passing.
This is a running team that returns its No. 1 back and four starters to an offensive line that made way for the No. 9 scoring offense in college football.
As a sophomore, Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 1,878 yards and 18 scores on 273 carries. If anyone had ever urged him to “finish strong” as a youngster, he took it to heart last season, averaging a mind-blowing 232 yards in the Bucks’ final three games.
That just so happened to be the Big Ten title game, the College Football Playoff semifinal and the national championship.
Elliott finished the season ranked No. 13 in the FBS in yards per game (125.2), No. 12 in rushing touchdowns and No. 13 in attempts.
He came to Ohio State as a 4-star prospect from St. Louis in 2013.
Statistics courtesy of CFBStats. Returning starter data courtesy of Phil Steele. Star ratings courtesy of Rivals.com.
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